I decided today to buy an AR-15 M4 carbine version.....anyone else make this same decision? It will be a S&W....Wanting to be ahead of the ball...
Randy

I have been interested in buying a AR for a couple years. I don't
have any interest in these type rifles as a rule. I want one in the
same model with carry handle like the M16s we had in the Army.
I'm not going to pay rediculous price or want one built from
parts. I know nothing about the new ones and all the makes and
models. I basically want one for old times sake.

I did not and will not do it as I have no use or desire to own one. However, I have just read some posting on the Internet that indicate gun sales are on the rise as the adverserail rhetoric of the guntrol issue intensifies. That might mitigate some of the losses firearms manufacturers have taken since the election. I want to make sure that all understand I am not making a politcal statement by this post. I think the cause and effect relationship based upon shootings is an economic and not a politcal reality.

I bought one immediately after the Newtown,Conn. school shooting in 2012?
Haven't even opened the box yet.
Why? Already had a ss Ruger 223 ranch rifle.
It is a Beastmaster,bought at our Walmart for 948 dollars plus tax.

I was never interested in the ar-15 nor the 223 round. The ar-15/223 serves no purpose to me more hunter than shooter in the past. I did get my foot in the door very cheaply when the new Russian izmash saiga s in 223 carbines were offered for $259 when they first hit our shores. Just couldn’t pass up that price for a ak/akm style Rifle. The 223 round is a plinking round. I won’t hunt with it. I purchased the saiga in 308win first. She spits out the 308 round like a semi auto 22. She doesn’t hiccup or jam. She just runs through ammo. I figure the saiga in 223 would make a nice pair. I believe the ar-15 style rifles are banned here. I just got under the wire before the saiga made the ban list I got lucky.

My point is if you want one better buy it now.

I'm talking with my wife about getting an M1 - want a real "weapon of war" and prefer something with some reach.....it's just hard to justify as I have no need for one other than I want one.

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Who watches the watchers?

I think wanting one is a great reason. Wanting a true classic gun is no different from wanting a classic car or watch. You buy it because you admire it.

Couldn't agree more. Plus it's what I learned to shoot long-guns with when I was a kid. CMP is getting more into the system fairly quickly with some new Service Grade rifles showing up at a good price.

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Who watches the watchers?

I have 2 ARs. One Mossberg MMR and one that I assembled from parts. Both are .556 NATO. Thinking about another in .224 Valkyrie.


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I have a Chinese norinco m14S, I went through it. For under $400 couldn’t pass that up. She’s like new.

I have several in 223/556 and 300blk. If it were me I would buy one in 223/556 and then buy an upper in 300blk. That way you have 2 rifles! Use the 300blk for hunting!

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Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

I'm sure they are fine guns and fun to shoot, enjoy them, they are just not on my list.
Steve W

Me too. I've owned a few rifles in my day (a .30-30, a pump .22, and a bolt action .30-06) as well as a couple of shotguns. Long guns just don't interest me...I do support everyone else's rights to own one. I just focus on handguns, but that's just me.

I own an AR because if needed, I want as much or more firepower as the bad guy. For my home, my pistol is there until I can get to my rifle and I don’t want that rifle to be a 5 round bolt or lever action. Over the last couple of years I’ve purchased 30 rd Magpul magazines when I found them cheap. I dug them out of the safe the other day and counted them and was a little surprised. They’re like rabbits!

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Get off my lawn!

Make my .223 a CZ 527 FS/mannlicher .......perfect for a walk in Penn's Woods...........................

Never felt the need nor wanted one. However after one trade I now own an AR, a Mosin and an SKS. Coupled with a 25 year old Mini 14 and the AK I bought a few years ago, I pretty much think I'm covered as far as weapons of mass destruction are concerned

Plus that Mosin is a hoot to shoot with that old ammo-what a fireball !!!

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Forum consigliere

Brownells is selling Retro AR's now.

Brownells Retro | Brownells - Firearms, Reloading Supplies, Gunsmithing Tools, Gun Parts and Accessories

Brownells Model: BRN-10A Rifle .308
1955-1960


Brownells Model: BRN-10B Rifle .308
1955-1960


Brownells Model: BRN-601 Rifle 5.56mm
1959-1964


Brownells Model: XBRN16E1 Rifle 5.56mm
1964-1967


Brownells Model: BRN-16A1 Rifle 5.56mm
1967-1982


Brownells Model: XBRN177E2 Rifle 5.56mm
1967-1982

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Watch & Pray

Can't think of a better reason.

A lot of people use them on hogs as well as other varmits. Definitely is among the most popular guns I see at the range with every type person imaginable having fun with them and enjoying shooting. They have become probably the most played with gun on the market with a huge amount of aftermarket support and banning them would be a huge blow to manufacturers and shooters. We all need to hang together or we will surely hang alone.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

There seems to be a bit of AR panic buying going on.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see any legitimate banning of AR's (at least not on a federal level). Most anti-gun States already have these AW bans in place. Even in my State of CA which has AW bans, our gun shop selves are loaded with AR & AK type weapons (just modified to comply with State law).

