Shopping for an AR

[DocHolladay]

On a similar but different topic.....what different calibers can I get on an AR15 platform? I'm not interested in the odd or wildcat rounds....just may FINALLY listen to Cat and actually get an upper for deer hunting.....here it has to be .243 caliber or bigger.

This is a copy and paste.

The new 6mm ARC is coming on like a California wildfire and spits some exceptional numbers and data. You might have to roll your own for a while to have any to shoot. If you want a .308 based or larger, you would need to upgrade to an AR-10 style rifle. PSA has some pretty good reviews on their PA10 Gen 3 rifles. The 6mm Creedmoor and 7mm-08 would make great rifles for hunting and I am lacking the barrel and bcg on an AR10 build.

.17 Mach IV
.17 Remington Fireball
.17 Remington
.17-223
.20 Practical
.20 GPC (wildcat)
.22 GPC (wildcat)
22 Grendel (wildcat) aka 224 Grendel
.22 Nosler
.22 PPC
.204 Ruger
.222 Remington
.223 Remington - Original AR-15 cartridge: .223 cartridges may function in a 5.56×45mm rifle, however 5.56×45mm cartridges may produce excessive pressure in a .223 Rem rifle. On the other hand, a .223 Wylde chamber is used on .223 Rem rifle barrels to allow them to safely fire either .223 Remington or 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition.
.223 Winchester Super Short Magnum
.224 Kritzeck (wildcat of a .223 Remington with shortened neck)
.224 Valkyrie
.24 GPC
.243 LBC[3]
.243 Winchester Super Short Magnum
.25 Winchester Super Short Magnum
.25-45 Sharps
.257 Ocelot (wildcat)
.25 GPC (wildcat)
.26 GPC (wildcat)
.27 GPC (wildcat)
.277 Wolverine (6.8×39mm) (wildcat)
.28 GPC (wildcat)
.30 American
.30 Carbine
.30 GPC (wildcat)
.30 Remington AR
.30 Sabertooth (wildcat)
.300 OSSM
.300 AAC Blackout (7.62×35mm)
.300 Whisper
.300 HAM'R - Wilson Combat
.350 Legend
.358 Yeti (wildcat)
.375 SOCOM
.40 S&W
.45 ACP
.450 Bushmaster
.458 HAM'R
.458 SOCOM
.499 LWRC
.50 Action Express
.50 Beowulf

5.45×39mm
5.56×45mm NATO - Original AR-15A2 cartridge: Can also safely fire .223 Remington
FN 5.7×28mm
6mm Mongoose (wildcat)
6mm ARC
6mm AR
6×45mm
6.5mm Grendel
6.5 Timberwolf (wildcat)
6.8×39mm (.277 Wolverine)
6.8mm Remington SPC
7mm Valkyrie (wildcat)
7.62×37mm Musang
7.62×39mm
7.62×40mm Wilson Tactical
7.92x33mm Kurz
9×19mm Parabellum
10mm Auto
9×39mm


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[j-bird]

So a couple of things....

#1 - thanks for the list of cartridges....I will probably stick to something fairly conventional. I like Natives idea of a 243......that is the minimum I can use for deer here. I will look into others as well something in a 30 cal ballpark....but those will come later.
#2 - I doubt I go with a suppressor. Wife thinks I'm joining the local militia as it is. Not even sure if they are legal to hunt with here and I understand they need special paperwork and can be pretty spendy.
#3 - the kit I bought I am pretty sure comes with a mil spec buffer tube.
#4 - I will be asking a ton of questions when we build it and I am sure I will be bouncing some ideas and thoughts off of you guys as well.

 

[Drycreek]

So a couple of things....

#1 - thanks for the list of cartridges....I will probably stick to something fairly conventional. I like Natives idea of a 243......that is the minimum I can use for deer here. I will look into others as well something in a 30 cal ballpark....but those will come later.
#2 - I doubt I go with a suppressor. Wife thinks I'm joining the local militia as it is. Not even sure if they are legal to hunt with here and I understand they need special paperwork and can be pretty spendy.
#3 - the kit I bought I am pretty sure comes with a mil spec buffer tube.
#4 - I will be asking a ton of questions when we build it and I am sure I will be bouncing some ideas and thoughts off of you guys as well.

I think a .243 requires an AR 10. They are HEAVY ! I personally would not want to lug one around, but it might not bother you. My favorite is the 6.8 SPC, which is a .277 caliber and has plenty of ooomph to take deer at 200+ yards. I’ve killed two axis does and one fallow with mine, a few coyotes, and I can’t count the hogs. Hogs are tougher than deer if you don’t hit them right the first time, so it’s proven itself to me.

There are other good cartridges for the AR 15 though, the 6.5 Grendel being one, and even the 7.62x39. I’ve killed a few hogs with the latter from an AK 47. It’s on par with a 30-30. I still use a bolt gun for my deer hunting but I like the ARs for hogs and yotes simply for the fast follow-ups if needed.

