..I have shot the AR15 types many times and never did find it all that exciting or interesting...I did find the AK types somewhat interesting to shoot..and when I first shot & owned an M1 carbine, that was quite satisfying to shoot...my last military rifle has been an M1 and although years ago I didn't entertain the idea to buy one myself, I have quickly found it to be my favorite one so far...why?..individual taste maybe ?...??
Military arms you just couldn't warm up to..
- Thread starter aspen1964
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El Tejon
Member
No, what people "like is what people see in the movies and television.
Jackal
Member
I cannot, just cannot enjoy shooting a military Mauser. I don't have any idea why. I have owned several ranging from a beater M48 to a pristine K98, and I just can't warm up to them.
I think that might explain it until you fire one at the range..then you will decide liking it or not after firing one..also, I have seen as many M16s on tv or the movies as any other military gun....so that wouldn't explain it for me either...
Rev. DeadCorpse
Member
AK's I'm ok with. Still don't like the ergonomics on the SKS though. I've enjoyed everything else I've shot though. Haven't tried a Nagant yet, so there could be additions later... ;-)
'Card
Member
To tell you the truth, I don't get all that excited about any military long arms.
A lot of the criteria that go into designing a good issue weapon are things that just don't apply to me. Simplicity of operation and limited recoil, for two examples, are a big deal in the selection process if you're going to have to teach people to use it who aren't already familiar with guns. Those issues just aren't relevant to me.
While I certainly like a gun to be reliable, I'm also capable of cleaning and maintaining one pretty well myself. If you're designing a gun to issue to troops, you can't assume that's something they can do on their own. I don't have any need for 20-round mags, I don't have any interest in being able to attach 20 different gizmos to it, and I don't require a small caliber because I'm not going to be carrying around 250 rounds of ammo.
I realize that most military-style rifles can be reasonably accurate, but most of the time this is accomplished by a lot of tweaking, tuning, and aftermarket parts. Given the option, I'd really rather have one that shot pretty well right out of the box.
Last but not least, I don't think people give enough credit to how much of a role cheap manufacturing and cheap maintenance often play in the military's selection process. It's easy to forget when you look at how much you have to pay for the civilian version of the same weapon, but a low-cost, easy-to-make design is a much bigger factor than some folks realize.
I carried an M-16 for a few years, and I've fired FAL's, G3's, AK's... pretty much the entire modern crop of issue weapons. I felt like all of them made compromises that made them suitable for the military, but weren't necessary for me as a civilian buyer and experienced shooter.
A lot of the criteria that go into designing a good issue weapon are things that just don't apply to me. Simplicity of operation and limited recoil, for two examples, are a big deal in the selection process if you're going to have to teach people to use it who aren't already familiar with guns. Those issues just aren't relevant to me.
While I certainly like a gun to be reliable, I'm also capable of cleaning and maintaining one pretty well myself. If you're designing a gun to issue to troops, you can't assume that's something they can do on their own. I don't have any need for 20-round mags, I don't have any interest in being able to attach 20 different gizmos to it, and I don't require a small caliber because I'm not going to be carrying around 250 rounds of ammo.
I realize that most military-style rifles can be reasonably accurate, but most of the time this is accomplished by a lot of tweaking, tuning, and aftermarket parts. Given the option, I'd really rather have one that shot pretty well right out of the box.
Last but not least, I don't think people give enough credit to how much of a role cheap manufacturing and cheap maintenance often play in the military's selection process. It's easy to forget when you look at how much you have to pay for the civilian version of the same weapon, but a low-cost, easy-to-make design is a much bigger factor than some folks realize.
I carried an M-16 for a few years, and I've fired FAL's, G3's, AK's... pretty much the entire modern crop of issue weapons. I felt like all of them made compromises that made them suitable for the military, but weren't necessary for me as a civilian buyer and experienced shooter.
Joe Demko
Member
I've tried to like the SMLE and it just isn't in me to do so.I shot a bunch of them and owned a couple, but I never had the same enthusiasm for shooting one that I've had for other bolt guns.
Terrierman
Member
M-14. Let the flames begin.
Depends what you mean by "warm up."
