AR15 question

Gator

Active member
What do I need to look for when shopping for an AR15?
Thanks
 

FishingwithRusty

Active member
my biggest consideration initially is/was price, you can pay A LOT of money for a gun with a "name" and some features that you will likely never know or appreciate.

now i would look almost exclusively at AR pistols but this is because i really see an AR as cqb weapon and a shorter more compact weapon is DEFINITELY better for cqb. there will be some arguments about not having a 20" barrel reduces muzzle velocity and then reducing your ability to defeat body armor but for me i'll take the smaller weapon.

recently had a discussion with a guy about a 9mm AR being cheaper to shoot(price of ammo is about $100 cheaper per 500 rounds) than 5.56 but im still researching the ballistics and lethality of 9mm vs 5.56.

the great thing about the AR platform is they are EASILY modified and aftermarket parts are EVERYWHERE!!

hope this helps some
 

WaterChap

Member
You want one that’s solidly built (reliable). I have a CORE15 and I love it. Check online for the reviews of the brand you’re looking at. I wouldn’t go too cheap. I prefer rifles myself, but my AR is a fun man toy plus a just in case of total collapse where we might need rifles.
 

churly

New member
Good luck finding one right now. Bentons had some DPMS AR10s (.308) I snatched one last week, but they were going fast. I myself am not a fan of the 9mm. I recall when I was a child, and armed gunman tried to rob the old Cherokee Valley Bank on LeeHWY. He go into a shoot out with CPD and HCS. He was struck 11 times by 9mm bullets and survived. The ballistics on the .556 (.223) couldn't be any more different than 9mm. Im a fan of the .308s in the AR platform because I can shoot big game with it and know they will drop like a rock.
 
I'm with Rusty - agree a shorter weapon is best. Supports home defense and sport shooting. Smaller profile makes it easier for smaller people to manage safely. Lots of M4 (M-16 carbine configuration) out there. I recommend looking for one that fits your budget, gives you the most flexibility in terms of adding options (optics, lights, laser designator, etc), and has a solid track record for performance and reliability. I'd spend a lot of time reading reviews on some of the shooting web sites.

I own a Wyndham (the old Bushmaster gang) - it's a sweet shooter and has rails for all of the options you might want to load onto an M4 (I have an EoTech passive red dot sight on mine). During my active duty days I put lots of rounds thru Colt's version (configured with the same EoTech sight). It's about as fine a weapon as I've ever fired. I keep my M4 as a home defense weapon so I don't put lots of ammo thru it.

Mr Stewart asks an important question: what do you plan on doing w/ this weapon? If you're gonna shoot it a lot then you should focus on makes/models that have a solid track record of holding up to heavy usage. If this is going to be a home defense weapon you give yourself some added flexibility in terms of price and brand.
 

Gator

Active member
Use would be Home Defense. I really appreciate your input.
 

ChooChooSnakeMan

Active member
Not knocking the AR platform for home defense, I like most gun owners have one but a consideration is over penetration of the 556 / 223 round into other rooms or even through your outside walls of your home when considering the AR for home defense. I myself favor a high capacity 9mm on my bed stand as it is highly portable, with a laser sight and / or light very handy in the dark. Another option to consider is the old reliable 12 ga. pump shotgun. Loaded with with whatever buck shot you are comfortable with concerning over penetration (many like the tried and true 00 buck but I favor #4 buckshot (not #4 bird shot) personally) and you have a formidable home self defense weapon. One of the shorter barrel (18.5" or so) models with an over the stock extra shell holder would be very comforting when things go bump in the night!
 

Gator

Active member
Good advise SnakeMan. Thanks
I gave up on the AR15 after actually holding one, just doesn't fit me. Got lots of good other weapons for home defense.
Thanks again.
 
ChooChooSnakeMan - 3/31/2021 12:25 PM

Not knocking the AR platform for home defense, I like most gun owners have one but a consideration is over penetration of the 556 / 223 round into other rooms or even through your outside walls of your home when considering the AR for home defense. I myself favor a high capacity 9mm on my bed stand as it is highly portable, with a laser sight and / or light very handy in the dark. Another option to consider is the old reliable 12 ga. pump shotgun. Loaded with with whatever buck shot you are comfortable with concerning over penetration (many like the tried and true 00 buck but I favor #4 buckshot (not #4 bird shot) personally) and you have a formidable home self defense weapon. One of the shorter barrel (18.5" or so) models with an over the stock extra shell holder would be very comforting when things go bump in the night!

Actually the answer is “All of the above”
 

Aries 181

New member
I always thought AR "pistols" were a useless joke until I fired one. After doing so, I had to have one. A big thanks goes out to uncle joey, a senile old fool who can't climb stairs too well, for the generous donation of $1400.00 to be able to add to the herd.

This little beauty came by way of Sparta down to Dunlap and on to 58 hwy where it will reside with numerous other like minded brethren. This IS NOT a home defense weapon, this is an anti urban uprising weapon, only employed outdoors if there is a need.

A factory built PSA 10.5" 5.56 barrel, premium grade BCG,Vortex Sparc II 2 moa dot on a skeleton riser mount, hand stop and a Blue Force Gear sling w/M-Loc mounting points front/rear.

Bill
 

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finbully

Active member
Gator - 7/10/2020 9:46 PM

Use would be Home Defense. I really appreciate your input.

Nothing better than a pump shotgun for home defense. Who doesn't know the sound of racking a round in a shotgun? Aim does not have to be spot on and the shot will not travel for a mile like bullets can.
 

SpurHunter

New member
For sure an AR pistol is my favorite fun-gun. I took my 3030BO on a hog hnt last year and had a blast with it. I would certainly use it if needed for home defense without hesitation.


Aries 181 - 4/1/2021 7:46 AM

I always thought AR "pistols" were a useless joke until I fired one. After doing so, I had to have one. A big thanks goes out to uncle joey, a senile old fool who can't climb stairs too well, for the generous donation of $1400.00 to be able to add to the herd.

This little beauty came by way of Sparta down to Dunlap and on to 58 hwy where it will reside with numerous other like minded brethren. This IS NOT a home defense weapon, this is an anti urban uprising weapon, only employed outdoors if there is a need.

A factory built PSA 10.5" 5.56 barrel, premium grade BCG,Vortex Spark II 2 moa dot on a skeleton riser mount, hand stop and a Blue Force Gear sling w/M-Loc mounting points front/rear.

Bill
 

Driller920

New member
Pistol grip shotgun is great for home defense. Ar bullets will travel long ways and go thru walls. With kids and neighbors around i don’t want that.
 

BulletTJ

Active member
I have a Panzer BP 12 semi auto shotgun for home defense. It comes with 2 5 round mags. I bought a 20 round and 10 round mag. Then I added red dot sight and green lazer/flashlight. It is a blast to shoot. It has an 18" barrel and the gun is 24" long. Set up like this anyone can be deadly accurate with the flip of a switch.
 
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