User Panel
User Panel
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/17/2023 10:06:32 PM EST
Am I the only one that owns just 1 AR-15 rifle? It's a Geissele & my SHTF rifle. I do have an AR pistol as well. Thinking of doing a form 1 for it & adding the Sylvan Arms folding stock adapter as well. Is the folding adapter worth it?
The point of my post is I'm thinking of picking up a cheap AR-15 rifle to do a light weight -ish thing with & also building a 7.5 barrel AR pistol. Waste of money? It'll all be range toy stuff. I did have a 7.5" barrel AR previously and it was fun. This time around, they will have a can on them. Have a YHM Turbo T3 in jail that I'll run on everything. My Geissele has a Surefire SOCOM Mini on it full time. |
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NM, USA
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Posted: 9/17/2023 10:47:25 PM EST
[#1]
Depends on how you define waste.
If you spend $xxx in parts and tools, and you think you'll get that value or more out of it in terms of your time spent learning and doing, then no, I'd say it's not a waste at all. But that's me. |
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Posted: 9/17/2023 10:51:34 PM EST
[#2]
For me, adding another AR needs to be for another shooting purpose, and be a gun that you’ll actually use and shoot.
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Posted: 9/17/2023 10:51:38 PM EST
[#3]
I enjoy variety, so I don't see it as a waste.
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Posted: 9/17/2023 11:08:42 PM EST
[#4]
User name checks out.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/17/2023 11:19:58 PM EST
[#5]
One: An extra rifle for redundancy is not a waste of money. Having seven of them might be.
Two: A light weight rifle is always a good idea. Three: I'm calling a 7.5" pistol a waste of money, unless its really going to tickle you right. |
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Posted: 9/17/2023 11:27:36 PM EST
[#6]
It might be black rifle disease, but I think one should have a minimum of 3 AR’s. A shorty for HD, a lightweight built carbine for SHTF, then a longer range gun (preferably in 308).
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ITA
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Posted: 9/17/2023 11:50:40 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jaqufrost: I enjoy variety, so I don't see it as a waste. Agree, It nice to experiment with different setups |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/17/2023 11:54:37 PM EST
[#8]
I truely believe I just got done building my last AR for some time. I have "enough" to where I want to dabble in night vision now.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 12:18:51 AM EST
[#9]
At the moment you can build an AR for stupid cheap, do it!
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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 12:31:12 AM EST
[Last Edit: x248716x]
[#10]
everybody should have at least one SOCOM-barreled M4A1-type with a KAC/P&S RAS, with an Aimpoint Comp M4 red dot, or similar.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/-/118-541606/?page=898#i8591971 I guess you could deviate and go M-LOK something, but the SOCOM barrel makes it. or along those lines, something 13.9", 14.5", or 14.7", that P&W'd comes out to 16" legal, doesn't have to be SBR'd. just my 2 cents. |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 2:21:09 AM EST
[#11]
I currently only have one ar. Due to life I had to sell My other one I had in a different caliber. I am slowing piecing together a block 1 build so I have a block 1 and block II as they were rifles I had in the service. I am more about quality over quality, but would like two rifles if I ever take my daughter or a friend out shooting that didn't bring a rifle. Eventually when I move out of my living situation and have more room, I plan on having more firearms.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 2:51:27 AM EST
[#12]
If you really like shooting that Geissele then you better not build a lightweight AR.
Because once you shoot that lightweight gun a few times you’ll never pick up the Geissele again. At least that’s been my experience. |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 3:30:24 AM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By azmp5: I truely believe I just got done building my last AR for some time. I have "enough" to where I want to dabble in night vision now. It was mentioned that I have too many AR's. So I said OK, I get rid of a couple. I have cataracts and am light shy. So why not some Night Vision now? It will fit in the safe easier. 
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Posted: 9/18/2023 3:53:24 AM EST
[#14]
I’d say 3-4 is a good number for a guy that shoots routinely.
Think of a spare rifle as a better option than a spare parts kit. For me it means guns configured for different applications like SBR, 14.5 with LPVO, SPR, precision bipod gun, etc…. As for Geissele… you chose well.  Attached File |
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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 5:46:22 AM EST
[#15]
What optics do you have for the geissele?
