Page 5 of 15 FirstFirst ... 34567 ... LastLast
Results 41 to 50 of 143

Thread: How has your AR ownership evolved?

  1. #41
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Colorado Springs
    Posts
    7,291
    Feedback Score
    87 (100%)
    In what ways has your AR ownership changed from your very first purchase? I have figured out what I like and don't like. My first experience with them was infantry OSUT where I carried an M4 every day for 3.5 months. When I went to buy, I didn't really know what I wanted so I just got the best I could - a Noveske (luckily I had someone smart point me in the right direction). I loved that gun, but the more I used it the more I realized my preferences. For example, I absolutely want as much of the barrel covered by rail as possible and I have no need for a switchblock on a 16" OAL gun because when I get to that stage, I'll suppress an SBR. I also realized that a BCM could do pretty much everything that I used my Noveske for (except being as pretty), all while weighing and costing less.

    Are you a fan of certain brands more than others? BCM, by far. Noveske is up there too, but BCM is my go to brand for anything AR now. Every part I have tried from them, especially their Gunfighter line, has been awesome and made the platform better and fixed problems that I recognized, but could not put into words I guess.

    Are there certain accessories you consider "must haves" and others "must avoid"? BCM GF pistol grip and charging handle are the two biggest must haves. They are without a doubt the first things I'll put on an AR if it doesn't already have them, without hesitation. I don't really have anything that I MUST avoid (except for shitty brands), though I definitely have my preferences.

    Is there any particular AR-related item that turned out to be a surprising and utter disappointment? Not that I can think of. Things have not worked for me, but nothing that fits that category.

    Is there any AR-related item that you didn't expect much out of and it turned out to be an essential piece of kit? The BCM GF pistol grip. I resisted trying it at first because I was content with my MOE grip. Finally I gave in and tried it, loved it, and from then on tried and loved every other part in the GF line.

    Anything you want to discuss about your AR journey in general? I much prefer Surefire, the padded VCAS, EOTech (except for my single designated HD gun which does wear a T-1), PMAGs and MBUS2, and the Geissele SSA. All of these have worked very well for me and are there because I didn't like something else that I had tried before.
    Last edited by Wake27; 04-30-14 at 17:00.
    Sic semper tyrannis.

  2. #42
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Jefferson,NC
    Posts
    300
    Feedback Score
    11 (100%)
    In what ways has your AR ownership changed from your very first purchase? I almost swore them off after eating,sleeping and pooping beside an M4. But since I bought the first, I have bought more of them..lol I have grown to love the AR more and more. It is my "go to rifle" for most uses.

    Are you a fan of certain brands more than others? Yep,HK's. After buying the MR556 and a 416 14.5" upper I cannot complain about the build quality. While the MR556 is a pig, it also handles conditions like one too.

    Are there certain accessories you consider "must haves" and others "must avoid"? Aimpoint, is my favorite accessory. I used an ACOG for a few years and never liked the eye relief. Not saying it isn't good or better, just not for me.

    Is there any particular AR-related item that turned out to be a surprising and utter disappointment? The worst is about anything made by PROMAG, I have horrible luck with the PROMAG product line.

    Is there any AR-related item that you didn't expect much out of and it turned out to be an essential piece of kit? After using the CompM4 I expected the Aimpoint PRO to be a bottom of the barrel optic, boy was I wrong.

    Anything you want to discuss about your AR journey in general? I started out with a Colt AR many years ago. I now have 6 complete rifles and three uppers in my safe. I own rifles and uppers from Colt,CMMG, DD,S&W,RRA,SIG and Hk.I love each of them dearly. I urge more and more to find the exact rifle that suites them and their uses. Of course the HK isn't for everyone, but sometimes neither is the Colt. With all the manufacturers of quality AR's and parts, we live in the golden age of this rifle.

