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I am about to purchase my first AR. A 20" Bushy for $750. Im looking for advice on quality instructional books or videos. Id also like to get feedback on some of my observations from this site. 1 - steel cased ammo is hard on ARs (does this mean most brassed cased NC is OK?) 2 - GI mags are the best, but orlites, thermolds and most others are generally reliable (are there any to flat out avoid?). I realize that there are no guarantees.
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I own a Colt AR-15, model 6601. I also spent 6 years in the Marine Corps carrying a M-16 every other day (it felt like >gg<).
Save your money on the books & videos, just use the owners manual or this site.
I buy mil-surp GI mags at gunshows for $15-20 each & they all work perfect for me. As others say, stay AWAY from USA brand mags. Guys that use the thermolite mags all say they work ok.
I have been told to avoid the steel case ammo as it's hell on extractors, accelerates wear, etc.
You will need a brass tooth brush to clean off the carbon on the bolt near the gas rings. You'll also need a chamber brush to keep the chamber nice & clean from carbon. Again, gunshows are a great source for cleaning gear, patches, etc.
Also I recommend a one-piece cleaning rod for the bore versus the multi-piece rod that screws together. The one-piece rods are usually made from stainless steel & thus last a long time. And clean your bore from the chamber end, NOT the muzzle end.
Good luck & you should just love shooting the AR.