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Thread: Evolving Cost Of Owning An AR

  1. #1
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    Evolving Cost Of Owning An AR

    What percentage of AR rifle buyers (not builders) would you guess simply leave the rifle stock?

    The more I read, the more it seems that owning an AR is not like owning any other type rifle.

    I've owned a number of bolt guns and have been satisfied with a sling and a scope and that's been enough customizing for me, but the more I read about AR's, the more I think the cost of ownership is going to skyrocket.

    Why?

    Because AR's are eminently customizable, and once bought few can resist customizing?

    If this is the case, perhaps I ought to pass as I'm likely to get addicted to customizing as the next guy...

    Or, am I wrong? Or partially wrong, like maybe only half or less buyers get deeply into customizing?

    I hope I'm wrong, cuz man, I got enough expensive hobbies and AR's look like a brand new one!

    What do you guys think?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
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    Serious AR owners, and I say that only because there really are two categories of AR owners, don't "customize" their rifles. They shoot them & based on their individual performance, add equipment they feel will increase their effectiveness with the weapon.

    For me personally, that meant nothing more than an optic (1x RDS), a Magpul MOE+ grip, MOE Stock, a stubby vertical grip, BCM Mod 3 charging handle, & rail covers. Those 5 things cost substantially less than a quality bolt gun scope. All this other stupid shit you see is just stuff ignorant people put on their cheap out of spec Bushmaster/DPMS/Windham/Mohawk/Doublestar rifles because they think it looks cool.

    Believe me, there is a difference between what serious shooters do & what YouTube commandos do. The best upgrade you can get is quality mags, ammo, & training.
    Last edited by W.Watts; 06-11-13 at 17:40.

  3. #3
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    Depends on you.

    I would say it goes both ways, a lot of people purchase a AR and never run a single round through it. Depends on you really more then anything else. Look at your other expensive hobbies and compare. If you take your time and do a little research. You can pick a nice rifle and not have to upgrade everything ( because you bought it with the upgrades you desired already.) Learn from others mistakes ( like myself,) and shoot a few in a couple of different configurations so that when you do get one, you don't need to sink an additional $500 in accessories to get it where you want it

    Biggest expense these days is AMMO ( when you can find it.)
    Last edited by Freelance; 06-11-13 at 17:43.

  4. #4
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    I never wanted or had a need for an AR before last September. I decided to get one because I felt like there was a real possibility of not being able to get one in the future. I was one of the lucky ones that got the Troy carbine from Dick's for $800. It was setup like I wanted with the troy rail and sights. I didn't want to buy a gun I had to change parts on to make it mine. Having said that, 8 months later I have spent almost $800 for needed parts and accessories and haven't bought optics yet!!! This doesn't include magazines and ammunition. These things are worse than motorcycles! It is hard to quit! Buy the rifle that best suits your needs and refine it a little at a time. Good luck. GH
    Last edited by GH41; 06-11-13 at 19:00.

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    More then you probably think. Many do not even want rails on their gun. A good optic on top of the flat upper reciever suits many just fine. All that other stuff adds weight and can many times just get in the way.

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    I put a rail on mine because I wanted them free floated, not for the rail space. Optic, light, and sling.
    My 7 iron is more accurate than my capabilities. Same with my AR.

  7. #7
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    I think that it depends a lot on what/how you buy.

    I would venture that there are a lot more folks that make changes to the base furniture provided with a 6920 than to a Noveske Recon, Daniel Defense DDM4V7, or KAC SR15E3 Mod 1.
    I would say that the most frequently changed parts are stocks, followed by pistol grips and handguards.

    I can't stand the stock A2 grip, so it either gets replaced or the finger bump removed on all of my rifles.

    I think that stocks are the most popular swap as they are easy to do, and generally provide a sling-swivel that is lacking on M4 clones.

    Of people that do not frequent forums or are not exposed to the benefits of some of the alterations, I would SWAG that a pretty good percentage stay essentially stock (other than those poor guys that receive the CTD catalog).
    Jack Leuba
    Director, Military and Government Sales
    Knight's Armament Company
    jleuba@knightarmco.com

  8. #8
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    OP, adding gear to your AR can run some cash, but ammo to shoot it every week is like having a car payment! I average $300 a month on reloading components and I'm sure lots of members go through more ammo than me.
    'Evil Minds That Plot Destruction'

  9. #9
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    If you had to take an AR to the gunsmith every time you wanted to mod it, I expect that modifying AR's would be a whole lot less popular.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by W.Watts View Post
    Serious AR owners, and I say that only because there really are two categories of AR owners, don't "customize" their rifles. They shoot them & based on their individual performance, add equipment they feel will increase their effectiveness with the weapon.
    I think that would be customizing, actually.

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