Falling down the Rabbit Hole (AR-15)

[UpandAtIt]

Ok, Ok, Ok I bit the bullet and bought a AR-15 kit from Sarco and then bought a lower and assembled the rifle. Was pretty straight forward. Took it to the range and shot it, nice groups. What I built was a run of the mil AR-15 A1 model 20" barrel, bought Colt Mags Total costs with the lower, the all else kit from Sarco and 5 Colt used mags $610.00. All works well and fine....... BUT...... then......

I dared buy a magazine called "The Black Rifle" a magazine of accessories and gadgets.

Mistake #1 - I opened the magazine.
Mistake #2 - Forgot to bring a Drool Rag.
Mistake #3 - I had my credit card with me and a full charge on my cell phone.

In the end, I bought about $400 worth of accessories and gadgets with even more planned to be bought and assembled onto this ever growing money pit in the near future.

Someone please take this magazine away from me and cut up my credit card..... I have lost all self control.

The wife only laughed an evil laugh and said she will now go shopping with her girlfriends to keep up with my spending on my toys. I am damn glad I make a decent living.

[gdvan01]

Welcome to the infection...

[greyson97]

well, to your credit, 1k is less than what i paid for my stock AR-15 during the craze

[UpandAtIt]

Sad this is, I am only on page 22 of a 93 page magazine................."Oh death, where is my sting!"

[Ga45fan]

I'm still resisting the urg to build an EBR, barely. They look like such fun to continually "optimize".

I'm sort of hoping that I can build an AK with a few gadgets and kill the desire to build the EBR, but it's likely to just make it worse. Stay away from Tapco and Tangodown!

[Willie Lowman]

I bought my first AR about 10 years ago.

At one time I had three lowers and five uppers. Rail uppers and heavy barreled uppers and blah blah blah.

I am down to two complete guns now. One RRA "entry tac" carbine and a Colt lower/RRA upper. I have found for recreational shooting, carrying the rifle in the woods and occasional varmint shooting all that extra crap is just that, crap.

That doesn't mean I don't drool when I look at the Noveske Diplomat...

[UpandAtIt]

I at least am keeping all the accessories and gadgets to actual Mil-surp or USGI, still though there is more than a man can bare...The kit from sarco was all usgi, the lower is at least a colt-early civillian A1 lower I found on auctionarms.

I bought the Brownells AR Armorers tool set and a cpl other mil-surp tool gadgets, it was an fairly easy build by watching the AGI - Video, really helped me stay away from pits and mistakes made by others on a first build.

I bought an extra barreled upper with a 16" barrel XM177E2 style and a Mag-Pull accessory pack. I also bought the power spring pack for the lower from Wolff springs and redid all the Colt mags with new springs and followers. :cool:

I might just add a 37mm 203 launcher on it just for grins. :eek:

I have not even tempted to look at optics yet, I would prefer an early one though and not the new holographics stuff.

I do not have the AK bug at all, I am not quite sure what an EBR is.:confused:

I have been eyeing this used Military USGI - US Marines C-Mag - 50 round each side that was only used on Sundays at the Jihad Jamborie. He wants $225 for it and comes with a Mollie pouch, tool and recommended loading pattern for ball Vs tracer ammo ..... :D

[Technosavant]

Well, that's how BRD starts. You're in the nervousness stage, the OCD will be on its way- everything has to match, the minutae matters, etc.

Welcome to our world.

[RT]

Whatever you do, don't look at this website
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Upper-Receiver-Groups-s/1.htm

[Edward429451]

Did you buy any ammo?

[TRguy]

$2000+ later you end up with

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj131/TRguy/Guns/100_1523-1.jpg

[greyson97]

actually, buy a .22lr conversion kit. buy only .22lr, spend all your savings on upgrades

[Ga45fan]

EBR = Evil Black Rifle

TRguy posted a picture of one.

Pics like that don't help to cure BRD either, just makes it worse.

[Edward429451]

The only part I bought for mine (besides the Wedge) was a RRA 2 stage match trigger. THAT was money well spent.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Mine are still pretty basic and simple.

Still ogling the Eotech's and Aimpoint's---then there's that Bravo Co upper and carrier...........................................................


Even my modest aspirations are pushing over $1k.

[UpandAtIt]

Yes I bought some different types of USGI ammo. I found a really good deal at the gun show on older SS109 and grabbed a few per-packed bandolers of it. I even bought some frangible rounds, tracer and some special purpose rounds.

Everything I have read on .22lr conversion kits say they are not accurate. I have the opportunity to get a Mil-Surp .22lr kit just not sure of its praticality for me as I have an outhouse load of .22lr rifles. .

The GoCo I work at is literally right next to both the Alient Tech (5.56 Tracer, 7.62 tracer, .50 cal Tracer 30mm & 40mm Tracer) and Winchester Western GoCo loading plants (5.56 and 7.62 load lines). I am sure I can wiggle some ammo from them from their walk in employee store on the base.

