Come next weekend, I may very well use some previously spoken for coin and make some firearms acquisitions that are likely to become the subject of the next Scary-Looking Gun Ban. Aside from the obvious standard-capacity magazines for all my handguns (prolly at least four of each), I'm looking at getting myself an AR-15.
Yep. It's time to take the plunge.
I'm going to get a more or less standard AR in 5.56. If I'm not mistaken, what I'm actually looking for is a straight-up -A4 (flat-top, flash suppressor, M-4 stock, etc.).
I'm very, very new to the world of AR's, so I'm very open to suggestion.
Today I looked at a DPMS Sportical and a Bushmaster O.R.C. Both were nice carbines. The DPMS was nice enough at $700. It's a good lightweight flat-top AR, but I wasn't crazy about the stock (it felt very sticky) or the lack of a forward assist. The Bushy, at $900, was a tiny bit heavier, had the forward assist, and also had a dustcover (which I don't care about) and the rail standoffs for mounting an optic. The stock was much nicer (felt solid in place, moved very smoothly between positions), and overall the gun just felt more solid. I feel like I know where the extra $200 is going.
It's kinda like the difference between a Taurus PT-1911 and a Springfield TRP. Both will fling .45ACP just fine, but the latter is just a better built gun.
The AR won't be the only gun purchased, either. We'll likely get a CCW for The Wifey (she's still quite fond of the steel Baby Eagle Compact) with some extra mags, and I could very well squeeze a carry 1911 if I play my cards right.
I don't want to spend the money. I don't need to spend the money. But need's not what it's about.
It never has been.
tweaker
7 comments:
I'd say you DO need to spend that money, with the mentality of some of Obama's supporters. Some of 'em scare the living shit out of me.
I understand your situation. I have absolutely no money right now, but if Obama wins this one I will be saving every penny from now until the day he takes office so I can stock up as well. On my list are a 1911 in .45, an AR-15 (post about which one you are getting, I could use the advice) and some extra magazines etc.
May God be with us all.
Prudent thinkin' there, Tweaker! Let's hope it's NOT Nobama who gets elected today, though.
I have both DPMS and Bushmaster ARs in the higher end of their product lines. The DPMS you looked at is one of their low end models. The Bushmaster you also looked at is a step up from the DPMS model in this case and is the one I recommend you select. Both companies make fine rifles but you get what you pay for with either of them. Make sure you get a forward assist; it will save your hindquarters if the bolt fails to fully seat (happens occasionally when cycling to load a round). At this point you probably will not find many ARs in the stores and a very long wait if ordered. If you see one you like in the store, get it right away. I also have a Rock River Arms and it is awesome. Their National Match trigger is something else.
Hope this helps.
Bitter? Me? Of course.
P.S. If you haven't done so already, might I suggest reloading? It's a bit expensive to get started, but the advantages, especially now, far outweigh the costs.
If, that is, you have the money to get started. Me? I don't. But the male parental unit got into it a few months ago and couldn't be happier. (And we both happen to shoot .45 ACP, primarily, which of course works out for me.)
I won't knock DPMS or Bushie, but will suggest you look long and hard at Rock River. You pay the price and get the best in return. Nothing but good things to say about their rifles.
I love mine. I like it better than the Bushmaster but the Bushmaster is just fine and dandy and a little cheaper.
It's a good investment, for a lot of reasons.
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