Edit: I did a little googling about the .243 Win in an AR. Apparently technology has passed me by while I wasn’t looking. Seems like you can build an AR 15 in .243, I don’t know if you can buy one built, but the .243 Win would be an excellent choice.

 

[j-bird]

I think a .243 requires an AR 10. They are HEAVY ! I personally would not want to lug one around, but it might not bother you. My favorite is the 6.8 SPC, which is a .277 caliber and has plenty of ooomph to take deer at 200+ yards. I’ve killed two axis does and one fallow with mine, a few coyotes, and I can’t count the hogs. Hogs are tougher than deer if you don’t hit them right the first time, so it’s proven itself to me.

There are other good cartridges for the AR 15 though, the 6.5 Grendel being one, and even the 7.62x39. I’ve killed a few hogs with the latter from an AK 47. It’s on par with a 30-30. I still use a bolt gun for my deer hunting but I like the ARs for hogs and yotes simply for the fast follow-ups if needed.

Edit: I did a little googling about the .243 Win in an AR. Apparently technology has passed me by while I wasn’t looking. Seems like you can build an AR 15 in .243, I don’t know if you can buy one built, but the .243 Win would be an excellent choice.

Thanks for the feedback. The hunting version will come later....but it's something I should have considered (yes, I should have listened to Cat) but I was on more of a budget then as well. I don't see an AR-10 being in the cards. I'll figure out my little 5.56 for now and then see what I can do to take it to the deer woods (legally).

 

[catscratch]

Take it for what it's worth as this is free advice and worth exactly that. I would consider ordering another kit in a legal hunting caliber, do it right now. Promise the wife you will sell the first one if she needs that assurance. Assemble both then after the election sell the .223 at triple what you paid for it... or forget that you made the promise and let time heal the wounds with Honeypoo.

Here is a nice write-up of calibers that fit your mag well in the 15.
https://gundigest.com/rifles/ar-15/...rtridges-what-should-you-chamber-your-carbine

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[DocHolladay]

If I did an AR-15 in a hunting cartridge, it would be the 350 Legend. This will cover deer and the likes in your area. It is very similar to the .30-30 in ballistics and is a .35 caliber so there is a nice selection of bullets, if you reload. My other choice would be the .338 Federal, but that requires an AR-10 platform. The .450 Busgmaster is nice also, but I would buy a complete upper from a reliable company. I see to many people having issues with ones they have built. My brother goes to Iowa every year and bought a bolt rifle chambered in it. He says it is devastating in deer. He also said that most of the guys that go too, built theirs or had someone build it and they had nothing but trouble and the guys that bought them, had zero. I think it is gas and buffer related.


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[j-bird]

So it's a MAGA X-mas at my house today! The kit and upper showed up via UPS. I got a phone message to my dealer for the lower so we can do paperwork and assemble.

As for a hunting gun....I figure I will just buy a built upper when the time comes.

Sell a gun.....you crazy! I have sold one gun my entire life and that was to my son.... Besides, the wife may say, "No more new guns!" But a new "upper"...can you say "loop-hole"????

 

[catscratch]

So it's a MAGA X-mas at my house today! The kit and upper showed up via UPS. I got a phone message to my dealer for the lower so we can do paperwork and assemble.

As for a hunting gun....I figure I will just buy a built upper when the time comes.

Sell a gun.....you crazy! I have sold one gun my entire life and that was to my son.... Besides, the wife may say, "No more new guns!" But a new "upper"...can you say "loop-hole"????

Congrats and have fun with the assembly!
I don't sell guns either. I sold one once when I was a kid and regret it. Pay attention to what I said though... time heals all wounds. I truly believe it will never be easier (and cheaper) than right now to do what you want to do.

 

[j-bird]

Congrats and have fun with the assembly!
I don't sell guns either. I sold one once when I was a kid and regret it. Pay attention to what I said though... time heals all wounds. I truly believe it will never be easier (and cheaper) than right now to do what you want to do.

Got my appointment set up for saturday for assembly.... I figure I will list some of the goodies for it for x-mas and will then start stashing away some money for the deer hunting upper.

What sort of "accessories" do I need to be looking at? I have a full top rail and back-up sights already. For now I am not thinking I need an actual scope but maybe more of a red dot and maybe a magnifier since I plan on keeping shots to 200 yards or less. I am pretty convinced I want an ambidextrous charging handle. Are front vertical grips worth the effort? I am told it may be handy as the barrel can produce some heat....

 

[DocHolladay]

I like a low power optic in the 1-8 or less or a red dot. I like a vertical grip also.


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[DrDirtNap]

One of the first things you’ll need is a good sling. I have two point magpul quick adjust slings on mine.


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[catscratch]

One of the first things you’ll need is a good sling. I have two point magpul quick adjust slings on mine.


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Took the words right out of my mouth!

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[DocHolladay]

I couldn’t get to deep in my previous answer, as I was at work and they discourage personal phone usage.

