GUNS/RLTD Getting Ready to buy an AR-15

bartp40

bartp40

Veteran Member
AR-15 shoots 55 grain bullet at high power.
A 9mm is anywhere from 115 to 147 grains. Then you have to consider distance you need to reach: short or long. An AR-10 shoots a 308 that is 168 grains. You can also look at 300 blackout.
Now, you can have a brace on an AR pistol.
The choices are unlimited.
 
1911user

1911user

Veteran Member
Specs are nice (and retro), but a picture is in order.

R20GVTA1S-7_Left.jpg
 
D

Dozdoats

On TB every waking moment
I played with it last night and got everything sorted except the ejection dust cover. It still won't seat on the carrier and flaps back down.

Oil the dust cover detent maybe?
 
M

Matt

Veteran Member
I am not a fan of a bipod on a defensive rifle. Take a 3x5 card and draw a nickel size dot on it. Tape card to wall across the room and spend 15 to 20 minutes a day dry firing....snapping in in USMC terms. Practice all the basics..front sight picture, breath control, trigger press.

Then I recommend fry the brain as a little light reading. The style of fighting taught in army/USMC training doesn't really apply to an individual. Helos ain't coming to drop resupply so rapid suppressive fire is a no go.

Amazon.com: Fry The Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare eBook : West, John: Kindle Store

Fry The Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare - Kindle edition by West, John. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Fry The Brain: The Art of Urban...
www.amazon.com
 
1911user

1911user

Veteran Member
dvo said:
There are, or were scopes and RDS available for carry handle uppers. Cheek weld wasn’t very positive with the scopes...the scope being a bit too high relative to the stock comb. Brownell’s has a retro 4X model available now, but it seems pricey to me. Optic are doable, but DD may be better off using the large aperture as a sort of ghost ring sight.
Click to expand...
From what I read, it has the A1 rear sight. That did not have the larger ghost ring size hole for the close range peep like the A2. He'll have take it out and drill/open it out slightly to get a ghost ring effect or just buy an A2 rear peep sight and replace it. Better than trying to put a scope on it though. It'll be enough fun adding a light. A clamp on mount for the bayo lug or front sight tower is probably the easiest option.
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
After watching the systemic fall apart, today I went out and maxxed my ammo. 400 rounds PMC 5.56mm NATO, plus 100 rounds of 223 55 grain, and 100 rounds of 62 5.56 training rounds by hornby. I have ten vietnam era 20 round, mags, a 22 cleaning kit, plus an AR-15 brush.
I have a beam shot light on my 20 gauge, but the more I deal with this government model the less I want to mess with it. So, no light on it at all. I thought about a bipod, but that went away also due to the added weight. The light, well more weight and why have a flash suppressor if you are going to add a light? A grip to hold onto under the front barrel did come into my mind, but again, that would screw up the flow of the lines as it is, in my opinion, a beautiful example of form and function merging.

Now the one thing I am seriously considering adding is a scope mounted on the carry handle. I was jabbering with them, at Keith's Sporting Goods out in Gresham when we started talking about rifle scopes, laser dots etc. The carry handle on my weapon is permanently attached, but you can mount a scope using the hole in the top center. The one he showed me was $900 plus, matched the price of the AR-15 to the dime, so that was a no go. He seemed to think the only choice was a $900 scope, or a Chinese piece of crap that cost $50.
I will give this some more thought, but I am pretty much done with it, as I don't want the "cool stuff." All the fancy stocks, fancy barrel covers yada yada are just useless hood ornaments. Anyway, I will do some more research on scopes, or just shoot it with the sights, like I did back in the day.
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
I found this link about the top seven AR-15 scopes etc.

scopesfield.com

The Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics in 2023 - Scopes Field

This guide will show you the best AR-15 scopes and optics on the market. I’ve also reviewed dozens of optics, red dots, and magnified scopes.
scopesfield.com scopesfield.com

The 7 Best Scopes for AR-15
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best optics for AR 15:
  1. Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope – Best Short-to-Medium Range Scope
  2. UTG 3-12×44 – Best Budget Scope
  3. Primary Arms Silver Series 1-6×24 SFP – Best All Around Scope
  4. Nikon P-223 3-9×40 – Best Scope For Hunting
  5. Aimpoint Pro Reflex Sight – Best Combat Red Dot
  6. Vortex Sparc AR – Best Red Dot Sight Under $200
  7. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Best Red Dot Under $100
 
twobarkingdogs

twobarkingdogs

Veteran Member
Doomer Doug said:
I found this link about the top seven AR-15 scopes etc.
Click to expand...

The thing about scopes is that you have to know how you are going to use your rifle before buying one because different scopes have different uses

From what I understand you are in an urban location. Do you expect to be sniping out of your 4'th floor window onto the streets below or do you expect to be defending your apartment and the surrounding hallways of your building and also for protection when you are on the street below.

