I Don't fully "get it"

Status
Not open for further replies.
bannockburn said:
Had one rifle, an HK 91 that I never really took to. I'm not what you call a big guy; I'm 5'10" and around 160 to 165 lbs. yet the stock on that rifle felt like it was short enough for a kid who was 9 or 10 years old. The overall ergonomics were definitely not conducive for extended range sessions as I felt I could never get comfortable even shooting off of a bench. My brother had a Springfield Armory M1A and a DSA SA 58 at the same time and those two rifles were, excuse the pun, head and shoulders above the HK91 in of their stock designs and by the way they balanced and handled.
Click to expand...
When you shot that HK91, did you have on your level 3 body armor, with plates? winter gear? Probably not...
 
HngMnHnryDvdsn said:
Anyone ever get a rifle and not fully fall in love with it?
Took my Springfield Saint to the range today along with my Henry. Both rifles I need to shoot more and improve my accuracy, only a 25 yard range and I still struggle to shoot the bullseye consistently.
The Henry i added a ranger point precision peep sight and my grouping has drastically improved, however I still consistently shoot right of poa, even with the sight adjust almost fully left. Per my research I feel it may be a bit of trigger control and possibly anticipating recoil thats causing my to shoot right, elevation is good but off center a bit. Still love the rifle, easy to clean, fun to shoot, love the lever action.
The AR however I don't "fully get". The prism scope I have on it is much easier to dial in, tho due to ammo availability I can't pile up 1 or 2 brands/loads and really get a solid feel. Its eaten and extracted everything I've thrown at it including some Russian steel case, so thats a plus. It's fairly comfortable in my hands, tho I feel with a few tweaks it could be more comfortable (debating a free float 15" handgaurd to give may improve ergonomics for myself). Not difficult to service/clean but definitely "more complex" compared to the Henry. Its a fun rifle to shoot but I'm not fully in love with it, and am debating selling it and putting the funds toward another lever action or towards a future handgun fund. That or I just got to shoot it more.

Anyone else get a rifle/handgun they thought they'd love only to feel kinda meh about?
Click to expand...
If you have a slip-on recoil pad put it on the rifles that recoil bothers you. It can make a big difference in felt recoil!
 
Timeless said:
This is the exact reason I went with the Sig 226 Legion SAO. Fantastic shooter without the grip safety and double stacked mags.
Click to expand...

The Sig P series pistols are another one of those guns I just can’t warm up to. I’ve owned a P-220, a P-226, a P-6 and a P-229. They are awesome pistols and they feel good in the hand. I just can’t shoot them well with any speed.
 
I used to go all gaga over S&W 59's....until I bought one. A nickel plated model. The grip was so big I had to turn the gun in my hand a half inch just to drop a mag. Even the LGS owner I traded it to said the same. I hated the "reverse" safety too. So stupid! But the gun cycled well and was quite accurate. It was the first gun I ever decided to get rid of. Second one was a KelTec P11. Not terribly accurate. Rusted easily. Once I wore it to my car and put it under the seat during a rain storm. I didn't think I got it wet but when I pulled it out later that same day it has little specks of rust on it! Freaking ridiculous!
 
Pat Riot said:
Now this is going to sound / look weird but I love the looks of AR-15’s. I just don’t care for the way they handle or feel. I have owned a few. Sold them. When I moved to California I had a bare lower receiver. The DOJ wanted me to build my receiver into a gun so they could approve or disapprove it. Idiots. I was happy with it as a receiver. Anyway, I built a featureless AR-15. I actually like this contraption. It’s comfortable to shoot and I like the way it handles. Weird.
Click to expand...

I have to agree that it is, indeed, a weird contraption. Never the less I like it. I bet if I had one I could get a bunch of looky-loo's at the range. :thumbup:
 
I had a rifle that I bought last year that I put quite a bit of time, money, and effort trying to love it without a bit success. I sold it around the first of this month and immediately turned the money into another gun which I do love.

My son-in-law has a SKS that he wanted me to sight in with a scope he had put on it. It was one of those rattly mounts and I got it close but that was it. My conclusion was why bother with it. I just never could find any love for either it or the AK so have never spent a cent on either. AR's are a different critter. Kind of the 10/22 of the centerfire world. All it takes is a little skill and some money and you can build about anything you want and they are surprisingly easy to configure to where they fit you perfectly.
 
Last edited:
JDGray

Sorry no Level 3 body armor with plates or any extra heavy winter gear. Besides what do you do when it starts to get warm out. If I still had my hK91 I would probably just put an extended butt pad on it and go with that.

