AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/20/2015 10:12:21 PM EDT
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Have recently acquired two ARs. A Delton Sport and a DPMS Oracle. Bought one new at a price too good to turn down and the other was an unexpected gift. The Delton came with an NC Star red dot optic (w laser). Actually not a bad optic for such a cheap price. Have it sighted in pretty tight. Haven't even broken in the barrel on the Oracle.
I have hunted and trapped all my life - I am a professional wildlife biologist and hunter ed instructor - been a shooter nearly all my life. Mention this just so you old hands will know I'm not completely oblivious to firearms and shooting. However, these are the first ARs I've ever owned. Would actually like to buy another - always liked the AR style weapon and frankly I'm trying to rathole a few good SHTF guns. I plan on buying an Aimpoint PRO for my next optic. Both guns are flat tops. I would like some advice on tricking these out a little - certainly I prefer function over form. I would like some iron sights that I can co-witness. Would like to add a flashlight and adapter, perhaps and one piece forearm and any other quasi-necessities for a respectable AR. Please be patient and don't assume I know a damned thing because I don't - just please dont' talk to me like I'm a dumbass - I am seeking some real advice here and any real help would be greatly appreciated. |
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Get a set of fixed irons and call it good if its being tucked away for SHTF... as batteries are not going to be easy to get...
If you are using a optic with etched reticle like prismatic... get a set of MBUS, they are cheap and tough. MBUS pro are nice too but more costly. Any of the good brand sights will work. If you want something for home defence, a decent red dot from vortex or a Aimpoint PRO will do fine, and a simple flashlight mount if you want a light. |
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Thanks - I'll have to check but I think the MBUS won't work with one of my rifles. Both have a rail over the receiver only - by the time you get an optic mounted I don't have much room hence the inquiry about going to a one piece forearm so I could add some rail length but there may be other options but not sure. Point well taken about SHTF and batteries - I've considered that and hoped to capture the best of both worlds with the optic and co-witnessed iron sights.
Any thoughts on an aftermarket charging handle or is stock OK? I don't have any trouble with stock ones. I have realized that ARs are like bows, trucks, and other toys, you can spend as much money as you want. I am not looking to piss away money but do want to work toward an improved, more bullet proof weapon. Don't mind spending toward that end. Don't misunderstand, I do intend to shoot these wtih some regularity - will keep one in my truck for coyotes and such - may even deer hunt a little with one so they aren't going to be moth-balled until the EBT cards quit working.... I appreciate your help. |
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The thread linked is just one example of how many new AR owners eventually accessorize or upgrade their entry level ARs.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/668569_My_SandW_MandP15_Sport_progress_so_far.html You'll notice some critical comments about how money could have been saved by buying an upgraded rifle on initial purchase. The economics of the AR system changed recently after production supplies of rifles and parts oversaturated the market in response to the post Sandy Hook panic. With great bargains readily available these days on those components, a smart shopper can now pin together parts that already have all the significant upgrades and avoid having to purchase aftermarket accessories to install himself. Since you are collecting rifles now for SHTF purposes, you might want to relegate the DTI and DPMS to more basic or KISS status and purchase a more rugged rifle that you can dedicate to more serious use, e.g. BCM, DD. ymmv Eta: Of the 2 you currently have, if the Sport has a standard Front Sight Base, you could easily co-witness an optic and rear sight. Impact weapon components has excellent light mounts to help you setup your light. |
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Quoted:
Thanks - I'll have to check but I think the MBUS won't work with one of my rifles. Both have a rail over the receiver only - by the time you get an optic mounted I don't have much room hence the inquiry about going to a one piece forearm so I could add some rail length but there may be other options but not sure. Point well taken about SHTF and batteries - I've considered that and hoped to capture the best of both worlds with the optic and co-witnessed iron sights. Quoted:
Thanks - I'll have to check but I think the MBUS won't work with one of my rifles. Both have a rail over the receiver only - by the time you get an optic mounted I don't have much room hence the inquiry about going to a one piece forearm so I could add some rail length but there may be other options but not sure. Point well taken about SHTF and batteries - I've considered that and hoped to capture the best of both worlds with the optic and co-witnessed iron sights. If you're running red dot sights, they should mount far enough forward to leave room for a BUIS, even a fairly large one. As for the forward BUIS, if your rifles have railed gas blocks you shouldn't use a standard MBUS front sight because they're made of polymer and they'll melt. From Magpul's description: NOTE: Cannot be mounted to a railed gas block due to excess heat issues. (link) Any thoughts on an aftermarket charging handle or is stock OK? I don't have any trouble with stock ones. I have realized that ARs are like bows, trucks, and other toys, you can spend as much money as you want. I am not looking to piss away money but do want to work toward an improved, more bullet proof weapon. Don't mind spending toward that end. If it works it works. Keep shooting with the stock CH. Don't replace it until it breaks. I like the BCM Gunfighter #4 myself, but that's me. YMMV. For a SHTF gun, some people say an ambi handle is better (like the Raptor), but they're around $100. I have one and they ARE nice, but there are other things I'd rather spend my $100 on, like more ammo. Cheers:) |
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