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Old October 5, 2013, 11:07 PM   #26
CAOxInfinity
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Re: First AR/Hunting Gun

I picked up a Mossberg MMR recently in the budget price range. My first AR. I have mostly AKs.

Ive been impressed with the reliability. I'm used to shooting AKs, and will not own a weapon incapable of cycling poor quality ammo just as well as the expensive stuff. I've put bunches of steel case 55gr rounds thru it without any failures. Very pleased so far. Been using a combination of the factory mag, USGI mags, and Pmags. Comes with free floated hand guards too...if that matters to you.

I have not heard much about the Mossberg ARs prior to buying one, but I was willing to pay the price and give it a shot. So far so good.
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Old October 6, 2013, 07:54 AM   #27
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Ive been impressed with the reliability. I'm used to shooting AKs, and will not own a weapon incapable of cycling poor quality ammo just as well as the expensive stuff.
That's like saying I will not own sports car because it requires high octane fuel to run it. We could bring this dead horse back up, but I will say if like just throwing lead down range get a AK if you want to shoot with some precision get a AR.
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Old October 6, 2013, 05:59 PM   #28
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I'm getting excited for the upcoming gun show. I talked to friend of my dad's today, he told me that he saw no less than 5 mp-15's going for 550. Of course I won't be that lucky...
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Old October 7, 2013, 12:55 AM   #29
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Re: First AR/Hunting Gun

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Originally Posted by Palmetto-Pride View Post
That's like saying I will not own sports car because it requires high octane fuel to run it. We could bring this dead horse back up, but I will say if like just throwing lead down range get a AK if you want to shoot with some precision get a AR.
My point was that I don't consider a firearm which is only reliable with high quality ammo to be truly reliable. Others may...don't care. Has nothing to do with throwing lead vs precision shooting.

Excited that I found a budget priced AR reliably cycle affordable ammo!
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Old October 7, 2013, 05:30 AM   #30
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I went to the 6.8 to get a bit more oomph........

My Bison Armory 6.8 is fantastic on Pig size animals

A few people use a 223 on pigs, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
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Old October 7, 2013, 06:15 AM   #31
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Dean,

I have used a .223 on pigs for quite some time. With no real issues. It is like some one said earlier. You have to place your shots. Dont expect to shoot one in the rear and it to come out the front. I have never had an issue, as long as I go for certain kill shots.

Ill try to find the memory card today that has some of my hunt pics on it. I have taken some big hogs with my wittle .223.

Also,

Eventhough I do not intend on shooting steel cased ammo (I am primarily going to hunt with my new AR) It is comforting to know that I can slap in some el cheapo steel case tula/silver bear/herters and plink away on the range. Or at someone if it ever came down to it.
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Old October 7, 2013, 08:04 PM   #32
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My point was that I don't consider a firearm which is only reliable with high quality ammo to be truly reliable.
The AR was designed to shoot brass cased ammo (what you call high quality) I very seldom have any problems with any brass cased ammo in any of my ARs (what it was designed to shoot) Yes there are exceptions to every rule and you may find some ARs that will run steel cased ammo just fine, but from my experience I will stick with brass cased ammo. If your AR will shoot steel cased ammo without any problems congrats to you......knock yourself out
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Old October 7, 2013, 08:08 PM   #33
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It will kill a pig with a good shot, but some of the ones I have seen in the woods
I would opt for a bigger bullet.

The Texas pigs get some size to them
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Old October 8, 2013, 02:13 PM   #34
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Sounds like he's got the right idea and intends to use it within the limitations of the weapon...

I hunt pigs exclusively with .223 now... I've used a variety of .30 calibers but now prefer .223.

Pigs are not very hard to kill. Since they frequent places used by domestic animals I prefer to get close to them and ensure my target is identified and no unintended victims lie beyond.
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Old October 8, 2013, 02:51 PM   #35
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Just curious........

For those that hunt pigs with 233, what percentage are DRT
(Dead right there)

The 6.8 120 SST has produced almost all DRT........ I did have one drop after 10 ft earlier this year.......