I guess it’s out of fashion but I’d rather have one nice rifle like you have and multiple optics on high quality QD mounts. 1) Aimpoint / RMR 2) ACOG 3) Variable scope |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 5:55:21 AM EST
[#16]
Nothing wrong having a second beater rifle. We all have our reasons but a getting a second inexpensive one now when prices are so low is a no brainer.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 6:05:23 AM EST
[#17]
We’re in the cheap AR days. Might as well get an inexpensive PSA to have as a back up gun.
We’re gonna look back on it like $99 SKS and $89 mosins. Probably wishing we should have picked up a few inexpensive guns while we could have. |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 6:56:44 AM EST
[#18]
I stopped counting my ARs at around 10. Then, I have several lowers and parts sitting around to build more if I want to, but I will never shoot them.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 7:19:02 AM EST
[#19]
Are used to just have one. Then I was at a class and had a case head separation with some cheap steel ammo and could NOT get that thing out.
I learned quickly that two is one and one is none. |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:09:20 AM EST
[#20]
Originally Posted By RangeToy: Am I the only one that owns just 1 AR-15 rifle? It's a Geissele & my SHTF rifle. I do have an AR pistol as well. Thinking of doing a form 1 for it & adding the Sylvan Arms folding stock adapter as well. Is the folding adapter worth it? The point of my post is I'm thinking of picking up a cheap AR-15 rifle to do a light weight -ish thing with & also building a 7.5 barrel AR pistol. Waste of money? It'll all be range toy stuff. I did have a 7.5" barrel AR previously and it was fun. This time around, they will have a can on them. Have a YHM Turbo T3 in jail that I'll run on everything. My Geissele has a Surefire SOCOM Mini on it full time. Be careful OP, you’re starting down a dark and expensive road and like most of us, you don’t even see it coming. You’re asking about a lightweight rifle AND a 7.5” pistol. Before you know it you’ll see something you need for these builds on sale and you’ll buy an extra (or two), just because it was a good deal. “Oh look, Geissele is having a sale for (insert Holiday name)!” All of a sudden your “extra parts” will start multiplying and you’ll decide you might as well build another rifle… While you’re at it, maybe you decide to buy a nice set of screwdrivers, punches, a vice, torque wrench, and slowly everything you need to be a novice “gunsmith”. Then you find yourself buying more parts just to use your tools, and within a few months you realize you have a dozen AR’s and drawers full of extra parts. And don’t get me started on scopes and optics… |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:13:06 AM EST
[#21]
There are a lot of schools of thought here. "Beware the man with only one gun" or the whole "Two is one, one is none" thing.
I'm personally of the opinion that at a minimum, you should have a spare rifle set up exactly like your primary rifle. But I also think you should also have an AR for every person in your house as well. So 2 for you and one for every other person in your home. But what I've learned is that the ultimate decision resides with you and you know what's best for your better than a bunch of internet strangers. (Buy additional quality guns is NEVER a waste of money though.) |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:35:49 AM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BeachGunner: Are used to just have one. Then I was at a class and had a case head separation with some cheap steel ammo and could NOT get that thing out. I learned quickly that two is one and one is none. Back in 05' I was doing a test fire night before a combat patrol in Iraq. Bolt lug broke on my M4A1 and our armorer was out. Went back above my desk for the M16A2 and took that bolt out to do the mission. We had a 485 yd KD range on camp, so used the A2 for practice for the All Army Matches on return.  Attached File |
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USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:41:07 AM EST
[#23]
If you can afford, go for it. I will never discourage anyone here NOT to buy more.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:47:19 AM EST
[#24]
I've been thinking about putting a 10.3" 300 blackout just because I don't have one and it would be screaming for a suppressor. Heck, add a Harbor Freight mini cutoff saw and a new set of dies, and I'll have the tools for reloading for it too. I've got stripped uppers and lowers as well as parts kits just pleading to be put to use. With prices as low as they are, now is the time to buy cheap and stack deep.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:57:06 AM EST
[#25]
As affordable as they are right now I think you’re crazy if you don’t own at least two or three.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:58:46 AM EST
[#26]
In my book you need at least 6. 2 each of the following (one for duty, one for practice/training)
1. CQB shorty [0-100/200 yds] - 556, 300 BLK, 458 socom, etc 2. Mid range [200-600 yds] - 556/308 3. Long range [600-1000+ yds] - 308/6.5creed/grendel/etc |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 9:05:45 AM EST
[#27]
I have quite a few because I enjoy the variety. I think for some just 1 or 2 is ok but I like having examples from multiple manufacturers. KAC, LMT, PWS, ADM, LWRC, Centurion, SOLGW.
