The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Alternatives to the AR-15

lmccrock · March 23, 2013, 12:45 PM

It all depends on the match. If they are running 3-gun in pistol bays, then any of the above will work, Mini-14, SKS, AK, pistol caliber carbine (including M1 carbine). Yes, ballistically, M1 carbine is a pistol caliber.

The more the distances go out, the less you want any of these. The pistol caliber bullets will require too much elevation and hitting targets at 100+ yards is about impossible. And, yes, you can hit targets quickly with an AK, but an AR in equally-skilled hands will beat you. Reloading an SKS after the stock 10 rounds will get old fast, so you will want to change out the fixed 10-round for something with higher capacity. If you are buying new, the AR or higher price range will be the way to go.

March 23, 2013, 12:45 PM	#21
lmccrock Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Red Rock. TX Posts: 820	It all depends on the match. If they are running 3-gun in pistol bays, then any of the above will work, Mini-14, SKS, AK, pistol caliber carbine (including M1 carbine). Yes, ballistically, M1 carbine is a pistol caliber. The more the distances go out, the less you want any of these. The pistol caliber bullets will require too much elevation and hitting targets at 100+ yards is about impossible. And, yes, you can hit targets quickly with an AK, but an AR in equally-skilled hands will beat you. Reloading an SKS after the stock 10 rounds will get old fast, so you will want to change out the fixed 10-round for something with higher capacity. If you are buying new, the AR or higher price range will be the way to go.