In weighing out factors, it was figured that we needed more practical modern defensive arms having available ammo along with a high rate of firepower. The stock of weapons around here includes the usual compliment of U.S. military rifles including .303 Lee Enfields, M1 Garand along with assorted lever action Marlin rifles and pump riot shotguns. Have three pistols including two Model 1911 forty-fives but those are just considered to be backup sidearms and not front line defensive weapons.
Having been abandoned years ago, after much thought, in re-consideration, the AR15 platform was again chosen. A long standing idea is that the most credible and immediate genuine threat faced is economic disintegration along with a sudden collapse of the ballooned welfare entitlement state. The desperate pissed-off mobs will rampage first in the urban areas and then move out into the country-side.
Actually . . . managed to pick up a couple of complete lower receiver units within the past few weeks in citizen to citizen private deals. In thinking about it, there hasn't been a dealer purchase in about 20-years now.
Anyway, built up two AR15 type rifles using those lowers. One is an M16A2 clone comprised of USGI components with most being of FN manufacture. The way I look at, that thing is essentially a full size military USGI battle rifle. The other AR is a middy length M4 type carbine built using a Palmetto State Armory FN barreled upper assembly. That one is a really tactical looking arm with GI type BUIS and electronic reflex sighting.
We wanted heavy duty mil-spec grade upper assemblies with full-auto bolt carrier groups that if needed, could be instantly swapped out onto selective fire lower receivers. Since we understood our particular weapon, the change-out of lowers would be seamless with no learning curve required.
When we purchased this house, it came equipped with a cedar lined sauna bath room. Never having been used for it's intended purpose, the windowless space was turned into a storage compartment for preparedness supplies. Both of those AR15 rifles are stashed away in there with the other stuff. The way we look at, the AR rifles are simply tools that perhaps one day might be assigned to a specific purpose.