Advice on AR caliber, please.

[Rule3]

I will beat the above offer!

I will sell you an AR , a AK and the ammo for both NOW for a slight Pandemic markup!

S/H FFL fee extra

Now is not the time to buy anything

 

[smoothshooter]

Save getting an AR for some time down the road, if they and the ammo are ever available at reasonable prices again.
I recommend something in a 9mm carbine configuration like the Ruger takedown semi-auto that takes Glock magazines. Does not attract the attention that an AR or an AK variant does, and the muzzle blast will not be so disorienting when firing inside a car or a room in a building. Also, 9mm ball penetrates barriers like auto glass and car bodies better with the bullets remaining relatively intact after pass-through.
Sure, the 9mm has a more curved trajectory than 5.56 and 762.39, but it does pretty good out to 200 yards, and in a social unrest situation, you are not going to be engaging targets much beyond 50 to 75 yards anyway. ( Assuming that is the purpose you have in mind )

Actually, a lot can be done with a .30-30 or a .22 LR. The ammo is easier to come by too.

 

[dave1918a2]

Tons of AR's available in CO.

 

[BillBond]

If you purchase an AR15 get one in 5.56 and if you purchase an AK get one in 7.62x39.

I have owned both over the years and sold my last AK over 20 years ago.

 

[docjonson]

I've built ARs in several calibers, 5.56, 7.62x39, .300BO, 9mm and .308. The pistol configurations are great, you can get uppers in all these cals. but you need bolts for each and can use same lower for every thing except the .308 which is of course a different animal using larger lower and upper. I don't find the 300 and 5.56 real "pleasant" to shoot out of a short barrel, but the 9mm. is a joy. The AR is so versatile I wouldn't consider anything else at this time if I was buying.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Tons of AR's available in CO.

Fascinating!!!!

Even here in the Lone Star State my dealers tell me they can't get ARs.

EuroOptic.............

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(c) EuroOptic 2020

has Armalite AR-15s in stock, and I think maybe some DPMS models, but these Armalites are a little bit tricked out and cost around $1500.

 

[reccpd101]

Which AR or None AR for what job.

I own 2 AR pistols(one each 5.56 & 9mm) and an AR carbine in 223/5.56. My favorite AR is the 9mm. I rarely fire the other 2. It also shares magazines with my Glock and ammo with my 9mm revolvers, 59 & 439 S&Ws, 1911 9mms and Browning Hi-Power. Of the centerfire calibers, 9mm is the most reseasonable priced and available in a wide variey of loads.

If you want to reach out and touch some one, get a bolt action or M1A, HK/PTR, or FAL .308. I have owned AR-10s they are not rugged enough for sustained use.

 

[Oldsalt66]

7.62x51mm is the military 308 Winchester with minor differences just as 5.56 is to 223 Remington.

My local Walmarts won't sell 5.56, but do sell 223. I was told the difference is "assault ammo" vs. "sporting ammo" by one of the clerks. I'm surprised your Walmart would carry 7.62x51 seeing as it was designed for evil assault rifles.

One of the minor differences is that as is opposite the case with 5.56 x45 and .223., the civilian .308 Winchester loading operates at higher chamber pressure than the military 7.62x51 NATO round so unless you’re a purist type of collector, be sure the rifle you buy is rated for .308.

 

[S&W Fan]

In total agreement with waiting until the panic buyers are done and manufacturers restock. If you’re going 5.56 don’t go below 10.3” for best reliability and performance. 300 Black Out is much better in shorter barrels and suppressed.

 

[JJEH]

Can't go wrong with a "standard" 5.56 or .308Win.

If you look into exotics you'll pay more for gun and ammo.

So it's really up to your wants/needs and budget.

 

[Buick]

I would buy a lower receiver and a bolt now and just build it out as less expensive parts become available.