The Official 2nd Amendment Appreciation Thread

[txbo]

He'd also be overspending

Depends on who’s hands you put it in. The reliability is useful for all but the accuracy will only be meaningful to those capable of unleashing it.

Of course, I forgot, everybody on the internet can build a sub MOA AR that never has a failure. Carry on.

 

[Halph66]

There are a lot of YouTube videos about paying for the name. There are a very limited manufacturers of AR mil spec parts. Most purchase from the same manufacturer and put their names on it. A few OEMs have their own manufacturing. If the parts are mil spec they are supposed to be identical. Barrels are a different matter however. Barrels like optics can make a huge difference.

Not everyone on YouTube is perfect, but there is a wealth of knowledge out there. The B.S. will be obvious to most. Educate yourself, and make the best decision for you. With $1,500 you should be able to do very well, and I don't think you will be sorry. If you are like me, I could get 2 or 3 AR's for that and be very happy.

I own a Armalite M-15 DEF and I'm very happy with it. My son has a Diamond Back. We had to upgrade his trigger group because it was terrible. My next one will most likely be a Palmetto State Armory kit so that I can have the fun of assembly, or an AR-10.

The beauty part of firearms is that you can always trade your mistakes away, learn something and try again.

The fun part of AR-15s is making exactly the way you want it. The modular components make it addicting. The AR platform is just plan fun to shoot.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

So I just won an auction on a Colt 6933 on Gunbroker. My 3rd Colt, first SBR. This gun will probably serve me better as a duty rifle, especially in a dynamic / active shooter response. Takes me back to my SRT days (which are long past), but it'll be nice to heft a solid room broom again. Wonder if I can still fit into my old flight suit? Anybody got a PASGT I can borrow?

GV knows. We've been swapping emails offline.

Time is on my side here. It will take time for the ATF paperwork to go through, so I'm in no hurry to start accumulating the necessary accoutrements to turn it into a solid fighting rifle but....

SIAP, but I'm planning to follow the same template for this one as on my current Duty/HD AR: Geissele SSA-E, Aimpoint PRO, Bravo B5 Stock, Hogue grip, Magpul 2-point sling, and either the TLR-1HL on my current AR, or a Scout light I have on a shelf in the closet. It comes with the FSB and a Magpul BURS, and I "absolute" co-witness through the Aimpoint, so all good there.

This Zombie Killer will be fed a steady diet of Federal XM556SBCT's. Once I'm dialed in on MPBR, I'll shoot the IMI 55's for proficiency, but this will be a serious gun. So it gets serious ammo.

Although I think I know the right path to follow here, this is a new gun, familiar mission, and a chance to make any changes before they cost me money. I'm not replacing the FSB, at least not yet. For me, having that FSB there is one less thing I have to flip up if the Aimpoint goes out. Same with the clunky Colt handguard/heatshield. I'm a "thumb forward" shooter, and it just works for me when working the light (which is on an FSB mount, left side).

EDIT: After some online research on the 11.5" barrel, looks like Hornady 75 grain TAP SBR will be the default round.

Fire away. I've probably got 3 to 6 months to make up my mind.

 

[Halph66]

I want one of these Ruger Precision Rimfire .17 HMR 20" Threaded Barrel. Supposed to be a tack driver.

I prefer the O.D. Green color but I don't think they make it in .17 HMR, only the .22 LR. The other option is .22 WMR. 18" and 20" barrels.

 

[Plecoptera]

I recently finished another AR-15 build.
Lower Receiver: Anderson stripped lower, Magpul ACS stock and MOE K2+ grip, CMC 3.5lb single stage flat trigger, Aero Precision parts kit.
Upper: Bison Armory 6.8 SPC II 18" SPR upper. I thought about building the upper myself but this Bison Armory upper had most of the parts I was going to use. I will probably build the upper on my next rifle just for the experience (it's really not that difficult to do).
Optics: Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10/44 with SWFA S.S.A.L.T mount.

I love the 6.8 SPC for hunting. It's one of the top choices for deer or hogs in a standard AR, especially with a shorter barrel (the cartridge was designed for the M4 carbine so it works really well from a 14.5-16" barrel). I've been using this cartridge for about 3 seasons in a White Oak Armament 16" Varmint upper and have killed several deer and a hog so far. Terminal performance with Federal XM68GD (90 grain Speer Gold Dot bonded core bullet) has been excellent.