Any inputs?
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Old October 8, 2013, 09:03 PM   #36
CAOxInfinity
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Re: First AR/Hunting Gun

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Originally Posted by dean1818 View Post
Just curious........

For those that hunt pigs with 233, what percentage are DRT
(Dead right there)

The 6.8 120 SST has produced almost all DRT........ I did have one drop after 10 ft earlier this year.......

Any inputs?
I'm very curious to know this as well, as I plan on doing some of that soon.

I've had excellent results with 762x39 with hogs and deer. Never used .223 in that role.
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Old October 8, 2013, 09:10 PM   #37
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That's an interesting question.

I'm just pulling off the top of my head as I have never actually kept any records.

I am think that about 40 percent of my shots end in kill shots DRT. Another 40 percent run less than 50 ft. 15 percent run more than 100 ft, 3 percent run more than 200 ft. 2 percent run further and have to be physically tracked.
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Old October 8, 2013, 10:46 PM   #38
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Furthest I've had run with .223 is about 10 ft that all are dead right there because I shoot them in the neck.. Which is a large target on a pig, actually easier than a heart shot....

Pigs are not incredibly difficult to hunt, sneak up on or ambush... They do adapt to your tactics... But it's not challenging at all to kill them with a .223. You need to be disciplined with your shots, but I think that's necessary with any chambering.
They are made out to be these mythical creatures with super power... But they are not.
I've killed 100s of pigs with a .223 they all died.

I do not want a pig running over calves, me or anything else after being shot.... I also don't want a bullet exit that may injure a domestic animal... Guess what, with the bullet I choose, they drop and no exits.

A .223 to the heart will assuredly stop them, but it's a trickier shot than the neck. The click of the safety and they look up and give me what I want.

The safety works on night hunting coyotes too. Flick the safety when ready to shoot, the coyote pauses and gives a perfect shot.
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Old October 9, 2013, 05:48 AM   #39
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One thing I have learned with pigs you have to hunt the wind

They have incredible noses



I take my hat off to the hog hunters that use 223...... I would guess most folks dont have that level of marksmanship to land the perfect shot on a fast moving critter

I still like my 6.8..... Its a bit more forgiving if my shot is slightly off.
The pig goes down if I am close to any of the vitals.

I also feel if does better in some of the brushy crap they call trees here.

To the OP...... Good luck on the selection
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Old October 9, 2013, 08:02 AM   #40
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I'd also suggest the S&W. If not, like someone already said, check out

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com

The constantly have GREAT deals and they don't sell crap. you can even buy a rifle kit ranging from $499-$750. the kit plus a stipped lower and you've got a rifle. you would likely need to pick up a rear sight or a red dot but those can be had for cheap. keep us posted!!!

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Old October 9, 2013, 08:36 AM   #41
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It's really about hunting style....

I tend to sneak up on them or find out their goings and comings and wait for them to show up...

I hunt in places occupied by cattle so, I take no shots at running pigs... I only take shots I'm sure about...

I pass on shots often... Undisturbed pigs will return.

In a large group of pigs, mayhem ensues after the shot... Has on occasion brought in a coyote.
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Old October 10, 2013, 10:43 PM   #42
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I just find a god trail that they are tearing up, set my stand up with the wind in my face, and wait. Pigs are easy, if you do it right. Coyotes on the other hand geesh.....
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Old October 11, 2013, 12:19 AM   #43
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I'm getting excited for the upcoming gun show. I talked to friend of my dad's today, he told me that he saw no less than 5 mp-15's going for 550. Of course I won't be that lucky...
The M&P15 Sport is a great choice for a first AR15. Do not let the lack of forward assist (FA) and dust cover (DC) sway you from it. Among the choices you posted, its actually the best bang for the buck. Its made by a reputable and long-running company so you can expect a good rifle. The A2 front sight post is one of the tougher and more reliable setups for iron sights compared a rifle without one.

