If the last two posts didn't make it clear, there are those who have settled on one company to provide the best value. As they see it.
Cost effectiveness of every dollar spent isn't something much discussed. Yes, you get what you pay for, sometimes you can pay way too much for what little use it might get. The point being some want a certain brand or type more for the bragging rights of ownership rather than the best match to what they will use it for.
Lately, two or three optional features have dominated sales - adjustable stocks, quad rail handguards, and piston actions.
1) Adjustable stocks offer little in return for the money. If you don't own and use a vest, you have even less reason to bother. The A1 and A2 stocks do what is needed, place the butt in your shoulder. Another $50-$100 won't give any MOA improvement in accuracy or targeting. If someone is shooting a thousand rounds a week in training, it might help. Otherwise, the majority of owners don't keep their basic skills up enough.
2) Quad rails are expensive scope mounts. 48" of picitinny rail is an institutionalized answer to fielding a lot of versatility in a structured organization. It's not leading edge or even necessary for the average shooter. Many hunters can't use lights and lasers legally in season, many just can't afford another $1k in accessories, and most don't have membership in a SWAT team. Simple handguards with bolt on rail strips will do. The free float will improve accuracy 1/2MOA, a better barrel will deliver that.
3) Pistons have their proponents. There still are no side by side tests that clearly prove they are superior. Given the majority of stoppages are caused by magazines and ammo the $400 spent could go for better ones, not the typical damaged surplus mags picked up cheap and shot with rejected ammo. I'm always amazed to hear of Tier One gun shooters using Tier Three ammo and brushing off the malfunctions. The insistence on only buy the best, what is your life worth? seems to ring a little hollow then.
The original tactical AR was not black. It was green. If it's tactical, it's low key and should go unnoticed, not stand out visually shouting for attention. This is where most decide to go for the bling, all black, fancy stock, quad rail with accessories, billet parts, and an emphasis on looking expensive. Really grabs the eye on the range.
I firmly believe that is the end game of most of the current buyers. The counterpoint is that leveraction sales and other traditionals have taken a dump. It's largely a game of marketing to the newer gun buyer.
