What AR upper would be the best all around if you were living in Alaska? pics pg 2 of my worthy guns

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What AR upper would be the best all around if you were living in Alaska? pics pg 2 of my worthy guns (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:03:12 PM EDT

I am going to move to Alaska, and I still have one lower left unbuilt. With that in mind I was wondering what caliber made for an AR would be the best for carrying around up there.

I have 3 in 5.56 but I know this is no bear/moose medicine, so what would be the best currently made caliber upper for an AR platform, and do I need special mags or a different lower to use it?

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:03:47 PM EDT

[#1]

.50 BMG

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:03:58 PM EDT

[#2]

M1-A

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:04:26 PM EDT

[#3]

.308, if you planning on hunting with it. .458 upper would be an ideal bear gun.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:04:32 PM EDT

[#4]

50 BMG

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:05:45 PM EDT

[#5]

6.8mm SPC

ETA: Uses the same lower as a 5.56 FTW

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:06:43 PM EDT

[#6]

308

Best combination of power and ammo availability.

Yes, you will need a different lower.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:08:38 PM EDT

[#7]

im gonna guess .458 might be good enough for a bear, but I dont really know.

paging Old_Painless....Bear-of-Truth?

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:10:43 PM EDT

[#8]

Using the AR15 lower you have...

6.8SPC

bigbores;
.50 Beowulf
.450 BM

I know Im missing some other bigbores.....

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:11:51 PM EDT

[#9]

.950 JDJ

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:12:43 PM EDT

[#10]

the one you have that is attached to a lower that has a magazine of cartridges installed.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:13:27 PM EDT

[#11]

LaRue Tactical DMR-16

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:16:22 PM EDT

[#12]

I think I would only walk around Alaska with a .45 on my hip and an M1 Garand slung over my shoulder. If a bear is going to try and eat me, that fucker's going to have to work for it!

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:17:52 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Using the AR15 lower you have...

6.8SPC

bigbores;
.50 Beowulf
.450 BM

I know Im missing some other bigbores.....

plus one

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:19:39 PM EDT

[#14]

A Beowulf 50 ........and forget about it for moose

Get a 45/70........they're as common up there as 270s are here.

ETA...........Id get a 6.8 if I had a 45/70 already . I wouldnt go into those woods without something that would stop a grizzly........and I dont think a Beo would. So get something you would actually have some fun with .

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:21:38 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Using the AR15 lower you have...

6.8SPC

bigbores;
.50 Beowulf
.450 BM

I know Im missing some other bigbores.....

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:22:38 PM EDT

[#16]

.50 beo

standard AR mags, 3000 ftlbs at the muzzle with the 334gr SP, decent ammo availability, easy to reload if you are so inclined, loads of fun, and pretty accurate out past 100 easy (as far as I have shot mine)

I doubt there is any north american game that wouldn't have his day ruined by the .50 beo

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:26:02 PM EDT

[#17]

A regular AR is fiiiiiine......

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:27:46 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:

I doubt there is any north american game that wouldn't have his day ruined by the .50 beo

this guy might disagree with that

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:29:32 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
A Beowulf 50 ........and forget about it for moose

Get a 45/70........they're as common up there as 270s are here.

ETA...........Id get a 6.8 if I had a 45/70 already . I wouldnt go into those woods without something that would stop a grizzly........and I dont think a Beo would. So get something you would actually have some fun with .

I have a .375 H&H mag, but it's pretty clunky, and slow compaired to a semi auto. I am used to my AR and the ammo is much cheeper to practice with, so having an AR in a suitable caliber for carrying in the wilds of Alaska appeals to me. Since I have an unbuilt lower it just seems smart to do it in a caliber better than 5.56 for that reason.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:30:33 PM EDT

[#20]

I'd like a 458 - can use same mags as your 556 guns.

Still it seems like it would be tough to handle the bullet drop of the round at some of the extreme open ranges you may find yourself in.