No different than pistols in my opinion. 1 glock 19 or 17 can do everything you could ever want but why not have a wheel gun, 1911, M&P, FN etc. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 9:48:26 AM EST
[Last Edit: JJL0325]
[#28]
I've "wasted" a decent amount of money buying and building, then figuring out what I do and don't like. But if you want to call it the cost of learning, then I guess it's money not wasted.
Out of these six (L-R, 18", 16", 14.5" 13.9", 12.5", 10.3") I could probably do without the 16" IWI Zion-15 and 13.9" Ballistic Advantage build. I'd be willing to sell both, but being that I rattle canned them I'd probably have better luck selling them as a package, including the optics and lights. And that's going to be a harder sell, I feel. Not to mention the BA has a bunch of upgrades that will never justify the settling price for what, at the end of the day, is just a BA. Really kinda put lipstick on a pig with that one. Also, since it has a P/W Huxwrx suppressor mount it narrows that field even smaller. If anything I feel I have wasted money on is handguns, but I've also recently sold quite a few and diverted that money back into my rifles to make them more solid or suited how I like. I say all that to say, determining what's a waste of money is personal preference or idea. One mans trash is another ones treasure, and vise versa. 
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:05:49 AM EST
[#29]
OP, really?
Even non shooters that I know have more than one. |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:20:27 AM EST
[#30]
Isn't it only a waste of money if there's something else more important that you could spend the money on? Personally I don't have anything else more important to spend the money on, so ARs it is!
 I suppose I could have just saved all that wasted AR money and had a big pile of money, but then I wouldn't have a big pile of ARs/AR parts and tools to work on them. |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:32:20 AM EST
[#31]
The correct number is always "one more".
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:42:29 AM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By grizzlyblake: What optics do you have for the geissele? I guess it’s out of fashion but I’d rather have one nice rifle like you have and multiple optics on high quality QD mounts. 1) Aimpoint / RMR 2) ACOG 3) Variable scope Vortex Viper scope. The 10.5" barrel AR pistol has a red dot on it. If I do another 16" barrel AR, it will get a scope. I have astigmatism so I try to limit my use of dots |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:43:41 AM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TheShootingAnvil: There are a lot of schools of thought here. "Beware the man with only one gun" or the whole "Two is one, one is none" thing. I'm personally of the opinion that at a minimum, you should have a spare rifle set up exactly like your primary rifle. But I also think you should also have an AR for every person in your house as well. So 2 for you and one for every other person in your home. But what I've learned is that the ultimate decision resides with you and you know what's best for your better than a bunch of internet strangers. (Buy additional quality guns is NEVER a waste of money though.) My thought behind doing a 2nd is not to make it heavy like my Geissele with all the crap I put on it. No light, no bipod, etc. Just a scope & the can when it gets out of jail |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:45:55 AM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Goody454: Be careful OP, you’re starting down a dark and expensive road and like most of us, you don’t even see it coming. You’re asking about a lightweight rifle AND a 7.5” pistol. Before you know it you’ll see something you need for these builds on sale and you’ll buy an extra (or two), just because it was a good deal. “Oh look, Geissele is having a sale for (insert Holiday name)!” All of a sudden your “extra parts” will start multiplying and you’ll decide you might as well build another rifle… While you’re at it, maybe you decide to buy a nice set of screwdrivers, punches, a vice, torque wrench, and slowly everything you need to be a novice “gunsmith”. Then you find yourself buying more parts just to use your tools, and within a few months you realize you have a dozen AR’s and drawers full of extra parts. And don’t get me started on scopes and optics… I built a 7.5" pistol when we could have braces. It was fun, but I thinned things out & that was 1 that got sold. I probably won't build one now because no brace. Just roll with the 10.5" pistol & maybe form 1 it & add sylvan arms folding adapter. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:46:44 AM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gearsmithy: In my book you need at least 6. 2 each of the following (one for duty, one for practice/training) 1. CQB shorty [0-100/200 yds] - 556, 300 BLK, 458 socom, etc 2. Mid range [200-600 yds] - 556/308 3. Long range [600-1000+ yds] - 308/6.5creed/grendel/etc Until I find a local outdoor range that doesn't have hoops etc, indoor range only. :( I am not stocking more calibers so it'll be 5.56 |
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ND, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 10:48:34 AM EST
[#36]
Election next year. The thought of another D run f ing everything up another AR may not be a bad idea.
