I'm liking my AR-15 more and more!

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SN13

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I own 6 different AK pattern guns in multiple calibers from 5.45 to 30-06 to 12ga.

I've always been a keen fan of the simplicity and durability of the AK design. I like the recoil pulse of the AK. The smell of steel cased ammo laying at my feet.

I never really cared for the AR's Bang, clang, bwwwaaang sound when firing. The AK's Bang, Cla-chack sound was more to my liking.

The AR had an awkward recoil feel to me as well. Almost as if the gun recoiled from the shot, and recoiled again from the bolt/buffer reaching the rear, and pulling back forward awkwardly at the end when it all came back together.

BUT,

This being said, I'm really impressed with how quick my follow up shots are and how light the gun is. I really enjoy shooting it much more than I used to.

Here's my AR. We are having a blast. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0gsBMbt2vQ


My Thoughts on the AR:

The AR has a very ergonomic feel, the recoil is linear, and the rifle is light-weight. It's modular and has a huge aftermarket backing. These are it's real strengths.
 
Neat video. What camera are you using?

I've had a similar experience with AR's. After years of hearing how fussy and complex they were, I found the AR to be one of the simplest firearms I've ever owned. There's almost nothing to it. A straw shoots gas into a tube attached to the bolt. It's like something I would have rigged up to fire spitwads at my brother back in the 70's. Running with standard ammo in three or four range trips now it has had no jams apart from one double feed from a particular 20-to-10 post-ban magazine that's just about worn out. As far as the "mess" in the action, compared with the smoke poles and worn bore Mosins there is no mess. A little light soot, that's it. Granted I haven't run more than 250 rounds at a session with this, but that's also a lot more than I usually shoot from a centerfire just due to the ammo weight. I love how light this is and how light the ammo is.

I've had some issues with various aspects of the physical design, but as you say the aftermarket parts are so easy to get you can do just about anything you want with an AR.

The only shortcomings I can see are with certain questionable used magazines and the 5.56 itself. But you can upgrade to 6.8 or even Beowulf. Then there's the AR-10.

The AR had an awkward recoil feel to me as well. Almost as if the gun recoiled from the shot, and recoiled again from the bolt/buffer reaching the rear, and pulling back forward awkwardly at the end when it all came back together.
Click to expand...

I noticed something along those lines. It almost feels like it's rattling with the recoil, or jerking back and forth. FWIW mine settled down when I put in an acu-wedge. I think you can also tweak the recoil buffer.
 
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Camera- Casio EX ZR-100. $278

I won't clean my AR until it fails to feed or extract properly. I'm at 900 rounds of Federal Bulk ammo so far.
 
I must be crazy because I don't notice a bang thump. I hear snap.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
 
I won't clean my AR until it fails to feed or extract properly. I'm at 900 rounds of Federal Bulk ammo so far.
Click to expand...
Interested in the outcome. This is probably a more pertinent test than most of the other torture tests since my guns are not very likely to be buried or run over by vehicles :)
 
My AR has something over 4000 rounds through it. Mostly Silver Bear, some hand loads and some M193. I'm still waiting for it to stop on me.
 
I shoot silver bear in my 5.45x39 but never tried it in the .223

I just figured why bother? I've seen alot of people have problems with steel-cased .223.
 
I was the same way two years ago i was an AK guy, eastern block block all the way, nuts to the west. Two years latter, iv owned four ARs and love them.
 
I don't think i'll own more than 1 AR. Unless i get an AR-10. But in .223 I'll only own one.

I do like that there are so many options for modifications though. I try to keep things simple and light on my rifle though.

I have 3 items I'd like to get eventually.

1. Magpul BUIS set.
2. New Brake (LJC/Lund Titan Comp)
3. More mags.
 
Once you break in that AR really nice, you don't notice the spring sound anymore.
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I don't notice the "sprong" when I'm shooting mine - I notice the lack of it though.

Embrace the "sprong." It means you have at least one more round left...
 
Like others, I've found the AR to be about the simplest autoloading rifle to maintain. No tools required for field stripping. Very few parts to fuss with. No sharp edges to contend with while forcing parts together under spring resistance.

It takes me far longer to clean an AK, and it's a lot messier on account of the gas tube and piston. I keep all my guns well lubed with CLP, and the only place the AR requires scrubbing is right around the gas tube with a Q-tip. Other than that, a dremel with a cup brush down the bolt carrier and hose the whole receiver down with brake cleaner, then reapply CLP and assemble. The AK? I end up covered in black speckles from cleaning the tube and piston off, the latter usually requiring the bench grinder and wire wheel to get clean to my liking.

Of course, neither of the rifles require the kind of meticulous cleaning I do, but it my preference.

In summary, while I enjoy the AK's, I enjoy the AR much more. Truth be told, if it weren't for cheap ammo, I probably wouldn't even own an AK.
 
the main point of keeping it lubed isn't to reduce wear as it is to reduce friction that can lead to your BCG telling you to screw yourself at the worst possible moment - whether it be in the middle of a carbine match, or a shootout.

Dried out residue and gunk can hang up the carrier and bolt and this can cause problems.
 
Interested in the outcome. This is probably a more pertinent test than most of the other torture tests since my guns are not very likely to be buried or run over by vehicles
Click to expand...

I've got more than one AR that has gone well over 1,000 between cleaning sessions with no malfunctions.

How many rounds through a dry gun until it shows significant wear when compared to a fully lubed?
Click to expand...

ARs are very robust and reliable guns, however, in order to minimize the chance of a malfunction, you should lube the weapon regularly. ARs run best wet.
 
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