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.
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