To give you an example I live in a rural area. Outdoors away from home most of my shots would be limited to less then 400 yards due to the hills and woods. Older eyes means I need and want magnification. But I also need to cover the area around my house which puts a 100 yard limit on things with most shots being at 50 yards or less. Much less when you take the inside of the house. One scope doesn't really cover those 2 roles well. So for me I have 2 rifles set up, one with a red dot and light and one with a multi-powered scope. Two tools for two different jobs

You don't necessary need two rifles as most of my scopes return to zero when I remove them and replace them due to their mounts. Thus I could get by with just one but I've been at this awhile and they breed when you aren't looking.

Your issue is that it sounds like your rifle has a fixed carry handle which makes it difficult to mount a scope on. Yes it brings back memories but its old tech. I'd suggest you buy another upper from someplace like PSA with a full length rail so you have better options for hanging accessories off of the gun. Then get a red dot and a multi-powered scope and swap as necessary giving priority to what you think your main usage will be.

tbd

Edit to add vortex makes some decent consumer grade scopes at lower price points with a lifetime warranty.

.
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
I have one setup with a light and Eotech optic. Another with a plain red dot. Since I consider them “mobile fight” platforms, no magnification. But I have a nice AR-10 from PSA (damn them to hell) that has a magnified optic with a lighted .mil reticle (it also works without the light). That’s the one for longer range.
 
D

Dozdoats

On TB every waking moment
The 7 Best Scopes for AR-15

Best for FLAT TOP ARs, Doug. You went and stuck yourself with an archaic fixed carrying handle version.

C-More used to make a Scout Sight for those, they have been discontinued (archaic, remember?) C-More Scout Red Dot Sight w/ Click Switch

As indicated above, some similar type mounts are available for other sights.

IMO best bet is to swap out your A1 rear sight aperture for an A2 aperture. Any parts change monkey (not gunsmith) can do it and it is your cheapest best option for what you have, especially if you swap out your front sight post for a tritium version. But you paddled up this creek and now you get to get turned around and get out :D.

If you are gonna insist on buying old style shit, at LEAST buy old style shit that WORKS FOR YOU not against you.

Free advice from another oldphart, but one who started out on Colt SP-1 ARs and at least tried to keep up. :D
 
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Grock

Grock

Veteran Member
Dozdoats said:
The 7 Best Scopes for AR-15

Best for FLAT TOP ARs, Doug. You went and stuck yourself with an archaic fixed carrying handle version.
Click to expand...
Trijicon makes an ACOG with the carry handle adapter built it.
4x makes a solid performer at nominal range, and has features that allow it to function similar to a red dot with some practice.
It may be the best alternative considering the configuration you have.
It will set you back some though.

Trijicon ACOG® 4x32 BAC Riflescope - 5.56 / .223 BDC | Trijicon®

Red Triangle Reticle , Tritium / Fiber Optics Illuminated
www.trijicon.com www.trijicon.com
 
D

Dozdoats

On TB every waking moment
Yes, no doubt he got what he THOUGHT he wanted ... :D But now he gets to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

We have lived through over half a century of evolution of this platform, and he was looking for a tool not a LARP prop. Or so he said....

I just call 'em as I see 'em.

ETA - So, in light of the above, what would this particular oldphart start with right now today?

This - https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...el-lightweight-m-lok-moe-ept-acs-l-rifle.html

Plus any good low to mid powered variable scope in a cantilever mount. Right now I use a Burris 2-7 but YMMV.

Add sling and BSE (ballistic support equipment- magazines, ammo, web gear, cleaning gear etc) PLUS training and practice and carry on.

And you're welcome :D
 
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D

dvo

Veteran Member
A1 uppers are fine if your eyes can still use the sights. More rugged and no batteries to wear out. But, as most agree here, I’ll reach for a flat top upper rifle with some kind of optical sight first if things get dicey.
 
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M

Matt

Veteran Member
Doug.....i recommend keeping that rifle bone stock. Your priority at this time is to get that thing zero'd. Get the front sight tool if it's available... not required but very handy. That 0 to 200 sight appeture will be fine.

Your most probable next threat after riots and bioweapons is going to be a cascadia event with volcanic icing on that cake. I love modern ar weapons with red dots as much as the next man, but those require batteries that will be unavailable and volcanic ash is going to be hell on the glass.

Good luck...time is very short

Edit to add.....once you get your zero, use some nail polish to mark the rear sight drum in case it gets bumped.....re zeroing wont be possible.
 
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M

Marthanoir

TB Fanatic
Get a Primary Arms prism scope, the base detaches and you mount it in on your carry handle, jobs a good un, $200 bucks.

