Anyone else NOT like AR15s ?

[proven]

robtattoo- what are your "better choices" for a truck gun and HD? it's the HD that i'd like to hear most about.

the trick with the ar is that it will do most things well. hunting, competitions, plinking, HD, truck gun....it's very suitable for any of those purposes. to think it's not is silly for it's used in those roles all the time by countless shooters.

 

[Robtattoo]

AK, SKS, any shotgun, any lever action in pretty much any caliber..... Not saying they're nescasarily better, just equally suitable.

 

[J_McLeod]

I like them. It's what I've carried at work for the last nine years, they are easy to handle, modular and shoot a cartridge that is adequate and easy to use and reload.

There are some things I've always disliked about them though. The handguards are a lot of trouble to remove. The charging handle is in one of the worst places conceivable. It could have been built without a spring in the stock so it could fold, but it wasn't.

 

[mshootnit]

the AR-15 platform does have limitations. So if you like to take your 12 power scope on your 257 Weatherby and shoot deer out to 400 yds, you likely will not find a match in an AR-15. Or if you like 300 Win Mag horsepower for example. But the AR-15 does suit a number of roles. If you don't like em you don't like em. Everybody has their own tastes and that's just fine. Mine keep evolving and changing. My dad shakes his head with some of the setups I bring out to hunt with. 16" 6.8 this year. Next year might be a 464 30-30

 

[Mac's Precision]

I would agree with your position on the AK and SKS for a truck gun. I too would select those as I'd not be upset if either of them were stolen

I'd be all kinds of if my beloved AR was ripped off.

 

[proven]

no, see, you said "better". and "any shotgun" isn't a rifle. perhaps you should get your argument straight before start making statements you can't back.

people have offered many reasons why the ar platform is much more versatile than the ak sks, or any lever action. or are you trying to say that the ak, sks and lever actions can do everything that people have mentioned the ar can do in this thread?

i guess the making of a tacticool fanboy is that they can recognize versatility where as you can't.

 

[whalerman]

One of the things I appreciate most about firearms is simplicity. I like bolts, falling blocks, single actions, break opens, simple stuff. That's why I have my issues with AR types. I see springs, hinges, flaps, uppers and lowers, all kinds of stuff that needs tweeking. Maybe someday I'll get into 'em, but not yet.

 

[Robtattoo]

Ok, my apologies. In my opinion, the AK, SKS, are better truck/hd guns than the AR. Bger hole, same capacity, cheaper to buy, easier to maintain......

 

[Inebriated]

I don't particularly like AR's. I don't like .223 at all, and I don't care to pay for .300 BLK or .458 SOCOM due to price. It's a bit too expensive of a platform to shoot .22, 9mm, or .45 ACP. I really only like .308 out of it. I also don't particularly like their feel, either. Good guns, but not really my thing. I'd like to build one to my tastes at some point... .308, quality parts, and fairly minimalistic. That's one thing I don't like a lot of other people's AR15's... too much stuff hanging off for what they use it for.

 

[W.E.G.]

The gun is a tool.

If you don't like the looks of a particular gun, don't buy it.

You can usually do the same job with a hammer from a different manufacturer.

If you are listening to the hype from either side, your attention is not where it should be.

Its your money. Spend it as you see fit.

 

[Aiko492]

Different strokes....

 

[Robtattoo]

I guess the question I maybe should've asked is; why would I replace 3 rifles with an AR & 2 extra uppers & sight setups? Other than familiarity with the trigger pull, what advantage would I have?

 

[Inebriated]

I guess the question I maybe should've asked is; why would I replace 3 rifles with an AR & 2 extra uppers & sight setups? Other than familiarity with the trigger pull, what advantage would I have?

You're still bringing 3 bags to the range, stocking 3 calibers, cleaning 3 barrels, etc. etc. etc. If you like the ergonomics, then you have that benefit, and if you can actually fit the uppers to the same lower (some calibers require their own lower due to size), then you only have one trigger to know. Just my thoughts, but unless you like the AR, you won't see a benefit. If you like it, then of course you'll be happy. Like WEG said... a gun is a tool, just like a hammer, and and how you hit that nail is completely up to you. .223 coming out of a 16" AR will kill a Coyote the same as a .223 from a 16" AK

 

[CSestp]

If you consider a 500 meter capable with iron sights out of the box for $750.00. and 40 dollars for 100 rounds. With out getting a sore shoulder a bad thing then I guess I wouldn't like the AR platform ether.

 

[Robtattoo]

CSestP, I'm not knocking the accuracy of the AR, or the price of ammo, I'd like to know WHAT you're shooting at 500yds. My guess is solely targets, which brings me right back to ' range gun.' At that range none in their right mind is going to use a .223 round to hunt anything bigger than coyotes, at best. For purely range use, surely a bolt action .223 will produce superior accuracy, so again, where does the AR fit?

 

[wlewisiii]

I spent 16 years carrying one.

Never. Again.

I've got a very nice cowboy AK in my Winchester 94 .30-30. I'll take that out any day and twice on Sunday instead.

 

[Fall Guy]

I love my AR at work. I've come to trust it and it is light and handy for it's intended purpose. I also can certainly see the appeal as a fun gun to shoot and tinker with. I don't think it makes a great hunting arm though. In certain situations/configurations it would be great such as a heavy barrelled one in a dog town or a standard one setting up for coyotes. In general hunting situation I think it's more awkward to carry, harder to shoot precisely and its strengths aren't really needed. To each his own though. For fun stuff anything goes and it'd be hard to beat for the serious stuff.