All I've seen is Trump mention the Fix NICS (which was already in the works), ban bump stocks (again, this was already under review), and raising the long gun purchase age to 21 (ironically taking away the rights of the same high school kids complaining to Trump he needs to "do something").

Even when Obama was running the show, nothing was done. I think we're extremely far away from any such AR ban, but if anyone wants to buy one, I'm all for it. It should help the gun industry that's been struggling. And give some $$ to the NRA while your at it. They're the biggest organization trying to protect or 2nd Amendment rights. Without them, who knows were we'd be?

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Watch & Pray

I have a stock, Colt AR-15 that I've had for many years but rarely fired. As we're packing to move, my Colt scope, intended for this rifle is in one of many boxes and not readily retrievable.

If you have not found an AR-15, I would consider selling mine but it won't be available until around June. I'm moving from a very blue state to a red state and I might have to move this rifle out of the state on a moment's notice lest Gov Cuomo intact his Safe Act Part 2.

I did all my panic buying in the last 5 years, after Sandy Hook. I already had a Mini 14. But for some reason the AR15 always seemed out of my price range. Now things have changed and a new Mini 14 is out of my price range. But I have 3 ARs, plus a 300 BO upper that I can swap on to one of the lowers. I think I have pretty much bought my last firearm. Ha, I've said that before tho

Right now is a good time to buy an AR if you want one. The market is still pretty flooded with new and used ARs. The prices are as low as they have been in years.

I wouldn't worry to much a about a panic and prices being pushed up. Over the years with each cycle of panic buying the time between the price peaks and bottoms the cycle has gotten shorter and the value swings have been less.

So far we haven't seen any signs of panic buying where I work.

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Bill Bates

Stopped by the LGS this morning..... busy ..... but still a number of new $600-700 S&W ARs on the wall...about the same as two weeks ago!

Never a real fan the AR platform, and as a cop had access to ARs and similar weapons. Thus, I decided to sell my AR and AK to fund more Sako rifles. Fast forward 25 years and concerned Hillary was going to win in 2016, I did buy a Colt M4 “just in case.” Since then, I’ve traded into a Rock River piston AR and a couple others, one of which I converted into a dedicated .22lr. Occasionally, I’ll pick up 30 rd magazines when I find them for $10.

I've been looking at AR10's, not 15's. Think it will be the second to next purchase that I make.

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Stay protected my friends.

I really wasn't interested in an AR until my son, then 11, wanted one. I got him one for his 12th birthday. Had so much fun shooting his that I bought one too. His is a Del-Ton. Mine is a Sport 2. This birthday (he'll be 15 in a couple weeks) he is getting a new free floated key mod complete upper and Sig Sauer Romeo red dot.

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Or something like that . . .

I never had any interest in one, I appreciate fine bolt action rifles where I can wring out 1/4" groups at 100 yards. A couple years ago when all the attacks were happening all over the world I decided I wanted a rifle with fire power and close quarters battle handy. I stuck a 2-7X scope on it, zeroed it, got 1000 rounds, and it sits in my vault for "if" needed. I may never shoot it again.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

They aren't for everyone. There are lots of reasons to own other guns starting with hunting and target shooting and old fashioned SD. They aren't even practical many places.

But I personally have several reasons to own one starting with the fact I just like to shoot them.

And that is reason enough.

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Bill Bates

IMO, if you’re going to buy an AR then now is the time. They will never be any cheaper than they are right now. As far as I know they have never been this cheap.

Reading this thread is humorous to me... a lot of people poo poo the Ar platform or the .223/5.56 cartridge but admit to having one in the closet they apparently never shoot. In my experience the .223 is a fantastic round for small to medium game at range. It is also devastating on 2 legged threats within close quarters.

Today’s young people are tomorrows leaders and times will change. But right now is the golden years of AR ownership in this country. IMO.

I agree with all the post. I am not an "anti AR 15" person just didn't need one. I use a Ruger 10-22, old bolt Marlin 22 mg or a 17 WSM bolt for all I need on my farm.

There are a bolt 308 Remington tactical and military 308 auto both outfitted with high magnification scopes in my safe.

I hate all the media hype shown post any gun related incident narrowing in to the evils of ONE type of weapon. What a cope oout addresss the real problem not a scapegoat

Hope they don't band my 870 Remington magnum 12 ga 7 shot next to the back door of my house. That's all I need and feel comfortable with along with a 686P

I just don’t care for the ar-15. I think it’s over priced and over hyped. The saiga s were $259/223 & $289/308win.
Plus my new Russian izmash saiga is more dependable and reliable. I think my saiga in 223 & in 308win and sks in 7,62x39 cover it all. The saiga are sporting versions.

Not a anti AR guy, just prefer my M1 Garand...

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I have a couple of 5.56 m4s ,stag and home built, but I like the m4 in 7.62x39 I can hunt with it and a good shtf gun. Also have a mini14&30.
AR’s get them while you can!!!
Semper paratus

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NRA Life Member
CPO

If you like to just shoot, they are really fun. The ammo is pretty cheap, and plentiful. They are light, and low recoil. I can't actually think of a rifle, or pistol, that I wouldn't like to own. I just have to limit myself because they cost money. I like my Garand too, but it kicks like a mule, and the ammo is not cheap. Even to reload, which I do, but it is also fun to shoot...for a little while.

