The Official AR-15 Picture Thread

[TyFromMD]

Well got my first AR, started with the Bushmaster XM 15. Nothing fancy, just figured I needed to start with the basics and build from there. Looking for suggestions on accesories. Main purpose will be home defense and plinking.

Nice!

Get a sling, a bcm gunfighter charging handle, and lots of ammo.

 

[Samuel]

What's with the BCM Gunfighter charging handles? Are they really all that? I never had a problem with the milspec handle so it seems like snake oil to me but I'm only a recreational user.

 

[niftyvt]

What's with the BCM Gunfighter charging handles? Are they really all that? I never had a problem with the milspec handle so it seems like snake oil to me but I'm only a recreational user.

They are all that. . .and a bag of chips

The BCM is great for charging the gun with 1 hand, super smooth.

Sorry I just had to.

 

[LineofSight]

What's with the BCM Gunfighter charging handles? Are they really all that? I never had a problem with the milspec handle so it seems like snake oil to me but I'm only a recreational user.

They are certainly worth the investment. A minor thing that does make a big difference whether a rec or pro shooter.

 

[Indiana Jones]

What's with the BCM Gunfighter charging handles? Are they really all that? I never had a problem with the milspec handle so it seems like snake oil to me but I'm only a recreational user.

They do come on handy. I don't have one at the moment but have used them. They are nice.

 

[swinokur]

The design puts less strain on the release lever roll pin if you use your off hand to charge the weapon. At least that's what is advertised.

I put them on mine even though I'm just a rec shooter. It's fun to pimp my ride.

 

[TyFromMD]

The larger surface of the lever makes it a lot easier to charge with either hand.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Well got my first AR, started with the Bushmaster XM 15. Nothing fancy, just figured I needed to start with the basics and build from there. Looking for suggestions on accesories. Main purpose will be home defense and plinking.

My advice, keep it exactly the way it is. Unless any part of the furniture is uncomfortable. Otherwise shoot away and get good with it!

 

[HokieCasey]

The other benefit of the gunfighter is it makes rifle operations with an scope a bit easier.

 

[booker]

What's with the BCM Gunfighter charging handles? Are they really all that?

Several practical benefits:

The primary benefit (of any extended charging handle) is a wider latch that facilitates 1-handed operation.

Second, the wider latch allows easier operation when mounted under optics, in particular rail-mounted optics such as an Aimpoint or ACOG.

Third benefit is the design of the handle T. The BCM design, along with some others, reinforce the T such that it is less prone to snap off or damage the pin by directing the force applied down the shaft as opposed to right at the weakest point of the bend.

The result of this, however, is potentially more force applied to the top left (looking from above) portion of the handle stem against the receiver, depending on how you typically operate it. Be sure to lube this area, I like to use a thin smear of high-temp wheel bearing grease.

If all you plan to do is plink on a static range with the A2 handle, frankly, I see no reason to put money into the BCM charging handle. Put that $40-some bucks towards formal marksmanship training and improve your skills. It's like the cyclist who buys a $50 carbon fiber water bottle rack that is 2oz ligther than the standard aluminum one, yet they are 20lbs overweight.

Regarding accessories, definitely need a sling. A sling to the rifle is like the holster to a pistol, perhaps more, because it can be used to improve stability. I'd stick with the stock GI trigger for now, upgrade to a target trigger later when your skills require it. I'm assuming you have a front sight tool, you'll have to decide what range you want to zero at for target shooting. There are many ways to zero (25, 50, 100, 200, 300..) and each has benefits and drawbacks, depending on the ranges and targets you will be shooting.

If you intend to use it for HD (consider your home construction and where those rounds could go) you need some sort of illumination, and that mission may also determine your zero. It takes a lot of practice to, in the heat of the moment, remember and employ the proper hold over for accurate hits at 5 meters with a rifle zero set at 300 meters. Personally, I'd recommend a shotgun or handgun for HD.

Oh, and this is the AR-15 picture thread, so....

Agree with swinkur below... I am a big fan of my VTAC 2-point sling. SOE makes a good single-point as well, but it isn't nearly as useful for providing support, possibly better for carry. Stay away from 3-point. Slings are like shoes, be sure to try them on wearing the right type of socks (for the sling, the type of clothing you'll typically wear when shooting).

 

[swinokur]

I like the Blue Force Vickers Tactical Application Sling.

Not cheap but good design and durable IMO.

 

[Jstevens56]

To everyone with SBR/Pistol builds with a Pig, did you get it just to be safe or would the gun not run properly without it?

 

[sailskidrive]

What's with the BCM Gunfighter charging handles? Are they really all that?

It's like "warm cherry pie".

I'm a big fan.

 

[msalvas]

What's your opinion on the optic? I'm sure you're aware of the name that utg has on quality...

I haven't gotten out to shoot it yet but I read some reviews and didn't see anything too negative. I'll report back when I get out to shoot it around Christmas. Why, what have you heard/read?

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

 

[krashmania]

I haven't gotten out to shoot it yet but I read some reviews and didn't see anything too negative. I'll report back when I get out to shoot it around Christmas. Why, what have you heard/read?

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

I just mostly hear utg isn't the best. Don't have any first hand experience, was just curious.

 

[HokieCasey]

My 20" rifle with M150

 

[ride4frnt]

That is a beautiful pup sir. I see the obligatory claws in the second pic.

 

[Echo]

Very nice HokieCasey.

 

[HokieCasey]

That is a beautiful pup sir. I see the obligatory claws in the second pic.

Thanks for the compilment on the dog, though at 2 years he doesnt quite qualify as a pup.

That claw in the 2nd was unitentional, was more to show the Larue RCO QD I have the ACOG in.

 

[Redneck]

My .300 Blackout

Here's the breakdown so far

Anvil Arms custom etched MDShooters AR15 stripped lower
DPMS lower parts kit
Tapco stock tube and buffer
Magpul STR Stock
Smith & Wesson Complete .300blk upper with quad rail and low pro gas block
Magpul MOE Grip
Magpul AFG
Leupold 2-7x32 VXR with butler creek scope caps
ADM quick detach scope mount
Ergo rail covers
Blue Force Sling
2 sling swivels studs

Still need to add

Timney or Chip McCormick trigger
Muzzle break or AAC Blkout 18t flash hider
AAC Blkout SR7 silencer
Surefire flashlight with quick detach