Do I need an AR15?

[vipermd]

Are you willing to use it if needed?

Otherwise you are probably just buying it to give to the government at a later date, for $200.

Why would you give it to government or anyone for 200$ ? Be Safe,

 

[gerhard1]

Even though I have one and enjoy shooting it, it is not my favorite rifle by any means. If I had to say what one IS my favorite, it would likely be my Ruger GSR in 223 or my CZ 527 in the same caliber.

 

[keith44spl]

I've had a few.....

This is the one I shoot the most.

///

 

[lrrifleman]

I got into the AR as my competitive rifle competitions evolved: M1903A3, M1MkII, M1A, then the AR. I earned my Master classification with it. Then I became disabled, and my trusted gunsmith passed.

I have been able to build a 26" upper match rifle that I use for mid-range F class matches. I have also built an upper in 224 Valkyrie which I hope to use for 1000 yard F class matches.

My rationale has been:
1. The cost per round to load match grade 223s is about half the cost (if not more) than loading 308 or 30-06 match ammo.
2. With the musculoskeletal injuries, the felt recoil of an AR is significantly less than my service and bolt rifles.
3. With an almost useless arm, the AR platform can be maneuvered more readily.
4. One of my long remembered lessons from ROTC covered the Militia and the expectation that when called, it is supposed to appear with arms of military style and caliber.
5. One of the other remembered lessons from ROTC was when behind enemy lines, utilize their weapons and/or supplies!

For me, the AR platform is just that much more adaptable!

 

[WCCPHD]

If you want one, buy one.

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution are called the "Bill of Rights," not the "Bill of Needs."

 

[Jon651]

I never had an interest in an AR-15 but given the present situation in this country with a gun ban for semi auto assault rifles looming sooner or later do I need one? Should I buy an at-15 just to have one? It's a AR-15 vs another handgun?
What would you do?

Let's say the nightmare scenario comes true and assault-style weapons are banned and possibly even confiscated. You now have a lot a grief to go through and monetary loss to deal with all for a gun you never liked, needed or wanted in the first place.

Go get something you want - and enjoy it!

 

[Gary M]

Never felt a need or want for an AR since I have enough other things that do the same, only differently.

It was actually SWMBO that thought we should pick one up, private party, so no paper trail.

I now have more than one purchased the same way and while I hope and pray I never need to use it as intended, there is a bit of a comfort level knowing should I ever need it, I have it.

Each person is the only judge of what they need or want and the reasons behind it, so I wouldn't say anyone should or shouldn't but if you think you do, do it while you can and the less paper involved, the better.

 

[S-W4EVER]

IMHO every responsible head of a household should own a firearm for not only protection of their family and themselves but also of our way of life. This means to me that AR actually stands for AMERICAS RIFLE not the evil Assault Rifle name hanged onto it...

+1. I wish more people felt this way.

 

[pharmer]

I'll go along with a "buy-out" (can't buy something you never owned) on one condition. .Gov authorizes $300 Trillion to buy the 30 million rifles in American hands. Lots of "freedom of choice" at $10 million per. That would keep "them" shut-up for a few years or so. Joe

 

[KarmannGhia]

It took me a long time to warm up to the AR. The Army takes the fun out of everything, and I decieded my personal time with a 223 was better spent with a Mini-14. I eventually got a full length A2 because of the 94 ban and was happy with. I later wanted an M4 style AR because my unit was switching to M4 and deployment was imminant. I wanted to get more acquainted with the platform. I went from indifferent to it being my favorite. For me, they were like rabbits. So many configurations and caliber choices.

The wife has laid claim to my MP 15-22.

If it's not your thing, it's not you thing. On the other hand, one more gun never hurts.

 

[scoobysnacker]

I never had an interest in an AR-15 but given the present situation in this country with a gun ban for semi auto assault rifles looming sooner or later do I need one? Should I buy an at-15 just to have one? It's a AR-15 vs another handgun?
What would you do?

I'd get one.

If you are asking, you're at least interested. Prices are up a bit, but you can still find one under $600.

Consider what happened back in the past with the HK-91, the Saiga and Molot VEPR rifles, the Norinco AKs etc. You could get them, they were reasonably priced, and now they're just about worth their weight in gold. If you're on the fence for an AR, you might as well say "well, I want xxxx features, and I would pay up to xxxx dollars", and go ahead and get it.

Nice feature about ARs is like someone else mentioned, you put a different upper on it, you shoot a different caliber. I've got a 223/556, I've done a little mental figuring and have decided to add a 7.62x39 upper and mags to the mix. Price wasn't 2019, but still pretty reasonable compared to other options.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I like the idea of saying that nobody "needs" one - but everyone's needs are different. Same thing with wants. My gut reaction is nobody needs an AR or similar rifle but EVERYONE needs a rifle and a handgun and probably a shotgun, too. Except for laws debarring someone from purchasing such a gun of any of those three, typical types I live in a world of if you don't have a gun what are you waiting for? Political climate aside, color me paranoid, but how do you sleep peacefully at night without a home defense weapon of some kind being available, and I don't mean a machete or a baseball bat.

While self-defense is probably the first thing the AR is suitable for it is becoming commonly accepted for hunting and target shooting.

Technically speaking, that is only half true. ARs have become widely accepted for various types of hunting, AR now really stands for "America's Rifle", not Armalite, but the rifle was never intended as a self defense weapon. Armies don't carry self defense rifles, they carry offensive weapons that, obviously, can be used defensively. Call me anti in this category but I think ARs as personal defense weapons, especially in the home, are improperly deployed. Handguns and shotguns are suitable to defend hearth and home; rifles are incorrect EXCEPT and unless you live in a remote location, farm, ranch, or similar. YMMV

 

[Golddollar]

But a few years back when they were screaming to ban 'em again, I finally broke down and bought one just because.

That was my feeling the week before the 2016 election. Then I bought 5 more.

 

[ladder13]

Interestingly, up until today as far as I could see, AR's were the only readily available firearms in most of the gun stores I had been in the past 6 months or so.
Will that hold up? Probably not with all the political posturing.

 

[jscheck]

I have one, my son just bought one. I made sure to buy him four 30 round magazines. I think they're more in jeopardy than the AR's. After a career in law enforcement I've decided if it comes down to it I'll just be a criminal.

 

[marinevet]

I read your first post, and skipped to the end......

Hell Yes........

 

[9mmPatriot]

Before the canoe incident...
I own, I meant owned (past tense) one because it's .....er....was a great gun that I enjoy...ummmm....enjoyed shooting.

 

[jmace57]

I got one about 6 years ago (built it myself) without really knowing if I had any real reason to. Like others, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get one in the future.

What I have found it that I have more fun shooting it than any other gun I own.

 

[djohns6]

I just can't see a full blown confiscation . Severe restrictions on sales is very possible . Use your imagination there . Just before that happens the prices will go through the roof . That's why I have a new in the box , unfired AR sitting in my safe . Somebody is going to want an AR really bad and I'm going to turn a nice profit on that bad boy . If everything turns out ok and the ban doesn't come to pass then I'll leave it to one of the grandsons .

 

[SweetMK]

Lets see,, the OP said the choice is between an AR and a pistol,,,

Easy answer

Get an AR pistol,, in 30 caliber,, ,