 

[txbo]

I recently finished another AR-15 build.
Lower Receiver: Anderson stripped lower, Magpul ACS stock and MOE K2+ grip, CMC 3.5lb single stage flat trigger, Aero Precision parts kit.
Upper: Bison Armory 6.8 SPC II 18" SPR upper. I thought about building the upper myself but this Bison Armory upper had most of the parts I was going to use. I will probably build the upper on my next rifle just for the experience (it's really not that difficult to do).
Optics: Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10/44 with SWFA S.S.A.L.T mount.

I love the 6.8 SPC for hunting. It's one of the top choices for deer or hogs in a standard AR, especially with a shorter barrel (the cartridge was designed for the M4 carbine so it works really well from a 14.5-16" barrel). I've been using this cartridge for about 3 seasons in a White Oak Armament 16" Varmint upper and have killed several deer and a hog so far. Terminal performance with Federal XM68GD (90 grain Speer Gold Dot bonded core bullet) has been excellent.

White Oak barrels are impressive on their own but for the price, they are simply incredible. Give one of their 18” SPR barrels a try.

 

[BennesseeVols]

Hey wise ones. I’ve decided to add an AR-15 to my collection. It will be my first rifle as I only own handguns (Glock 26, Sig P238, SFA 1911 45 Tactical). I’m a newby so probably looking for a fully assembled gun, and won’t spend more than $1,000 - $1,500 on it. I’m not a hunter so main use will be plinking, home defense and the random zombie apocalypse. From what I’ve already read 223/5.56 appears to be the best caliber. I’ve got plenty of time here as I’ll probably buy it in March of next year. Any best times of the year to buy? What other advice should I heed? Obviously I’ll read the threads just looking for lessons learned and key must haves. Thanks.

Midwest industries.

 

[YankeeVol]

So I just won an auction on a Colt 6933 on Gunbroker. My 3rd Colt, first SBR. This gun will probably serve me better as a duty rifle, especially in a dynamic / active shooter response. Takes me back to my SRT days (which are long past), but it'll be nice to heft a solid room broom again. Wonder if I can still fit into my old flight suit? Anybody got a PASGT I can borrow?

GV knows. We've been swapping emails offline.

Time is on my side here. It will take time for the ATF paperwork to go through, so I'm in no hurry to start accumulating the necessary accoutrements to turn it into a solid fighting rifle but....

SIAP, but I'm planning to follow the same template for this one as on my current Duty/HD AR: Geissele SSA-E, Aimpoint PRO, Bravo B5 Stock, Hogue grip, Magpul 2-point sling, and either the TLR-1HL on my current AR, or a Scout light I have on a shelf in the closet. It comes with the FSB and a Magpul BURS, and I "absolute" co-witness through the Aimpoint, so all good there.

This Zombie Killer will be fed a steady diet of Federal XM556SBCT's. Once I'm dialed in on MPBR, I'll shoot the IMI 55's for proficiency, but this will be a serious gun. So it gets serious ammo.

Although I think I know the right path to follow here, this is a new gun, familiar mission, and a chance to make any changes before they cost me money. I'm not replacing the FSB, at least not yet. For me, having that FSB there is one less thing I have to flip up if the Aimpoint goes out. Same with the clunky Colt handguard/heatshield. I'm a "thumb forward" shooter, and it just works for me when working the light (which is on an FSB mount, left side).

EDIT: After some online research on the 11.5" barrel, looks like Hornady 75 grain TAP SBR will be the default round.

Fire away. I've probably got 3 to 6 months to make up my mind.

Honestly just do what you like. 99% of modifications or what company to use boils down to personal preference.

I'd suggest giving Vortex Optics a look. I have the Spitfire 3x on my RDB. I'll most likely go with them for my glass for the AR-10 as well.

 

[Plecoptera]

White Oak barrels are impressive on their own but for the price, they are simply incredible. Give one of their 18” SPR barrels a try.

I have a .223 upper from White Oak with an 18" SPR barrel that I like really well. I built it for target shooting and coyote hunting.

