Posted: 2/3/2005 6:40:53 AM EDT
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Figured I'd ask the experts, so here goes. Might as well call this post the "Ice-Wolf's a damn newbie" post. I budget $500 to $1000 a month for weapons and related material. Purchased my first AR (a DPMS PCAR) recently, love it. Getting the bug to buy another - or maybe trick out the one I have. What should I do? Newb Questions: My DPMS has an A2 style non-detachable carry handle. I have read some comments here that say to steer clear of the carry-handle style mounting for scopes such as an EOTech. Why is that? The purpose of this rifle is for CQB home defense/SHTF, so would a red-dot aiming device even really be necessary - or just practice up with the iron sights? Would a laser be a more suitable choice for the given application... or a surefire weaponlight? What is the best cleaning method for an AR? Boresnake style cloth and bristle rag you pull through - or a traditional pull rod and brush? I have heard a lot about Bushmaster, Colt, etc - but not too much positive about DPMS. This unit I have purchased is really nice in my newbie opinion, but what are some possible problems I should look out for as time goes on? OR is the AR manufacturer "battle" just personal preference? Lasers? green is cool, but any recommendation on ones that are durable and "best of show" sort-to-speak? Training - Anyone know of a really good weapons training program that perhaps even centers around AR-style weapons? Perhaps even at some point even CQB training. And lastly, should I get my FFL and class III SOT and start selling this stuff - sounds like a blast. Thanks for any and all input. Love the website - a great deal of solid reference material here. Ammo-oracle is great too. Howls, Ice-Wolf [EDIT]: Thanks Dolomite for reminding me of the importance of appropriate training. Duly added to the list.  |
Heh, trust me, it wasn't always this way. Last year my business failed miserably and pretty much took me with it - I sold EVERYTHING to try and save it... I had clothes and my dog and that was it. Shortly after the collapse sort-to-speak, I luckily found a really good job and since that time have slowly paid off my debts, purchased a new vehicle, and got myself back on my paws. The catch is that the job, although stable and pays well, is a true 9 to 5, "just a cog in the wheel" type job... So my heart's not in it - thus the focus on extracurricular interests such as assault weaponry, SHTF scenario survival, and of course ice-climbing. More than you ever wanted to know I'm sure.  Howls, Ice-Wolf |
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Oh - ok - well thanks for 'splining that to me. One thing not on your list - Training Classes. They're expensive - like guns but a whooooooole lot of fun. They're also a more important component of your personal safety than merely just owning a weapon. Oh - and the EOTech rules for cqb. |
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Regarding the optics on carry handles..... People dont like it because the cheek weld sucks and the sight picture is jacked up if you go from irons to optics quickly. Personally, I have used regular magnified optics on an A2 and red dot scopes. I wouldnt do any magnified scope up there again...was just stupid to try and use....not comfortable at all. At the moment I have an aimpoint 1x red dot scope on an A2 and I love it. I have no problem with cheek weld, and target acquisition is no issue at all, of course, YMMV. Do you need it if this rifle will be used for CQB, prob not...in a real situation you wont even think to use your sights, assuming its close battle. SHTF? long range? optics? Sure...the further away the threat can be eliminated the better, no? |
Heh, you probably read the explanation a few replies up. I used to invest heavily - mostly divided between gold/platinum and biomed/utility stocks... and SHTF stuff. All of which got liquidated to keep the station alive as long as possible. Now that I am seeing the light of day again, I have a moderate basic savings account but I really need to kick-start an enjoyable passtime, so I am probably blowing more than I should - but what the hell.Speaking of which - should I become a Title-2 dealer? I have read a lot of information on the concept here on these boards. It seems pretty easy - though paperwork intensive. I'm not looking to make a lot of money, but I think it may be cool to sell in quantity to Law Enforcement and do transfers for folks, maybe sell a nice range of SHTF type rifles, accessories and misc. Thoughts on that? and please keep the advice coming. Howls, Ice-Wolf |