I understand tricking up a black rifle to an EBR.... I do not understand making it into a crossbow / arrow shooter, blackpowder rifle, 9mm, .45 cal, .50 cal or whatever caliber rifle.

[tirod]

A lot of shooters really don't know their particular favorite firearm is just a gateway drug leading EBR addiction. I had it early in life, bought an HK91 in the seventies.

It does get worse, much worse. I'm building an AR by selling other stuff as a personal challenge not to spend one cent of my paycheck. Cleans the shelves off, too. My Evil Tactical Knife collection is going to take the biggest hit. I'm finding one AR is worth a dozen of those. I'd rather have one AR anyway - I get strange looks carrying a dozen clipped linerlocks.

[greyson97]

Of course I need a scope. but now that ive got a scope, i guess i need a bipod too. and a more ergonomic grip.

next thing you know, you put in a drop in trigger group, and theres a flash light on it, and your begging for spare change to buy a piston kit for your ar

[UpandAtIt]

RT... dang it, you are an evil person.... of course I checked that link to Bravo....and I am very happy everything I wanted was out of stock.......

I am going to a decent gun show this weekend, I will check on what is in and out there.

[UpandAtIt]

Tirod - By any chance do you have a Bianchi Nighthawk knife you are selling ?? If so I am interested.

[RT]

Then don't look at these either...:D
http://www.pkfirearms.com/
http://www.rainierarms.com/
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home

[UpandAtIt]

LOL Rt, naw, none of those three sites exciter me, no mil surp USGI parts or stuff, that really is all I am honestly interested in. Seems like everyone and their grandma are making cool gadgets for AR's, but not a whole lot of sites have real usgi stuff avail.

what I want:

USGI:

1. scope and mount, early style, attaches to A1 carry handle
2. Bi-pod, early style
3. A-2 style rifle handguards, currently I have A1 triangle
4. Grenade launcher clone 203 something or another in 37mm
5. a few C-mags, prefer real Mil USGI
6. Sanchez Mfg - gov't issue magazines
7. Real Vietnam era bayonet and scabbord

[riggins_83]

Don't put ARs together in the safe alone.. they tend to multiply...


http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss355/riggins_83/bpoasdfop9awe0rjkaosdf.jpg?t=1268942520

[Lashlarue]

I know the feeling, in the past 18 months, I have purchased four pistols and three rifles.1000 or so rounds of various calibers. My worst enemy is dangling a nib Bushmaster Ar for $850. My worst enemy is of course my gun dealer.This is just part of what I've bought, got a couple of NAA 22mags,one with 1 5/8" barrel and one with a 4" barrel.And it all started with a HP995 carbine that has everything short of a tactical light, ATI stock, built in laser, 4 extra mags. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v146/C5Sam/shtfkit.jpg

[Dave R]

I'm still resisting the urg to build an EBR, barely. They look like such fun to continually "optimize".Just a word of warning. I resisted the disease for almost a decade. When I bought my first AR, it was LESS THAN 3 WEEKS before I bought a second upper. Then a scout mount....

Yeah, its infectious.

[rdmallory]

Then you get to thinking. Another lower is only $100 I will buy one and put the stuff I really don't like on it.

Well now I got a lower that needs an upper:D

Might a well buy that third lower you found on sale to put back just in case...

Hey I did find a good price on the lower kit might as well build up that spare lower. The spare lower could use a upper if I get one on sale....

I am up to three before I got de-railed playing with a MAC10.


Doug

[tirod]

Nope, no Bianchi. I'd rather not hijack the thread, bad form.

If there is a problem with the advanced stage of EBR it's a sense of historical perspective. Looking at all the uber tackycool accessories, and remembering the simplicity of an A1, you start wondering what the heck some of it's good for.

Not having been raised on video games really limits an old geezer's understanding of all the marketing hype. :D

It doesn't help having some accounting background - cost/benefit ratio analysis kicks in when I see stock prices for $215,quad rail handguards for $300, optics for $400, slings for $85, flash hiders for $99, grips for $35, triggers for $150, stainless barrels for $450 stripped, whatever.

Of course, the majority of shooters I read about use mil surp or reject ammo. What's with that?

[UpandAtIt]

Well I use Mil-Surp that isn't surp, but avail to us that work at the GoCo on the base. I have never used rejected ammo.

I honestly just want ONE (1) numro uno .... good A1 with a few vintage gadgets.

If I buy another gun, it will be a newer .45 1911A1 kit from Sarco and build that up a lil, now those I have done 4 times. I really like building the kits into something that actually shoots.

[riverwalker76]

Are you talking about THIS EBR ... or a .223 variant?


http://www.athenswater.com/images/M21A5_EBR-2.jpg

[UpandAtIt]

Naw, I have a nice SOCOM M1A and a M1 Garand, no need for another with gadgets. I was on just a standard slightly upgraded A1 with mostly USGI parts and accessories.

