Not an AR fan

I like my AR's and I like my bolt actions.... I don't know why people are comparing them when they each have a different purpose... and are worlds apart.

I love M1A's as well... but I think we can all agree its a lot cheaper to punch paper with an AR.

I recently sold my Rem. 700 LTR in 6.8SPC.... thinking about replacing it with a nice .223 bolt action... seeing as my girlfriend has unoffcially adopted my recent AR... along with my HK p7.:mad:
 
I qualified with both the M1 Carbine, and the M16 in 1966. As it turned out I like the M1 Carbine better and bought some from the CMP for myself and my grandkids. I have never even thought of buying into the AR15 platform.
 
I am an AR type/M-16 rifle fan, however, just out of personal preference, I think it is so much cooler, and handier to be able to completely fold away the stock. I know the buffer tube is part of the design that makes them what they are, but with the new piston style mono-rail uppers, I'd think there could be a way to go without that tube. There is one manufacturer that finally did it, I saw in American Rifleman, but too pricey and I don't like the look of the hinge part of the stock. Also, it doesn't look like you can interchange the stock with one of the vast choices of AR butts on the market available out there. It's probably silly to some serious shooters, just like how I think there's no reason to take away the option of being able to mount a bayonette, but it is practical and handy and nice to have less issues getting snagged up in brush. For this reason, I'll probably be getting a Robarms XRC, or Century Golani in the future. I am happy with my RRA 16" little shooter I do own, however, and will always have an AR in my arsenal.
 
I think many of the AR variants are cool... but I refuse to buy one without a gas piston. It's simply a design flaw I'm not willing to live with. I don't mind 5.56mm though, which is why I have an HK93 carbine instead. Delayed blowback action and just as accurate as any AR, with a quick detach scope and 40rd mags. If I need another weapon configuration I'll just buy another rifle, the dressup game doesn't really appeal to me.

Hate the charging handle on ARs too. AKs have them in a good spot. Just wish the standard AK length of pull was a bit longer.
 
They are not my favorite, but if that is your tune by all means have at it. As someone mentioned earlier the more of them that are out there the better for the cause. I own an AR15 and have extensive experience with them military and professional but for a fun session at the range would not be my choice.
 
I'm not a big AR fan. While I have one, I don't shoot it all that often. It works well enough. Does what it is supposed to do. I just don't like the way it works, design wise. Here's mainly what I don't like about AR's:

1. I don't like the way the 2 receiver halves fit together;
2. I don't like the recoil buffer tube in the buttstock
3. I hate the charging handle!
4. swapping barrels out is not all that easy;
5. I don't like the forward assist
6. I don't like the all aluminum receiver(s)
7. I don't particularly like the .223 caliber (I know that there are other calibers).

Something about the AR, to me, seems cheap and disposable. Well, I suppose that's how they were designed. The Army might like "cheap and disposable" but I don't.
 
I guess haters gotta hate.

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On any given day, were I to need a rifle for self-defense, I might very well grab this one. Ask me again Monday, after I've spent the weekend in an AK only class.......
 
Something about the AR, to me, seems cheap and disposable. Well, I suppose that's how they were designed. The Army might like "cheap and disposable" but I don't.
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I think you said what I couldn't really articulate into words very well. I said it felt like a toy, but you pretty much nailed it with the above comment. It just doesn't feel the same as a "real rifle". I know I'm gonna catch flak for that "real rifle" comment, but I just can't think of any other way to put it. It has a whole different feel to it. From the forearm that feels toy-like to the "sproing" in the butt stock when you fire it, it just isn't the same. I know a lot of folks that started shooting rifles in the military might not get the same impression because it is what they cut their teeth on, but I think folks that grew up with traditional rifles, like I did, are probably the ones that have a tougher time coming around to the design.

Jason
 
I have a certain loyalty to the M1A, I 've shot mine since 1977 in competition, it got me Distinguished Badge,...........but I'm a realist.

To be competitive in High Power you have to shoot an AR, so I have my White Oak Upper Service Rifle.

I also have a Colt SP1, (the closest civilian version to the M16A1 I used in Vietnam).

In my old age, I've drifted more to Vintage Military Rifle Shooting, but I will still keep my ARs. I haven't drifted to the Tacti-cool stuff yet, and I doubt I will.
 
I like any semi auto carbine's. They are just fun to shoot. AR15's, AK's, SKS's, M1 Carbine's, even lever action's (but thats another story)

In can honestly say that I didn't truly warm up to my AR until I bit the bullet and dropped the coin on a ACOG TA11. It's an optic that really lets the AR shine.
I guess thats the main appeal of any AR though, the fact that its easy to customize to fit your exact needs.
 
I find this an interesting thread because I recently purchased an AR last one I fired was in the military 40 years ago when they first came on scene never really cared to purchase until recently and at this point very happy with it fun, accurate plus in my opinion in coming years it will not be available to the public.

