Why I abandoned the AR 15..............

[yukonjasper]

I came across the following article and thought it might provoke some discussion.

https://goo.gl/uyfxS6

The AR-15 and its parent rifle, the select-fire-capable M4 carbine, have served the United States Armed Forces and many of its allies for nearly 50 years. Many of us know the history behind its selection and implementation, complete with all its growing pains. Today’s M4 is similar to the original M16A1, but advancements in machining, design, materials, and powder make today’s M4 a much more reliable weapon platform.

That being said, I can no longer place any confidence in the AR-15 to defend myself in a time of disaster or urban unrest. To protect myself and my family, I have completely switched over to the AKM family of weapons—a semi-automatic variant of the legendary AK-47. I know that somewhere, someone is saying out loud that I am a dumb-ass or a communist. When I first discussed this with one of my close friends, a career Army infantryman with more than 16 months of combat duty spent with the 172nd Infantry Brigade, he just shook his head in disagreement. I remember telling him over some beers, and he just kept asking “Why?” with a look of disappointment and bewilderment on his face.

[Erud]

Sounds like a dumb-ass communist. Who cares what he thinks?

[MJY65]

A dumb ass commie with too much time on his hands. How in the heck is the number of available buffers a problem? Unless you are shooting ammo that is out at the fringes, you will never need anything but the OEM anyway.

[Scratch]

Different strokes for different folks.

[gaberelli]

Ah..... what's wrong with BOTH?! I don't feel the need to limit myself. I'm allowed to own more than one gun.


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[yukonjasper]

I have long heard stories about the legendary reliability and resilience of the AK platform and the relatively finicky AR design. I do own both, but what if you were relegated to only owning one and your life absolutely relied on it? I must admit, its been a while since I pulled the SKS out of the safe and it certainly doesn't have any specialty parts added - down and dirty - clean of the Cosmoline and away you go...............

[Erud]

When is the last time you found 7.62x39 at Cub Foods?

[mmcnx2]

I'm in the minority and still believe a handgun is a better personal defense tool. A long barrelled gun (even one just long enough to be legal) is still a lengthy piece to maneuver around in halls and through doorways.

I also believe that if in the unlikely and unfortunate circumstances you actual use it and end up in court an AR/AK will have more of a negative influence on a uneducated jury. Kind of like having 'wait for the flash' engraved on the end of your barrel, should not make a bit of a difference but jury's are strange beasts. I'll stick with my 100% stock glock 27 runing common factory personal defense ammo, both used by LE all over the nation and about as generic as possible. I'd classify a shotgun somewhere in the middle depending on how 'tactical' it appeared.

Face it most of us could be painted as 'gun nuts' to many people, we have a number of firearms, some unique, many of us reload and have a sizable 'stash' of ammo, many of us have taken 3rd party training beyond carry permit level and lastly a few of us participate in practical shooting sports. A prosecuting attorney if they want to is going to try to spin each of those in the worst possible light. So by selecting a personal protection firearm that appears to be more reasonably accepted it is potentially one less brick they can use against you.

[Holland&Holland]

Interesting read. I guess once you really get into the article and understand what he is saying, I can't argue with his main points. That said, it is just for those reasons that I do love AR's. I have built several now, have screwed up as many times as I have been successful and have learned valuable lessons with each build. In the event that I was ever in the situation he describes I do not think I am at a disadvantage with an AR instead of an AK. I know I have the tools and parts to break it down and rebuild it anyway I want and feel if it has an issue I can fix it. Not saying one can't be the same way with an AK but I am better with legos than tinker toys.

I also think he over exaggerated some of the AR myths and opinions. Take the lube for instance. While how I lube and what I use is a topic I have wrestled with myself on many occasions, I suspect that there are really many "right" answers for this. Meaning, with a bit of care and common sense your AR should run.

[Holland&Holland]

When is the last time you found 7.62x39 at Cub Foods?

Does in my car in the parking lot count?

[Holland&Holland]

A long barrelled gun (even one just long enough to be legal) is still a lengthy piece to maneuver around in halls and through doorways.

.

SBR it!

[Erud]

When is the last time you found 7.62x39 at Cub Foods?

Does in my car in the parking lot count?

It does not.

[Holland&Holland]

When is the last time you found 7.62x39 at Cub Foods?

Does in my car in the parking lot count?

It does not.

What if it is in stripper clips and a bandolier over my shoulder while I pick up eggs and milk?

[mmcnx2]

A long barrelled gun (even one just long enough to be legal) is still a lengthy piece to maneuver around in halls and through doorways.

.

SBR it!

Talk about not helping yourself with a jury - half the folks that shoot don't get those yet alone 12 total strangers that get called up. Also would guess your stamp might be in limbo while the whole mess is sorted out.

[Rip Van Winkle]

Another AR vs AK argument..........yawn. I've been hearing them for almost 50 years.

I hope he keeps his rifle well maintained and stocked with ammo.





So I can use it after the zombies get done eating his brains.