Hey Cheese. Right now no plans for optics as funds are insufficient. I like the scout rail and was thinking about some kind of red dot and maybe a Burris 2-7X for more precision work, but right now the irons are fine for me.
Syko, how is the point invalid? How is it apples vs oranges? 3 gun guys overwhelmingly use the AR for it's ease of use and ergonomics, as well as the 5.56's low recoil. For 10 yd paper punching, edge goes to the AR. For longer range steel hits (12" x 12" x 1" hanging on logging chain) the 5.56 would not show much in terms of hit signature, while 7.62 leaves no doubt. Misses are easier for the firer to spot as well, whereas 5.56 needed a spotter to see the round splash. Consequently I was able to self adjust and judge hits for myself without the need for a spotter, firing less rounds in a shorter span of time. Shorter stage time = competitive with AR.
All this is a matter of personal preference and academics while you are on the range. When paper targets are replaced with bad guys that shoot back the power advantage that 7.62 has over 5.56 becomes a very real factor. I've carried both the M4 and M14 in nasty sandy places and have engaged enemy personnel at ranges of 10 to 300 meters and can say that the 7.62 speaks with authority. Much more so than 5.56. Nothing like having to follow blood trails in the dark, knowing that there is a dude with an AK on the other end who may or may not be incapacitated. Never had anybody crawl off after they got hit with a 7.62.
Never had the M14 malf either. M4 has a nasty habit of grinding to a halt in the dusty atmosphere of mechanized operations. Before you say that it was probably insufficient maintenance that would cause my weapon to do this, know that I served as the platoon sergeant on both tours and rigidly enforced periodic weapon maintenance. This is where an AR in 7.62 has the same problems as it's smaller cousin. The direct gas impingement operating system is less than optimal for operations in a dirty environment, which pretty much describes combat. I also think that the lack of a reciprocating op-rod handle really hinders the AR. If you have a round hang up halfway into the chamber, do you use the forward assist to jam it in and risk failure to extract, or eject it and try the next one? Good luck trying to clear a hung round with the little charging handle. I had an AR10 that would jam up about every 10 rounds and have to be tapped open with a block of wood and a hammer; not my first choice for a hairy situation.
I've learned the value of training as you fight. If I ever find myself in a fight again I will do my best to make sure the weapon that is in my sweaty paws is an M14 or M1A.
