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Thread: Shot my first ar-15 for the first time this afternoon and I need some help.

  1. #1
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    Shot my first ar-15 for the first time this afternoon and I need some help.

    Today was actually only the second time I have ever shot an ar-15, or a center fire rifle for that matter. I am very experienced with shotguns and handguns but I am new to the rifle world.

    Here is the list of the major parts of my rifle. Don't know if all of it is relevant but doesn't hurt to write it down.
    s&w registered lower
    B5 sopmod stock
    LMT 10.5" upper
    BCM BCG
    BCM GF charging handle mod 3
    LMT fixed rear sight
    KAC RAS/FVG/Panels
    H2 Buffer

    I built a mk18 clone because I think its cool. It is mostly a toy but I do want it to be a tool if the need arises, so I bought 50 rounds of Black Hills 77gr OTM in 5.56x45 and 250 rounds of Hornady 75gr Steel Match BTHP in .223. I figured I would zero the rifle with the Hornady and save what was left after zeroing for emergency use and I would keep the Black Hills stuff locked and loaded for HD. I have a m&p9 that serves me better in my tiny studio apartment but if I have a mk18 in my room I may as well have good ammunition for it.

    So I went to the range to shoot it for the first time and now I have a bunch of technical questions.

    1) I had it loaded with the Black Hills before the range trip (because why not) and when I unloaded the rifle to bring it from my truck to the firing line I noticed that the bullet was very scratched up and the primer had a dimple in it. This has me worried. Will loading and unloading a 5.56 round cause potentially dangerous issues I should know about?

    2) Got everything setup and took my first shot with the Hornady Steel Match. Dang this thing is loud, but it didn't have the concussion I heard people talk about. Was very pleasant to shoot with double ear pro. What surprised me how harsh the recoil was. The other time I shot an ar-15 was a 16" shooting xm193 and it was fantastically pleasant to shoot. This thing kicked hard! Jumping ahead a bit, I shot the PMC bronze I had on me and the recoil on it was just like the 16"; negligible. Why was the 75gr Hornady so harsh? If I buy m193 or m855 for practice would it recoil more like the PMC or the Hornady?

    3) I got the rifle zeroed at 50 yards. Shot a 1 MOA 5 shot group just resting the gun on the magazine, no ransom-rest. I then asked a guy shooting next to me to shoot off 5 rounds while I watched so I could see the ejection pattern. On the Hornady box it says 2750 fps at 100 yards and like I said the recoil was sharp so I am guessing the Hornady is loaded very hot compared to Russian ammo. It ejected at 3:00 and looked very good. Does this indicate that my rifle will be able to eat up Russian steel cased stuff?

    4) The last thing at the range I noticed was that the sling loop on the fsp bugs the hang out of me. Is there any reason not to remove it? I have CQD front and rear sling mount points and plan on buying a MS3 sling whenever I am ready to take a carbine course.

    5) So I get back home (the hour and 45 minute drive seemed much slower going to the range) and break the rifle down to clean it. I had used frog lube to lube up everything before I went to the range so the BCG and upper receiver cleaning were easy. When I got to the barrel I made a huge mistake. I screwed a .22 caliber brush into a 12 gauge shotgun cleaning rod (I guess because it fit I didn't question myself) and shoved it into the chamber (not too hard) and it got stuck. To remove it I had to stand on the rod's handle and pull up with both hands on the entire rifle. I inspected it with a flashlight and don't see any obvious damage but I don't know what I am looking for. Is there any possibility I damaged my chamber? I figure a gunshot is much harsher on the chamber than my cleaning rod but boy was it in there good.

    6) Last and perhaps the stupidest question has to do with my rear LMT sight falling off in my apartment. I didn't locktite it on and it just feel off while cleaning it. I don't have any locktite right now but when I get some, where do I apply it? Also, will I have to re-zero the rifle or will it hold its zero like a Larue mount does?

    I hope that wasn't too much writing. I really appreciate any time you take to read this.

  2. #2
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    You went with a 10 inch SBR for your first rifle????

    The primer dents after chambering are normal. All ARs do this. If you repeatedly chamber & unchamber the same round there could be issues. Dont chamber the same round more than a few times.

    I doubt you hurt your rifle with the rod.

  3. #3
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    Have you bothered to read any threads regarding SBR's or AR's in general? Just curious because alot of what you are talking about has been addressed.

    Quote Originally Posted by beve View Post
    Today was actually only the second time I have ever shot an ar-15, or a center fire rifle for that matter. I am very experienced with shotguns and handguns but I am new to the rifle world.

