Author Topic: AR 15 Opinions please (Read 2228 times)

rugerfan.64 · « **on:** July 28, 2012, 04:00:08 PM »

I am considering the purchase of an AR 15 platform rifle. I really am not a big fan of these but want one. I wish someone would explain that to me because I really dont understand it. Any way I would like to have your opinions,experiences, good and bad,comments and thoughts involving AR 15's. I am leaning towards a DPMS Oracle, I think I can add what I wish to it and have a fully serviceable rifle. The one I carried from 83-89 was a basic M 16 and shot very well.

hardertr · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2012, 05:20:59 PM »

Quote from: rugerfan.64 on July 28, 2012, 04:00:08 PM

I really am not a big fan of these but want one.

If you don't like them.....why get one???

I build them, I like them, I recommend them to anyone wanting a semi-automatic rifle.

The Oracle is about as cheap as you can get one already built. They function and fire just fine. If you REALLY want to appreciate the AR platform, find someone who has put a few together, buy a parts kit, and build one yourself. It's not hard at all, and you will REALLY be able to understand why the AR is such a fun gun to shoot.

simplicity · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2012, 12:45:12 AM »

I went the oracle route when I wanted to build a AR10. There was no way I could put onetogether using just basic parts as cheap as I could buy a 7.62 oracle. Here's what it turned into.

rugerfan.64 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2012, 01:11:15 AM »

I guess I just remember old Sgt. Lamb telling us not to butt stroke the bayonet dummies to hard cause the butt stock will break and you will be left with a short club with a pointy end. And sure enough, I saw it happen.

marine · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2012, 09:45:37 PM »

I think the best part of owning an AR15 for you will be that you have a plenty of experience with one already. They are fairly accurate and work well for hunting. I have a Colt law enforcement carbine and it does everything i have asked it to. I have kept mine in stock form because thats the way i learned to use them so i dont see it as any sort of a handicap. I love iron sights on a rifle when i can have them. My M16a2 service rifle was a colt so thats the reason i went colt instead of any other brand but think they would all serve you just the same. I wouldnt buttstroke anyone with a collapsible stock if i really didnt have to but the a2 stocks work just fine. Do you have plans for optics or will you be using an iron sight? What is the intended purpose of the rifle?

Dezynco · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2012, 01:34:09 AM »

I aree with hardertr....find someone who has assembled a few to help you put your own together from parts. It's pretty easy to do, and you'll know everything about one. Plus you'll be able to shop around for best prices, and purchase the components that you like rather than settling for the components that are assembled from the factory (ie handguards, sights, stock, etc).

I've assembled about 8 of them for myself and friends/family. The first one or two was without any special tools, just used what I had to work with. Now I have holding jigs and specialized tools to work with.

cjclemens · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2012, 04:27:44 AM »

Quote

I really am not a big fan of these but want one.

Don't buy one if you're not a fan of them. If you buy one, you'll end up focusing on all the little things you don't like and spend your time telling others what a piece of junk it is. Save yourself the time and money - get something you like.

PAHUnter04 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2012, 01:13:06 AM »

IMHO:

A GREAT Bang for the Buck is a S&W M&P 15 Sport. You can buy it for around $689.00. They come with a Flip up rear sight and shoot really well. No charging handle no dust cover.

One upgrade from the Sport, there are many, is the M&P OP... Optics Ready. Comes with a picatinny rail over the receiver, chrome lined barrel, charging handle, and dust cover. Those four more goodies bumps the price up to around $949.00

Regards PAH04

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #8 on:** August 01, 2012, 01:37:13 AM »

I had a Colt HB back in the day . Then a Bushmaster HB . Got rid of them didn't care that much for them. A 1 in 12 twist bbl or so wasn't that great. Then about two years ago I built one for fun. Now I have helped build 8 for friends and family. Deciding what you want and building is a good way to go if you can do so. I like 6.8 SPC better than 223/5.56 ( I hunt with it in a state that won't allow 223 for hunting).
That said I would pick up my M1-A Socom over an AR anyday for personal protection . I know someone will say you can carry more 223 ammo . I say you will need it .

oldandslow · « **Reply #9 on:** August 01, 2012, 01:55:00 AM »

Quote from: PAHUnter04 on August 01, 2012, 01:13:06 AM

IMHO:

A GREAT Bang for the Buck is a S&W M&P 15 Sport. You can buy it for around $689.00. They come with a Flip up rear sight and shoot really well. No charging handle no dust cover.

One upgrade from the Sport, there are many, is the M&P OP... Optics Ready. Comes with a picatinny rail over the receiver, chrome lined barrel, charging handle, and dust cover. Those four more goodies bumps the price up to around $949.00

Regards PAH04

I decided I wanted an AR for a coyote rifle. The S&W OR appeared to be exactly what I wanted, light weight and ready to bolt on a scope. I haven't been disappointed in my choice. I did convert the fore end to a free float tube. It has dropped my 100 yard groups from a little over an inch to a little over .6" with my hand loads. I'm a happy camper.