 

[Plecoptera]

Honestly just do what you like. 99% of modifications or what company to use boils down to personal preference.

I'd suggest giving Vortex Optics a look. I have the Spitfire 3x on my RDB. I'll most likely go with them for my glass for the AR-10 as well.

How do you like the Spitfire 3x? I've looked at them online and have read reviews and they seem pretty nice for the money. I'm thinking about trying a Spitfire 3X on my next build.

 

[YankeeVol]

How do you like the Spitfire 3x? I've looked at them online and have read reviews and they seem pretty nice for the money. I'm thinking about trying a Spitfire 3X on my next build.

For the money it can’t be beat IMO. I wanted an ACOG. I’m not paying that price lol.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

Another note: After reading about it on AR forums for a while now, and talking to a couple of local Tackleberry's I work with, I'm going to try Mobil 1 full synthetic, 10W30 as my running lube for my AR's.

Anybody else here do that?

 

[txbo]

I have a .223 upper from White Oak with an 18" SPR barrel that I like really well. I built it for target shooting and coyote hunting.

Their barrels are dominating service rifle competition right now. Top 4 places at Camp Perry were White Oak barrels.

 

[DEFENDTHISHOUSE]

Another note: After reading about it on AR forums for a while now, and talking to a couple of local Tackleberry's I work with, I'm going to try Mobil 1 full synthetic, 10W30 as my running lube for my AR's.

Anybody else here do that?

Yup. One quart should last a long time.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

Yup. One quart should last a long time.

Thanks. I've been reading about it for awhile. Couple of coworkers swear by it for AR's.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

Next question (GV, I know you're lurking...help me out here)...

Looking at the Vortex Spitfire 3x optic. Hear me out, and follow my logic (if there is any to be found).

Moving to the 6933 as a duty/HD rifle, that would relegate my current 6721 to backup duty. That rifle currently mounts an Aimpoint PRO. Love that optic. GSP SWAT turned me on to it, and that is a tough, reliable, accurate, user friendly RDS.

Out to 100 yards or so, where old eyes start to betray you.

Enter the Vortex. I've read, and been told, that you can still shoot "both eyes open" at close range, but then close the non-dominant eye to get the benefits of the magnification at longer ranges. That, and the FBS disappears through the optic (as is the case with magnified optics), but this is not an issue due to the etched BDS reticle on the Vortex. So still good there. No need to co-witness, which is what I did with the PRO.

If I go to the 6933 as my duty/HD rifle, would it not make more sense to move the PRO to that rifle, and mount the Vortex on #2? If we assume worst case scenario...active shooter...I'm looking at a 50-100 yard shot at most, indoors or out. Likely much closer. At those ranges, the PRO is the obvious choice for my thinking. Even beyond that, with an MPBR zero, the PRO puts me within "minute of man" out to 200 yards.

So, mount the PRO on the 6933, the Vortex on the HBAR, and now I have a reliable backup for the 6933, but the magnification to make 200+ yard shots easy (in theory).

Or should I just get another PRO so that all is the same across the board? FYI, I have a Nikon P-223 (3-9x) on my 3rd AR. I set that one up for longer shots. I have no idea why. Just couldn't stand to let it sit there without at least an excuse of a purpose, I guess. I blame GV. Not really his fault, his advice has been solid from Day 1, but I have to keep Upper Management happy, so I pinned it on GV. I left him 100 rounds of XM556SBCT in my will. All good.

So...when I finally get the ATF stamp...6933 for duty/HD; 6721 is the backup; and 6721 #2 for a long-range option. Only the 6933 will go 10-8 with me. The setup is critical for my patrol rifle. If I ever have to pull it out, seconds and accuracy will count. I cannot afford to finish 2nd in that fight.

There are many here who shoot more, and better, than I do. Here's your chance to put me on the right path.

Please do.

Go Vols.

 

[YankeeVol]

To me it makes sense to have them each set up for a purpose (along your line of thinking). Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

I have the Spitfire on my Saint.

I will be placing a red dot on the RDB.

I'll (likely, may go with more magnification) have a 1-8x on my AR-10.

