ARs are like Lincoln Logs for men. And they have gotten so cheap, there's just no reason to not have one (or more). You can buy a perfectly reliable, factory made AR for under $500 now. Get a Ruger or S&W M&P AR for $500, spend $350 more on a 1000 rounds of ammo and then hit the range. Figure out if you want to upgrade optics and you'll still be all in for way under your budget.

I bought an AR pistol kit from Palmetto State Armory yesterday for $399. Only thing missing is a stripped lower, and I have a few of those already at $39 each. I'll build it up this week and it will be my car AR during this craziness. Last night, as the rioters got near my area, I dusted off the SIG 556 SWAT Patrol and put a light on its rail. But it's big and heavy when loaded with a coupled two mags of 30 rounds each. Fine for home defense, but I wouldn't want to have to lug it around outdoors in this heat.

Oh, I don't disagree at all. The M-16/M-4 platform has been developed into probably one of the best military firearms of all time. The civilian version, the AR-15 is, I believe, the most popular rifle in America right now. There is a reason for that.

For a centerfire semi auto that will be a cheap plinker as well as double for home defense, you can't go wrong with either the AR-15 or Mini-14. It all comes down to personal preference... blondes or brunettes... both are very "functional"... ;)

Sounds like this is a Ford vs Chevy, Canon vs Nikon, Mustang vs Camaro debate. Basically the two are neck and neck competitors where it comes down to personal preference.

Hmm, blonde vs brunette, but what about redheads. Is that a gun that's really amazing, but could explode in your hands at any time?

What gun would you suggest if someone prefers a red-head? Has to fire .223/5.56 :p

Beat me to it!

You forgot JMB vs Glock heathens

https://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/a...glockv1911.jpg

That cartoon never gets old, and I'm non-denominational. The final pane is what really puts it over the top.

Like Paul, prior to a boating accident I had (have) both an AR, M1A and a SCAR heavy (17S). The SCAR would be my go to just due to comfort of use and how it is set up coupled with the fact it can reach out and hit far.

AR's are so inexpensive that there is no reason no tot have one. The M&P is a great entry level.

i would go (no doubt)

AR-10(?i believe that is the nomeclature) or the M1A. .308.

i want a M1A so bad it is making me not rational. my brother has one, and we thump hogs with it out to 100 with the iron sights. so much fun. heavy has heck tho.

You could always get something in 6.5 Creedmoor. Guaranteed to reach out and touch someone... I keed, I keed.

I have a Savage boltie in 6.5 and it's a hoot to shoot long, My ARs are enjoyable appliances but AKs are more fun and raw. My favorite and what I shoot most is my 10/22 takedown. Dead reliable, accurate, easy to handle, cheap and 1000 rounds is a lot easier to carry around than most any other caliber.

My 10 year old son calls these a mini-mini-14.

I used to have one of those as well in .30-06. :cool:

Can you imagine humping that thing all day, everyday?

But, however, comma, my favorite rifle lost in the tragic boating accident is the M1 Carbine. Not really germane to this discussion but I can't think of a rifle I'd rather plink with.

There are new versions available but they are not giving them away.

Enjoy!

That same 10 year old says he needs a Daniel Defense AR-15. I told him get a really good job.

This. My buddy has a Ruger PC9, very nice piece. Simplifies things with one set of magazines for carbine and handgun. Did I mention the carbine is a take down set up, breaks into two pieces for portability. Fluted barrel, very, very accurate.

In .223/5.56 it is tough to beat an AR, probably more accurate than the Mini 14, but black rifles are scary

What if they are pink?

https://www.geekologie.com/2008/02/11/hello-kitty-1.jpg

Interesting, based on the link that I posted above, a 4150 steel barrel is a huge upgrade (increased longevity) with most coming with a 4140 steel barrel.

Looking at some stuff on the Internet, it seems like most of the inexpensive guns are running 4140 barrels, and to get a 4150 barrel you've got to spend >1k. But then on the websites, the 4150 barrels are more, but not THAT much more than a 4140.

I guess that's one of the places where the mini-14 excels with its cold hammer forged barrel.

I can't imagine that S&W sells junk, and most of their stuff uses 4140 barrels.

Heh heh... to me, the only red-head of the bunch is the old M1 Garand, but it's a .30-'06. It's the only one that will literally bite the hand that feeds it, the only one that will nonchalantly injure its operator - ever hear of "M1 thumb"? It's very real, and it really frickin' hurts. It may even, in severe cases, remove a piece of your thumb.

Excellent advice. I like levers and saa's for sure in .22s. Lots of good 12 ga pumps. I like my Maverick. Watsa hand spoon?

I bought my son a S&W M&P AR for his birthday many years ago...also lost in the tragic...

Great gun...we probably put 1500 round through it. No issues.

I bought a Bushmaster Varminter nearly 20 years ago. Just a great, great rifle I hated. I sold it to a neighbor of mine who is very, very proficient with it. He loves it and rides the Ground Hog Circuit
on his Honda ATV with it.

The AR platform just doesn't fit me...so spend some time with all your options before you choose. It may be right for you.

Here is the Bushmaster, the picture is taken above one of my barns:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1591048544.jpg

Elevated platform:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1591048591.jpg

The view from the platform and, they are really all I shoot now, how I interrupted Ground Hog Day:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1591048683.jpg

Along the same thought process I have a Kel-Tec sub2000 Gen 2 Capable of accepting all Glock Mags. The main difference is the sub remains a single unit as opposed to the Ruger which is a take down.

Lots of AR platfoms out there but personal would get a mini 14 as it doesn't draw as much attention and is equally capable.

sub2000 Gen2 16" when folded, fits in a back pack. About $450.00. In a free state can accpet a 32 round stick mag or a 50 round drum mag.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1591054960.jpg