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CO, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 11:05:24 AM EST
[Last Edit: Stowe]
[#37]
I personally wouldn't go 7.5. I have no doubt that is fun, but id rather have practical. If you want to go SBR, a 10.3-12.5 is the range you should be looking at.
If you're looking for any answer other than build more, you came the wrong place. I'd suggest looking at what you have, deciding what uses is best fits and then building around that to cover more bases. (While I've built many more) I have a grand total of 4 ARs that I've kept as my own personal ones. All are made from quality parts and all are set up a bit different and fit a different need. I have one with an aimpoint, one with an acog one with a lpvo and one with a higher power scope. My barrel lengths are 11.5, (2) 14.5 and a 16". That pretty well covers all my needs. I could have 100 PSAs and it still wouldn't gain me anything over having 4 that are well built, reliable and have good optics and triggers. Not sure where I was even going with this. I had a rough night and shits still a bit foggy. I'd add an 11.5 or 12.5 to what you have. Build it right and then consider what else you may or may not need. 2 quality ARs are better than 20 budget builds. Not that there's anything wrong with a basic AR, but id take 2 with quality barrels, nice triggers and good optics over a pile of basic, mil-spec stuff. Edit: if you current AR is a 10.5 (which I apprently missed) the go the other direction and build something else. You could do a 14.5 p/w for example. I have 2 14.5s. Is a pretty damn good "do it all" length. Just do it right. I'm not saying you need a $700, custom spun barrel, but it's also not a place to cheap out. For example, for my 14.5s, one has a larue stealth barrel and an MBT trigger. The other has a triarc trac barrel and a hyperfire trigger. Yes, the bothe have a lot of not cheap other parts on them, but what matters is your barrel, trigger and optic/mount. Everything else can be trash, and you'll still have an exceptional gun if you do those 3 things right |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 12:32:42 PM EST
[#38]
Sounds like you already have two AR's.
Waste of money is subjective. Are your firearm needs covered? Any type of NV or thermal (be it cheap or expensive)? Ammo? |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 12:43:45 PM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By motoguzzi: At the moment you can build an AR for stupid cheap, do it! And repeat X times |
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AL, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 12:56:38 PM EST
[Last Edit: BhamAR]
[#40]
I would like to have about 10 extra AR’s.
Cheap dependable ones, PSA, M&P, etc. I have some nice ones setup for me the way I want them, but would like to have 10 cheap ones so I can pass them out just in case the poop ever actually hits the fan. I have a couple of hundred magazines & ammo, but I don’t have enough to pass out to people who need a gun. Perhaps some neighbors to setup a crossfire, or perhaps some friends if we bug out to their farms or something. Or even for friends to go join in a real combat fight… For that reason I plan on buying one or two a year around Xmas when I think I can get them super cheap. I won’t even shoot them, just leave them in the box. So I say buy or build all the AR’s you can, it’s not a waste! It’s the opposite of a waste, especially if we support companies who support the 2A & AR community, and you’ll have a nice stockpile in case the worst happens. I’ll never have a Daniel Defense AR for example. Though I’d like to use their barrels in some builds. I think I’d buy a used barrel, my logic being DD didn’t get my money, so I’m not actually supporting them. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 12:58:55 PM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By panthermark: Sounds like you already have two AR's. Waste of money is subjective. Are your firearm needs covered? Any type of NV or thermal (be it cheap or expensive)? Ammo? NEEDS are covered. No thermal stuff. Every time I look at that stuff, it's crazy $ for something I'll likely never use. I ordered the 16" ODG AR kit from PSA. Likely skipping the 7.5" build and will just form 1 my 10.5" that I already have if anything Now I need to find a scope & gen 4 sylvan arms folding adapter |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 1:35:32 PM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RangeToy: NEEDS are covered. No thermal stuff. Every time I look at that stuff, it's crazy $ for something I'll likely never use. I ordered the 16" ODG AR kit from PSA. Likely skipping the 7.5" build and will just form 1 my 10.5" that I already have if anything Now I need to find a scope & gen 4 sylvan arms folding adapter Thermals aren't just for night use, they operate in daylight too. I like putting thermal sights on Carl Gustavs 84mm Recoilless Rifles. Usable 24/7. |
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CO, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 1:39:33 PM EST
[#43]
I personally really enjoy the 7.5". Nice and compact, plenty accurate for plinking/close stuff, pokes holes, and 5.56 even out of that short of a barrel will defeat soft armor.