    Here is the list of the major parts of my rifle. Don't know if all of it is relevant but doesn't hurt to write it down.
    s&w registered lower
    B5 sopmod stock
    LMT 10.5" upper
    BCM BCG
    BCM GF charging handle mod 3
    LMT fixed rear sight
    KAC RAS/FVG/Panels
    H2 Buffer

    I built a mk18 clone because I think its cool. It is mostly a toy but I do want it to be a tool if the need arises, so I bought 50 rounds of Black Hills 77gr OTM in 5.56x45 and 250 rounds of Hornady 75gr Steel Match BTHP in .223. I figured I would zero the rifle with the Hornady and save what was left after zeroing for emergency use and I would keep the Black Hills stuff locked and loaded for HD. I have a m&p9 that serves me better in my tiny studio apartment but if I have a mk18 in my room I may as well have good ammunition for it.

    So I went to the range to shoot it for the first time and now I have a bunch of technical questions.

    1) I had it loaded with the Black Hills before the range trip (because why not) and when I unloaded the rifle to bring it from my truck to the firing line I noticed that the bullet was very scratched up and the primer had a dimple in it. This has me worried. Will loading and unloading a 5.56 round cause potentially dangerous issues I should know about?

    2) Got everything setup and took my first shot with the Hornady Steel Match. Dang this thing is loud, but it didn't have the concussion I heard people talk about. Was very pleasant to shoot with double ear pro. What surprised me how harsh the recoil was. The other time I shot an ar-15 was a 16" shooting xm193 and it was fantastically pleasant to shoot. This thing kicked hard! Jumping ahead a bit, I shot the PMC bronze I had on me and the recoil on it was just like the 16"; negligible. Why was the 75gr Hornady so harsh? If I buy m193 or m855 for practice would it recoil more like the PMC or the Hornady?

    3) I got the rifle zeroed at 50 yards. Shot a 1 MOA 5 shot group just resting the gun on the magazine, no ransom-rest. I then asked a guy shooting next to me to shoot off 5 rounds while I watched so I could see the ejection pattern. On the Hornady box it says 2750 fps at 100 yards and like I said the recoil was sharp so I am guessing the Hornady is loaded very hot compared to Russian ammo. It ejected at 3:00 and looked very good. Does this indicate that my rifle will be able to eat up Russian steel cased stuff? The Russian stuff is garbage and doesn't compare to Hornady. Also don't get worked up on silly clock patterns. Worry about the AR functioning. Also that 2700 FPS from Hornady was probably with a 20"+ barrel. From your gun more like 2500 or so.

    4) The last thing at the range I noticed was that the sling loop on the fsp bugs the hang out of me. Is there any reason not to remove it? I have CQD front and rear sling mount points and plan on buying a MS3 sling whenever I am ready to take a carbine course.Get a simple punch and hammer and whack the rivet a few times. Problem solved.

    5) So I get back home (the hour and 45 minute drive seemed much slower going to the range) and break the rifle down to clean it. I had used frog lube to lube up everything before I went to the range so the BCG and upper receiver cleaning were easy. When I got to the barrel I made a huge mistake. I screwed a .22 caliber brush into a 12 gauge shotgun cleaning rod (I guess because it fit I didn't question myself) and shoved it into the chamber (not too hard) and it got stuck. To remove it I had to stand on the rod's handle and pull up with both hands on the entire rifle. I inspected it with a flashlight and don't see any obvious damage but I don't know what I am looking for. Is there any possibility I damaged my chamber? I figure a gunshot is much harsher on the chamber than my cleaning rod but boy was it in there good.

    6) Last and perhaps the stupidest question has to do with my rear LMT sight falling off in my apartment. I didn't locktite it on and it just feel off while cleaning it. I don't have any locktite right now but when I get some, where do I apply it? Also, will I have to re-zero the rifle or will it hold its zero like a Larue mount does? Yes. you will probably have to re-zero, but you may get lucky. You apply a small amount to the threaded portion of the screw and then tighten. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

    I hope that wasn't too much writing. I really appreciate any time you take to read this.



    Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemperParatusArms/

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    Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by beve View Post

    3) I got the rifle zeroed at 50 yards. Shot a 1 MOA 5 shot group just resting the gun on the magazine, no ransom-rest.

    6) Last and perhaps the stupidest question has to do with my rear LMT sight falling off in my apartment. I didn't locktite it on and it just feel off while cleaning it.
    That's some pretty impressive shooting for your 2nd time out and a rear sight so loose it just fell off.
    Last edited by elephantrider; 09-01-12 at 23:49.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by beve View Post
    6) Last and perhaps the stupidest question has to do with my rear LMT sight falling off in my apartment. I didn't locktite it on and it just feel off while cleaning it. I don't have any locktite right now but when I get some, where do I apply it? Also, will I have to re-zero the rifle or will it hold its zero like a Larue mount does?
    I don't want to sound like an ass and call you out because I'm no SME, but I LOL'd when I got to this part. Having a hard time believing you went through the whole SBR process, built your rifle, and came out not knowing where to locktite your rear sight. I mean, theres only one screw right? If this is a real post and you really do need help then spend some time using the search function. It sounds like you could really benefit from from reading and absorbing just about anything available.