    __________________

  3. #43
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    CDA
    Posts
    4,553
    Feedback Score
    9 (100%)
    In what ways has your AR ownership changed from your very first purchase?
    I have educated myself, a million times more than I had thought possible. The first AR I bought was a DPMS Oracle at Cabela's for $650 out the door a few years back. I thought it was the shit, and I didn't know AR's were so inexpensive. I took it to the range a few times, but about 200 rounds through it, and then by an act of the AR gods, I had to get my wisdom teeth pulled and my insurance did not cover 90% of the procedure. I sold the rifle for $750 on December 10th, 2012. The guy I sold it to, sold it for $1200 a week later (Sandy Hook incident). I learned right then that I needed to educate myself, and make sure that I invested in an AR15 education. Since then I have built my own rifle with help from people on this site, being patient and answering my questions. I built my rifle around a 14.5 BCM middy, everything on there is mil-spec, and I won't settle for less now that I know. I have become a bit of a quality snob, and in most cases that is just fine. I wouldn't buy a DPMS for free now.

    Are you a fan of certain brands more than others?
    Yes. Every Colt, BCM, DD, Noveske and Knights rifle I have shot, or handled I have fell in love with. I mainly lean towards BCM and Noveske currently. If I could afford a HK MR556 I would have one. I love that rifle.

    Are there certain accessories you consider "must haves" and others "must avoid"?
    All of my defense weapons (Rifles, shotgun, handguns) must have a light. It's paramount to me, above most other things. Must have for an AR IMO, light, sling, Good sights, quality optic (Aimpoint, Eotech, ACOF, etc.) Quality magazines. I also love the BCM Gunfighter charging handle, the larger latch is a must have for me. Everything else is just extra IMO. I stay away from Badass levers, I have yet to see one work 100% it's probably just me. Anything tapco in my opinion should be avoided. Magwell grips should be avoided at all costs.

    Is there any particular AR-related item that turned out to be a surprising and utter disappointment?
    Not really at this point.

    Is there any AR-related item that you didn't expect much out of and it turned out to be an essential piece of kit?
    The BCM Gunfighter pistol grip. I love mine, I have smaller hands and it just fits me to a T. Every rifle I build or buy from now on will have one.

    Anything you want to discuss about your AR journey in general?
    It was an expensive road to get here for me. Shooting is my number one hobby, and it can get quite expensive. I am now getting into the training aspect of everything and honing my skills, and learning, learning, learning. I consider myself a student even though I have been shooting my entire life, and I just want to get better. Faster followups, tighter groups, quicker recognition. If there is a situation I can face, I want to be ready to face it.
    Last edited by WickedWillis; 04-30-14 at 20:12.
    98% Sarcastic. 100% Overthinking things and making up reasons for buying a new firearm.

  4. #44
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Orange County
    Posts
    1,070
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by MistWolf View Post
    After being around firearms all my life, it's interesting to watch new shooters. It's fun to watch them try new gear and ideas and pare down and simplify as they try them out. Sometimes it's tempting to say "I could have told you that!" But I learned the same way and the lessons that stay with me best were won through hard experience.

    One change I've made is that while I still like iron sights, I've come to see the advantages of a quality RDS. It's faster than open sights at acquiring targets and easier to track during recoil. It also has advantages over 1x optical sights for close range work. (RDS sights are not 1x optics. They are actually 0x optics, as you are basically looking though a pane of glass). I've actually come to the point that I'm wondering if keeping a set of BUIS on my Aimpoint equipped carbine is worth the cost and bother.

    Another is the sling. Before, I've always stuck with a two point sling mounted at the bottom of the forearm and the bottom of the buttstock. But this method made carrying a rifle with an extended box magazine or pistol grip difficult. It got to the point that I simply didn't use a sling in the field with the M14, FAL or AR. Since then, I learned about the modern two point sling. Currently, I mount the front of the sling to the left side the the forearm and the right top of the buttstock. Much easier and more comfortable. I've also developed an appreciation for shorter barrels. Before, I didn't want to go shorter than 16 inches. Now, I'm planning for an SBR.

    I think my evolutions have been small ones. I've never been one to chase after the latest thing or try radical ideas (although I often find myself off the beaten path) and since I've always had to carry my rifles, I started off spartan. Any changes made have been to improve shootability, durability, reliability and reduce weight
    Good points Wolf.

    Although I'd still argue that an RDS is a 1x not a 0x (from a mathematical standpoint i.e. 1x1=1).
    Regular vision is 1x; magnification twice is a 2x, and so forth. Multiplying by zero nets a zero result; you also can't divide by zero. Of course this is a discussion for another thread, but coming from an engineering/math background I couldn't help but comment. But I understand what you are saying

    Back on topic, I've learned to use 1-to-2 point sling systems like Magpul's MS2/MS3's using a front sling point and an RE-mounted sling point. For me this makes for adjustability using either 1 or 2-pt config depending on the rifle and how it will be used.