[alaskaman94]

all this is very true.... ARs are my anti-drug... addicting indeed! it starts with a complete rifle then one more upper, then another lower, and then repeat.... over and over! im starting my third cycle! started 223, then 22 then 450bm, next a 410 or 6.8... and then im gona want another lower.... bahahahahaha! an AR10 is in the future to!:):):):):)

[freakintoguns]

all it took for me was a sppikes tactical lower! now i want to build 5-10 more AR rifles and carbines in various calibers, a AR-10 , or 3 or maybe 4..... not to mention 3 or 4 AR pistols in .223 7.62 and 9mm...... its way better then crack! and legal too!

[DanThaMan1776]

It will only get worse unless you contain it... one day you will be thinking "why am I trying to make this POS all nice with gadgets, I'm just gonna buy a high end AR and make it even more high end with high end gadgets :rolleyes:"

[gyvel]

Right up there with putting fender skirts on your Chevy half ton pickup truck. LOL:D

[Palmetto-Pride]

Don't forget your custom dust covers..........:)

http://www.harengser.com/store/products.php?cat=11

[rdmallory]

Now I am looking at a AR75 upper....

Doug

Guess I need a dedicated lower for it too.:rolleyes:

[DougW]

I currently have 4 AR's that are each different for multiple uses. The AR rifles have been described a "guy's barbie doll". I keep dressing them up so much that I have at least 2X cost in them over what they would be worth in the market, not to mention all the spare stuff like complete butt stocks and such. I could build a complete lower with the stuff I have laying around (using one of the 2 spare lowers in the safe). But then, I would HAVE to build a new upper, because you CAN"T have a spare lower without an upper! That just will not do! BRD! I got it bad!:D

(I am hoping that the new Remington VTR in .308 will allow some therapy for my illness!:eek:)

[rdmallory]

There is one worse than the AR... A 10/22 has just as many options and cost just as much to build if not more.

Guess how I know...:o

[UpandAtIt]

I dared and handled a Robinson 6.8 this weekend at the gun show, when I got home, I told the kids I was honestly sorry about their education and that McDee University accepts up and commers in life and that flipping burgers is always a good start in learning good work ethics...* this as I fondled "Giselle" (the new rifles name) with a slight smirk and look of happiness on my face. :D

[TRguy]

I dared and handled a Robinson 6.8 this weekend at the gun show, when I got home, I told the kids I was honestly sorry about their education and that McDee University accepts up and commers in life and that flipping burgers is always a good start in learning good work ethics...* this as I fondled "Giselle" (the new rifles name) with a slight smirk and look of happiness on my face.

You think a 6.8 is expensive now, wait to you try to feed it, hope you reload.

[UpandAtIt]

Yes I reload, just have to find the ammo in the first place and the components to build some. I will have to study it to see if 6.8 brass can be made out of something else.

I have never seen such a smooth and well built gun like this before, the quality, fit and form are amazing. As pretty as it looks, it also looks and feels tough as nails...that feeling you get when handling something that you just know it is high quality and well made.

I will grab some ammo and go shoot it this weekend. The other thing I like is the barrel swap out to change calibers, damn near as instant as a MG42 barrel change out.

[Madpipe]

I have had this addiction for quite some time and cannot stop building rifles, I build one sell build another someone help?

[southernmaninla]

Oh lord, he's one of us run, oh! wait welcome to the club. I just finished building one for my 3yr old! good reason or how to get away with building another. "but honey it is her dowry" ;)

[UpandAtIt]

So I showed my newly built EBR to my dad who is 88 years old and served in both Europe and Pacific in WWII in the US Army as a Sgt , he has been married to my mom since 1946 (that alone make him one tough dude).

He held the EBR, looked at it, asked what the various things were for. After this careful review of his, he looked at me and said "Son, why would anyone need all that crap (light, scope, foregrip & laser) you have on there just to shoot the enemy?"

Then he pointed at my vintage M1 Garand and stated "That is all I needed to send those lil bastards back to the hell they came from!!"

I looked at him then I looked at the Garand, I smiled and just said "Well dad, you are just damn well tougher than I am:)" and then he said "You are damn right I am!"

I can honestly say I was humbled by dads directness and assertiveness in defending his old M1 Garand. It was at that point my mom took out dads medals from WWII. 1 bronze, 1 Silver, 1 PH and various other battle/gidunk ribbons.

My dad called me over to the computer and said look at this.....

http://media.causes.com/604250?p_id=42563578

Guys and gals, I have never in my life heard such a profound rendition of the pledge of Allegiance.

Again I was just humbled......

[NYMarksman]

Did someone mention EBR's
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h198/HVBowman/003NewAR2.jpg

Mine except that it now has a Muzzle Brake instead of the Flash Hider.