AR-10 18" middy might be nice more multi-role weapon.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:30:40 PM EDT

[#21]

for an AR lower that you already have, go with 6.8SPC. Lots of loading options out there, and a lot of thump to be had for a relatively small round. I love my 6.8

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:31:57 PM EDT

[#22]

Ask Sarah!

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:34:15 PM EDT

[#23]

probably the 6.5 or 6.8 if you don't want to go with a .50 beauwolf...or whatever the .50 is called that you can fit into a standard AR lower

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:35:16 PM EDT

[#24]

6.8SPC or .458 SOCOM

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:35:47 PM EDT

[#25]

.50 Beowulf.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:36:12 PM EDT

[#26]

Forget the AR, and go with a large caliber lever gun, preferably one chambered in something that starts with "45" and ends with "70."

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:36:53 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
A Beowulf 50 ........and forget about it for moose

Get a 45/70........they're as common up there as 270s are here.

ETA...........Id get a 6.8 if I had a 45/70 already . I wouldnt go into those woods without something that would stop a grizzly........and I dont think a Beo would. So get something you would actually have some fun with .

I have a .375 H&H mag, but it's pretty clunky, and slow compaired to a semi auto. I am used to my AR and the ammo is much cheeper to practice with, so having an AR in a suitable caliber for carrying in the wilds of Alaska appeals to me. Since I have an unbuilt lower it just seems smart to do it in a caliber better than 5.56 for that reason.

Then go with the 50 Beowulf .........its a 500 Smith on steroids . I shot a couple deer with mine in Michigan (neither were very big) and it worked fine. Probably fine for brown bear too.

Myself, I wouldnt go into those woods up there without my 45/70 Marlin.....but thats just me. YMMV

Little meat I snagged with my Beo50

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:40:41 PM EDT

[#28]

Pffffttt...5.56mm will do the job.

Shot placement, bitches!

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:41:13 PM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:
Ask Sarah!

+1

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:41:28 PM EDT

[#30]

You wouldn't want to go out in the Woods there with anything less than a .308.

Gas piston all the way.

Full size rifle with a 20" barrel. There aint a lot of urban SHTF there to contend with.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:42:21 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Ask Sarah!

+1

Shes prolly an R.U.M. shooter

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:42:59 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
.308, if you planning on hunting with it. .458 upper would be an ideal bear gun.

this.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:44:15 PM EDT

[#33]

Quoted:
A Beowulf 50 ........and forget about it for moose

Get a 45/70.....

seems like the 50 equals or out-performs the 45-70 across the board. educate me why the 45-70 is considered better, I have never hunted big or dangerous game.

www.cpcartridge.com/45-70marlin-B.htm

www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf_ballistics.pdf

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:44:44 PM EDT

[#34]

What about a 300 SAUM on an AR 10 platform?

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:44:52 PM EDT

[#35]

Will you be hunting with this, or using it for defence against predators?

There's a big difference between what is enough gun if your on the offensive and have time to make careful shot placement. When its "oh shit, he's coming right for me" id want something much bigger.

I've carried my SBS 870 on overnight hikes and felt quite comfortable. And I mean carried, not slung.

I know a lot of people who hunt caribou with .223. I think its not quite enough. I'll me using my M1a this winter. Moose have a tendency to run into the biggest pond/lake/swamp around when shot. I'll be trying to shot my first moose with something that will drop it in its tracks, 300 magnum or better. They don't call them "swamp donkey" for nothing.

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:48:59 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:

Quoted:
A Beowulf 50 ........and forget about it for moose

Get a 45/70.....

seems like the 50 equals or out-performs the 45-70 across the board. educate me why the 45-70 is considered better, I have never hunted big or dangerous game.

www.cpcartridge.com/45-70marlin-B.htm

www.alexanderarms.com/beowulf_ballistics.pdf

I just compared the 100 yd specs on the 400 grs and I saw the edge going to the 45/70.........what were you comparring?
And the Beo specs were through a 24" barrel.........I didnt see what legth the 45/70 was.

