Backup rifle necessity?

**ASH556** · 08-01-14, 09:13

Hey guys, I’m struggling lately with a concept and would appreciate some outside perspective:

After having owned and used dozens of configurations of AR15’s, I’ve put together what I believe is the perfect setup for me and my uses. I’ve yet to find myself in a situation of using this rifle and wanting something to be different on it. It’s a fantastic place to be; and yet I wonder if I’m missing something. The problem is I don’t ever want to use any other AR. Despite being a certified armorer and having ample spare parts on-hand, it seems to me that having only one carbine/rifle is not such a great idea in case one does go down, want to shoot with a buddy, wife, etc. Two is one and one is none, etc.

Part of what further complicates the issue is that my “perfect” AR is an SBR. I just don’t have any desire/need for anything longer. I do have a longer AR, but it’s also a .308. If it’s going to be longer and heavier, it may as well throw a bigger bullet as well. That gun serves a different purpose as well, though with its 2.5-10X scope vs the Aimpoint T-1 on my SBR.
So here’s the crux of the issue: is it worth the financial investment to build a duplicate of my SBR to have a backup, second rifle? I mean, it wouldn’t be exactly the same. I might try a different handguard, fixed sights, but the basic setup of the rifle would be the same. My current is a DD MK18. For the second one I’m considering a Colt 6933.

So what do y’all think? Worth the financial investment in a second rifle just as backup/to mostly sit in the safe? Or, is the money better spent on ammo/training? I do have a backup to my pistol, but that’s a little easier to do financially. Glocks are only $500. SBR + stamp is roughly 3X that. Also, I’m not LEO or anything, just Joe Blow civvy, so the rifle isn’t used for work; if that makes a difference.

**SpeedRacer** · 08-01-14, 09:34

Backup rifle, yes. Clone of your primary, not a necessity. Think of it simply as spare parts, assembled.

**markm** · 08-01-14, 09:38

Shit. If I only had 3 ARs I felt adequate for fighting/defense, I'd be nervous. One? Forget that!!

And NO... building a large caliber AR isn't good for anything real world, civilian stuff other than fun.

**ASH556** · 08-01-14, 09:53

Originally Posted by markm

Shit. If I only had 3 ARs I felt adequate for fighting/defense, I'd be nervous. One? Forget that!!

And NO... building a large caliber AR isn't good for anything real world, civilian stuff other than fun.

I'm not talking about building a large caliber AR.

**ASH556** · 08-01-14, 09:56

Another thought that has been mentioned and I have discussed some with a buddy is an AR pistol. I'm not afraid of the NFA game. I already have 5 stamps. But for travel, especially out of state, no so much of an issue to throw an AR pistol in the car and drive vs traveling interstate with an NFA item.

**markm** · 08-01-14, 10:01

AR pistol is useless.

**Hank6046** · 08-01-14, 10:03

You say your one AR is perfect and for you that might be correct, but as things change so do you your needs. If an AR is a tool and your SBR is your favorite hammer, you might remember that you might need a good screw driver or wrench latter on down the line. Now I understand finances might not be in your favor and I get that, but from what I know about AR's, is that the versatility of the platform pushes experienced gun owners to see what they can do with their rifle, whether it be an SPR or SBR, or a KISS rifle.

**skijunkie55** · 08-01-14, 10:04

Just pick up a colt 6920 or a BCM recce to throw in the safe and call it a day! It's a good investment and relatively light on the wallet... Then if things did hit the fan, you know you have a reliable gun for your wife.

I have 4 right now that serve different purposes, and I'm just beginning my venture into the SBR realm as they were just legalized in MI. Just one rifle tho? Ain't nobody got time for that.

**wahoo95** · 08-01-14, 10:07

I'm a little different in that my primary is a SBR and my other >16" AR's serve as back up. I built an AR Pistol lower with Sig Brace to use for impromptu out of state travel.