    I also prefer free-float handguards over traditional handguards now for more rigidity. The small play of traditional handguards bothers me; although I have no issue using one, on my rifles I prefer to switch them all to FF.
    Last edited by JusticeM4; 04-30-14 at 20:37.

  5. #45
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    2,165
    Feedback Score
    0
    In what ways has your AR ownership changed from your very first purchase?
    I went from ignorance to nievete to rationality. I started with a used RRA 1-9 with a YHM rail, that refused to align and was held straight by a riser with a cheap red dot on it. From there, i went to a 1-7 bushmaster with m4 feedramps, set up to look like an issue weapon. That thing also loooved popping primers. From there, I found myself reading and spending more time here. Learned a lot about specs, brands and parts... too much that I neglected the need in favor of the want. This led to one build after the next, with anything and everything on it. I slowly came to my senses a few year back, shooting more and building less. I still have a couple of those guns, waiting to be rebuilt to more practical configs, which I'm in no rush to do. Right now, I'm pretty content with my SBR which i built a couple of years ago of 30-40% leftover parts.

    Are you a fan of certain brands more than others?
    BCM. I'm a huge fan of their current direction. There are other great brands, no doubt, but it's hard to beat the innovativeness and practicality of BCM.
    Keeping a close eye on V7 and Ballistic Advantage. I find their stuff quite interesting.

    Are there certain accessories you consider "must haves" and others "must avoid"?
    Must haves: GF charging handle. A5 since i always build from the ground up anyway.
    Must avoid: (not applicable to just accessories) bottom-feeder brands. Too much trouble for what little one perceives to save. Fancy products and features. I'm not saying avoid them but determine how they apply to your needs. A lot of times, they aren't and just add cost and "non-functional" weight.

    Is there any particular AR-related item that turned out to be a surprising and utter disappointment?
    Utter disappointment is a bit harsh and i wouldn't use it to describe my item at all but I'm back to the good old A2 FH after trying the battle comp.

    Is there any AR-related item that you didn't expect much out of and it turned out to be an essential piece of kit?
    GF charging handle. Not that I wasnt expecting much but it's an essential enhancement IMHO.
    Last edited by Col_Crocs; 04-30-14 at 21:17.

  6. #46
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    105
    Feedback Score
    0
    Since I built my first AR I don't see myself buying a pre-built rifle

    Sent from the toilet using Tapatalk

  7. #47
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    67
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    <b><u>In what ways has your AR ownership changed from your very first purchase?</u></b><br />
    I bought my first AR by listening to the gun shop owner who told me the Bushmaster MOE AR was just as good as any other rifle. Shame on me for not researching.

    Next I sold the bushmaster and bought a Sig Sauer 556 SWAT. Contrary to what you read that think is a tank and performed flawlessly for 5,000 rounds. But it was heavy as a tank

    Sold the Sig and bought my current rifle. A Daniel Defense DDM4v7 and I couldn't be happier. The only fun in own that I will never part with.

    <br />
    <br />
    <b><u>Are you a fan of certain brands more than others?</u></b><br /

    Daniel Defense , but I'm partial because I'm an owner, would like to add a BCM mk12 build one day
    <br />
    <br />
    <b><u>Are there certain accessories you consider &quot;must haves&quot; and others &quot;must avoid&quot;?</u></b><br />
    Must haves: A good white light. All the other tacti cool shit people add a
    Just add weight. Currently with no foregrip or afg, at the end of the day 100% believe in the KISS method<br />
    Must avoid: (not applicable to just accessories) buying something that is just a little cheaper than what you want or not doing your research.<br />
    <br />
    <u><b>Is there any particular AR-related item that turned out to be a surprising and utter disappointment?</b></u><br />
    Burris 3x ar332, eotech, various AFG/VFG, Magpul BUIS (especially now that I own the MBUS PRO).<br />
    <br />
    <b><u>Is there any AR-related item that you didn't expect much out of and it turned out to be an essential piece of kit?</u></b><br />
    Magpul MIAD grip, fits my hand perfectly


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

  8. #48
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Utah
    Posts
    8,420
    Feedback Score
    3 (100%)
    A telescope magnifies the image that is subject to eye relief, field of view, depth of focus, image inversion and changes the image size ratio. Not only can a telescope enlarge an image it can also reduce it. You can have a 10x or 5x or 1x or a .01x image ratio and the lenses have to be set carefully to get the exact ratio desired.