 

[InVOLuntary]

I have the eotech with the magnifier. It's the best of both worlds. It's currently mounted on my 300B/O SBR with a Saker 7.62 suppressed. It's a great setup for a multi-use weapon.

 

[YankeeVol]

I'm getting a free mag for my troubles at least

 

[GreyWolf1129]

Think I'm going to move the PRO to the 6933; mount the Vortex on the primary 6721, TLR1-HL on the 6933, Scout on the 6721, and then finish the 6933 with the same trigger, stock, sling, charging handle, grip, etc. as the primary 6721.

Time is on my side. I'm probably 8 months away from taking the 6933 home.

I have 100 rounds of TAP 75 SBR inbound for testing when the 6933 gets here. Good reviews on that round out of short barrels.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

75gr TAP SBR rounds came in today. Nice. In 8 months or so, I should be able to launch them out of my 6933.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.....

 

[YankeeVol]

75gr TAP SBR rounds came in today. Nice. In 8 months or so, I should be able to launch them out of my 6933.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.....

Reasons while I'll never own an SBR or silencer....I have ZERO patience, as in like negative patience.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

Reasons while I'll never own an SBR or silencer....I have ZERO patients, as in like negative patience.

I hear ya. Much the same here. I've been nibbling at the bait on an SBR/AR pistol for almost a year now. I've got another year, two at the most on the blue line, and then it'll be time to hang it up. But having a short carbine to work buildings and hallways with is a plus, so...

I was down to the 6933 and the Saint Victor. Both had good reviews. But the 6933 keeps my AR collection "all Colt", and so I benefit from complete interchangeability when the Zombies show up. That, and I can see the day when SBR's, and possibly AR pistols are legislated out of our reach. Figured I'd get one while I could.

Go Vols.

 

[YankeeVol]

I hear ya. Much the same here. I've been nibbling at the bait on an SBR/AR pistol for almost a year now. I've got another year, two at the most on the blue line, and then it'll be time to hang it up. But having a short carbine to work buildings and hallways with is a plus, so...

I was down to the 6933 and the Saint Victor. Both had good reviews. But the 6933 keeps my AR collection "all Colt", and so I benefit from complete interchangeability when the Zombies show up. That, and I can see the day when SBR's, and possibly AR pistols are legislated out of our reach. Figured I'd get one while I could.

Go Vols.

I’m sure I’ll pick one up here eventually. The itch always get scratched. I have the Saint Edge, you would have liked the Victor.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

I’m sure I’ll pick one up here eventually. The itch always get scratched. I have the Saint Edge, you would have liked the Victor.

It's a long story...I've probably already told it here at least once, so no full-length repeat...but over the past four or five years I have spent a lot of time, and more money than I'd care to think about, putting my home into a position where we can hold our own, off the grid, for anywhere from 10-30 days, depending on how long the generator, spare gas, Wise food, MRE's, water, ammo, and luck holds out. Obviously, the need to be able to mount a strong self-defense capability is included. Thus began my most recent love affair with all things 5.56 and .45 ACP. Solely in the interest of "interchangeability of parts in a pinch", I went all-Colt with my 2nd and soon-to-be 3rd AR. I probably could have done it better, cheaper, or both, but I decided to stick with Colt and the price that comes with buying a brand-name. Toss in a spare BCG up on the shelf, plus all of the original parts that I saved when I upgraded triggers, stocks, grips, etc., and I've got a nice collection of spare parts should anything fall off one of my rifles.

Or, as GV would so eloquently state, I'm "queer for Colt". Be that as it may, I am simply not in the same league as some of you out there that have a toy collection that would make Eugene Tackleberry look like Obama Girl. Every gun I own was bought for the sole purpose of self-defense. I don't hunt anymore; I don't shoot competitively (or all that well to begin with); nor do I sit naked in my closet and watch Apocalypse Now while cleaning my guns. Self-defense, plain and simple.

I have no doubt I would have loved the Victor. Just as good as the Colt (if not better for CQB); cheaper; and much less hassle to acquire. It all but came down to a coin flip. I'll let you know in a few months if I like the way I went. I did get the opportunity to play around with one (not shoot) a while back...can't remember where or how...and I really like the way that gun mounts and moves through hallways and doors. So we'll see.