re: Official AR-15 thread

Wanting to buy an AR. I can learn to field strip it and rebuild it. But decided against building.

What do you guys think is the best AR in 5.56 on the market and why?
Is Colt the standard?

Should I buy gas or piston?

I'm not really interested in bolting on alot of crap. Probably just get a 4mil dot reticle.
Debating on if I even want to mount a light. Probably won't ever want to add any special rails.

Daniel Defense or Bravo Company

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What do you guys think is the best AR in 5.56 on the market and why?

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There are many answers to that question and all are based on the needs of the end user, you. Colt 6920 may be for you, same as some of the DD and BCM offerings, same as something from Rock River or Wyndham. Goes on and on for good NIB AR's.

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Should I buy gas or piston?

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Technically, the bolt is the piston in the conventional AR design. In my opinion, the "Piston" systems are solutions in search of a problem and do away with the benefits the conventional AR DI (expanding gas) systems offers.

Per Eugene Stoner in his Patent:

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It is a principal object of this invention to utilize the basic parts of an automatic rifle mechanism such as the bolt and bolt carrier to perform a double function. This double function consists of the bolts primary function to lock the breach against the pressure of firing, and secondarily, to act as a stationary piston to actuate the automatic rifle mechanism. The primary function of the bolt carrier is to lock and unlock the bolt by rotating it and to carry it back and forth in the receiver. The secondary function of the bolt carrier is to act as a movable cylinder to actuate the automatic rifle mechanism. By having the bolt carrier act as a movable cylinder and the bolt act as a stationary piston, the need for a conventional gas cylinder, piston and actuating rod assembly is eliminated.

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This invention is a true expanding gas system instead of the conventional impinging gas system.

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A further object of this invention is to provide smoother operation and longer life of the working parts of the automatic rifle mechanism. Since, in this invention, the actuating force is transmitted directly down the center line of the barrel and the bolt mechanism to the shoulder of the shooter, all of the of]? center loads found in most other types of gas actuated Weapons are eliminated. It will therefore be obvious because of this factor that another object of this invention is to cut down on climb which occurs during automatic firing operations.

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Good cutawat of the gas system.
Also, the two holes on the BCG are gas vents, most folks seem to think they are lube points.

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Everything is a lube point on an AR.

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Lol, I've seen AR's will oil coming out of everywhere...I be all like wtf yo?!

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What about the discussion of the gas system making the AR dirty faster "Shits where it eats". And the newer design reduces the cleaning required?

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Well, meh on the shits where it eats crowd as they are just trying validate their poor choice in other weapon systems. The "newer designs" aren't really newer. AR's operate in the worlds harshest environments just fine, just keep it lubed.

Remember, many other countries chose different weapon designs based on the following: cheaper to produce, easier to manufacture with simpler equipment, cost, and of course because they rely on peasant conscript soldiers.

Tid bit, Stoner's original designed was meant for use with IMR powder, which is cleaner than what the .mil ending up choosing for standard. This choice was political and based on powder manufacturers

It's in some of his work, but this is close enough since I'm not searching through it.
LINK

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In October 1967, the Ichord Subcommittee released its 51-page report on the M16's troubles in Vietnam. The Army and Department of Defense (DOD) were faulted on a total of 31 points. The switch-over from IMR to Ball powder was the focus for much of the criticism.

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DuPont's Improved Military Rifle (IMR)

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"The change from IMR extruded powder to ball propellant in 1964...was not justified or supported by test data." "...the sole-source position enjoyed by Olin Mathiseon on ball propellants for many years and their close relationship with the Army may have influenced the decision-makers." "The failure on the part of (Army) officials... to correct the deficiencies of the 5.56mm ammunition bordered on criminal negligence."

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During early load development for ArmaLite in 1957, Robert Hutton used IMR 4198, IMR 3031, and an unnamed Olin Ball propellant.

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In the last quote, it is widely believed that there was no "unnamed Olin ball" used

Quick summary in the quote, but it's a good read.

So yes, much of the bad wrap the AR got in its early years is directly related to politicians fricking with things. And the same happens today with politicians fricking with even more things.

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What do you guys think is the best AR in 5.56 on the market and why? Is Colt the standard?

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Military mouth breathers at gun shops will tell you that

Daniel, KAC, BCM, Noveske, Larue, Wilson, LMT

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If your AR doesn't have at least 5 of those names engraved on your AR parts you are a loser.

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anyone play with a Tavor yet? i kijnda want one

k thx. anybody check out Unity Tactical's stuff? My buddy works for them and I'm trying to get a few of their products into Bowie's. here are some samples

LINK

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EXO™ is a complementary product for the Surefire® X200™, X300™ and X300™ Ultra weapon lights for use on a carbine or long gun. It is a direct replacement for the plastic frame rails and provides a shroud for the activation switch. This gives the user a positive indexing point for light activation as well as providing protection against light AD’s during use and storage without impeding access to the switch.

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LINK

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FUSION™ is a modular, multi-purpose mount designed to give the end user extreme flexibility in mounting options. It was engineered from the ground up to provide a strong mounting base with the widest range of configurations while remaining lightweight and inexpensive.

The system consists of a base with several accessories adapters. The current offerings encompass a wide range of current devices to include lights, lasers, optics, and ancillary equipment. Because the mounting system is standardized we are able to introduce new accessory mounts as equipment and TTP’s change, reducing time to market and maximizing effectiveness.

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