The biggest problem I have with the AR is the AR guys for these two reasons, 1. To some of them there is no other rifles and if you don't own an AR you're a communist dog, 2. Thier obsession with mil-spec parts and how if it isn't mil-spec it's garbage. Yes, they're decent parts but thier rifles will never meet that abuse and fire 5000 rounds a year on burst/automatic settings.
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Now I agree with the above quote, go to some AR forums and they talk as if they are ready for war lot of Rambo types decking out rifles with lasers, lights, etc, and frown on anyone not in agreement, what that does is turn off newcomers to the sport exactly what we don't need. Most of the Mall Ninjas never seen war, will never see military service nor will there rifles. All in all seems juvenile to me, but then I'm old.;)

Ok now I'm going back to surfing for a 2 stage trigger to add to my new AR,
promise no other add on toys.;)
 
1. To some of them there is no other rifles and if you don't own an AR you're a communist dog,
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I'm of that group when it comes to the Garand, if you don't own a Garand you must be a "Pinko Commy". You disrespect Mom and hate Apple Pie, probably didn't even cry when Old Yellow Died.
 
been there... done that... sold it & moved on...

back in the 80's I built a flat top match grade rifle with a 20X scope for use shooting P.doggies... it was fun... but I don't live close to P.Dog heaven, & found I rarely used the rifle... better using the money for something I'd rather shoot more often

I agree with it not having a traditional feel... which I've found myself gravitating towards...

... & as a handloader, I honestly don't have much time for semi autos that fire reloadable cartridges, as I hate crawling around picking up brass... I do shoot semi auto 22's & have an accurized Chinese SKS that shoots steel cases quite nicely ( I have a buddy that bought a DPMS in 7.63 X 39 & the gun is more accurate... when it'll actually fire... than his Siaga... but he's forced to use brass cased ammo, which would take away any use for the gun I'd have )

I could see getting one in 10mm... just low enough on the priority list I haven't gotten one yet, & am likely not to, with the prices... & I do like some of the odd new calibers 458 SOCOM, 50 Beowulf etc...

I'd prefer my 30 carbine or M1A or SKS to an AR in the "normal" calibers
 
I own a few rifles, 8 blot actions, a muzzle loader and a lever gun. All the bolt actions are MOA in my hands, some are supposed to be sub MOA but I cant do that consistently. All of my guns have wood stock and 3 have fancy or high grade wood.

8 out of 10 of my pistols are single action only revolvers.

I am a traditionalist.

I recently had a little incident here where I needed to pull out a gun for defense (There was a light going on and off in the basement at all hours and there where noises down there, wife thought someone broke in, as it turns out it was a cat and a light bulb with a bad filament) So I took out the 870 turkey gun to wait for the cops to arrive (35 minutes). The 870 was hard to wield in the home and felt very awkward.

So I bought a 1911, put a few hundred rounds threw it at the range and I am not bad with it. However if you really need to shoot something a rifle is better. So I bought a Stag Model 2 (M4 variant)put a red dot on it and I just this morning went over 1000 rounds in practice. I have taken this gun out 4 to 5 times a week since I bought it and now feel comfortable with the AR platform.

As a rifle the AR is my least favorite by far. As a Carbine with a 16 inch barrel is far better than a pistol. I tell people the AR is a big pistol and the only weapon I own. Am I in love with it? Hell no, but it serves a purpose and I will take it out a few times a year to stay comfortable with it.
 
-15

Took me a couple of decades to warm up to them. I'm a wood and steel guy. Went through basic with the M-14. Never liked the .556 as a combat round.
But for shooting cans and cactus pads they are fun.
Sold one Saturday, have three more and going to sell one of those.

But since getting hold of a Czechpoint VZ 58 I haven't fired a shot from the 15s. Might not fire one of the -15s again for a long time. Much prefer the M-14/M1-A for possoble serious shooting. Put the AR-10 Armalite carbine in the safe also. The 58 is my new fun/truck gun. Arthritus has made me recoil sensative, none felt from the 58.
 
Hate the charging handle on ARs too. AKs have them in a good spot. Just wish the standard AK length of pull was a bit longer.
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So what your saying is you would rather the AK charging handle and safety... that requires the shooter to remove is hand from the fire control group of the rifle to activate...... VS.... the AR-15 charging handle and safety that you can fully operate with your off (reactive) hand and still keep a solid grip on the fire controls?

I will be the first to admit that the charging handle on an AR-15 is not ideal... but it makes more sense than the one on the AK that requires you to move your hand off the fire controls.:confused:

I enjoy my AR's. I keep mine for home defense and general shooting/plinking. I live out in the country and police response times are LONG. I also keep a Winchester 1300 loaded with buck-shot and slugs.

I agree that there are NICER more traditional rifles out there. One of my favorites is a nice wood stocked M1A. I also have older Sako's and Fox Sterlingworths and what have you.

MY g/f has recently taken up shooting more seriously. She only previously owned a .22 ruger handgun. After shooting a lot of my guns she now owns a 1911 as well, and we are building her her own ar-15.

She liked the AR because it is accurate, and easy to shoot for her. She never shot a rifle before that... and with my 14.5 inch upper with a non-magnified Trijicon Relfex on top with a 4.5 MOA dot she was keeping all her shots inside a paper plate at 100 yards... just using my shooting bag as a crude rest.

Most will say this is not impressive... but keep in mind she has never ever held let alone shot a rife before that.
 
I was never fond of the Mattel toy. Guess I am a bit of a bull in a china shop. I broke the stock on the first one I was issued, and the second one had jam issues. I was pleased when the handed me an M-14.

I still dont own one nor do I desire to. There are a lot of people who love them for various reasons and I find no fault with that. They are just not my cup of tea.
 
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