For example, the AK. It's kinda fun to shoot an AK. Yes, I do live in California, but there are some pre-ban guns floating about. I don't have one, but I've shot them. However, I think an AK, set up with standard plank wood hardware, is not especially comfortable. It's fine for its intended purpose: peasant armies running around spraying bullets, and it's a fun toy. But it's not a gun I could really love, like take out of the safe and just shoulder and admire on a regular basis.
I have an SKS. It's still sitting in Cosmoline, as it has been for a long time. It's an interesting piece, and a relatively rare one for a Yugo. But I've never been obsessed with taking it out and shooting it. It was more of a "buy a 59 before they're all gone" purchase. I'd rather shoot my Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, which remains my favorite "long-range plinker."
My AR lowers remain without uppers. I bought them because of a legal window of opportunity in California. I'm not in any hurry to spend money on uppers.
I don't know. I think that any military/milsurp guns I've bought have been "get them cheap while you can", or "get them before they're banned" purchases, more than "I want a shooter!" purchases. Now that there's a kid on the way, I kinda wish I'd have put the money in the bank instead. Of course, one day, he'll get some cool rifles that aren't so readily available any more, so I'm not regretting it too badly.
I wish my dad had picked up some M1 Carbines, Garands, GI 1911's, 98 Mausers, etc., when they came in Cracker Jack boxes.
For example, the AK. It's kinda fun to shoot an AK. Yes, I do live in California, but there are some pre-ban guns floating about. I don't have one, but I've shot them. However, I think an AK, set up with standard plank wood hardware, is not especially comfortable. It's fine for its intended purpose: peasant armies running around spraying bullets, and it's a fun toy. But it's not a gun I could really love, like take out of the safe and just shoulder and admire on a regular basis.
I have an SKS. It's still sitting in Cosmoline, as it has been for a long time. It's an interesting piece, and a relatively rare one for a Yugo. But I've never been obsessed with taking it out and shooting it. It was more of a "buy a 59 before they're all gone" purchase. I'd rather shoot my Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, which remains my favorite "long-range plinker."
My AR lowers remain without uppers. I bought them because of a legal window of opportunity in California. I'm not in any hurry to spend money on uppers.
I don't know. I think that any military/milsurp guns I've bought have been "get them cheap while you can", or "get them before they're banned" purchases, more than "I want a shooter!" purchases. Now that there's a kid on the way, I kinda wish I'd have put the money in the bank instead. Of course, one day, he'll get some cool rifles that aren't so readily available any more, so I'm not regretting it too badly.
I wish my dad had picked up some M1 Carbines, Garands, GI 1911's, 98 Mausers, etc., when they came in Cracker Jack boxes.
desertvet762
Member
Arms I have NO interest in:
Steyr AUG
Mosin Nagant
ANYTHING made by Robinson Armament
ANYTHING made by H&K
CETMEs
non-WWII German Mausers
Steyr AUG
Mosin Nagant
ANYTHING made by Robinson Armament
ANYTHING made by H&K
CETMEs
non-WWII German Mausers
rection47
Member
Only military rifle id like to have is maybe the M14 or G3, and an M24(pretty sure thats the one based on the rem 700).
Otherwise id pass on the rest, Especially and AK, i hate how they look and have no need for something so rugged.
Otherwise id pass on the rest, Especially and AK, i hate how they look and have no need for something so rugged.
I'm different in that I absolutely love military style guns. Pretty much all of them across the board.
Traditional "huntin" guns leave me kind of, well, bored I guess. Not that I have anything against them, and I own several. I appreciate pretty blueing and nice wood and all that, but I just don't get excited.
Now stick me in a room with some new thing made out of plastic and rails with laser beams shooting out of it, and I totally geek out.
Strangely enough, my favorite hunting type guns are usually tweaked Mausers, or 1917s.
Traditional "huntin" guns leave me kind of, well, bored I guess. Not that I have anything against them, and I own several. I appreciate pretty blueing and nice wood and all that, but I just don't get excited.
Now stick me in a room with some new thing made out of plastic and rails with laser beams shooting out of it, and I totally geek out.
Strangely enough, my favorite hunting type guns are usually tweaked Mausers, or 1917s.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
M1A aka M14---hated the thing---don't know why---just did.
Can't like the M16/M4 platform. It's probably ok for Street fighting in Iraq, but it's full pistol grip and jutting magazine are a pain in the butt to get in and out of a vehicle or small guard shack. If it were up to me, I'd carry an M1 carbine or a handgun on the job. Ironically, I own a Bushmaster "M4orgery", but in the two years I've owned it, I've only shot about 100 rounds out of it. I never liked the SKS either because it's an ugly commie p.o.s.