I have not had one problem with the rifle. I'll add that the dust cover and forward assist are just unneeded extras and I've had no need for either for my use. I can't compare it to any other brand of AR as it and another S&W are the only ARs I have any experience with.

I didn't give self defense any consideration. I would use it if it was the only choice at the time of course.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #10 on:** August 01, 2012, 01:57:46 AM »

Before adding options keep in mind each addition adds weight which can slow the rifle down and be a burden to tote.

Buckskin · « **Reply #11 on:** August 01, 2012, 03:31:55 AM »

I have a Remington R-15 that is cringed at by the Black Rifle crowd because of the camo... But I like the look of it and damn it's a shooter! I have a Elite 4200 4-16x50 on top and was ringing my 16x16 inch 500 yard gong to a beat the other day. They are a lot of fun to shoot and cheap to reload for.

PAHUnter04 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 01, 2012, 12:30:19 PM »

I just picked up a Deltron Delta Echo 5.56... It has a standard front sight and a pic rail on the back no back site. The fit and finish is really nice. It also comes with a Pmag and it has it's own Dark Earth Plastic carrying case. Petty nice little package. Good price to.

Regards PAH04

rugerfan.64 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 01, 2012, 03:25:03 PM »

Thanks for the input y'all. My brother and his son have one apeice, Brothers is a Rem., nephew has a Colt M 4 something or other. Brothers shoots good, I like it because I can ring the steel at 300 and almost watch the bullet splatter. Cant do that with my 700 bolt gun, almost but not quite. They're fun guns, I figure my youngest can shoot deer with it and the collapsable stock is a plus in that situation. I've been shooting 65 gr Gamekings out of the 700 with great results. It should shoot at least as good with the 9 inch twist. That 700 has a 26 " barrel,its a booger to handle in the coyote shooting situations I find myself in. This ought to be fun. I bought a DPMS Oracle, I will put some glass on it eventually but a red dot I have laying around will do for fun.Sights ,,,,well,,, I am hoping my paw in law will make a present out of his last set of back sights. LOL

454Puma · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2012, 11:09:11 AM »

We were trained not to use the M16 to butt stroke ?

Especially the M4.

PAHUnter04 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 05, 2012, 06:34:33 AM »

Yeah, I also was trained not to butt stroke in 72 but I broke not one but two stocks on my M16. One was more like a home run swing to left field.

Regards PAH04

454Puma · « **Reply #16 on:** August 05, 2012, 05:34:27 PM »

PAHUnter04
Well I guess if it's you or the other guy I'd say the hell with the gun and bend it any way I could to see the next sunrise!

But then again if your fixing bayonets your in deep dodo anyway! All rules are out the door.

Chupathingy · « **Reply #17 on:** August 06, 2012, 03:40:52 AM »

I was once not a fan of the AR and can admit that it was because of ignorance. I didn't like the idea that in the near future someone may be able to tell me I can't own one, we live in America by god! So I bought one and educated myself and can say with confidence that it is as perfect a coyote rifle that was ever made, and that is all I hunt. Never used an AR for defense and never was in the military, so I won't speak to how it is in combat.

Chupa

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #18 on:** August 06, 2012, 03:55:48 AM »

I also was not a fan . it was after owning 2 different rifles and experincing the short commings first hand. After 15 years I decided to build one and try once more. They are ok and to be honest easy to put together with a few tools and good instruction. The quality is direct to the quality of the parts used and attention to detail of the builder. As for its usefulness it depends on where and what you hunt. In tight cover I see little it offers over a mod 94 for deer hunting . It may very well be a close equal . My 94 holds 9 rounds the AR 10 when hunting. The 94 an old friend the AR only a couple years hunting with. What I do see is a very complex action vs a pretty simple action . I wonder about hunting in adverse conditions like cold or wet or both st same time. I wonder what an AR offers over a M1-A Socom in tight places ? for hunting .

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2012, 07:12:22 AM »

Quote from: Buckskin on August 01, 2012, 03:31:55 AM

I have a Remington R-15 that is cringed at by the Black Rifle crowd because of the camo... But I like the look of it and damn it's a shooter! I have a Elite 4200 4-16x50 on top and was ringing my 16x16 inch 500 yard gong to a beat the other day. They are a lot of fun to shoot and cheap to reload for.

Sorry if, I'm a little off topic, but, how much does the ammo for the R-15 cost? Your talking about the Remington AR (RAR) round correct? I was interested in the rifle when I first read about it in the gun mags, but, I have yet to see one, or ammo for it in any of the gun stores around my neck of the woods. I even went to Gander Mtn, when they had them advertised for sale, but they didn't actually have any in stock, as a matter of fact, the "gun" people in the store didn't know what the gun or caliber actually was. And it was advertised in their sales flier.

