Contra-AR -- Weird?
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barnbwt
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Am I wrong? Lots of funkadelic designs that are today looked upon with disdain have brilliant features that are overshadowed by something really obvious like an integral clip-fed mag in an autopistol (Steyr Hahn), or ugly overall layout (Hotchkiss Universal --quite possibly the most too-clever-by-half firearm there is), or howlingly bad production quality (Remington R51)
Then again, there's also the Hotchkiss Portative. Literally the only redeeming quality seems to be the inexplicably-satisfying selector/cocking knob. The heavy mechanical clank and notchy feedback is reminiscent of the gear selector for a lathe or other large machinery, and just feels "right" for such an ungainly piece of impractical steampunkery.
TCB
Then again, there's also the Hotchkiss Portative. Literally the only redeeming quality seems to be the inexplicably-satisfying selector/cocking knob. The heavy mechanical clank and notchy feedback is reminiscent of the gear selector for a lathe or other large machinery, and just feels "right" for such an ungainly piece of impractical steampunkery.
TCB
jamesinalaska
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I don't own an AR either.
Nor do I allow my mind to drift into fantasies like "what if zombies attack my town."
Nor do I allow my mind to drift into fantasies like "what if zombies attack my town."
jamesinalaska
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Wait a minute, zombies do attack my town, every spring and all summer long. They're called TOURISTS.
coloradokevin
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I've never been the "AR-15 guy", but I've owned a number of them, and got my first one back in the mid-90's (before they were the universal measure of a cool gun owner — my first one was a "post-ban" A2 design… looked just like an M-16 A2 without the flash hider or threaded barrel.
I've owned AR-15s since then, but my main interest is in long range shooting with bolt guns. Still, when I recently decided that I wanted a .300 Blk rifle, I decided I'd build an AR-15, just so I could make it how I wanted it.
Some people love them, some people hate them, and there's no denying that it's a versatile platform. And, I think that's the root of why you see so many of them. After all, what is an AR? It is (depending on the choices an end user makes):
1) A competition rifle
2) A target / plinking rifle
3) A home defense gun
4) A gun for use 'when the zombies come'
5) A hunting rifle
6) A durable and weather-resistant rifle
7) A rifle that can be customized to reflect the style, desires, and need of its owner
Even if you don't personally like them, it's easy enough to understand why they seem to be virtually everywhere these days.
I've owned AR-15s since then, but my main interest is in long range shooting with bolt guns. Still, when I recently decided that I wanted a .300 Blk rifle, I decided I'd build an AR-15, just so I could make it how I wanted it.
Some people love them, some people hate them, and there's no denying that it's a versatile platform. And, I think that's the root of why you see so many of them. After all, what is an AR? It is (depending on the choices an end user makes):
1) A competition rifle
2) A target / plinking rifle
3) A home defense gun
4) A gun for use 'when the zombies come'
5) A hunting rifle
6) A durable and weather-resistant rifle
7) A rifle that can be customized to reflect the style, desires, and need of its owner
Even if you don't personally like them, it's easy enough to understand why they seem to be virtually everywhere these days.
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You know, this summed it up for me quite well. I don't own a 1911, either, but I do have a PPS-43C (technically classified by BATFE as a pistol). I took my SKS apart and made it a Franken-KS with various furniture pieces and add-ons. Common firearms are simply not interesting to me.Some of us just rub two pieces of bread together really fast. Some of us build a machine, to burn our toast; a gloriously complex and arcane device known to but a few, that only works right some of the time, but grants wings to ten angels with each successful firing (accompanied by cloud-burst)
I realized long ago I'm very contrARian in my gun tastes; it's not that I'm out to rub cool stuff in others' faces (merely a side effect, I swear) but I enjoy hunting for and learning about stuff that isn't neatly laid out for you ahead of time. The notion of watching a step-by-step How to Build (read: assemble) an AR Youtube video and following along sounds like the most soul-crushing experience imaginable to me. Following Ian's video detailing the process of assembly/reassembly for the Hotchkiss Portative to make sense of the parts kit in hand was entertaining, and ripping apart a crappy R51 down to pins and needles was extremely fun.
Tokarev? No, give me a CZ52. SHTF rifle? Nay to both AR, AK, and SKS, I'll take a VZ58 thank you. 1911? I'll do you one better and take a 1912 (Steyr). My first 9mm was a P35 Hi Power (somehow considered obscure) precisely so I could avoid a 1911, and the first modern pistol apart from the five-seven was the R51 (you can't qualify for CCW in Texas with the 5.7x28
Weird guns give you a better bang for your buck if the goal is to enjoy the design/engineering aspects of firearms. If the goal is to convert money to noise and hone your dexterity, your tastes will become dull, bland, and boring, much like the nutrient-poor diet of a vegetarian. For those inventively-minded, odd guns serve a crucial purpose as inspiration, so often containing brilliant ideas or methods that were hamstrung by bone-headed or patent-forced flaws that prevented their original success.
