Lets see if I can get through this post without using the "T" buzzword I've grown to despise so.

With the new AR, I need some accessories, but I don't know all the terms, or where to get them. I'd also like any input of opinions if anyone has them....? (ok, stupid question)

It looks like I'll need a carring case, (scabbard) for it, if I want to paticipate in one of the practical rifle matches at any time, since it appears they are required. Maybe something with some mag pouches, or small storage for other gear, while still easily fitting behind the seat of my pickup. (standard cab) Preferably, nothing too "T".

I'd also like a sling for it. I do actually plan to do some hiking while carrying the rifle, so it needs to be comfortable, and non-hindering for rougher terrain, and which still allows the rifle to be put in to action fairly quickly. I have no idea what is standard, or what all is in the marketplace. Front carry would be acceptable to me, and so would back.... but not too "T"!

Then there's ammo. I am down to my last 300 rd. battlepack of that stuff from S. Africa. It seemed to shoot well in my last AR, and I'll be sighting in with it this afternoon. But, I think I heard that stuff is not as easy to get anymore...? So, if I need to look for a new brand, I may as well be choosey. I think the stuff I hunt with in my bolt .223 is a bit pricey for the practical rifle matches or other high quantity shooting days, but I do prefer to have an expanding bullet. Is there any bulk type ammo in the marketplace that is loaded with expanding bullets, 55gr or lower? (brass case & affordable highly preferred) Remember, if it has the "T" word on the box, I'll probably be predjudice against it, and likely jinx the stuff, even if it's good.

Remember my browngunner mentality, and go easy on me.

"T"actical

ETA, Ooops, I'd also like a smaller, (lighter), magazine. 10-20 rounds instead of 30. I'm just not quite that scared when I'm in the woods.

Too cool! Thanks so much!

So how does a sling typically attach to the fore end of an AR? I can install a swivel stud to the handguard easily enough, but maybe I'm missing a more obvious way...?

What about the rear? I see some pics that show the sling being woven through the buttstock, rather than using the swivel itself...?

Anyone have a pic of a GI issue sling?

Pics for review...




PCR, do you have a pic of your case?

Kooter, does that case really weight 8lbs like it says on the page? Was it worth that kind of money? (I've never spent that kind of dough on a scabbard before)

Thanks for those links Spyda.

How about smaller mags? Are they a specialty item? I had a ten rounder with the last AR, and it's all I ever used with it. Never even loaded the thirtys up to see if they worked. But a twenty would be cool too... any such thing?

This internet forum thing keeps impressing the hell out of me! I'm headed out to sight it in now, and will follow the links this afternoon.

A Bullseye visit has possibility on Fri, but too early for me to promise.

Tweeter, you just made yourself a deal, (if we can come to better terms). You're too kind.

Dang Phil, I really like that case, and for the same reasons you mention. How do you think it will hold up to weather and abuse?

I'm more and more undecided on the sling now. While sighting in, I carried the rifle back and forth with me downrange, and was pleasantly surprised by how easily it carries in the hands. But maybe that's just compared to the brownguns...? In all honesty, I always take the slings off of my hunting rifle during hunting seasons, and throw them in the glovebox in case I decide to go on a longer hike. The rest of the time, they just get in the way, for me. Maybe I should try a few outings without one, and see if I really feel the need.... The "climbers carry" position sure would be ideal on the steep stuff though.... hmmm..

Great info on the ammo all. I'll get to studying up on it.

The 20 round mags are gonna be a must for me. I'll follow the leads you all have given. Thank you.

One other item. I notice the plastic buttplate is a bit slippery on my shoulder. What do they make, and where can I get it? (My last AR had a rubber shoe that snapped right on... do they make the same for this stock? in green?)

Quick 1st range report;

Sighting in a high power rifle @ 100 yards is damned hard without magnified optics!! I think the rifle, ammo and EOtech were all doing their jobs, but my eyes were having a hell of a time distinguishing the conventional paper targets.

So, once I felt it was close to being where I wanted it to be, I stopped and finished by just enjoying shooting the new gun. Most shots kept within a 4" 'pattern', though a couple didn't. I'm not sure I can do any better than that with that sight. I'll keep the EOtech on it for awhile, and see how it serves me all-around. But it wouldn't surprise me if I went back to a variable scope later on, like all my other rifles wear.

The rifle functioned and handled beautifuly, and I'm very pleased with the parts/configuration choices I made. Much more friendly than my first AR, and it seems to have a very natural feel to it.