  6. #6
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    It's been nice being called a liar. Thanks m4carbine.net, peace out.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by beve View Post
    It's been nice being called a liar. Thanks m4carbine.net, peace out.
    Don't hold it against us, you got good advice from 3 people including IG and sure someone said something stupid but that does not mean we all are like that.
    Quote Originally Posted by C4IGrant View Post
    Colt builds War Horses, not show ponies.
    Quote Originally Posted by Iraqgunz View Post
    This is 2012. The world is going to end this December and people are still trying to debate the merits of piece of shit, cost cutting crap AR's. Really?

  8. #8
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    he was crying on TOS too.

  9. #9
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    Where was the calling him a liar part? I missed that.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by beve View Post
    Today was actually only the second time I have ever shot an ar-15, or a center fire rifle for that matter. I am very experienced with shotguns and handguns but I am new to the rifle world.

    Here is the list of the major parts of my rifle. Don't know if all of it is relevant but doesn't hurt to write it down.
    s&w registered lower
    B5 sopmod stock
    LMT 10.5" upper
    BCM BCG
    BCM GF charging handle mod 3
    LMT fixed rear sight
    KAC RAS/FVG/Panels
    H2 Buffer

    I built a mk18 clone because I think its cool. It is mostly a toy but I do want it to be a tool if the need arises, so I bought 50 rounds of Black Hills 77gr OTM in 5.56x45 and 250 rounds of Hornady 75gr Steel Match BTHP in .223. I figured I would zero the rifle with the Hornady and save what was left after zeroing for emergency use and I would keep the Black Hills stuff locked and loaded for HD. I have a m&p9 that serves me better in my tiny studio apartment but if I have a mk18 in my room I may as well have good ammunition for it.

    So I went to the range to shoot it for the first time and now I have a bunch of technical questions.

    1) I had it loaded with the Black Hills before the range trip (because why not) and when I unloaded the rifle to bring it from my truck to the firing line I noticed that the bullet was very scratched up and the primer had a dimple in it. This has me worried. Will loading and unloading a 5.56 round cause potentially dangerous issues I should know about?

    2) Got everything setup and took my first shot with the Hornady Steel Match. Dang this thing is loud, but it didn't have the concussion I heard people talk about. Was very pleasant to shoot with double ear pro. What surprised me how harsh the recoil was. The other time I shot an ar-15 was a 16" shooting xm193 and it was fantastically pleasant to shoot. This thing kicked hard! Jumping ahead a bit, I shot the PMC bronze I had on me and the recoil on it was just like the 16"; negligible. Why was the 75gr Hornady so harsh? If I buy m193 or m855 for practice would it recoil more like the PMC or the Hornady?

    3) I got the rifle zeroed at 50 yards. Shot a 1 MOA 5 shot group just resting the gun on the magazine, no ransom-rest. I then asked a guy shooting next to me to shoot off 5 rounds while I watched so I could see the ejection pattern. On the Hornady box it says 2750 fps at 100 yards and like I said the recoil was sharp so I am guessing the Hornady is loaded very hot compared to Russian ammo. It ejected at 3:00 and looked very good. Does this indicate that my rifle will be able to eat up Russian steel cased stuff?

    4) The last thing at the range I noticed was that the sling loop on the fsp bugs the hang out of me. Is there any reason not to remove it? I have CQD front and rear sling mount points and plan on buying a MS3 sling whenever I am ready to take a carbine course.

    5) So I get back home (the hour and 45 minute drive seemed much slower going to the range) and break the rifle down to clean it. I had used frog lube to lube up everything before I went to the range so the BCG and upper receiver cleaning were easy. When I got to the barrel I made a huge mistake. I screwed a .22 caliber brush into a 12 gauge shotgun cleaning rod (I guess because it fit I didn't question myself) and shoved it into the chamber (not too hard) and it got stuck. To remove it I had to stand on the rod's handle and pull up with both hands on the entire rifle. I inspected it with a flashlight and don't see any obvious damage but I don't know what I am looking for. Is there any possibility I damaged my chamber? I figure a gunshot is much harsher on the chamber than my cleaning rod but boy was it in there good.

    6) Last and perhaps the stupidest question has to do with my rear LMT sight falling off in my apartment. I didn't locktite it on and it just feel off while cleaning it. I don't have any locktite right now but when I get some, where do I apply it? Also, will I have to re-zero the rifle or will it hold its zero like a Larue mount does?

    I hope that wasn't too much writing. I really appreciate any time you take to read this.
    I guessing you guys missed this part. But it is a strange post.

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