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Posted: 4/12/2008 7:01:58 PM EDT
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I am wanting to put together an AR-15 with SHTF use in mind, and yes I am thinking long term here, not just a couple of weeks. So, my real question comes to this, I have no problem with the A2 sights, and am not really planning on putting a scope or Aimpoint on this, so should I stick with an A2 upper, which I have confidence in, or am I missing a good bet and should go with a M4 upper and use a detachable hand grip? The big fly in the ointment for me on this is are the detachable hand grips as durable as the A2s. Thanks for wading through my ramblings, and thanks for any input. Edited to add another thought. I am going for a 16 inch barrel, so this isn't really going to be a long range build, 200 yard is about the max I would think. |
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Well generally a SHTF rifle isn't for shooting varmints, so the standard A2 sights should serve you just fine. If this is all you want this rifle for (short range self-defense use) I would think an A2 or even an A1 upper would be ideal. Simple and dead reliable. Consider a fixed stock, such as an A2 or Ace, and government profile barrels. They are totally simple and there is nothing to fall apart or go to shit on them. If you go with a collapsible stock, and this is truly a SHTF rifle, buy a reputable name brand M4 6 position stock or a Magpul CTR, etc... Avoid the knock-off 4 position stocks, etc... As far as barrels, HBAR's are not needed here and would only serve to make your weapon heavier. I recommend M4 or lightweight carbine barrel profiles. Also, do not skimp on magazines. Buy quality! I hear the Magpul mags are an excellent choice if you want to store them loaded without worrying about the springs weakening over time. Likewise, buy GOOD NEW ammo and make sure your weapon is sighted for it and will feed it and cycle it 100% reliably. Such a rifle as this should serve you well for a very long time wiht a minimum of fuss or TLC... ETA: I should add that some of my opinions were formed during my military service where I saw standard A2 rifles subjected to horrendous abuse without the slightest problem. |
Yeah, what he said... and a good handle costs only a few bucks more than a POS knock-off... |
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If you are going to use a Collapsible CAR buttstock, then I suggest that you get an ACE M4-7 Super Heavy Duty CAR Extension Tube and an Essential Arms Aluminum CAR Stock. This combination makes the back end of your Rifle/Carbine a little heavier, but, really tough. And you can get the Aluminum CAR Stock either Smooth or Textured. Chief |
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Just build yourself a basic lightweight CAR on a A2 upper. Try to avoid all the fancy stocks, forarms, sights, optics etc., they are not needed. Keep it simple and inexpensive. You might want to take a look at the KISS/IDF thread. Lots of basic carbines in there. |
| I would probably go with the A2 set-up as well. On mine, though, I added a railed handguard with laser and Surefire flashlight. Nothing stops intruders faster than a big white light and a little red one pointed at them. Also, you have light on hand and the laser makes target aquisition just that much faster. Just a thought. |
IMO, the A1 style rear site is even more durable/idiot proof. Put an A2 aperture in it for the large hole close range work. (I drilled out one hole in my A1). Another problem w/ a flat top & removable carry handle is that big fingers don't fit in the handle. Damn near get your knuckles caught! Try carrying it with gloves on! I'm going to be selling my M4 flat top for a M16 style upper here pretty soon. |
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I'll have to vote for a flat-top upper with a good carrying handle. Keep the versatility of having more optics available if you change your mind. In looking at pictures from places where the S has HTF like in Iraq and Afghanistan it seems that darn near every M4 I see has some sort of optic on it. |
Well, nothing except for a round of 12ga 00 buckshot to the head. For a SHTF AR the A2 handle is great. Go with a light 16" barrel, you'll likely be carrying it a long ways on a daily basis. For stocks, the A1 fixed is great. Better than the longer A2 unless you're REALLY tall. For a collapsable I really feel that NOTHING beats the ACE "meat hammer". It's compact, reasonably light, tough as nails, and shoots nicely. |
not a bad setup. I have a G2 LED mounted on my front sight post using a YHM rail and a CAA FAS-2 mount. Its rock solid and VERY bright. Pmags are about as good as it gets. |
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