GO SHOOT THE GUN!

[MAUSER202]

I
More than people adding rails, I see people doing arbitrary(and potentially less reliable) things like putting H2/H3 buffers in their 16" guns before shooting a single shot.

I agree, I almost got an H2 and enhanced bcg for my LMT when I ordered it. I thought it would make the gun better ect. Grant said it was a waiste of money and may even make the weapon less relieable. Great advice Grant. It shot great and still does 1000's of rounds later.

[BAC]

I agree with most, but to a point. I have very little trigger time on my one and only AR, but already I've learned that I hate the stock grip and that a full-sized MIAD is much more comfortable and gives my hand a better "reach" for the trigger. I've also learned, through those few rounds and a lot of dry-firing, that the stock GI trigger sucks. I don't need a match trigger of any kind, but a smooth trigger would go a long way into helping me, as a new shooter, focus more on basic marksmanship than on fighting the rifle. I like my A1 stock, so it stays. The only rail on the rifle is the one on the upper receiver, and the only thing on it is a LaRue BUIS.

Some things, like replacing a grip, picking a more comfortable stock, and tuning the stock trigger are all pretty personal, and are all things that can be done to help the rifle fit the shooter just a little better (I was just having this conversation with my dad, oddly enough). Except for the stock, they're all pretty inexpensive things to do. I liken adjustments like these to adjusting the car seat and mirrors to better fit you instead of your spouse or girlfriend.

Other things might simply be a matter of preventative maintenance. My upper is a RRA 16" middy, and as expected came with so marginal attempt at carrier key staking they might as well have not done it. Would it be excessive to buy a BCM or LMT bolt carrier group if I can't stake these? Little things like this aren't anything more than little things to keep the rifle functioning so you can go shoot it.


-B

[Rider]

That was a good read for us newbies, Rob. Thanks.

Here is what I have done- I am running my new Daniel Defense stock right now. My first purchases have been 20+ mags and 2 K of various ammo to see what works best. Bought a spare BCG from Grant, JIC.

Here are my plans - I am waiting on the Magpul sling to come back out, I bought a TLR-1 light and its on the way. I may replace the grip, if it still continues to bother me.

Then, I want to take a carbine class.

Eventually, some optics or an Aimpoint. But I have exhausted the funds for now.

The gun already has plenty of rails, to say the least. I dont think I bought anything unwise yet and I have tried to just get the "basics". If there is a better sling under $50 I would be grateful for the tip.

I appreciate the knowledge gained around here for sure.

[thopkins22]

If there is a better sling under $50 I would be grateful for the tip.

I'd probably spend an extra ten dollars and get the original VCAS.

But if $50 is a hard limit, there are other good options. VCAS Double A Model OR Victory Series Two-Point Sling

I have no experience with it, but why not look at the $15 Boonie Packer sling that rob_s mentioned above?

I'm sure that there are other quality sling options on the market. I have experience with the Vickers ones, and like them a lot...as do many here.

[MarshallDodge]

Excellent post Rob! I have been saying this for many years but it really hit home when I read and understood the signature of Dave McCracken on THR - BA/UU/R....

BA = Buy Ammo
UU = Use Up
R = Repeat

Dave, who is a moderator on THR in the shotgun forum, got tired of seeing all the pictures of people posting their "tacticool shotguns that had never been shot. So every time someone posted a picture of their shotgun he would compliment the gun and post BA/UU/R....

BA/UU/R is a handy way to say that expertise comes with practice, not with buying Cool Stuff.

[rob_s]

BAC, I think that the trigger thing is actually something that comes with use. I hear people say that the AR stock trigger is horrible, but I find it to be very good. I think it depends in part on your frame of reference. I came to the AR from defensive handgun shooting, and specifically Glocks and DA revolvers. For me, picking up my first AR, I considered the trigger to be a dream. I think that on the opposite end of the spectrum many guys that come from the hunting or bolt-action realm find the AR trigger to be atrocious. Either way, I still believe that learning to work with the stock trigger is part of GO SHOOT THE GUN. No matter the frame of reference I think that the stock trigger is a training issue as much as anything else, and I have yet to see a new shooter that has really benefited from changing out the trigger.

[BAC]

Fair enough. I'm entering the rifle shooting world from defensive shooting with a 1911 and (rarely) a Glock 17. The grit in the stock trigger aggravated me to no end, hence its trip to Colorado Springs and Bill Springfield. When I can find a lower parts kit in stock, I'll build up my spare lower receiver and shoot the two side-by-side to see if there is a difference in performance between the tuned trigger and the stock one.


-B

[USMC1341]

Many of us have experience behind the trigger of some sort of AR. While recommending a first timer to the range is for sure great advise. I think taking a rifle out of the box and personalizing it before range time isn't the worst thing neither when you are already familiar with the platform.

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

USMC - 100% and I think everyone would agree with that. Your gun, your experience, your use, your money.

RobS - 100%

On another note for those that are new - most of the folks that own several ARs have a bone stock irons only in inventory - b/c they flat work.

Good luck

[Rider]

I'd probably spend an extra ten dollars and get the original VCAS.

But if $50 is a hard limit, there are other good options. VCAS Double A Model OR Victory Series Two-Point Sling

I have no experience with it, but why not look at the $15 Boonie Packer sling that rob_s mentioned above?

I'm sure that there are other quality sling options on the market. I have experience with the Vickers ones, and like them a lot...as do many here.

Thanks for the input, I was looking at that VCAS one too. They also have it on Magpuls site and include 2 quick detact swivels which seem like they would fit the Daniel Defense carbines stock swivel points. I may just have to go with that set up.