Pic Request: AR's you train/compete with

AbHobbyist

CGN frequent flyer
Uber Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
1680   0   1
Location
Vernon, BC
Hello all!!

I never thought it would happen, however I have hit a wall with regards to a build, and I am in need of some constuctive thoughts and insperation.

I am trying to build a "Carbine" or "rifle" that one could use to shoot distance, as well as for course work / three gun type shooting. As such I am looking for pictures of said that are actually used for the above training purposes.

I very much appreciate that the "one gun" solution may not be the "best at every thing" but lets face it, with time being precious these days, many of us do not have the time or money to be come proficient with multiple AR in several different configurations.

Futher if one steps back, and looks at the bigger picture, there are many individuals out that that want to get into AR's, have somewhat of a limited budget, and do not want to enter the makret at the "Norinco Carbine" stage. I think its critical that one find a configuration that allows the user to have a quality reliable carbine that can do a lot of different things, as well a be long lived.

I am leaning toward a rifle style build. The reason being is that I have been watching the EE, and there seem to be some very good deals on AR rifles as of late. To my mind, with some configuration changes, many of these rifles could be use for training.

In my mind, the build should:
-be well ballanced
-have a sling system that allows transition to a secondary
-Have provision for, or actually have a weapons light
-have a flexible sighting system that can be used for CQB distances to about 400 meters shooting or so.
-follow the KISS principle

While I have some definate thoughts, my build picutre is incomplete, and I would very much like to see what others have done and had success with.

I thank you all in advance for taking the time to read my post and offering some constructive thoughs, advice and pic's.

regards and all the best

AbH
 
Last edited:
Are you settled on the barrel length?

For 3 gun matches, the extra weight may not be worth it considering the longest shot you'll come across is around 200 yards
 
Onagoth :

You make a valid point.

However the flip side of the coin is a thought that I struggle with.

Lets assume that 200-400 m/yards is the distance we are talking about.

I know that M-16/SP1 style pencil barrels uppers with a 1-12 twist (which shoot 55 grain bullets very well) can actually be had quite reasonably, and will shoot 2 MOA or less (most of the time) at that distance.

With that in mind does a 20" pencil barreled flat top upper really weigh much more than a 16" M4 upper, which comparatively speaking are a lot more money.

Thoughts??

regards

AbH
 
Last edited:
Not me nor mine but here's a good looking rifle for what you want to do...I think.

tl4.jpg

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=118&t=317153&page=31
 
Paulinski:

Nice rig chief !!

alexD92:

Thanks for the picture. You know I have to be honnest, I never even considered the PRS for a course rig, A UBR sure, but thats the first time I saw a PRS in hard fast use!!

regards

AbH
 
Last edited:
When you say training - what are you trainning for? If you are training for competition, you want a game gun - I will look at the STI AR15 with light weight SS match barrel. If I am going for games, that will be my first choice.

Anything with a 12.5" barrel and up will do 300m without any issue. However, it is no secret that a 20" gas system is easier to shoot than a 14.5"...and of course, 10.3.

However, a 14.5" with carbine handguard is much more compact and light weight. If I need to hike a million miles, I want to shred every single unwanted ounce. That's why I have my 14.5 with KAC URX - that is a carbine for the field.

Of course, you can have longer rail over gas block - I am not sure you will consider rail attached front sight to be KISS but extended rail does give you more space for gadgets and extended arm hold, but the penalities are weight and bulk.

It boils down to - how much do you shoot it vs how much do you have to carry it.
 
Like Greentips said, might want to look into the STI rifle, they seem to be competition ready.

Any idea what their running just behind his hand on the 12 oclock rail? The whole team seems to have them at various positions.

Judging from the other pics, its a sling mount.
 
The rifle in the picture with the PRS is a good start but I would be trying to keep the weight down as much as possible(ditch the PRS and the S&B). If you already have a 20" pencil barrel, use a light FF rail (Troy TRX) with a LP gas block. Get a simple stock (CTR) and don't throw a hundred pounds of optics on there. I would use a T1 and 3x magnifier. NO vertical grips and unless its night time, no flash light. A good light to consider is a Surefire Mini Scout in a LaRue Mount. Very light, push button tail cap that guards against white light ND's. Just my 2 cents.

I sort of agree with GT but I also believe a lighter gun is great for speed. The quicker you can move the rifle around, the quicker you can bring it to bare on threats or targets. Light weight is not just a concern for carry.
 
Is this a new trend that left hand hold? I've seen it in a couple competition pictures...
That and holding it with the index wrapped over the hand guard.

Havent you seen Magpuls video art of the tactial carbine? Apparently people have been shooting wrong for half a century...they even sell an accessory to help you shoot properly...
6-2-2010-9_43_30-AM_64_338_popup.jpg
 
Havent you seen Magpuls video art of the tactial carbine? Apparently people have been shooting wrong for half a century...they even sell an accessory to help you shoot properly...
6-2-2010-9_43_30-AM_64_338_popup.jpg

Have you tried it ? Been shooting 30+ years and I ended up buying one to see what all the fuss was about. First time I tried it it felt all wrong (muscle memory being what it is). Decided I might as well give it a fair shot and ended up leaving it on the gun for couple of range sessions. At the end of the excercise I determined that it was a more natural hold and have left it on the gun. Now when I pick up my other rifles you can feel the difference as your front wrist bends to conform to the stock. It just makes sense for this old dog.

As for changes... who would ever think I would be shooting a pistol made of plastic, or shooting with ported barrels, or hanging a flashlight on a rifle, or being dumb enough to put a dot sight with batteries on a combat rifle?

Some things will make the evolutionary leap while other won't. Some things are slam dunks while others may either take longer for people to adopt or will always reside on the "fringes" of mainstream acceptance.
How many people on this forum leave their guns stock?
Half the fun is trying/discarding new toys :)

L
 
In the interest of keeping things light weight, this time around I'm going with a 14.5" mid-length with a Troy/VTAC TRX rail, Troy HK-style front and rear fixed BUIS a stubby VFG and an Aimpoint ML2 in an ADM high mount. I've decided to stick with the MOE buttstock and pistol grip as they have been more than satisfactory thus far and am leaving the sling plate on but may at an attachment point for a 2 point sling in the future.

Pics up when the upper arrives...


blake
 
Back
Top Bottom