OP just be aware the turbo T3 is only rated down to a 10" barrel with 5.56 so if you did put it on a 7.5" you'd most likely void the warranty. |
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IL, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 2:21:57 PM EST
[#44]
I really like my 7.5" as well....BUT....it is in 300blk.
 I'm hoping the new SIG RSAR becomes available to us peons. It is basically a SIG Rattler stretched out from 5.5" to 7.75". |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 5:32:24 PM EST
[#45]
The only way you'll waste your money is if you build it and don't ever shoot it. If you build it and shoot it and don't like it--it's called education. Which is something that always costs money. If you shoot it and like it then it wasn't a waste.
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Posted: 9/18/2023 5:35:20 PM EST
[Last Edit: Gordo556]
[#46]
no, its not a waste of money, build something that has another dedicated purpose.
I have a a handful for different stuff, my main go to is a 12.5 sbr and I just built a 8.5 300blk upper too. I have stuff for my wife, and etc. so no, as you gain knowledge, and change your wants/needs based on your knowledge, its not a waste. you might want to build another upper differently and use it on a already owned lower. you might tear your lower apart, or buy a new one, and use QUALITY parts, you might just upgrade shit as you learn to better parts. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 5:46:45 PM EST
[#47]
I kind of learned something after my father passed and watching various safe opening videos. That is collecting is fun, but one day you’re going to leave this earth. Your families and friends will be left to determine what sort of value or things to do. Whatever it may happen your things will not be enjoyed or cared in the same way. It’ll also be used way more than you ever did.
With that said, I’m a firm believer that while collecting is cool it’s better to make memories. All the things that had memories attached to it will be remembered and treasured by your friends and families. While everything else will be collecting dust. So it’s less of a question of what you need but more about what sort of memories and fun times you’ll leave behind. If buying a second rifle will create fun times then get it. If not, just use what you have and enjoy it. Getting a second one will only mean you’re taking care of it for someone else to enjoy. |
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Posted: 9/18/2023 6:10:17 PM EST
[#48]
I would have a second rifle set up like your SHTF gun. That way you can practice with one and save the other one once you get it sighted in and shot enough to know it's GTG.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 6:27:44 PM EST
[#49]
You can have 20 rifles but you can only shoot one, I’ll say spend the money on a good reputable training course and understand your set up, everyone will tell you get another one get this get that but at the end of the day training is the most important tool you can invest on you will learn a lot and have fun, also night vision is another option.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/18/2023 8:40:28 PM EST
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By titom110: You can have 20 rifles but you can only shoot one, I’ll say spend the money on a good reputable training course and understand your set up, everyone will tell you get another one get this get that but at the end of the day training is the most important tool you can invest on you will learn a lot and have fun, also night vision is another option. The problem with ARs is that it's two folds: 1) everyone fears it'll be banned so they buy as much as they could, 2) normally it is hard to hold on to spare parts without wanting to either build a rifle or configure it differently at some point which usually makes for a new rifle. With that said, it's definitely not a bad idea to have a spare parts bin that at least consists of the possibly to build an entire rifle again. I think the problem is that it is very difficult to maintain this discipline without wanting to at least configure or assemble that spare bins. I have a spare barrel and bcg and upper and lower receivers sitting in a locked bag. Sometimes the old me wants to come out and just build a new rifle with those parts and it is definitely an understandable thing that you have these 100s of dollars worth of parts that essentially doing nothing but waiting. You know it is a very real possibility that it could be banned in the future so it's a conundrum to hold on the parts but at the same time knowing that one day those might be all the parts you can have. I think in the past 40 years the smartest thing anyone could invest in gun wise would be a registered FA rifle or pistol or lightning link. I think anyone investing into that in the 80s would be seeing a near 100-300 times the initial cost. Sort of like those gold commercials but instead some old fart says, "Let's lock up 300 dollars in a safe and let's lock up a registered $300 AR15 lower in the same safe. Let's see what increase. That 300 dollars a lot of money back in the 80s but it's worth less today! But that registered AR15 lower you bought for $300 now increased by 300 times the amount and is only continuing to go up!" |
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