New to rifles

[Jadecristal]

Hello all. After joining the ranks of firearms owners with a handgun last year, I've decided that I'd like to look into getting a rifle, and after some reading on the benefits/near ubiquitous nature of AR-15 style parts, I'm more or less decided on a Bushmaster M4-style (http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3f14m4iz.asp). Besides, they look cool.

While I'll likely be following a suggestion to hold off on buying optics right away, I like the Trijicon TA01NSN.

Comments/suggestions on my thoughts, availability/price of 5.56mm (that doesn't suck), or anything else you might wish to add? Comments on M193 vs M855 are especially welcome, with a view to self-defense as a general excuse and shooting helpless paper targets as a more practical use.

For those who have suggested AR15.com in general, I find the site to be somewhat overwhelming to start with. I wish there was a nice, simple introduction site.

 

[natedog]

Bushmaster is a good choice. I prefer a Superlight barrel; but there really isn't that big of a difference. Mostly, just shoot it, shoot it, shoot it. You might also consider a .22LR upper reciever for cheap practice, since it is your first rifle. As far as optics go, I prefer an Aimpoint, Eotech, or plain iron sights for a carbine. If you're dead set on magnified optics, a TA31 ACOG is probably a better choice for an optic, as it has the BAC feature that allows fast, binocular short range shooting.

 

[Feanaro]

Question; any particular reason you want the M4gery? The 16" barrel will have more flash, more noise, and less velocity. It is shorter and handier of course, a plus if you want to use it for HD. I rather fancy the Dissipator myself. I should think it would stay cooler than the M4gery during rapid fire... which is what ARs are for, right?

availability/price of 5.56mm (that doesn't suck)

5.56mm is probably the cheapest commercial rifle ammo other than .22lr. Everyone makes it. Natchezss.com has Federal American Eagle for around $3.50 a box. Only surplus(corrosive) 8mm and 7.62x54R top that consistently.

Comments on M193 vs M855 are especially welcome, with a view to self-defense

A matter of debate, heated sometimes. Ammo-oracle.com has a bit on this. Suffice to say that 5.56mm is deadly chiefly because it yaws and then fragments. And it seems M193 yaws faster. Draw your own conclusions.

and shooting helpless paper targets as a more practical use.

I don't shoot ARs often but I would say it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. About the same accuracy, assuming an appropriate twist rate.

 

[jobu07]

I'll second the getting possibly a 22LR upper for your new purchase (or future purchase as it might be). If you haven't bought it yet, you might look into buying a cheapy .22lr rifle out of the used rack of your local FFL just for fun plinking and practicing that elusive sight alignment. 10/22's are good for turning those pesky little cartridges into noise.

 

[Art Eatman]

I concur with jobu07. Nowhere is it written that learning is free, but a regular .22 rifle of some sort makes the process much less expensive. I'm given to suggesting a bolt-action, just to allow better focus on the coordination of sights and trigger finger. Less temptation to pull, pull, pull.

Insofar as home defense or self defense with an AR, most any old ammo will work. Some works better, of course, but the difference just isn't all that big a deal.

Of ARs, I've owned a Colt garden variety; one of the first Colt heavier-barrel versions; a Colt shorty, and a Bushmaster Match Target. They all worked. IMO, were I to get another AR, I'd want the Colt second-series or equivalent. I happen to prefer longer barrels, generally.

Just my 2¢,

Art