5.56 NATO vs. .223

[2HOW]

Ive seen them new for as little as 700.00 (olympic) you can always add some goodies. IMO they are all cookie cutter rifles much like 1911s just some have a better name and truly some are built with better materials.

[justbill]

I'm really not sure right now.  Based on some feedback from some other friends I'm leaning towards a Busmaster or S&W(Stag).  Any advice on specific models?  My big requirements are, adjustable stock and removeable carry handle.  I'm a little old school, so I'm not really looking at any with the carbon fiber receivers.

I think you're on the right track in desiring an adjustable stock and avoiding the carbon fiber guns. Bushies and Stags are good guns. I chose Rock River Arms because they won the large contracts for both DEA and FBI. I figured both of those agencies know a thing or two about what makes a reliable fighting carbine. I settled on the Entry Tactical, which can be seen here.

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=217

An unforeseen plus in favor of the RRA is their two-stage trigger. I didn't realize how much a difference it would be until compared side-by-side with a couple of other AR's with conventional triggers owned by a friend. He was equally impressed, saying the RRA trigger was very comparable to the expensive Jewel unit installed in his match AR. He was so impressed in fact that his next AR was a RRA after years as happy owner of several black rifles from another manufacturer.

I strongly recommend sticking with a chrome lined barrel. I'd opt for the lightweight 1-in-7" configuration.

My Entry Tactical was ordered with the detachable A2 carry handle but I quickly switched to a folding BUIS/EOTech holosight combination. To be honest, if I ordered another AR today I'd opt for no handle at all. IMO a carry handle is quite limiting.

Whichever AR you settle upon, I suggest getting a good sling mounted as soon as possible. It really makes a big impact on any gun handling beyond slow fire off a bench. I chose a Marom Dolphin Sayeret sling from Israel, seen here.

http://www.zahal.org/rifle/p26.htm

It's issue for the IDF. Mine is top-mounted like the Israelis do, which allows a lot of versatility in carry options. I purchased mine from DSG Arms in Fort Worth.

Stock-up on good magazines. I've had excellent service from AR Stoner 20- and 30-rounders from MidwayUSA. These are actually C-Products mags with a proprietary MidwayUSA floor plate stamping. Great reliability at an affordable price. My friend mentioned above has also had good results with Magpul PMAG's and Brownell's.

[TexGun]

Alright boys and girls...  Just returned from vacation(in Mr. Bane's home state) and bit the bullet.  Bought a DPMS!!!!  Can't wait to head for the farm this weekend to site it in!!!

I'm also placing an order with Midway later this week that will include some extra mags.  Don't want to get caught in front of a new administration with my pants down!!!

[justbill]

Which model did you settle upon?

[TexGun]

Lite 16 with A3 upper.  Shot it today!

[Sponsor]

[justbill]

I prefer the A1 sights as found on your Lite 16 to the A2 rear most often found on most carry handle AR's. IMO they're less apt to be knocked-off zero by accident. Who cares if you need an adjustment tool? Once you're zeroed at the range you've got virtually no worries short of catastrophic damage that would render the carbine inoperable regardless of sights.

The Lite 16 is very comparable to the GUU-5's used by many USAF personnel, including Pararescuemen and Combat Controllers. Works for them.

[tombogan03884]

I prefer the A1 sights as found on your Lite 16 to the A2 rear most often found on most carry handle AR's. IMO they're less apt to be knocked-off zero by accident. Who cares if you need an adjustment tool? Once you're zeroed at the range you've got virtually no worries short of catastrophic damage that would render the carbine inoperable regardless of sights.

The Lite 16 is very comparable to the GUU-5's used by many USAF personnel, including Pararescuemen and Combat Controllers. Works for them.

Yes but they are often to busy doing their jobs to worry about shooting, They usually have grunts with them for that, Their weapons are generaly for personal protection. Now that I think about it that may validate your point.

[justbill]

Think Takur Gar (aka The Battle of Roberts Ridge), among others.

[TexGun]

The dealer had an aftermarket rear flip up sight already on the AR.  It is a PADS sight.  I've never heard of this brand and have only found one online store that sells it. (see link)  But, It worked well for me yesterday.

Seen one?

http://www.m-16parts.com/index1.html

[justbill]

The dealer had an aftermarket rear flip up sight already on the AR.  It is a PADS sight.  I've never heard of this brand and have only found one online store that sells it. (see link)  But, It worked well for me yesterday.

Seen one?

http://www.m-16parts.com/index1.html

Looks like a Matech to me, which as you can see below is the BUIS on my RRA carbine. I've never heard of it being referred to as a PADS.



I like the sight a lot.