ETA............Ive no experience with big or dangerous game either

Posted: 9/4/2008 5:54:23 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
I am going to move to Alaska, and I still have one lower left unbuilt. With that in mind I was wondering what caliber made for an AR would be the best for carrying around up there.

I have 3 in 5.56 but I know this is no bear/moose medicine, so what would be the best currently made caliber upper for an AR platform, and do I need special mags or a different lower to use it?

Alaska is a big state, where will you be moving to?

eta: Way bigger than Texas.

Posted: 9/4/2008 6:00:59 PM EDT

[#38]

Food for thought

L-R 223, 308, 300SAUM, 50 BEO , 45/70 , 338 WinMag , 300RUM, 30-378 Weatherby Mag ,458 WinMag

Posted: 9/4/2008 6:24:31 PM EDT

[#39]

You guys can trust an ar as far as you want, I have owned a 50 Beo and do own a 458 Socom and I will carry a Guide Gun everytime.

Posted: 9/4/2008 6:25:41 PM EDT

[#40]

.458 socom with 16" pipe

Posted: 9/4/2008 6:32:21 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Ask Sarah!

+1

+1

Just ask: WWSD?

Posted: 9/4/2008 7:02:38 PM EDT

[#42]

I would consider the following

Glock 20

Posted: 9/4/2008 7:08:47 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I am going to move to Alaska, and I still have one lower left unbuilt. With that in mind I was wondering what caliber made for an AR would be the best for carrying around up there.

I have 3 in 5.56 but I know this is no bear/moose medicine, so what would be the best currently made caliber upper for an AR platform, and do I need special mags or a different lower to use it?

Alaska is a big state, where will you be moving to?

eta: Way bigger than Texas.

You won't offend me talking about Texas's size, LOL! I am planning to move to Anchorage or maybe Seward. I am currently a sheriffs officer here in Texas, and I would like to do something along those lines for a living up there.

It will be just my son and I provided the court says I can move, but I really don't see why they wouldn't as his mom sees him about 2 times a yr on average. She once went 51 weeks without a visit or a phone call!

Anyway, it has always been my dream to live with elbow room so I have to give it a shot.

I always have wanted an AR10, but I do have this lower to finish, and I should figure it out before I move not after. I would imagine shipping will cost more once I am moved.

I do have a Weatherby Alaskan in .375 H&H mag as well, I was just wanting to get the last AR lower I have done in an appropiate caliber for the area I want to use it.

I read an article in outdoor life a long time ago about a guy who watced an native from Alaska use a Ruger mimi 14 in .223 to drop a running grizzly with 3 shots for eating, like it was no big deal. I don't want to risk just having a .223/5.56 to use for such an event!

I also have a Remmy 870 that I can carry if needs be, I just want to make my lower into a worthy enough caliber to carry if I feel like it.

Posted: 9/4/2008 7:10:01 PM EDT

[#44]

Probably a big bore like a .458 .50 Beowulf or a .450 Bushmaster*

*is this correct?

ETA:

But for everyday Alaska carry, I'd probably be happy with a .45-70 lever gun. YMMV

Posted: 9/4/2008 7:10:45 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:
.308, if you planning on hunting with it. .458 upper would be an ideal bear gun.

This man speaks the truth.

If not in an AR, I would take an H&H Double in 375 H&H, one world one round. Classics for a classic animal. Since money is no object in these kind of threads of course.

Posted: 9/4/2008 7:15:06 PM EDT

[#46]

6.5 Grendel

.450 Bushmaster

.50 Beowulf

If I were you a CMP Garand might be a good bet, plus the history...

.45-110???

Posted: 9/4/2008 7:15:44 PM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:

Quoted:
.308, if you planning on hunting with it. .458 upper would be an ideal bear gun.

This man speaks the truth.

If not in an AR, I would take an H&H Double in 375 H&H, one world one round. Classics for a classic animal. Since money is no object in these kind of threads of course.

I don't have a dbl, but this holds a few rounds!