TimboKhan
Member
Much to the amazement of almost everyone who has heard me say it, I don't like FAL's. I can think of a bunch of ways to say why I don't like it, but in the end, I just don't.
Mikee Loxxer
Member
AR, I see too many of them at the range and on the tube. AK, I don't like the construction. M1 Carbine, only one I ever tried jammed on the second shot and the proprietary cartridge seems underpowered.
DesertVet's right
I'd add to your list a Steyr M95 strait pull, and Enfield no 5 Jungle carbine. I dislike being brutalized by a poorly designed rifle and I'll include the MN 91/30 tho it is an excellent plowboy-sojer rifle and noteworthy for accuracy
I either avoid those or develop reloads to make the suit MY needs.
Steyr AUG -THAT is tupperware! Not a gun! I dont find any interest in the British standard bullpup either.
I am a student of the MAUSER and want to shoot all I own with ONLY my reloads
I have a 8 mm Czech VZ 24 that I rebarrelled for my 7.62 x 39 CB reloads
I have a Swiss K-31 strait pull that I am reloading for too, as I am for my '96 SWEDE which is a delight to shoot with it's originally designed ammo. Cant find a mould for 6.5 Swede I like so I'm using Midway fmj bulk pak bullets
Yodar
I'd add to your list a Steyr M95 strait pull, and Enfield no 5 Jungle carbine. I dislike being brutalized by a poorly designed rifle and I'll include the MN 91/30 tho it is an excellent plowboy-sojer rifle and noteworthy for accuracy
I either avoid those or develop reloads to make the suit MY needs.
Steyr AUG -THAT is tupperware! Not a gun! I dont find any interest in the British standard bullpup either.
I am a student of the MAUSER and want to shoot all I own with ONLY my reloads
I have a 8 mm Czech VZ 24 that I rebarrelled for my 7.62 x 39 CB reloads
I have a Swiss K-31 strait pull that I am reloading for too, as I am for my '96 SWEDE which is a delight to shoot with it's originally designed ammo. Cant find a mould for 6.5 Swede I like so I'm using Midway fmj bulk pak bullets
Yodar
RNB65
Member
Can't stand the AK. Made for people with no necks and really short arms.
Not a big fan of the 1911 even though I own a Springer loaded. Grip is too skinny and the safety is exactly where my thumb wants to be which forces me to put my thumb in an unnatural position to shoot it.
Never have liked the Beretta 92.
Not a big fan of the 1911 even though I own a Springer loaded. Grip is too skinny and the safety is exactly where my thumb wants to be which forces me to put my thumb in an unnatural position to shoot it.
Never have liked the Beretta 92.
The Brits standard rifle looks as dorky as a weapon possibly can. Come on, guys, either pick up the M16 or the G36, fire a rifle that makes you look as a man should.
Speaking of such, I have enjoyed every expierence I have had firing AR-style .223 rifles, but I really can't say I trust my life to a .22 caliber bullet. In close range combat, I'd take an M1 Carbine over an AR. Of course, I can think of few combat situations where I'd want anything other than an M1 Rifle. Unless it's a shotgun or pistol.
Glocks are military pistols in some places, right? Good, because they are the most uncomfortable handgun I have ever handled. And the "three safties in the trigger" thing scares the daylights out of me. Oh well, thats why I won't buy one.
Speaking of such, I have enjoyed every expierence I have had firing AR-style .223 rifles, but I really can't say I trust my life to a .22 caliber bullet. In close range combat, I'd take an M1 Carbine over an AR. Of course, I can think of few combat situations where I'd want anything other than an M1 Rifle. Unless it's a shotgun or pistol.
Glocks are military pistols in some places, right? Good, because they are the most uncomfortable handgun I have ever handled. And the "three safties in the trigger" thing scares the daylights out of me. Oh well, thats why I won't buy one.
das028
Member
Never liked those "commie" guns!
Rocko, I'm not sure Glocks count either, but I second your negative feelings. I sold a G17 at a loss after 100 rounds. Probably a great gun for the new owner, there are certainly legions that love them. They have a great reputation also. These are all the reasons I bought it to start with. It's just not for me.
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