I have owned a M&P15 Sport (back in March), bought the 2013 model and can verify that it has the 1:9 barrel twist. This is the most generic civilian rifling that will handle most of the ammo you will shoot, and will better for the lighter varmint rounds you might use for hunting i.e. 40gr American Eagle 223. The 1:8 5R rifling on the pre-2013 is nice, but will not really be noticeable for new shooter.

So if you can find a Sport under $650 , buy it. $550 is even better, but I will warn you that gun shows are not good places to find cheap stuff usually. If you get lucky and find one under $600 new or used grab it right away! And If you can find the older Sport with the 1:8 rifling at your price point, that would be the best deal.

Lastly, there are a few videos on youtube that shows the reliability of the M&P15 Sport even in dusty/sandy conditions. So I would not worry too much about that. Its a great basic AR as long as you find one in good condition and lube it properly. I've never read any negative reviews on the Sport. Just know that it is a basic starter AR and does not have the other features of a more expensive milspec rifle; not really a disadvantage for your purposes. Hopefully that helps, coming from a previous Sport owner.

Good luck on hunting (figuratively) for one!
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Old October 11, 2013, 12:27 PM   #44
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I have experience with the Bushmaster and several DPMS's. They have all been durable, reliable and surprisingly accurate. I'll be the first to tell you I'm not a big AR fan, but these give you a lot of rifle for the money. No complaints here.

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Old October 11, 2013, 08:36 PM   #45
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Justice,

I have had good luck at this gun show in the past. Either eay I can buy it online for 619.00 shipped. And my local guy will transfer it for 20.00. I'm holding out for nod sub 600, but hey I'm not going to get too greedy.
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Old October 11, 2013, 09:17 PM   #46
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My $0.02 is a Rock River Arms or a Colt. But I tend to end up on the higher end of price scales. I've had 1,000's of rounds through my Rock River (often without cleaning for 500 to 1,000 rounds--cheap American Eagle brass), and only operator induced malfunctions on the gun. I've shot in snow, rain, and have used it deer hunting (though you already sound like your down with .223 for hunting). Yeah, it's a weak round, but it still broke a shoulder, went through a rib, through both lungs, broke the rib on the opposing side, and stopped in the hide.

As far as the forward assist is concerned. I like mine. I'm sure you could live without one, but I like mine for brass checking (if you ride your bolt it usually won't close fully) and sometimes I like the ride the bolt when hunting. If you like to slowly drop your bolt to reduce noise, then you may indeed like a forward assist, even when conditions are good.
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Old October 12, 2013, 11:16 AM   #47
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Potential Rifle for first time AR15 owner

Rock River Arms is doing their Elite Operator III sale again. $1,065 MSRP is not a bad entry point for a gun. The only big draw back with RRA Elite Operators (including my "II" version) is the barrel is thick, thick, thick which means no matter how light you go with the furniture on the gun, it will always be a heavy gun. The winter trigger guard is nice, and my older version of their muzzle break is really efficient. The new muzzle break looks good, too.
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Old October 12, 2013, 10:00 PM   #48
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Loaf,

I left my corporate job and ever since our income has been cut in half. I'm currently going back to school, and once I finish I hope to be able to be in a better place to afford a Colt or RRA. I'm nearly done with my RN license and BSN degree.
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Old October 12, 2013, 10:09 PM   #49
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RE Jmcdaniel0

Didn't mean to slight you by suggesting more expensive guns. I'm sure any of the guns you are looking at (DPMS, Bushmaster, Smith) will meet your expectations. Best of luck to you managing that shift in income. I feel you. My wife and I were buried in debt until recently, and we don't have the pressure of having kids. Times are tough all over. May your income and gun collection steadily grow!
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Old October 13, 2013, 01:42 PM   #50
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No slight at all! It is just what it is. The last year I worked in my corporate job I made 125k, my wife makes 42k as a school teacher, and when I made the decision to leave it had a very large impact on our finances. We planned for it of course, but still limits what I can spend. It was my choice to leave, I just hate corporate America, knowing what I know now, I would have never got an MBA.
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