Just throwing in my 2 cents while you research - I have the M&P 15 Sport and I really like it. I did a bit of upgrading on it (a Weaver 1-3x scope and a Geissele SSA trigger) and it shoots great IMHO. My favorite feature (and this would apply to any AR) is that I can change any part I want with relatively little effort.
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- Thread starter WBspectrum
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Mike,
I used the M16 and its variants from 1968 until 1998 and always qualified on it. My experience is totally different from yours and I used Colts, H&R rebuild A1's left over from Viet-Nam and FN. I don't know where you are getting off on how easy they are to clean, but then you don't have to meet an Army arms room standard. I never was issued one that did not malfunction and I had to do a SPORTS action to clear a malfunction. I have no experience with the M4, but really don't desire to, either.
My experience with the Mini-14 (I do not own one) is that I never had any maintenance problems or jams. It's modeled after the tried and true Garand and it is easier to clean and maintain, mechanical accuracy is probably not as good...all this is anecdotal, but everyone has a different experience with firearms. I am not going to turn this into some kind of a conflagration over which is better, you shoot what works for you and I'll shoot what works for me. I know that you are not the type to get all smarmy and act "enlightened"...I'm just telling you what has and has not worked for me. Obviously millions of shooters have used the AR platform and are quite happy with it, and certainly by this time tens of thousands of ARs are in civilian hands and many are satisfied, but you will recall that the OP asked for opinions, and I gave mine, that's all. Chances are he is going to end with an AR...if I could, I'd opt for a good FN/FAL but it is getting harder to find good ones today that aren't cobbled together from parts that may or may not match. My choice hands down subjectively: M1A but they are getting pricey.
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Actually my brother has an M1a, been trying to get him to part with that too as he never shoots it. There will be plenty of room at the inn for all types, just looking at smaller calibers at the moment
There's definitely something to be said for getting a M1A someday, though as others have said 7.62x51/.308 is expensive (I'll probably start reloading for it when my current batch of factory ammo starts to run down). I bought an M1A, tarted it up, sold it, regretted selling it, and just recently bought another one. I plan to hold on to this one.
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These two threads below might help you out.
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/124511-AR15-s-Who-makes-the-best-ones-and-why
which leads to this link
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=465588&an=0&page=0#Post465588
The platform has come a long way since its debut. Reliability on modern setups is through the roof in my experience. 99% of malfunctions I have seen were due to magazine issues.
Getting an AR functionally clean is a quick process, inspection clean... thats a whole other ball game the op doesn't have to play. That sucks with every weapon though.
I admittedly have minimal experience with mini-14s but they tend to have a less then stellar reputation.
Id recommend the oa 16 for a carbine setup because if it is not intended as a long range setup the maneuverability is nice to have. Personal preference.
Mike
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Getting an AR functionally clean is a quick process, inspection clean... thats a whole other ball game the op doesn't have to play. That sucks with every weapon though.
I admittedly have minimal experience with mini-14s but they tend to have a less then stellar reputation.
Id recommend the oa 16 for a carbine setup because if it is not intended as a long range setup the maneuverability is nice to have. Personal preference.
Mike
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
AllaSnackbah
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get a mosin nagant and duracoat it black. then carry it around w/ the bayonet fixed.
=will scare antis more than any poodle shooter AR.
just kidding fanboys... i own an AR and i guess i like it.
check out gunworks up there, brought my 11-87 there to get work done, they did an excellent job and were pretty cool people.
=will scare antis more than any poodle shooter AR.
just kidding fanboys... i own an AR and i guess i like it.
check out gunworks up there, brought my 11-87 there to get work done, they did an excellent job and were pretty cool people.
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I too will second checking out other platforms besides the AR, to see what feels best in your hands and what types of controls you find most comfortable. I personally am not an AR guy, primarily because I don't like the operating system. I prefer a gas piston system which is why I own a Sig 556. It's not as pretty as an AR, but you'd be amazed as to how clean it is even after a couple hundred rounds. I can also tear the whole thing down for cleaning in about 30 seconds. It's simple, extremely reliable, and accurate enough for it's intended purpose. I'd also check out PTR, they make some really nice HK clones built on real HK tooling. I have one on my wish list..my local shop always has a few and they are the most solid feeling firearms I've ever laid my hands on.
I'm much like you with the late entry to the EBR's
I started just before Obama scare. Since then I have bought or built 6 ARs
from tactical to complete tactifool. I have since gone back to basics.
What I still have
1. Stag arms H2 16" carbine flat top with a A2 style detachable sight. Sights that come with a gun are a consideration the original sights on my stag where more like back up close quarters sights with windage only adjustment.
2. built a S&W lower with a STAG H2 kit from ar15sales.com pete is great and his prices are out standing.
