What type of shooting to enjoy most with your AR?

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SwissArmyDad

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I find that I keep going back and forth on an optic for my Middy-MOE AR. I love the simplicity of the aimpoint pro, but have been thinking about trying some longer range shooting, so a 1.5-4x20 scope keeps popping up as a good compromise.

I guess it all depends on what i use it for, right? That might be my problem.

For example, my LCR has a white painted front sight blade and nothing else, because its my everyday, all day carry piece. (K.I.S.S) My bedstand gun, an XD-9, has night sights and a TLR-1 flashlight so that i can identify my target at night and use the light as a shield if need be.

So far, after a few years of ownership, the AR is simply a range toy, and i realized the problem i'm having chosing an optic likely stems from the fact that i don't really have a true use for it yet. (Unlike the two afore-mentioned guns which are both more like tools for very different specific purposes)

The AR WAS very fun to build and i shoot it well, but i honestly don't trust the round to take large game and if, i'm honest, i am reluctant to employ it in a home defense situation for several reasons (muzzle blast, it getting taken away as evidence, legal issues arising from CA's draconian position on certain types of weapons.)

Anyone have a similar experience or revalation? I know some subscribe to the "never sell a gun" philosophy, but I don't collect things, "just because". They've got to have a real use, or they get thinned out of the herd.
 
I pretty much only use mine as a range toy, to let other people have fun with it, or the occasional 3-gun.

If you're considering getting rid of it anyway... why would you be worried about it getting taken away as evidence? :confused:
 
What type of shooting to enjoy most with your AR?

None because I don't want to wear it out!

Seriously, the AR rifles I have are pretty much dedicated to range shooting. While I am not real big on scopes one of mine does have a scope. Bought it used and it came that way. Anyway, all of my AR rifles are pretty much range toys. I do not use them for hunting, not because they aren't well suited but because I have better choices for hunting in my rifle stash.

Getting older and my range time is important relaxation time. Just enjoy the dog days of summer and leisurely sending rounds downrange from all my rifles.

Ron
 
My AR is just for fun. It could serve as a hunting firearm, but I have a few better choices for that. I mainly shoot steel and paper with it and like to let other folks shoot it. Mine is a simple carbine with a sling, Vortex Strikefire, and magpul handgaurd. I'm building another one now that will be for scoped use. It will end up being primarily a range toy, too.
 
Thanks for the great responses so far. I'll have to check in my area for types of matches y'all are mentioning.
 
I like shooting steel plates and exploding water filled plastic bottles, the occasional package of Tannerite is always good for some smiles.
 
I've got mine rigged in Retro A1 style and I love it as a simple and accurate range gun. One of the most enjoyable guns to shoot.
 
1. Competition. 2. Training/practice for competition and defense. 3. Varminting

I have 3 currently.. all set up for different uses. A dedicated rimfire rifle, a near 'stock' Colt 6920 and a kit build I set up for varminting and competition. If I get a .300 upper I might try taking a deer with it.
 
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I've got 3 AR's and each and every one is used for a different purpose, The bull barreled one is for long range target shooting/varmints, the M-4 is used for 3 gun and general plinking, and the M&P 15-22 is used for target as well as rabbits, and squirrels. Fact of the matter is I just enjoy shooting them all. No specific purpose actually.
 
Mine is strictly for self defense and the only shooting I do with it is to practice for that purpose. I find shooting bolt actions more "fun" and only keep the AR around for the aforementioned purpose.
 
Range, hunting, competition, leaning against the night stand, and other uses we aren't allowed to discuss on THR. Call it, utility.
 
Mainly things that have to do with preparing for the type of use the Anti-Federalists had in mind when they wrote the Second Amendment.

The most fun thing I do with my ARs is compete in cross-country run 'n gun events, which involve running several miles with your guns, gear, and ammo, and completing shooting stations for rifle and pistol along the way. If all you've ever done is shoot from a stationary position or running through short stages that take no more than a few minutes to complete, having to shoot when hot, sweaty, and tired on a 7 mile run through the desert is a whole different ball game!
 
Let me help you SwissArmyDad! I had this same problem some time ago. The quandry of setting up my AR for short (CQC), intermediate (100-300?) or long (up to 600 or 700) range? How does one solve this problem, maybe a 1-4, 1 to 6, or even 1-7 power scope. None of these are perfect, they're just a compromise. So what should one do?

Well, Ill tell you! Buy another 1 or 2 ARs! My 20" rifle length is bone stock (detachable carry handle), a tribute to my brother. Our soldiers got by with this set up for many years. My eyesight is stupendous so it works for me. This works for close to medium range just fine.

Here's where I get backwards, I building a 16" recce hybrid AR for longer range. Weird, I know. It works for me though. Instead of a 2.5-10 or a 3-9 power scope I'm going with a 4-12x40. I look at it this way though, If I'm at home in relative comfort the 20" works great! What if I' not at home? I'll need a lighter weight but I'll want magnification. Plus it also has back up iron sights for any close encounters with wild pigs, dogs, and other animals I don't want to meet in the dark.

To some this might not make sense, but I'm a strange duck. I did just pay more money for a stock that made my 10/22 into a bullpup that looks like a FN P90 than I actually paid for that little Ruger. Sometimes you just have to let your freak/oddball/eccentric flag fly! Good Luck!
 
I waited many years to buy an AR, because I had no USE for one. I finally bought one last summer, just as a Range toy. I have plans to use it in carbine or 3gun. But for now it's main purpose is to chew through mag dims of Wolf steel cased ammo with the Slide Fire. That is the most fun I have had shooting in a long time.
 
shooting a suppressed SBR at night with NODs and an IR laser
though i also enjoy 3gun, HP, carbine classes and just plinking
 
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