Someone once wrote that they suspected that the length of pull on an HK91 stock was actually designed around measurements taken from Black Forest elves. I would go along with that.
 
my henry big boy 357. looked nice and cycled nice but it was so inaccurate. i was more consistent shooting a 6 inch gong at 50 yrds offhand with a pistol. than shooting the same gong off hand or benched with it. the sights also has to be drifted way off to the side. i traded it in after more than a year of giving it a chance. i would even miss at 25 yrds with it. i think it was a bore issue thought i didn't slug the bore. even bought skinner sights for it.
 
I hear you OP. I have a Ruger AR, have never shot it, bought it new when they were $400 and change. I’ve shot several other ARs ranging in quality from entry level to high end, different barrel lengths, and different calibers (did enjoy a .50 Beowulf one a friend has). I just cannot get in to them, they feel like toys. That being said, a fella I know has a full auto AR/M16 (I have no idea which one it is, he bought it prior to the MG registry got closed on the manufacture of new MGs) and he let me put a few mags down range and it put a smile on my face all day and the next. I prefer AKs in regards to the scary rifles with evil features. They have more weight to them and have character. I enjoy them in different calibers, but absolutely love 5.45x39 Kalashnikovs. To each their own.

One that did grow on me is my CZSP01, didn’t care for it at first, now I love it! I did find out I have to shoot it before shooting any 1911s or I always hit with it high and to the left. I have no idea why that is..........
 
Last edited:
Bullpup conversion stock for a 10-22. You couldn't even call the trigger a trigger... properly named it was an "awkward delayed bullet firing mechanism". Technically it could kill a patient, cooperative squirrel at close range, therefore I will include mention of it on this hunting rifle thread.

Put the Ruger back in it's original stock and sold that piece of plastic asap. Told the buyer the trigger was bad, but he was excited to get it.
 
I’ve had an AK, SKS, and VZ58 that I tried to warm up to but just never could. I do however like ARs, but not if they have been accessorized. I enjoy shooting the basic M4 configuration with the plastic handguards - I’ve never warmed up to the rails. My favorite, believe it or not, is my newer model Mini 14 in stainless with wood stock. My daughter likes shooting it too so that makes it even better.
 
Obturation said:
If you can, let someone else shoot your Henry and see if they have the same result. Seems there could be an issue with the sight.

I don't like ARs, I have one and shoot it to keep things moving and confirm function. That's it. Disliking ARs is normal, it means you're using your head instead of following the crowd. You should always keep one for defense of home and country.
Click to expand...

so... those of us who do like AR and use them almost on a daily basis for personal and work are not using our heads and following the crowd?

ok....
 
sarduy said:
so... those of us who do like AR and use them almost on a daily basis for personal and work are not using our heads and following the crowd?

ok....
Click to expand...
Not what I said or meant, just that it's easy for a guy to see modern rifles as the only choice out there. Our (gun culture) is over run by the tactical and new, traditional guns are seen as stuff for grandpappys . if I felt that guys that like xxx were knuckleheads I would have said so. I admire men and women that use modern tools to protect my liberty, nothing against folks that prefer modern arms either. Simply making the point that not every gun is for everyone.
 
Another range session today, 50 rounds of some Federal 55 grain 5.56. No malfunctions, so far with just shy of 150 rounds thru the rifle it's run smooth as butter.

Since last session I've made a few changes. I added a MI 2 piece free float hand guard, a BCM detachable carry handle, a BCM large latch charging handle, and a BCM short forgrip (used as a handstop).

With those additions the Springfield feels a lot more comfortable in my hands. More ergonomic for my shooting style, and I already feel my grouping has improved. Doesnt hurt that its also a lot more enjoyable to oogle at haha, I went for a functional Modern/Retro vibe.

With those changes and more shooting time I'm starting to "Get it". It's become very comfortable for me to shoulder it up and fire smooth and consistent. I'm starting to change my opinions on this platform and feel with more shooting time I will enjoy it even more. Its not as "satisfying" as my Henry but its growing on me and am happier for adding it to the collection then I was previously. Depending on what the future holds I can see myself piecing together another one, more of a fully modern variation.

For what need/want I'm enjoying the 5.56 round more and more. And if more variation becomes available (FMJ seems quite common, but feel a quality expanding round would be quite nice) I think my bases will be covered.

In short I guess sometimes you "get it" right away and sometimes you I just need some more experience before the answer becomes clear.
 
You need good ammo if you want good groups. 55 FMJ, even from Lapua, is not going to give you the best accuracy.

I enjoy shooting all of my guns, including my AR but I have been shooting one since I was 14. Shooting it off a bench and making tiny groups, especially at 25 yards, is boring to me. Go out and shoot a 3-gun match or similar sport and then you will see the fun you can have with an AR.
 