3. built a 22lr AR on a delaware Machinery stripped lower- purchased lower on a group buy.
4. recent purchase Rock River Arms A2 rifle National Match model----again from ar15sales.com even with transfer fee and shipping no Mass dealer could touch his price. I can say its a heavy gun with the target barrel and float tube.
You can get really out of control with these things. I found myself from the full blown tactical rails with 1500.00 red dots ,lasers flash, lights.............only to have it sit there.
My stag delivers just ok accuracy in the 16" carbine
I hope the RRA is alot better.
I have also found I can not stand the pinned collapsible stocks. I find the A2 stock to fit me the best - spending $$$ on a adjustable stock.
Best bet is to find some fellow shooters with different style ARs are try some out.
My Stags have been flawless and eat anything I put in there
I have since sold off all my ARs with the "tactical" stuff
This is just me but from now on I'm buying any future ARs with no muzzle devices just a crowned barrel. For general plinking I find it to be less noisy.
Side note shope around I seen adds for the S&W sport model for under 600.00
In the end im sure what ever you choose SOMETHING will come along that you WANT that you dont have.
Take in that you are a bluemetal walnut type of guy you migh want to get a rifle length flat top you could go carry handle or optics. uppers are always easier to pick up after you get the bottom end worked out. In the end ARs are great to tinker with modify and once you have some basic tools easy to change up ie: barrels,handguards,float tubes ect ect.
I just picked up a Rock River Arms National Match A2 for under 1k. Has all the little features I wanted plus is NRA service rifle ready for when I get the chance to go out to reading rifle to shoot high power.
Another note on building seems to be a little tough to beat some of the offerings from the manufactures. After you take into account shipping tools ect ect . Unless your going full blown top end custom of course. I would consider the S&W sport if it had a 20 " barrel
I started just before Obama scare. Since then I have bought or built 6 ARs
from tactical to complete tactifool. I have since gone back to basics.
What I still have
1. Stag arms H2 16" carbine flat top with a A2 style detachable sight. Sights that come with a gun are a consideration the original sights on my stag where more like back up close quarters sights with windage only adjustment.
2. built a S&W lower with a STAG H2 kit from ar15sales.com pete is great and his prices are out standing.
3. built a 22lr AR on a delaware Machinery stripped lower- purchased lower on a group buy.
4. recent purchase Rock River Arms A2 rifle National Match model----again from ar15sales.com even with transfer fee and shipping no Mass dealer could touch his price. I can say its a heavy gun with the target barrel and float tube.
You can get really out of control with these things. I found myself from the full blown tactical rails with 1500.00 red dots ,lasers flash, lights.............only to have it sit there.
My stag delivers just ok accuracy in the 16" carbine
I hope the RRA is alot better.
I have also found I can not stand the pinned collapsible stocks. I find the A2 stock to fit me the best - spending $$$ on a adjustable stock.
Best bet is to find some fellow shooters with different style ARs are try some out.
My Stags have been flawless and eat anything I put in there
I have since sold off all my ARs with the "tactical" stuff
This is just me but from now on I'm buying any future ARs with no muzzle devices just a crowned barrel. For general plinking I find it to be less noisy.
Side note shope around I seen adds for the S&W sport model for under 600.00
In the end im sure what ever you choose SOMETHING will come along that you WANT that you dont have.
Take in that you are a bluemetal walnut type of guy you migh want to get a rifle length flat top you could go carry handle or optics. uppers are always easier to pick up after you get the bottom end worked out. In the end ARs are great to tinker with modify and once you have some basic tools easy to change up ie: barrels,handguards,float tubes ect ect.
I just picked up a Rock River Arms National Match A2 for under 1k. Has all the little features I wanted plus is NRA service rifle ready for when I get the chance to go out to reading rifle to shoot high power.
Another note on building seems to be a little tough to beat some of the offerings from the manufactures. After you take into account shipping tools ect ect . Unless your going full blown top end custom of course. I would consider the S&W sport if it had a 20 " barrel
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I must add,,,, www.jsgunparts.com lower receiver assembly minus the butt 129.95 http://jsgunparts.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_52&products_id=573
here's one of the two I built with ss barrel.. this one is 16in and the other is a 24in
chambered in 5.56 cost me 700 and I got to create exactly what I wanted. well almost lol
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After some investigation, I too opted for a MP15 sport. Inexpensive, decent reviews, a beginners AR with a lifetime warrantee. If it turns out I like these I will build a custom later on, but I wanted to get in rather inexpensively and test the waters. Plan on running some ammo through it this weekend (after cleaning up after this storm)
turbo38gn
NES Member
Great choice, so how is it.... how bout an update
