I've got a couple of new ARs, they're safe queens.  I shoot them plenty, but I'm afraid to abuse them.  They still look new.  It disturbs me.

At work all of our ARs and M4s have very high mileage.  They're well worn, metal shining through on spots, dinged buttstocks, forend grips rubbed smooth... They see 18-20 hours a day in the field and it shows.  They fit together "loosely" -- not loose like they're clacking around, but not tight like a NIB factory build either.  They're just well broken in.  Me likes.  A lot.

A friend of mine has a very old Colt that his father passed on to him; same thing -- well worn, high miles, a true field rifle.  He straps it to the front of his ATV and blazes around the desert hunting coyotes.

I can't seem to find anyone selling an AR that's been well used.  I checked the EE and everything on there is new, lightly used, still looks purdy.  I'd like to buy something that's not purdy anymore, something that I can strap to my back and run through the desert and catch the rifle on mesquite trees and not have to worry about it.  No more safe queens for me for the moment.

Gun shows maybe?  Anyone have any ideas where to get a well broken-in rifle?  Something with some character and charm...

ummm... just take your queens out for a ride!!

all those beaters were brand new at one point, too...

Would love to find some beater Colt SP1, 6551, 6601, 6520, and early 6721 rifles just to use the lower halves with used USGI uppers.  Have not had any luck.

Here is an example, this one could really use a beater lower:

Quoted: I've got a couple of new ARs, they're safe queens.  I shoot them plenty, but I'm afraid to abuse them.  They still look new.  It disturbs me. At work all of our ARs and M4s have very high mileage.  They're well worn, metal shining through on spots, dinged buttstocks, forend grips rubbed smooth... They see 18-20 hours a day in the field and it shows.  They fit together "loosely" -- not loose like they're clacking around, but not tight like a NIB factory build either.  They're just well broken in.  Me likes.  A lot. A friend of mine has a very old Colt that his father passed on to him; same thing -- well worn, high miles, a true field rifle.  He straps it to the front of his ATV and blazes around the desert hunting coyotes. I can't seem to find anyone selling an AR that's been well used.  I checked the EE and everything on there is new, lightly used, still looks purdy.  I'd like to buy something that's not purdy anymore, something that I can strap to my back and run through the desert and catch the rifle on mesquite trees and not have to worry about it.  No more safe queens for me for the moment. Gun shows maybe?  Anyone have any ideas where to get a well broken-in rifle?  Something with some character and charm...

 

Beat it  up a bit yourself.