I did manage to use an entire 30 round magazine, in the time I was there, (just over an hour). Gotta admit that it's easier to shoot without all that pesky reloading.

One more thing. Are there any online cheat sheets or tips & tricks, for doing trigger work on ARs? This one has some major snags, and needs attention. I'd also like to lighten it to be closer to what I'm used to, but I understand the 'reverse-cam' is a limiting factor.... (Tweak gave me a detailed crash course last fall, at his house warming party). any links or thoughts would sure be appreciated.

Thanks again to everyone for the input. You've saved me hours of searches.

Thanks Phil! Both counts.

You guys are an endless bank of goodwill and good information! Thanks so much.

JS######, I was just looking at the ballistic data for my hunting rounds, figureing on a shorter range for final sight in with the AR. Your link made me go put my book back on the shelf.

Tumbleweed, I'll look forward to it. Thank you.

Quoted: Remember my browngunner mentality...

Stay brown.

Quoted: Quoted: A stock single stage trigger can only be made half ok. Mess around with it too much and you remove the surface hardening or make it unsafe. Affirmative, I had already read forums on trigger mods and the strong advice not to mess too much with the stock triggers but since I already had a replacment I went ahead and smoothed the trigger up with fine polishing stones. It worked for a while but then became a two round burst and then three round burst with every pull of the trigger, so I yank it out and threw it away and put the replacement back in. It was fun for a little while, I have tried two friend's adjustable trigger and it is awful nice but the price not so nice.

BTDT. Three round burst weren't what I had in mind when I started polishing. (there's a sig line for ya)

Quoted: BTDT. Three round burst weren't what I had in mind when I started polishing. (there's a sig line for ya)

Quoted: Local man chokes on own wood

Quoted: A stock single stage trigger can only be made half ok. Mess around with it too much and you remove the surface hardening or make it unsafe. Visit ADCO and take a close look at the Geiselle. I have one and wish I had 4 more. Another good trigger is a JP Enterprises kit with the speed hammer. It's a single stage but the engagement angle was changed a bit so there isn't as much camming affect, plus it's adjustable for sear engagement and overtravel. I have one of those as well, you're welcome to try both at LCR.

Tumbleweed, how do I know if I need small pin or large? Also, for JP, I see triggers and then trigger kits. I assume I'll need the kit..... so are these drop-in parts, or is it a 'fitting required' deal?

Quoted: JP first came out with the kits and some of the early ones needed a little fitting, but nothing serious. I recall the installation and adjustment sequence was sort of a pain. Then JP came out with their new trigger that is a complete drop-in. Don't know much about it but I'm sure it's good to go. Either way, get their speed hammer too since the sear engagement area is on the hammer in a single stage system. You can adjust these triggers down to 0 sear engagement and 0 overtravel. On the Geiselle the large pin is slightly oversized for worn receivers. Since you have a new lower the small pin should be perfect. It comes pre-adjusted and includes the hammer. Basically a drop in but you check things out as you go so it's something you don't just slap together. Instructions are excellent. I got the service grade which has heavier springs. The 1st stage was bit too heavy so I bent the spring legs a tad to lighten them (per instructions). 2nd stage was perfect. No sear adjustments were needed at first but now that I've put a few hundred rounds through it I'm going to add a little more engagement for that 2nd stage. I hear the match grade trigger is scary light but you can contact the company directly and get different spring sets, or pins for that matter.

Thanks so much.

I haven't made it to studying the Geiselle yet, but will.

One more stupid question; Are all these premium triggers two stage? I'd be tickled with a crisp and consistant 3-4lb single stage trigger pull, (preferably with an overtavel adjustment, since I'm a picky bastard). This is a field gun for my purposes, so it likely wont be back on a bench after sight in.... no need to spend more than I need.

Quoted: I looked at their website and see what you mean? about small/large pin. I'd highly recommend the JPFCP-1 complete package.

Thanks again !!

I actually was doing my reading in Midway & Brownells catalogs. I havent been to JPs website yet. I'll search that stock number tomorrow am.

BTW, FYI, for anyone who cares. I scrapped the eotech idea today after another attempt at 100 yard final sight in. Gonna go with a small low power scope.... The eotech was fun, but I find it severely limiting for my purposes (critter gitter), and for that cartridge.

Then I put the eotech on a little .22 auto rifle, sighted it in, and played in the yard for a while. What a kick in the ass that was! Very fun! Damned rain spoiled it though...

Thanks again Tumbleweed!

Quoted: And it looks cool!

You know it, baby!