    A plane pane of glass does none of these things it simply passes light. When speaking about optics the Aimpoint RDS is considered a 0x optic. If it were a 1x optic the shooter would have to deal with eye relief and eye alignment. Designing the Aimpoint RDS as a 0x optic eliminates those needs.

    My experiences with the AR has me convinced there are only three real configurations- 20" rifles 16" carbines and SBRs. The 20" rifles are best suited to longer ranges and SBRs are better suited to close quarters. The carbine can do either though not quite as well. But there is a lot of over lap between what the three types can do. An RDS will allow a 20" rifle be used for close range and an optic will let the SBR stretch it's legs
    INSIDE PLAN OF BOX
    1. ROAD-RUNNER LIFTS GLASS OF WATER- PULLING UP MATCH
    2. MATCH SCRATCHES ON MATCH-BOX
    3. MATCH LIGHTS FUSE TO TNT
    4. BOOM!
    5. HA-HA!!

    -WILE E. COYOTE, AUTHOR OF "EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW IN LIFE, I LEARNED FROM GOLDBERG & MURPHY"

    http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Carbine/DSC_0114.jpg
    I am American

  9. #49
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Northern Utah
    Posts
    570
    Feedback Score
    16 (100%)
    In what ways has your AR ownership changed from your very first purchase?
    I bought my first AR when I was 21. I was like many people, thinking all ARs were the same, and picked up an A2 Bushmaster HBAR. I moved guns around and owned a DPMS as well as a couple Rock Rivers. I never shot them much, and didn't really think much about the quality, or how they could really perform. Now, I have since sold them and bought a BMC lightweight middy. I wanted the gun to be quality, and something I could use for a long time. I still am running the A2 FSP and a DD Fixed rear sight. I used the money I was going to get an Aimpoint PRO on taking a class instead, and am glad I did. I now reload for .223 to save money (ie. shoot more for the same amount of money!), try to get out and practice a couple times a month, and just finished a 300 blackout build. I have a VTAC 2 point sling now (I used a 1 point for awhile, I like the 2 point better) and a Surefire X300U and that's it on the gun.

    Are you a fan of certain brands more than others? I have only owned the BCM as far as the 'quality' companies are concerned. I did most of my 300 build with rainier parts and would have no problem if I had one of their RUC rifles instead. The DD I have handled also was lightweight and seemed like a great product as well. For the money, however, I have no reason to leave BCM.

    Are there certain accessories you consider "must haves" and others "must avoid"? I think a good light and sling are great to have. Some like a VFG, I haven't used one for awhile. If you don't have a legitimate reason to have it on the gun, I would avoid it.

    Is there any AR-related item that you didn't expect much out of and it turned out to be an essential piece of kit? I finally got some ambi controls (i'm a lefty), and they are sweet! I have a Troy ambi mag release, BAD ASS, and a BCM Mod4 ambi on one gun, and the Rainier Raptor on the other. If you shoot lefty, they are very nice and make working the gun faster, more efficient, and easier in my opinion.

  10. #50
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    61
    Feedback Score
    0

    How has your AR ownership evolved?

    I bought my first AR, about 2 years ago. I purchased a complete spikes lower from a a local guy and my cousin game me an Olympic arms upper with a very long barrel. I put 30 rounds down it and hated it. I sold the lower and put the upper in the closet where it still sits. About 4 months ago I purchased a spikes lower with a PSA upper and was hooked. Another month went by and a local forum member had a KAC SR15e3 for sale. I had to google it and see why this AR was so expensive and found the world of KAC. I purchased it a few days later and then sold the other AR about a week later. After changing a few things to my liking, adding a aimpoint H1 and then upgrading to the URX 4 rail I really started to understand what the AR deal was all about and knew that this rifle would never leave my collection. I have run about 1500 rounds down it and feel like I get better with it every time I take it out. My next purchase will be a BCM with a vortex pst scope.
    Last edited by Piston10; 04-30-14 at 23:26.

Page 5 of 15 FirstFirst ... 34567 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •