Newbie-Non pro-Looking for input

[UpNorthWolf]

Hello all,

Part of this might be better for a different area, but Ill start here. I am not new to shooting, just to ARs. I also have a Garand, M-14, and a Polytech Legend AK if there are other needs.

I have just purchased a used post-ban ('90s) Bushy carbine with a 1:9" and standard armguards. I also bought a new ADS Mod I carbine with a 1:7" and Surefire M73 fore end. Both will be up north rifles with lots of acreage, coyotes and varmits, and possibly home defense and SHTF. I want to set up one of them for one need (sorta') and the other differently as I get used to them. The Mod I with a TD fore grip, Wolf Eyes 6M light (bright I know, but if I am walking around the house I want to reach out) and Vtac mount, and an Aimpoint (2LM or 3LM, not purchased yet). For the Bushy I am thinking a variable power scope and maybe a laser for longer range outdoor stuff. Both have CTR stocks and VTAC padded slings. I will use different sling mounting spots and methods for a bit to decide what I like. So, not too crazy with gear strapped to them, but functional.

Again, I am not kicking doors, but I may take a rifle course and may even set up something on my property to practice things. So, looking at input on mid-priced lasers and maybe decent variable scopes (looking at the Millett). Or chime in on other things. What say you all?

Thanks,

Rick

[MIKE G]

Rick,

I would suggest you hit a class first and then decide what you want based on your experience in training.

The only lasers I have are for use with NVGs, I have one DBAL A2 that has visible and infrared lasers but the infrared gets most of the use. Lasers are good for intimidation in SOME situations but understand that you are pointing your gun at someone to get that effect so you must remember that when integrating it into you plan for application of force.

For sighting I run aimpoints, with the exception of my one upper that I keep a Nightforce 2.5-10 on here at work. All my optics are in Larue mounts, I probably have over 1k in mounts alone with Larue and that doesnt include rail systems if that tells you anything about what I think about Larue.

TD vert grips are good and the surefire rails are good as well I have one that I got for work so that I could put it on guns without having to do any major wrench turning since some companies dont appreciate that. Other than that I run Larue rails.

CTR stocks rock, I also like VLTOR clubfoot stocks but the CTR is very low profile.

Lights: I stick with Surefire but have heard excellent reviews from guys using pentagon. The large majority of my guns have dedicated true weapon lights on them but I have used the G2LED a bit and it is a good cost efficient alternative. The VLTOR mount rocks.

Slings: I prefer single point slings on guns that I need to be fast with. Single points make it easier for transition from left to right and working in tight spaces. Two point slings are more comfortable for long walks and moving through uneven terrain. Three point slings SUCK for real use.

Honestly if I was going to set up your two guns for my personal use in a similar environment I would do the following:

Gun 1 (with the rail)
TD Vert grip
Surefire G2 LED in VLTOR mount
Aimpoint Comp M2 in Larue mount (cantilever or standard)
Troy BUIS
Blue Force gear or wilderness single point sling
if you are comfortable installing a sling point I would go with a DD carbine burnsed loop
if you are not comfortable putting one on that requires some wrench turning go with the DD EZ carbine swivel attachment pint (two point) I carry one of these in my deployment gun kit so that I can put a single point sling on my gun without too much wrench turning.


Gun 2

Variable power 1-4 scope (on the low end I have heard good things from Millet, mid grade would be Meopta which I have used on the range and bit and thought it was a great alternative to a short dot, and on the high end would be a short dot)
Two point sling, I like the Vickers sling because you can rapidly adjust it to suit your situation
When you get the money you can add another rail: surefire or DD omega (free float without the need for wrench turning)

KAC 600m BUIS

For longer distance guns I either dont use a vert grip or I use a shorty like the TD short vert grip

Note that these setups are midline setups without significantly changing the guns. On most of my personally owned guns the lower receiver is pretty much the only stock part, well that and fix front sights. I have a few folding front sights but they are the exception not the rule. All my guns are put together with the soul intent of being hard use guns not safe queens or weekend competitors.

Thats just my .02 dinar worth


DOC

[UpNorthWolf]

Thanks and pretty much was I was thinking, give or take.

Rick

[MIKE G]

Oh yeah and about 100 quality mags and about 5-10k rounds each for practice.

I encourage lots of dry fire practice and you should go ahead and get a PRI charging handle since the standard ones can get damaged from daily dry fire. If you dont get the PRI at least keep an extra standard one laying around as a spare.

I also like the Vickers dummie rounds/ chamber flags for dry fire practice.

DOC

[UpNorthWolf]

I have to start slower Doc, I don't have a spare $10,000 after the two rifles and accessories :)

I do have over 3,000 rounds thus far and just ordered an Aimpoint ML2 with a Larue mount, so I'm plugging away at it.

Rick

[MIKE G]

I hear ya.

Set a budget and buy as you can. What I do is make up an exel spread sheet with prices and vendors. When I find something on sale I compare to my spread sheet and if I have the money set aside and the price is good I buy.

I set aside a portion of my money each month to go to gear and weapons on my budget.

My suggestions will allow you to slowly upgrade and keep your weapon in service instead of trying to buy a barrel here and a receiver there and piece together a gun.

A gun with iron sights and a bunch of mags and ammo is better than a tricked out gun with 1 mag and 28 rounds.

DOC