AR Sponsor
Posted: 8/15/2017 6:16:26 PM EDT
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Looking for a duty worthy AR to replace my Remington 870 Police for home defense. I just can't deny the benefits of the AR platform in this role, and it's time to get my first AR for the job.
What I'd like: Colt 6920 stripped down: https://www.gunprodeals.com/products/tactical-colt-mfg-le6920-098289020246 I would like to add probably a Magpul handguard, some kind of light mount, and a tactical light of some sort. I will also add an Aimpoint PRO and a backup iron sight, probably a KAC or Magpul, and will buy a standard mil spec telescoping stock. I probably won't use a sling since it is for home defense, I live alone, and see no point to a sling and it could get caught up on something or be used to disarm me. Then I'll get some PMAGS or modern milspec alluminum mags and fill them with Winchester PDX1 or similar .223 ammo designed for home defense. What do you think of that build? I know it's not really a true build as all I'll be doing is adding furniture and accessories, but do you think a Colt 6920 set up as such would be dependable in a life or death situation? I know some LEOs carry 6920s and they are mil-spec. I originally wanted a S&W M&P-15 Sport II but I have read those aren't meant for duty and aren't milspec. Thoughts? Thanks for helping a newbie to the AR platform! |
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I think it's a solid choice for what you're intending to do with it, the 6920 is a great factory rifle IMO.
Throw a mid priced SF light (like the Fury) and Aimpoint Pro on it to really round it out. PSA runs sales on Federal Fusion and it's MSR branded cousin for .50cpr if you're open to suggestions about ammo. |
| Only thing I'd add as a thought, if you're already thinking Magpul, look around. The 6920 variants are cheap right now but what is cheapest fluctuates. If color doesn't matter, I believe the FDE magpul SL version was priced really well the last couple of days, like $730-$750. By the time you equip an OEM, especially a rear sight, you might be money ahead. |
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If you're just using it for home defense, load up an online store, close your eyes, and click on something randomly. Chances are, the gun you've chosen will work just fine. You don't need "rugged" or "mil-spec" to fire three rounds in your air conditioned, dustless, dehumidified home. Of course, you need the rifle to work, but as long as you're using a rifle made out of the proper materials, there's nothing to worry about. The only thing that matters is that the firing pin hits the primer. After that, at three yards, all AR-15s you've looked at will be the same.
The military's requirements for rifles and parts has to do more with long-term reliability, under high round counts, abuse, dust and dirt and water, gunk, stoppages, being dropped from high altitudes, being packed in crates that could flip over, getting kicked around, ran over, buried and dug up, etc. Things need to be weatherproof, dustproof, waterproof, corrosion resistant. If you aren't crawling around on sand dunes or wading through rivers every day, and if you aren't actively training, firing 1,000 rounds a month, the M&P Sport will be good to go for years to come. I'm going to tell you right now that spending $650 for an Aimpoint that's going to sit on a rifle that's just leaning against your wall or under your bed or whatever, will be a total waste. A lot of people on this website seem to advocate getting the best possible equipment that's also used by military personnel, but the vast majority of us are not deployed fighting a war or on duty working for the government where liability and legal issues would arise if a piece of issued equipment was to fail. You could just buy a Primary Arms red dot, or a motion-activated Holosun, or a TRS-25, a SIG Romeo 5. Hell, a $20 Amazon red dot would work at 3 yards in a home defense scenario. And to be honest, you'd be better off training for point shooting, instinctive aiming, whatever you want to call it. In a high stress, close quarters scenario where someone has broken into your home and is threatening your life, you're not going to take the time to properly seat the stock and properly acquire a sight picture. You're going to point the muzzle in their direction and pull the trigger. Of course, this is assuming that you've made verbal commands in an attempt to defuse the situation. All of that said, Colt is synonymous with the AR-15 platform. You probably won't regret buying one and they have great resale value. As for the optic, I can't give any firsthand experience on Aimpoints -- I don't need an always on, submersible optic, and I'm not going to spend $600 on features that I'm never going to use being a civilian living in a first world country. I did have an EOTech, but I sold it when I realized that it was unnecessary. |
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Colt + Aimpoint Pro + any high quality light is a G2G HD set up. Keeps it simple and you'll never have to worry about a problem as long as you maintain the rifle properly.
Get a couple of PMAGs, go to the range, test them to make sure they all function flawlessly (which they should), and rock and roll! |
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Sounds like a reliable rifle. Someone mentioned that you don't need a 600 dollar aimpoint. I'm assuming you already know you don't have to drop 600 bucks to get an aimpoint, especially since a new PRO runs at about 400 bucks. Get it used and it's a lot closer to 300. Only you can decide what your money and potentially your life is worth. Just because this is an HD rifle, doesn't mean it won't evolve into a training rifle/truck gun/duty rifle/SHTF WROL TEOWTAWKI whatever rifle. I'm sure others will agree, having an optic you know will work no matter what means something. It isn't the end all be all, that's why we have irons, but I would never trade my optic out for anything. Past 10-20 yards, with cover and concealment, moving targets, etc. That red dot becomes invaluable.
As far as the brand of the rifle, Colt is a great choice. You could get away with something cheaper, however it is up to you. If you like shooting, you will enjoy the colt. Especially if you decide to use it for other activities besides HD. At the end of the day, only you can know what you really need. If something seems like more of a want than a need, then it comes down to you being willing to pay for it. With that said, you will be well equipped with the rifle you've described. Just know, they do tend to multiply. Like rabbits! |
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