Thinking about an AR-15

[MrJimi]

Have a Mini 30 SS here too....ain't been real happy with it. Mainly because it won't fire about 40% of the Russian Wolf elcheapo ammo...firing pin strikes too light. Put in an extra power Wolff hammer spring and got it where it only misfires 20%. The Russian ammo has hard primers and works 100% in the 60 year old design AK- Kinda stinks since the Mini 30 costs 2x what my AK did and isn't as reliable I reload brass with normal primers just for the Mini 30 to make it affordable to shoot.

BTW my BM AR is the flattop with front sight...I like the versatility, I can swap on a carry handle with rear sight or put on a scope/red dot/laser without the hassle of a fixed carry handle in the way

I agree with you 100 % cheap ammo is not the way to go in a fine rifle

 

[the_sandman_454]

I ended up with a 16" Armalite with collapsable stock. It's a flattop model that I currently have the included front sight and carry handle rear sight installed. Future plans involve an EOTech holographic sight cowitnessed with a set of back up iron sights.

 

[RobertN]

I like the Mini-14 too. I had one some years back. I wish at the time that there had been HBAR conversions for them. I have always thought a Mini-14 with a bull barrel would be a tack driver; my standard barrel with handloads and a scope shot very well.

My only complaint was having the Ranch Rifle, which throws brass 20-30' away. It made it difficult picking up brass for reloading, and ticked off anyone off to your right... I'm sure there must be a brass catcher for them by now.

One comment that I have heard is the AR15 cylces faster and smoother. I only shot an AR15 once 20 years ago; I do not recall if that is correct.

An HBAR AR15 or Mini-14 would be really nice with a good scope

AR-15 is a fine choice but I went with a stainless Ruger Mini 14 .223 caliber and I polished it like chrome, it looks like it belongs in a parade but is mean as heck, I bought a Butler Creek folding stock and now I look like A-Team
with a real accurate firearm
and I liked it so much, I also bought a Ruger Mini 30, 7.62 round and did same to it
Jim

 

[MrJimi]

My Mini 14 and Mini 30 both have really light triggers and do well.
I will post some pictures when I can get a pretty background behind them to do justice other than a crapped up garage for a background.
I do not have show pieces but I do own some real fine looking rifles and the Mini 14 has a 56 MM 3 X 9 scope on it
and they are pre-ban world firearms

 

[TractorLegend]

Ruger worth considering...$6-650 compared to ~1K for an AR-15 with what in my opinion is a finickier action. the Ruger uses a Garand type action.
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

 

[TC29-dude]

I like the Bushmaster M4 build. At least that's the one I am drooling over at the moment.

Bushmaster AR-15 A2 M4 .223 Izzy 30 Round for Sale at Buds Gun Shop

Here is what one looks like at budsguns.com

 

[YanmarFever]

A mini 14 fires a LOT faster than an AR (try it)

When buying an AR just be sure to stick with a good brand of weapon.
armalite, bushmaster, colt, ect...

avoid a rifle that is not factory assembled (they jam).


hurry before the next election, the 1994 assault weapons ban could be brought back to life and you will pay a lot more.

Oh yea, be sure to invest in some precious metal (lead)

 

[Sigarms]

avoid a rifle that is not factory assembled (they jam).

Three of my AR's I have built from scratch. No problems at ALL. That has been some time ago as well. I do however use reliable manufacturers for major components.

Sandman 454, go with a LaRue mount and an ARMS rear sight with that EO Tech and you won't be dissapointed.

TC29-dude, see that "A2" in the model number you're drooling over? That means the carry handle is non-detatchable. Personally, I'd sugguest going with an "A3" upper due to more options as far as mounting optics, if you so wish for future use.

 

[thatguy]

I have a Bushmaster 16" "shorty" flattop that I really like.. I got it a few years back at a local gunshow... I have added a Rock River Arms two stage match trigger, that was HUGE improvement. After the Assault Weapons Ban I also added a collaspable stock which I just like the looks of.

If you do go with the AR you may want to consider the purchase of a Ciener .22 conversion kit.. It replaced the bolt carrier and you can shoot .22 using the same rifle.. Black Dog Machine is now selling 30 rd ciener mags for about $30 each.. The kit comes with a 10 rd mag, but that doesnt last long.. The kit will run you somewhere below $200 IIRC.. But .22 ammo is dirt cheap compared to 222/556

i recently got a .22 dedicated upper for my rifle from rcsguns.com - Home - quite accurate. you will get better accuracy with a dedicated upper vs shooting the .22 thru the 5.56 barrel...

You may want to check out www. ar15.com its the TBN for AR related stuff..

good luck

Brian

 

[GaryM]

I have two ARs.

One is a factory built Rock River M4 in 5.56 caliber. Has the adjustable stock, which I recommend, and an Eotech sight. I'd also recommend a two stage, or match, trigger. The trigger makes a big difference.

The other is a Stag stripped lower into which I put a Rock River parts kit. It's easy to do, about one hour if you've never done it before, and you save a few bucks. It has a PLM upper in 6.8 SPC caliber. Just iron sights on it for now.

I've got a .22LR conversion kit for the 5.56 upper that works very well. At short range the 5.56 and the .22LR hit about the same point. Of couse at longer ranges this would not be the case.

One thing that's nice about the AR "system" is that there are many uppers available in different calibers and barrel lengths. From .22LR to .50 Beowolf, and many in between. And it only a matter of two pins and a minute or so to switch them out.

If you are going to stick with the "standard" AR-15, I'd be sure to get one chambered for 5.56mm rather than .223. The 5.56mm can shoot .223 but the reverse is not recommended. RRA has what they call a Wylde chambering. According to their website "it's a match chambering for semi-automatic rifles. It will accommodate both the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition. It is relieved in the case body to aid in extraction and features a shorter throat for improved accuracy." If I buy another 5.56 upper that's what I'll get.