Understanding that this is not a survivalist site and owing to the fact that many regulars to this site are in the know, I'm looking to purchase an AR-15 rifle or equivalent and I'm trying to educate myself as to the whats, wheres, whys and hows. I am fed up with the several Ruger ranch rifles and mini-14's that I have owned due to lack of accuracy, poor fit, and general AR-15 envy. Could any of you point me in the right direction as far as how much I would have to spend to do it right; buying new or used, preban/post ban etc... Use would be for fun, tinkering and "hobbying"( later customizing/ mods.), pest control, and, well, the obvious. I desire "minute of groundhog" accuracy to about 150 yards (I have other solutions out to 400+!). Thanks in advance, Andy.<br><br>

Andy:<br><br>You're right - this is not a survivalist site. Try www.sturmgewehr.com or www.plainsmanscabin.com, you'll get a better response. <br><br>With that, I'll give you this piece of advice: a Buick Skylark is transportation; a Porshe 911 is an experience. Try www.steyr-aug.com, and drive a Proshe like me.<br><br> .....CLIFF<br><br>

I apologize if I mis-interpreted the reply to my post. I was simply asking about information for purchasing a civilian sporting rifle. I have been posting to this site for several years and I have always tried to obey the rules and answer questions in a direct, relevant, helpful, and friendly manner. I happen to know that several regulars to this site could give me valuable advice on the topic for which I inquired. As this is not a "survivalist" site, I have also never interpreted that to mean that it is a "no firearm" site. Again, I ask if someone would have useful information concerning the topic for which I inquired. Thanks in advance, AndyO.<br><br>

Andy, I am not familiar with the current regs in Georgia covering "assault rifles." You have 3 families of AR-15s to look at: early models that paralled the M-16s of Vietnam fame, and post war and pre/post ban second generation models. Both of these are of Colt manufacture. There are also many custom variations that were built up as target rifles by smaller firms. Later models have a heavier barrel and reflect the contemporary ballistics ( greater range) of contemporary Military issue ammunition. the post ban modifications are not that horrendous to the basic platform. An M-16 bayonet is about as usefull as a ceremonial gorget on an officer. You need to do some serious research, both on the social climate and laws in your home state regarding this weapon, and what is available on the market. Ammunition choice can be a critical factor here,both for function and survival use. A FMJ only platform will be pretty useless as a game weapon in a survival situation. There are some models that are very incompatable with most commercial loadings. This firearm can be a viable survival sidearm. the Af survival rifles in .22 hornet were a small influence on it's adoption. For a small statured or injured user it's weight and recoil are advantages. <br><br>

methinks thou are an elitist. How's the business?<br><br>a prodigal scout, just trying to be prepared.

Andy:<br>It is I who should apologize. My wording was very poor. No insult intended.<br><br>I was trying to say you might find a better response on the other sites I mentioned - not because this is a 'no firearms' site or your question is out of bounds, but because they have more people who know could answer you.<br><br>I have owned an AR-15, and fired the M16A2 in the reserves. It is a very good rifle, accurate on the range, and reliable when cleaned regularly. The Colt 'A2', or 'HBAR-T' models were the best civilian variants as far as I am concerned. Stay away from the "Rambo-ized" models out there, and Chris is right - the bayonet/lug is useless. Having said that - I am still totally, and proudly, biased toward the Steyr when it comes to sport shooting.<br><br> .....CLIFF<br><br><br>

May I suggest a 1 in 9" rifling twist. This would be adequate for 55 grain to the 62 grain steel core bullets. <br>This will work with all of the bulk surplus ammo. <br><br>

I too. I spend time at other sites that are not so cordial so I was a little jumpy myself. Friends. Andy<br><br>