Primary Arms SLx 2.5 Compact 2.5x32 Prism Scope - ACSS-CQB-M1
PAC2.5X_01.jpg


PAC2.5X_08.jpg


PAC2.5X_09.jpg



www.primaryarms.com

Primary Arms SLx 2.5 Compact 2.5x32 Prism Scope - ACSS-CQB-M1

DetailsThis rifle scope is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics built the reputation for innovation, reliability and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment.The Primary Arms 2.5X Compact Prism Scope with ACSS CQB-M1 reticle...
www.primaryarms.com
 
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Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
First, I was unaware Portland had descended into chaos until I got up this morning. I slept through it all. Anyway, I knew what I was getting into with the no scope thing. I could likely shoot out to 150 yards, right now, and hit the zero. Further, Windham test fires 10 rounds, and sights the sight line. So, I can look down the back and front sight and be reasonable sure I will hit what I am looking at. Finally, I fired several thousand rounds through my M-16, granted it was 40 plus years ago, and have no doubt I could hit an antifa thug at 50 yards no problem. The last time I live fired an M-16 was in 1976. I went out with a friend in 1998, fired his rifle, had a scope, but fired three rounds, the first one hit center black left, the second one hit center right black and the third one hit center black. Anyway, I like the thing, and all this "new stuff," the fancy heat card thing, and the sliding stock thing, yada yada Dennis gets it. Sometimes all you want is a rifle, just a basic rifle. I can see with my glasses, and I guarantee ya all I don't need a scope to shoot out to 50 to 100 yards. :applaud:
 
D

Dozdoats

On TB every waking moment
Still too high a line of sight, would require breaking cheek weld on the stock. Can't use a riser on an AR due to the charging handle unless it's that old sky bridge approach which is a worse kludge than the optic mount.

PA does make good stuff however - even if it can be abused :D

Hadn't seen that optic on a carrying handle before....
============

ETA - I could likely shoot out to 150 yards

I thought that's what you got a shotgun for … :D
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
The primary arms is something I might be interested in. Ain't I glad I got my stuff, literally in the nick of time. The rifle, first mags and 240 rounds on May 26th, and the second group of mags, another 200 rounds, cleaning kit yesterday on the 29th. :conf:
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
Like I said, I have been test sighting the AR 15 in my apartment. It really is designed to fire using the iron sights. All you with this modern stuff are like my nephews and nieces when I tell them there really was a time before cell phones and laptops. :jstr:
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
When I got out in July of 1976, I bought a Remington shotgun instead of a Colt AR-15 for $200. I always regretted that. I have never fired an AR-15 at all, although I have fired thousands of 5.56 mm rounds using an M-16, including full auto. :hof:
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Naw it's cool DD. Ya want to drive around in a 1949 Ford, it's cool.

'Sides if you ever get the itch, you already got the basic platform. Meaning you can remove the upper, and replace it with a flat top. No tools needed. Push the pins through, take off old, put new on, push pins back in.

You can also change out the butt stock, and put a collapsible one on. M4 style, and living in apts. is shorter and better. Meaning being shorter, can maneuver better. Some tools are needed, but it's not genius work at all.

BTW someone mentioned the scopes best for the AR15 and they listed the Nikon M223. FYI Nikon got out of the scope business a couple of months ago. There may be some still around, but I couldn't find any, and got a Sig Sauer instead.
 
L

Luddite

Veteran Member
Dozdoats said:
Doug,

This is what I started with-

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=E6YizQ0wywk&feature=emb_logo

Colt Sporter SP1 AR-15 Variant Overview (HD)
RT 02:38

Bought it for $279, sold it for a grand thanks to the Assault Weapons Ban.

I will now cast my pearls before other swine :D
Click to expand...
Still a few of those around. That's the rumor, anyway. :)

1 in 12 twist means the lighter bullets are needed if accuracy is important. Of course key-holing might not be a bad thing in certain circumstances.

ETA: Maybe already mentioned, a set of body armor and a full length stock, DO NOT make for comfortable shooting...
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
BTW I would recommend getting several extra bore brushes, and some gun cleaning toothbrushes, or just regular tooth brushes.

A bunch of patches.

Some bore cleaner especially if you are going to practice a lot.

couple of cans of Rem oil or better yet some Break Free CLP.

Just grab some on the way through Walmart, no biggy.
 
1911user

1911user

Veteran Member
Matt said:
I am not a fan of a bipod on a defensive rifle. Take a 3x5 card and draw a nickel size dot on it. Tape card to wall across the room and spend 15 to 20 minutes a day dry firing....snapping in in USMC terms. Practice all the basics..front sight picture, breath control, trigger press.

Then I recommend fry the brain as a little light reading. The style of fighting taught in army/USMC training doesn't really apply to an individual. Helos ain't coming to drop resupply so rapid suppressive fire is a no go.