I used to have a Bushmaster AR-15, bought it because it looked like the M16A-2 I was issued in the service. When the panic occurred in early 2013 I sold it for twice what I bought it for. I wasn't shooting it much, so I figured I'd sell and put the money into guns I'd get more enjoyment out of.

Even though Enfields and M-1 Carbines are my favorite long guns I've been considering another AR. I think I'd prefer an old Colt HBar, as close as I can get to the old M16A-2. Don't have to worry about mags and ammo, still have a bunch of both from my last AR.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

I agree they are fun to shoot and have very little recoil. I chuckle at the people who put on muzzle breaks and other recoil reduction aids. If someone wants a hard recoiling rifle, I have a K98k they can try. No semi auto action to spread out the recoil.

This certainly may be the peak of the AR age. They are plentiful and comparatively inexpensive. I bought a Century A1 in early 2012 because I like the historical aspect of the A1 configuration. My sample was made up of old A1 parts with a new barrel and lower. Not the best-kind of worn out with parts to start with. During the post Sandy Hook panic I traded it in on a Cynergy O/U and got what I had paid for it, in including tax. So, I shot that one for free.

After things calmed down I bought a S&W Sport. Much better fit and finish than the Century. Way more accurate also. But I just didn't like the M4 style with the collapsible stock and short barrel. Sold that one also. Then I found a high quality little used A1 kit. Bought a new contract overrun barrel and a quality lower. Had a professional assemble the barrel to the upper. This one is tight, well fitted, finished, and accurate. It mostly sits in the safe with my Garand, Carbine, and Eddystone. But, it does shoot well.

Personally I think some additional states and cities will prohibit ARs and AKs in the form they are today, but you'll still be able to get them in some form

They're practical and easy to shoot. I've had the same rifle for decades. It's evolved a bit since new.
20180209_170420 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

At some point my wife told me she wanted her own and eventually we came up with something she liked. It's essentially a modern A1.
20171207_095533 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

They're not that big of a deal. It's a .223. After decades of political fanfare, all the rhetoric of politicians and assorted media morons gets a bit old. It's the same way they were attacking handgun ownership in prior decades.

People are killing themselves and eachother with handguns regularly as has always been the case, but it's on to the next scapegoat to attack your rights.

They're also a bit of a classic at this point. The design originates in the late 1950's.

Not to pick on you but that is how "it" starts. Let's throw in "historical political trends of mid-term elections" in November and we'll be standing in 2 hour lines to get into gun shows again. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I made the decision to get an AR 15 in 2013, right after the Sandy Hook horror. Now I have three of them. M&P Sport II would be a good choice.

I had only one until all the Obama minions going on about nobody "needing" an AR-15. At that time I put one together specifically for home defense.
20180125_085842 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

It's in "firearm" configuration which allows for the forward grip.

I've added a few more since.

I'm of the opinion, as a 2A supporter, that firearm owners should be familiar with the operation of the current military rifle, and preferably own and maintain one.

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Because of the metric system?

You can't go wrong with a Colt 6920. Don't wait too long to get one as the anti-AR-15 rhetoric is heating up in Congress.

Own, like and enjoy the Ar platform. Likely started when I discovered an adj stock could be made to fit without cutting down the stock. Put on free floating handgard, and you got repeatable accuracy. You can add or delete features as you see fit, without a gunsmith. With a lower and several uppers, you can change the configuration from target to defense with 2 push pins.

Now own 223, 308 and 6.5 cm versions. IMO, they are imminently suitable for self defense, hunting and target shooting. Will try to finance one in 45 acp, but since retired now will likely have to sell another of the fine revolvers that just sit in a locked steel box, while increasing substantially in value.

Never had any desire for one even though I had shot a couple. Some time early in 2016 well pre-election I built one with my 13 year old grandson. Learned names like Geissele trigger systems, nitride coating, chrome lined bore, twist rates vs. bullet wt., etc.
Bought a few thousand rounds of then overpriced ammo and have never looked back.
Seldom shot, often fondled.
Love the gun, so does he.

For years, I wouldn’t consider buying an AR or rifle other than conventional walnut and blue ones. I was at a LGS about 5 years ago and saw the owner working on a customer’s gun. The gun mechanicals seemed relatively simple and accessories seemed limitless. Two days latter I purchased a Del-Ton Sierra Moe. Being somewhat mechanically inclined, the rifle has been a joy for me to tinker with. It is an erector set for grownups. I have enjoyed shooting it and seeing the results of the changes that I have made. My opinion has turned 180 degrees about ARs.

I went to a local gun show last weekend. One vendor selling ARs had 5 salesmen working nonstop with buyers waiting in line.


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I did note that the Brownell M-16 Retro models in 5.56mm/.223 are all 1/12 twist barrels.
That kind of limits what you can shoot in them.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990