TCB
(In the spirit of full disclosure, I do have several very standard firearms that haven't been modified in any way. I can't really put my fingers on why some guns are spared the screwdriver, wrench, and punch while others routinely go under the knife to be reborn as something else.)
I agree wholeheartedly. Unquestionably, the AR is a very versatile and adaptable firearm with a devout following. I do feel that its ubiquitousness is precisely what's turning me off from it.
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stubbicatt
Member
To OP: You are not alone.
I built a Spacegun for cross the course in the early 90s. Its the only AR I ever owned. Try as I might, I just don't like them. Nothing wrong with them, I don't suppose, but I prefer walnut or wood and steel.
Perhaps it is that "sprooing!" under my ear when I shoot one.
I built a Spacegun for cross the course in the early 90s. Its the only AR I ever owned. Try as I might, I just don't like them. Nothing wrong with them, I don't suppose, but I prefer walnut or wood and steel.
Perhaps it is that "sprooing!" under my ear when I shoot one.
DMK
Member
I own ARs, AKs, SKS, Garand, FAL, love 'em all.
I don't own a Glock. I know they are good guns, but it doesn't bother me any. They just don't appeal to me.
I don't own a Glock. I know they are good guns, but it doesn't bother me any. They just don't appeal to me.
I never had one until 4 or 5 years ago.Didn't think I had any use for one until the coyotes got problematic around here and I decided I needed something short,handy and semi-automatic to keep in the tractor cab.I saw a used AR for sale in the local paper and called about it.The guy let me shoot it over the weekend,and it impressed me with the combination of accuracy and firepower in a small package.I still only have the one AR,though I have a couple of safes full of other rifles.I love it,just plain and simple,but also love accurate long range bolt guns.That said,an AR based 308 is looming on the horizon...
This is why I finally got one...at first.
I have been in the infantry all my life and am still in the Nat. Guard so I never felt a need to personally own one since I'm issued them all the time. The Obama scare '08 made me finally get one just to have (I knew no gun laws would be passed, it just prompted me to pull the trigger on one), now I'm working on 5.56 AR build #3 and I also built a .22 AR. They are kind of addictive since you can just buy a few lowers through an FFL then slowly mail-order the rest as the mood strikes you.
Stripped lowers can be had for as little as $39.95 (Anderson, on sale frequently at AIM surplus).
My advice for anyone looking to get into ARs is wait for the next sale and buy 3 stripped lowers for $40-$50 ea. Then assemble 1 lower and mate it with a good quality pre-assembled upper and you will have 1 nice AR to shoot and 2 stripped receivers for future builds whenever.
bannockburn
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Nothing weird about not having an AR; it doesn't necessarily appeal to everyone. An AR was the second rifle I bought; right after I picked up my Ruger 10/22. Always wanted an AR even as a kid. Started by getting mags, web gear, ammo, and even a bayonet, from various army surplus dealers; all long before I was old enough to even buy the rifle. Then it was a matter of saving up enough money to buy one. Finally got it and while I have changed and added a few different parts and accessories to it, it's still the same basic AR platform that I wanted so many years ago.
Ash
Member
I've owned three AR's, an old-school Bushmaster, a Stag Arms, and a Rock River. I never keep them. I don't care for the platform and heaven knows I have tried. Two grand later, I'm just not enamored by them. Others are free to like them. Ditto for the 1911, though in that case I really, really, wish I liked them more. I like them just fine, but never keep one (and have owned numerous ones).
Mini-14, M14, and Springfield P9 in .45acp are my automatics (got some 9mm's and a couple of m1 carbines, too). I gravitate to a .357 revolver these days and for long-distance shots the M14 does just fine. I have some funky snipers' rifles, including a cherry Czech VZ-54/91 plus old Mossberg bolt-actions for hunting. But for me, no AR's, thank you. I've been there, done that, ain't going there again.
Mini-14, M14, and Springfield P9 in .45acp are my automatics (got some 9mm's and a couple of m1 carbines, too). I gravitate to a .357 revolver these days and for long-distance shots the M14 does just fine. I have some funky snipers' rifles, including a cherry Czech VZ-54/91 plus old Mossberg bolt-actions for hunting. But for me, no AR's, thank you. I've been there, done that, ain't going there again.
Andy2
Member
The AR series of rifles are fine, but just not for me.
I carried a M-16A2 in the Army at times, and while I am very proud of my service ,the rifle itself has some bad memories for me.
For all of you who have one enjoy it , they are a great rifle "off the shelf" or with whatever you care to add on...
Andy
I carried a M-16A2 in the Army at times, and while I am very proud of my service ,the rifle itself has some bad memories for me.
For all of you who have one enjoy it , they are a great rifle "off the shelf" or with whatever you care to add on...
Andy
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