I agree with a sling also. I have a Magpul MS4 on my SBR and a Magpul MS3 on my .223/5.56. I prefer the MS4. Look at Blueforce Gear(Vickers sling) and Viking Tactics also, they make nice slings and were designed by guys in Delta Force.

I like a vertical grip, but I don’t hold it like you hold a pistol(or beer can). I use it to pull the rifle into my shoulder with a C grip over the handguard. Gives you more control of the rifle. I also use it to hook on a barrier(tree limb) to keep the rifle from sliding or to push against a barrier so you can lean into the rifle. I don’t like the Magpul angle grips(just not my style and kinda big). I also use hand stops in the same way/in place of a vertical grip. Below is the hand stop on my 16” .223/5.56 and some rail panels(grips) to beef up the handguard slightly. I bought a new handguard back during the summer that is smaller in diameter since I have smaller hands. It was smaller than I expected and added the rail panels. They worked perfectly to make it fit my hand and block heat. The hand stop helps with my shooting sticks that I carry when coyote hunting, as it keeps the rifle from sliding off of them if I had the buttstock in my lap or resting on the ground.

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[j-bird]

Ok....looking into an optic. I am looking at a reflex type sight with a magnifier. As far as the sight is concerned....any advantages of a tube style red dot vs a "open" type? I think I would like the wider field of view with the open type. From what I am seeing I can apply a magnifier to either should I decide I want one. Only optic I have any experience with is a traditional rifle scope. I want something for much faster target pick-up. BTW - the kit went together just fine. I had my FFL dealer help me with the assembly (he simply had the proper tools and a lot more experience). I have not shot it yet...ammo for ANYTHING is nearly impossible to find right now around here!

 

[DocHolladay]

I have been using Primary Arms red dots(similar to Aimpoints) with very good success and their warranty and customer service is top notch. I accidentally ripped my first one off what is now my SBR and emailed them letting them know I needed to purchase a new locking latch and the little parts that went with it. I made sure to let them know that I broke it from misuse and that it wasn’t covered by the warranty. The owner/CEO contacted me back and told me that he had the parts sitting on his desk and they were inbound at no charge. I argued a little, but they wouldn’t accept my money. I am on my 3rd one now, with all 3 still rolling along. They have fixed power magnification ones and also ones with no magnification and you use an added magnifier. They have some nice caliber specific reticles that work really well, if you shoot factory ammo or load to match ballistics. Their rifle scopes receive great reviews also. I have looked at one of their 1-6 or 1-8 options for my SBR, but I think it will be a little large for my little rifle. Of course, I see plenty of photos and videos of guys running similar setup and it doesn’t look to bad.

https://www.primaryarms.com/1+Magnifiers,Red-Dot-Sights,Scopes/Brand+Primary-Arms


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[DocHolladay]

Here are 2 of them. I posted a pic of my SBR earlier in this thread, but here it is again so you don’t have to look for it. I also supplied a picture of my newest one on my turkey shotgun. My brother has the first one I bought on one of his rifles. He didn’t know if he would like a red dot or not, so I let him borrow mine. He ended up keeping it longer than I had planned and I just bought another one and let him keep it.

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[j-bird]

Here is what I built...for roughly $775....5.56....nothing special. I am looking at some new goodies for it for X-mas. Will certainly get an amb & ext charging handle...and maybe extended mag release and an amb safety as well. Maybe some front panels and a front hand stop. Don't plan on a laser, or a scope....maybe a light...maybe. And I think a traditional red-dot will do what I need. I am looking into a tactical type sling as well....


I will look into the Primary arms products....

 

[j-bird]

So I thought I would provide a little update...

I put a Sig Romeo 5 red dot (x-mas gift) on the top of it, put a basic 2 point sling on it, and just added a front hand stop and light today (x-mas gift to me, from me). All pretty basic stuff, but if something goes bump in the dark out side...it's in big trouble now!

The wife is upset that i am buying more mags and ammo when I can.... I tell her, "Baby the ammo can has room in it and that means we NEED more mags and ammo". I then tell her "Uncle Clint (he's not my uncle and I am referring to Clint Smith - he has some great Thunder ranch videos) says that how may mags you NEED and how much ammo you NEED is all about how long you intend to fight...and I plan on fighting until I either win or I'm dead!" She just shakes her head, walks away mumbling....

 

[massey]

Hahaha. Your wife and mine must be sisters. Ive stopped the ammo buying (for now). And I’m good with 20 loaded mags. (Can’t carry much more). I was in cabelas last week and came across some 5.56 federal at .50$/rnd So I’m good now at around 5k rounds.. If she doesn’t feel safe now I don’t know what more I can do.


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[j-bird]

Hahaha. Your wife and mine must be sisters. Ive stopped the ammo buying (for now). And I’m good with 20 loaded mags. (Can’t carry much more). I was in cabelas last week and came across some 5.56 federal at .50$/rnd So I’m good now at around 5k rounds.. If she doesn’t feel safe now I don’t know what more I can do.


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I wasn't planning on going that far...at least not yet. I figured 10 mags and 1,000 rounds would be my official "starter kit".