Amazon.com: Fry The Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare eBook : West, John: Kindle Store

Fry The Brain: The Art of Urban Sniping and its Role in Modern Guerrilla Warfare - Kindle edition by West, John. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Fry The Brain: The Art of Urban...
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...

A link for Fry the Brain if interested: Fry The Brain The Art Of Urban Sniping : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

For Doz, War of the Flea : War Of The Flea The Classic Study Of Guerrilla Warfare : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
 
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twobarkingdogs

twobarkingdogs

Veteran Member
CaryC said:
You can also change out the butt stock, and put a collapsible one on. M4 style, and living in apts. is shorter and better. Meaning being shorter, can maneuver better. Some tools are needed, but it's not genius work at all.
Click to expand...

I actually like a fixed stock better then a collapsible one even though all of my ARs other then one have a collapsible on them. I find that with the collapsible I always leave it in the same location which matches a short fixed stock as I like the rifle pulled in tight. Collapsibles are good if you have other folks who shoot your guns as they allow the gun to be adjusted for the best fit. Someday I'll swap out other stocks but I always seem to have something better to spend my money on

tbd
 
Mikiekimi

Mikiekimi

I’m just here for the gasoline...
Doomer Doug said:
Like I said, I have been test sighting the AR 15 in my apartment. It really is designed to fire using the iron sights. All you with this modern stuff are like my nephews and nieces when I tell them there really was a time before cell phones and laptops. :jstr:
Click to expand...
I'm not a 'tacti-cool' kind of guy, but when I deployed in 07 I carried an M4 with a red dot. I consider a red dot a must.

IMHO you're very unlikely to be engaging targets in an urban setting at 150m. A red dot sighted in a 50m enables you to fire quickly with both eyes open and makes target acquisition/identification much easier. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do it will feel pretty natural.

The problem with using aperture sights, is that in low light settings or if you're on the move, they can be hard to use effectively.
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
Well, I am dealing with my Dad's estate, so if I want to, I can buy another AR-15, optics ready as they say, and have my AR-15 and fire it too. :kaid:
If I go that route, I am looking at another $900 for Windham number 2, plus the super scope he showed me at $900, plus mags, ammo etc, which is likely to be yet another $600 for mags and ammo.

Let's see here. I spent $1500 for my Windham Government AR-15, plus 10 mags, plus 440 lethal rounds and 200 training rounds, cleaning kit, etc.
So, $1500 plus $2500 is $4000, which would allow Dennis to give me a "REAL AR-15 GUY," badge. :usfl:
 
M

Matt

Veteran Member
Doomer Doug said:
Well, I am dealing with my Dad's estate, so if I want to, I can buy another AR-15, optics ready as they say, and have my AR-15 and fire it too. :kaid:
If I go that route, I am looking at another $900 for Windham number 2, plus the super scope he showed me at $900, plus mags, ammo etc, which is likely to be yet another $600 for mags and ammo.

Let's see here. I spent $1500 for my Windham Government AR-15, plus 10 mags, plus 440 lethal rounds and 200 training rounds, cleaning kit, etc.
So, $1500 plus $2500 is $4000, which would allow Dennis to give me a "REAL AR-15 GUY," badge. :usfl:
Click to expand...
How are you on reliable hand guns? You are far more likely to need a concealed weapon than a rifle for venturing out and about in the next few months....
 
Doomer Doug

Doomer Doug

TB Fanatic
Okay, a two week update. I have the Windham Government Issue AR-15, and several hundred rounds of 223 and 5.56mm ammo, plus one 30 round magazine, and 10 20 round metal Vietnam Era ones etc.

I have been online trying to buy magazine pouches for either the AR-15, or the M-16 with no luck using my Vanilla One card I bought at 7-11. Even got me suspended at Amazon when I tried to use it. I did use it at Powell;s books and some other
online purchase.

It may take a while but I will eventually get this all sorted. Our resident Political Comisar/Governor Brown is now ruling by degree with the full support of the Marxist tyrant Oregon Supreme Court, who, like I predicted has given our Marxist bitch full and absolute dictator power for as long as she likes it. go to katu.com and look at her wearing a face mask made out of the Oregon flag. Sheesh,

ArmySurplusWorld won't take it, nor will several other places.
 
Millwright

Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
_______________
DD, you are woefully understocked on mags.

Iffin I was in your position, that would be a focus.
 
Millwright

Millwright

Knuckle Dragger
_______________
Dozdoats said:
Sportsman's Guide - Outdoor and Hunting Gear, Guns, Ammo & More! might be your friend, Doug... but you might be a couple of decades too late for very many surplus GI 20 round mag pouches to show up these days.

Get GI 30s from PSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

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