Jumping into world of ARs

[HngMnHnryDvdsn]

Looking to jump into the AR platform (crazy time right?!), and was hoping to get some opinions.

Primary use is range use and property protection. Due to NY rules I've chosen to keep the features but loose the detachable mag, and shell be stuck at 10rds. Looking at 5.56 caliber but maybe in the future with a new upper switch it to 350 legend.

Knowing ill eventually mod and customize i don't want to get in too deep off the start however I want something quality that I may keep stock for a while.

Debating on the Springfield Saint vs Something like the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 or Ruger 556.

Any thoughts/opinions/tips/photos you guys wanna share?

 

[rkittine]

As a fellow New Yorker, I do not see any lessoning of the laws regarding Semi-Auto Rifles in New York, but can see the possibility of things changing nation wide. Until the January Senate races are over in Georgia, I would not be buying an AR type rifle right now. There are plenty of things you can use legally for protection and plenty more that you can have fun at the range with.

Bob

 

[IdaD]

Are detachable magazines illegal in NY? I don't think now is a bad time to buy an AR other than from a cost standpoint, although I can't say how the NY angle plays into things. Any of the guns you mentioned would serve those roles well, as would a PSA build which may get you a little more for the money - and if you're planning on modifications it may be wise to build one so you only pay for the features you want once.

 

[BreechFace]

Best to wait until a NYer here chimes in, they’ll have the best information.

 

[rkittine]

In New York, you are allowed ONE POINT when buying a conforming AR. If you get one with a Pinned Magazine, so you have to reload the magazine while it is in place in the gun, then you have have a pistol grip etc.

Bob

 

[HngMnHnryDvdsn]

Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit. Grabbed a Springfield Armory Saint chambered in 5.56/223. Had Allstar Tactical (love this place) install their Safemod magazine lock with a magpul 10rd pmag (can drop the bottom n clear double feed if necessary). Took the vortex spitfire off my Henry and installed it on the Springfield, awaiting a ranger point peep sight for the lever action. Got it cleaned and lubed. First shots/sight in this coming Sunday! Ordered an assortment of ammo online to experiment with what it likes, hoping things simmer down and ammo becomes a bit more plentiful and prices drop so I can by cheap n stack deep (yes, late to that game but stuff happens haha).

Any tips/tricks/recommendations from my fellow AR guys?

 

[NMexJim]

Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit. Grabbed a Springfield Armory Saint chambered in 5.56/223. Had Allstar Tactical (love this place) install their Safemod magazine lock with a magpul 10rd pmag (can drop the bottom n clear double feed if necessary). Took the vortex spitfire off my Henry and installed it on the Springfield, awaiting a ranger point peep sight for the lever action. Got it cleaned and lubed. First shots/sight in this coming Sunday! Ordered an assortment of ammo online to experiment with what it likes, hoping things simmer down and ammo becomes a bit more plentiful and prices drop so I can by cheap n stack deep (yes, late to that game but s**t happens haha).

Any tips/tricks/recommendations from my fellow AR guys?

I think you'll like the Saint. The 1:8 twist may work a little better than a 1:7 for lighter bullets plus the mid-length gas port might be a plus. I can't speak to the trigger, but that's the first thing I replaced in my Colt LE6920.

 

[mshootnit]

I think you'll like the Saint. The 1:8 twist may work a little better than a 1:7 for lighter bullets plus the mid-length gas port might be a plus. I can't speak to the trigger, but that's the first thing I replaced in my Colt LE6920.

Factory new single stage triggers suck. Granted. However if you run that trigger on the order of 12,000-15,000 times you will be surprised how nice it gets. My BIL had bought an old Colt carbine lower from a pawn shop. This thing was USED. and that trigger was cool.

 

[HngMnHnryDvdsn]

Took my new Springfield to the range today and got it sighted in at 25 yards (don't have an accessible outdoor range, atleast locally). This thing is a joy to shoot! At today's ammo prices definitely a quick and easy way to burn some cash tho!
Only put 50 rounds thru it and had zero issues. Very smooth trigger, very comfortable to shoot. Already considering some new options for it such as a new way to mount my sling, possibly a new handgaurd (thinking of converting to free floating) and possibly a new variable magnifying scope. The spitfire I have on there now works awesome, but wouldn't mind a bit more precision.
Due to my states laws, detachable magazines are a no no with the current setup. I got some Bear flag defense 10rd quick loaders. Not too shabby of a product. Slips in the ejection port easily, does take a decent amount of force to pop in the 10rds (first time using it and I fed the magazine 9 and the 10th rd stayed loose on top, fell right out and went to work). Feels like a sturdy product, will have a stronger opinion once I get used to/use em more. But I enjoy them more then splitting the upper/lower receivers to load.
Harder to catch the brass compared to my bolts/levers but only had two spent cases go MIA. I don't reload yet but have plans to do such in the future.
Until ammo prices settle down I unfortunately don't plan on shooting it as much as I'd like to, my Henry will get more range time. But I'm definitely glad I jumped down this rabbit whole. Tho will all the available "accessories" and ease of dumping ammo my wallet isn't as excited.

Also, quick question in regards to those who reload. I have my 223 and 5.56 brass separated. However curious to know on acceptable brass condition for reloading consideration. I only pickup my own brass fired from my rifles. Noticed a few have "scratches" near the mouth (definitely not cracks) and a few have slightly "mushed" mouths (i figure from lightly pushing the spent brass into a pile with my boot, as strange as it is the range I frequent doesn't really like when you pickup your brass, but they've accept it with me as long as I'm subtle about it). I would think that with basic reloading equipment and care that these are good to go, but curious on some more experienced opinions.

 

[Hjalkarsson]

the first thing that comes to mind was midlength gas system vs carbine. the Springfield Saint is midlength. those are smoother shooting and more tolerant of a wide range of ammo. also the Saint has some creature comforts on it too, it's a good gun.