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Old September 12, 2017, 09:13 AM   #1
simonrichter
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How long are AR15s going to be around

I'm about to invest in a Mk18-sized platform. Since it is a LOT of dough, I'd like to hear your assessment on how long ARs and .223 are going to be state of the art. Dont want to spend so mich money on something that might be outdated soon (talking about the general system, not one paeticular model...)
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Old September 12, 2017, 09:20 AM   #2
stagpanther
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a long time.
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Old September 12, 2017, 09:24 AM   #3
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It will be outdated when you decide it is, look at the 1911 pistol, never be gone.
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Old September 12, 2017, 09:29 AM   #4
roashooter
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it kinda depends on where you live and the politics involved....as we speak....the demise of the ar is creeping in.....look at kommiefornia...ny....England...Australia....several others
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Old September 12, 2017, 10:03 AM   #5
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Some might say the .300 ACC Blackout is nudging the .223/5.56. It is better suppressed and at longer distances non suppressed. I would have no fear of the .223/5.56 disappearing in my lifetime.

I would be more concerned about my requirements as opposed to the future popularity of a firearm.
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Old September 12, 2017, 10:04 AM   #6
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I can't really imagine it being outdated.
As far as how long it will remain as popular as it it, I would say decades.

I have owned one since 1982 ; long before they were popular. So they have some serious longevity.
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Old September 12, 2017, 10:07 AM   #7
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I am going to say that it and the AK will be the Brown Bess' of our time.
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Old September 12, 2017, 10:33 AM   #8
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Ya I would not worry about it any time soon. The way they have flooded the market over the last 10 years would lead me to think they will be around for a good long time.
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Old September 12, 2017, 11:11 AM   #9
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I don't think you need to worry. I think they will be the 1911 of rifles as the pumps are to shotguns.
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Old September 12, 2017, 11:23 AM   #10
T. O'Heir
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Not exactly 'state of the art' now. But they'll be around as long as the M-16 is the military's rifle.
Your Mk 18 is just a big kid's toy. Us big kids need our toys.
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Old September 12, 2017, 11:28 AM   #11
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Simonrichter, as to the AR platform and the 5.56x45 cartridge being "state of the art", the fact the military is actively researching its replacement and has been doing so for decades could be taken to indicate neither the rifle nor the round are "state of the art". So, if that is truly your criteria you need to make an educated guess about what will replace it and become an "early adopter" and hope you chose well.

The AR platform and 5.56x45 cartridge are going to remain the dominant military derived system for the foreseeable future. The huge number of rifles out there and the massive infrastructure that exists to distribute, service and modify it means it will be around for some time to come, so can invest in an AR today knowing that five years from now discussion groups like this one will still abuzz with AR-15 posts.
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Old September 12, 2017, 02:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Simonrichter, as to the AR platform and the 5.56x45 cartridge being "state of the art", the fact the military is actively researching its replacement and has been doing so for decades could be taken to indicate neither the rifle nor the round are "state of the art".
And yet none of this research has yet led to a viable replacement.

Until there is some breakthrough in firearms technology that proves as capable and reliable (energy weapons, reliable caseless cartridge, etc.), the 5.56x45mm and AR are going nowhere.

Consider also the number of services moving to AR-pattern service rifles/carbines after using a "more-advanced" design (France, New Zealand, etc.).
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Old September 12, 2017, 02:07 PM   #13
simonrichter
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THX a lot, you folks really helped with the pending decision!
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Old September 12, 2017, 02:50 PM   #14
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If your question is "can I go wrong with an AR" the answer is no.
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Old September 12, 2017, 03:40 PM   #15
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The point at which our long range (relative) shoulder fire weapons stop using little chunks of metal, or any such substitute material as projectiles the AR will be relevant. When plasma guns start showing up at the pawn shops you'll know your AR is in decline.
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Old September 12, 2017, 03:57 PM   #16
Pond, James Pond
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Out-dated meaning what?

The point is, even if a better design comes out, the AR is still a good design. It works and doesn't have too many Achilles' heels to contend with, particularly when used presumably on a range in Austria.

It's well-supported in parts and accessories and plain works.

Same with my VZ58. I recognise that the AR is a more refined rifle, with a longer reach and greater accuracy, but the VZ is still a good rifle in its own right.

And so I'm happy to have it.

I say buy that AR if that is what you want. You're unlikely to be thinking it's not up to the job....
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Old September 12, 2017, 04:46 PM   #17
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Quote:
Same with my VZ58. I recognise that the AR is a more refined rifle, with a longer reach and greater accuracy, but the VZ is still a great rifle in its own right.
Fixed that for you.
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Old September 12, 2017, 06:16 PM   #18
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11.74656 years.
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Old September 12, 2017, 07:22 PM   #19
rickyrick
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There's gonna be AR parts at garage sales for at least a century after the last AR is sold.

They won't go anywhere as long as they don't get banned.
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Old September 12, 2017, 08:03 PM   #20
ThomasT
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I am not a huge fan of the platform but unless there is an outright ban and confiscation I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon.

And outdated has no bearing on weather you like them or not.
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Old September 12, 2017, 08:08 PM   #21
Bartholomew Roberts
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The AR15 is the 20th century Mauser action, and there isn't any shortage of those even in the 21st century.
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Old September 12, 2017, 08:32 PM   #22
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A nice gentleman let me load and shoot his new muzzleloader a few months back. But I think they're just a passing fad.
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Old September 12, 2017, 08:50 PM   #23
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Outdated? That implies that there is something better....more modern and "up to date".

What would that something be, i wonder.
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Old September 12, 2017, 09:46 PM   #24
rickyrick
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I think any new rifle action will just be a copy or reworked version of something that already exists, just like most guns now.
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Old September 12, 2017, 09:57 PM   #25
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Outdated...

It might feel like it by the time you get your stamp
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