Their have been a few, mostly gone now.
I dont like the SKS, but they do go bang reliably so I have a coupla laying around for loaners.
I dont really like AR type rifles, bad experience many years ago left me without another one for 35 years, but the one I currently own, probably purchased because some govt lacky said I couldnt own one, functions, and lays around too.
Parker Hale left me cold, mosin nagant, the same way. But their gone, and I'm way more selective these days.
 
Glad you are enjoying the rifle, @HngMnHnryDvdsn!:thumbup:

They do tend to grow on ya...

index.php

The Big Guy.
index.php

For the shower...
index.php

Longsword.
index.php


I feel like I’m missing one. The 450Bushmaster!
index.php

If you have doubts about a fifty grain bullet, just add 250 to that.;)
I’ve shot this one most last year. That will change this year, as I’ve a new suppressor for the Blackout.
Showering in quiet?:D
 
I love ARs, I think it's the Barbie doll for men you can get/build one in many ways from short or tall, blond,brunette or redhead.
There are some that just don't work for me.
 
My AR eats too much ammo in one sitting but that is the way it was designed. So, it is a rifle that is appreciated for its potential rather than daily use. To satisfy the shooting appetite my bolt actions or levers will suffice. Same satisfaction but much less consumption of hard to find ammo. I suppose the ultimate would be spending a lot of time with the .22 - shoot all day without giving up lots of resources.
 
Rifles? I guess every *Enfield* I've made a pass at other than the sole-survivor "Jungle Carbine"

Otherwise, all handguns.

Lugers.

Revisited them twice only to find my feelings for them had not changed a whit.

Also Colt SAAa... Well, really any Colt revolvers of any era.

My most recent disappointment:
4tepsq.jpg

Todd.
 
HngMnHnryDvdsn said:
Anyone ever get a rifle and not fully fall in love with it?
Took my Springfield Saint to the range today along with my Henry. Both rifles I need to shoot more and improve my accuracy, only a 25 yard range and I still struggle to shoot the bullseye consistently.
The Henry i added a ranger point precision peep sight and my grouping has drastically improved, however I still consistently shoot right of poa, even with the sight adjust almost fully left. Per my research I feel it may be a bit of trigger control and possibly anticipating recoil thats causing my to shoot right, elevation is good but off center a bit. Still love the rifle, easy to clean, fun to shoot, love the lever action.
The AR however I don't "fully get". The prism scope I have on it is much easier to dial in, tho due to ammo availability I can't pile up 1 or 2 brands/loads and really get a solid feel. Its eaten and extracted everything I've thrown at it including some Russian steel case, so thats a plus. It's fairly comfortable in my hands, tho I feel with a few tweaks it could be more comfortable (debating a free float 15" handgaurd to give may improve ergonomics for myself). Not difficult to service/clean but definitely "more complex" compared to the Henry. Its a fun rifle to shoot but I'm not fully in love with it, and am debating selling it and putting the funds toward another lever action or towards a future handgun fund. That or I just got to shoot it more.

Anyone else get a rifle/handgun they thought they'd love only to feel kinda meh about?
Click to expand...
My AR. It slings brass compared to a bolt gun.
I own it and my semi auto handguns more as a tool than because I like them.
Every American should own one and a few hundred rounds to feed it.
Lever guns are for fun.
 
Loving your gun means you enjoy your time with it. Doesn’t matter how cool it looks or popular it is. My favorite guns are the ones I don’t have issues out of. That being said 99% of the issues that come up with guns can be corrected if you’re willing to do what it takes. I have guns that gave me problems and I took time to address the issues and now they have a place a purpose and I wouldn’t part with them. My ar being the one I use the least. Functions flawless shoots moa and has never given me an issue. It did however take more time and money to learn how I liked it set up than anything else. I wouldn’t get rid of your ar just be patient and figure out how it best suits you. Under the right conditions it would be my first grab. Under any other conditions I have other options set up for specific things
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

trigga
  • Locked
wanting another .22lr rifle
Replies
23
Views
869
CB900F
C
K
  • Locked
  • Poll
Lever action or semi-auto .22?
2 3 4
Replies
75
Views
11K
grant1265
G
S
  • Poll
Best 45-70 lever gun?
2
Replies
47
Views
2K
Riomouse911
Riomouse911
C
  • Locked
Range Report: Henry Mod 001 .22
Replies
0
Views
268
CornCod
C
T
  • Locked
What Do I Do? Henry Golden Boy .22 vs Scope for 10/22
Replies
12
Views
848
thebucket
T
Back
Top