 

[Mac's Precision]

Are you discussing the AR platform? OR is it going to be a lengthy discussion on the potential capabilities of all the various calibers it can be chambered in? He did say it was a platform that was capable of 500 meters. It is. 5.56 can and is used at that range and seemingly the military thinks that it is viable on human targets which are larger and armed. If you feel the 5.56 is inadequate at that range then perhaps either of the 6.5 or 6.8 loadings would impress you more? As stated before the 6.5 Grendel from the AR platform has and IS used on deer sized game at 500 yards. The 6.5mm bullet is just getting settled into flight at 500 yards. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't stand at 500 yards and allow ANY reasonably skilled shooter with an AR in 5.56 or 6.5 OR 6.8 shoot at me.

Again..the gun is capable, the caliber(s) is(are) capable. Fact of the matter is that ANY rifle AR or blue steel and hard wood in ANY caliber is vastly more accurate and capable than 99% of the shooters that own them. Further MOST shooters Can't make an AR or a good bolt gun run to it's max capability so arguing if an AR is more or less accurate than a bolt gun is quite funny. When I go to the range I see a lot of guys with bolt action guns that bought them for the added accuracy .....and I glass their targets to see a 100 yard group you couldn't cover with a pie plate.

So again, buy what you like, shoot it a lot and be happy. Your not missing anything. AR's aren't for everyone.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Wasn't interested in one until I could afford a Colt. Have to say, wish I had picked one up years before I did.

Modern rifles are not the M-16's of yesteryear. Buying a "brand name" rifle in THIS era of multiple mfg's and competition for the buyer's dollars have made all of them 'better'.

 

[Teachu2]

I've been involved in shooting for about 40 years, and I never cared for the AR platform - or any of the other semi-auto centerfire rifles. Why? In my experience, the majority of shooters don't shoot a semi-auto nearly as accurately as a bolt action, probably because they know they can keep shooting until the target finds a bullet. I also didn't care for the look of the wannabe military weapons, and the look of the wannabe GI Joes that often owned them.
I once let a friend talk me into buying a Mini 14, back when I was a FFL holder. Got one in stainless with the factory folding stock. Took it out and shot it, and was very happy to sell it to him at my cost - I couldn't hit squat with it.
Recently I started shooting in our friendly competitions at the local indoor range, where they have a scheduled event designed for mostly fun. We've shot Alka-Seltzer tablets at 10 yards offhand with handguns, aspirins at 15 yards with rimfire rifles, and other fun events. The December event was different - pistol, carbine, and shotgun, all supplied by the range. The pistol was a S&W M&P 9mm, the carbine was a S&W M&P15Sport in .223, and the shotgun was a 20 ga pump. The carbine impressed me, and since my hunting is ground squirrels, skunks, and coyotes, (and the rangemaster has indicated they will be having competitions that require a carbine in a centerfire rifle caliber), I thought what the heck. I have one on the way.
For me, it just adds a little more variety to the gun safe. I have bolt actions in calibers I use for varminting (.17HMR, .223, 3 .22-250s, and a .308), a Ruger 10/22 for plinking with my kids and grandkids, 3 shotguns, a HiPoint .45acp carbine, and a bunch of handguns (both semi-autos from .22LR to .45acp and revolvers from .22LR to .357).
I enjoy well-made firearms. My long-standing prejudice against black rifles has precluded me exploring that segment of firearms, but I'm dipping a toe into that Black water now......

 

[twoblink]

I've been from the get-go, anti-AR and even more so, anti-Berettas. I think basically two of the worst designed guns, and here they are given to our military. AR's where do I begin.. the biggest problem I have is that it poops where it eats... But remember, just because everybody is using it doesn't mean it's a great platform.

 

[maskedman504]

I can only assume with a comment like that, you're just here to stir the pot. Range duty? You realize, I'm sure, it's the platform that's used all around the world by our military to protect your freedom. Seems like a heck of a job for a "range queen".

And however did we protect ourselves before the AR? I am tired of the deity like status the AR is regareded with. Infantry could do just as well with AK- Hell- issue them M-14s. IMHO the AR is like a cult weapon. I don't know why you need flashlights, lasers, bottle openers etc on a combat rifle.

 

[ns66]

people are most comfortable with what they are used to or good at, just human nature
but that's not weapon's fault
enjoy whatever you like

 

[Inebriated]

And however did we protect ourselves before the AR? I am tired of the deity like status the AR is regareded with. Infantry could do just as well with AK- Hell- issue them M-14s. IMHO the AR is like a cult weapon. I don't know why you need flashlights, lasers, bottle openers etc on a combat rifle.

No no no, you're thinking of COLT!


I do agree that the AR gets a pretty intense following, but it also has a group that hates it with the same intensity. As with every gun. Or every THING for that matter. When people realize a rifle is nothing but some metal and plastic or wood, they'll be happier.

 

[holdencm9]

I've been from the get-go, anti-AR and even more so, anti-Berettas. I think basically two of the worst designed guns, and here they are given to our military. AR's where do I begin.. the biggest problem I have is that it poops where it eats... But remember, just because everybody is using it doesn't mean it's a great platform.

Haters gonna hate. I did get a kick out of your last sentence though. I guess same could be said for Glocks...1911's....pretty much any popular firearm. I think the "just because everyone likes them doesn't mean they are good" argument only applies to pop music.

I do agree that the AR gets a pretty intense following, but it also has a group that hates it with the same intensity. As with every gun. Or every THING for that matter. When people realize a rifle is nothing but some metal and plastic or wood, they'll be happier.

Agreed! Just buy what you like, shoot what you like. Anytime something gets overwhelmingly popular it becomes fashionable to dissent.