The AR is a neat little carbine for a lot of reasons, one of which is that it is easy to customize and make your own. I have seen a lot of really nice set ups posted here and elsewhere, but wonder if sometimes less isn't really more.
I see the AR carbine as being best when it is also light and maneuverable. Yet, if you add a gadget here and a gadget there, the ounces soon add up to pounds and you end up with an 8.5 pound AR.
It is somewhat dependent on what you want to do with the carbine, of course. But for most people, an AR is mainly used for plinking at 150 yards or less, and home defense, so it is mostly a short range carbine.
For me, an AR is best if its kept simple and light. I like a lightweight profile barrel, a small red dot like the Aimpoint T1 or Trijicon MRO, and sometimes a rail mounted light on the front end. And thats it.
Vertical forend grips add nothing for me. The higher end stocks made by Magpul don't add anything for me either. Storage compartments in the buttstock or pistol grip are neat, but really how often is a battery going to run down in the middle of shooting? It adds weight to carry stuff in the compartments, and I just don't see a reason to do so.
I don't need a magnifier for my red dot. I never found they work as good as an optic that has magnification built in, and most of my shots are less than 150 yds.
For my use, a sling isn't necessary, and in a home defense situation could be a snag liability.
I see the AR carbine as being best when it is also light and maneuverable. Yet, if you add a gadget here and a gadget there, the ounces soon add up to pounds and you end up with an 8.5 pound AR.
It is somewhat dependent on what you want to do with the carbine, of course. But for most people, an AR is mainly used for plinking at 150 yards or less, and home defense, so it is mostly a short range carbine.
For me, an AR is best if its kept simple and light. I like a lightweight profile barrel, a small red dot like the Aimpoint T1 or Trijicon MRO, and sometimes a rail mounted light on the front end. And thats it.
Vertical forend grips add nothing for me. The higher end stocks made by Magpul don't add anything for me either. Storage compartments in the buttstock or pistol grip are neat, but really how often is a battery going to run down in the middle of shooting? It adds weight to carry stuff in the compartments, and I just don't see a reason to do so.
I don't need a magnifier for my red dot. I never found they work as good as an optic that has magnification built in, and most of my shots are less than 150 yds.
For my use, a sling isn't necessary, and in a home defense situation could be a snag liability.