Back to the OP.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #20 on:** September 16, 2012, 07:38:38 AM »

Since the AR platform is like legos.
Presto - chango and you can have a rifle go from tactical to varmint to hunting to target shooting to sniping to anti material and beyond. The AR platform can go from 22LR to 50 BMG and almost everything inbetween..
I think you need to figure out what you want the AR to do before you buy one.
I lucked out. I got an Armalite AR 15 A2 a dozen years ago.
I was shooting a military type match. But have used it for 3 gun, bowing pin shoots (use soft points as the FMJ blows right through and the pin wobbles but still stands)
At first I hated the break on the front end as it was loud and blew the hats off the guys on either side of me.
When first shooting the 3 gun matches a couple guys asked how I was able to shoot so fast on the same targets and it was the break that kept the rifle flat. I then liked my annoying break.
the only thing I changed on my rifle is the grip. Looking for a larger one, than the small stock A2 grip.
The Rifle has gone Varmint hunting, and preditor as well as the games that require speed and acuracy. I have thought of adding new uppers in different configurations, adding 22LR conversion bolts, but the standard 20" heavy barrel seems to be a do it all for me.
I could have taken it Javilina hunting a number of times but I purchased a CZ 527 instead.
Order a Brownells catalog and see how many options you have.

Larry L · « **Reply #21 on:** September 16, 2012, 07:54:31 AM »

Might wanna take another look at the Oracle. I don't have an Oracle but I have several DPMS and they are all shooters. From the pics I looked at the Oracle has the A3 receiver. With the handguard that it comes with it you're going to find it a little on the hard side for mounting a scope of any size. There's little clearance for the front bell of a scope. You'll also find that you'll be using extra high scope mounts. Unless you are in a hurry for it, I'd strongly suggest a different model and getting on the DPMS emailing list. They have specials that don't last long as the number of rifles they are trying to move is limited. Last year they had the Sweet Sixteen on sale for $599.00 but the sale only lasted about 4 hours before they all got bought up. So if you can wait and watch yer email, you can get some crazy deals from them occasionally. Otherwise, if you buy an Oracle and intend to scope it, you'll be buying a different handguard. If you just want a red dot, it works great as is. As far as accuracy, most any brand AR or 223 will be a shooter. Like the 308, it's one of the easiest cartridges to get accuracy from. Determine the bullet weight you think you'll be shooting and buy the correct twist rate. A 1:9" shoots just about anything reasonably except for the very light and very heavy bullets. A 1:8" shoots 55's and up with the 60-62gr optimum. A 1:7" twist rate will still shoot the 55's but usually not near as good as a slower rate. But you can move up to the heaviest bullet weights and expect great accuracy. And just so I can say- Told ya so. You'll be buying a drop in trigger for it and other goodies. These things can be addictive and fun, not to mention break the bank.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #22 on:** September 18, 2012, 04:53:43 PM »

mcwoodduck sir. What muzzle brake are you referring to?

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #23 on:** September 18, 2012, 04:57:15 PM »

Quote from: SharonAnne on September 18, 2012, 04:53:43 PM

mcwoodduck sir. What muzzle brake are you referring to?

The Factory Armalite one that came on my M15A2.
Go to the Website and take a look.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #24 on:** October 02, 2012, 05:32:48 PM »

having looked over the Armalite web page and the M15A2 what I found was that it had nothing special. It carries the standard A2 flash suppressor or as the USMC call it a muzzle brake.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #25 on:** October 02, 2012, 11:15:23 PM »

I had one of the cheaper sporticals and it was a great gun. It shot moa and was dead reliable. Nice thing about it was its light weight. I was talked out of it buy a buddy and have allways regretted selling it. Great gun for the money. As to building your own theres one flaw. If something isnt right you have no support. Its great for someone who knows ars and ive built a couple myself but found you save very little money and buying a factory gun gives you the option of using a warantee. If it were me id look at a bottom line stag gun. there waranteed for live and that even includes the barrel if you shoot it enough to shoot it out. As to not liking them, what ive found is guys that badmouth them have never owned one. there bolt gun accurate, reliable if taken care of and theres probably not another gun in the safe that puts more of a smile on my face at the range.

Swampman · « **Reply #26 on:** October 02, 2012, 11:42:23 PM »

Go to Walmart and but the Colt M4. That's what I did. Great gun and great investment.

PAHUnter04 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 03, 2012, 04:45:47 AM »

Don't go to Wall Mart and buy one.... Buy it from me. I have two Colt M4's for sale in the Firearms Section, Brand New. In case you guys didn't notice I am a registered FFL dealer and owner of The Hunters Hut. I will meet or BEAT an firearm price... even Wall Mart if at all possible.

Regards PAHunter...

Owner The Hunters Hut www.huntershut1.com

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #28 on:** October 03, 2012, 11:52:55 PM »

I agree. Im not one that boycotts walmart completely but its an absolute last resort when it comes to buying firearms stuff.

Swampman · « **Reply #29 on:** October 04, 2012, 12:44:38 AM »

I have to get the best price. I have no choice.