>:u
- Thread starter westshtr
- Start date
Davy Crockett
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Fraser Valley
I think you pretty much answered your own questions.
As you said; the AR is accurate, reliable and modular. It can be configured for any requirement and can be produced inexpensively.
I'd wager if it were non-restricted, just as in the States the AR would become the most popular rifle here too. Other black rifles would be just a novelty.
As you said; the AR is accurate, reliable and modular. It can be configured for any requirement and can be produced inexpensively.
I'd wager if it were non-restricted, just as in the States the AR would become the most popular rifle here too. Other black rifles would be just a novelty.
westshtr let me give you my own opinion. When I think of AR's, I think of the US of A. When I think of Russia, I think of AK47's. Now as for "why" people in the States are so close minded about why the AR is somehow "superior" to other platforms, it's a matter of pride and being shallow.
Do not confine your views on the forums and the internet. That's just a small percentage of people giving off their "hardcore" love of the AR's. westshtr I am glad that you and I and many others are unbiased and willing to try out different firearms. If given the opportunity try out H&K firearms or other brands or even other firearms that are not AR's. There's no harm done in trying out different guns but I wouldn't do that with women though....
As for Canadians being open-minded and not just loving one platform of firearm, that's something I can't really tell you. Maybe it's because the AR is restricted...but man let me tell you something, if the Barrett 82 was available, I'd be talking about that everyday and how that is the pimpest gun compared to everything else. But you do pose a serious question, why the AR? They (the Americans) even have FN SCAR's up for grabs.
Be open minded, don't just "love" one type of gun until you've tried everything. Every firearm is different, every soldier is different, every conflict whether the decision, the physical war or of the mind is different. It is the soldier that makes the firearm not the firearm that makes the soldier. I've tried bolt action rifles, SKS's, AR's and of course I own everything except a shotgun, .22 and a revolver (I've shot them all). I like them all.
Hey maybe these Americans that are diehard have literally tried everything else and the AR is the one that works best for the user.
Do not confine your views on the forums and the internet. That's just a small percentage of people giving off their "hardcore" love of the AR's. westshtr I am glad that you and I and many others are unbiased and willing to try out different firearms. If given the opportunity try out H&K firearms or other brands or even other firearms that are not AR's. There's no harm done in trying out different guns but I wouldn't do that with women though....
As for Canadians being open-minded and not just loving one platform of firearm, that's something I can't really tell you. Maybe it's because the AR is restricted...but man let me tell you something, if the Barrett 82 was available, I'd be talking about that everyday and how that is the pimpest gun compared to everything else. But you do pose a serious question, why the AR? They (the Americans) even have FN SCAR's up for grabs.
Be open minded, don't just "love" one type of gun until you've tried everything. Every firearm is different, every soldier is different, every conflict whether the decision, the physical war or of the mind is different. It is the soldier that makes the firearm not the firearm that makes the soldier. I've tried bolt action rifles, SKS's, AR's and of course I own everything except a shotgun, .22 and a revolver (I've shot them all). I like them all.
Hey maybe these Americans that are diehard have literally tried everything else and the AR is the one that works best for the user.
I own a AR right now, also an XCR. And I can tell you if ARs were non-restricted I wouldn't own my XCR. We should really be pushing for the reclassification of this awesome sporting/hunting platform and all its variants, but I guess every gun group has its own agenda.
Another thought, mine actually...if one looks at history and the civilian use of rifles in the USA, take into consideration that during the 1920's and 30's, the rifle to have was the classic Springfield 1903, state of the art and the rifle that US Troops carried in WWI, fast forward to the 50's and 60's and the rifle that everyone wanted was the M1 Garand; carried during WWII and Korea, same goes for the M14/M1A during the 1970's. So, today, the AR platform is most popular for these reasons, especially when you think of all those men and women that have served their Country and want to shoot recreationally and have a connection to their military past. I owned an FNC1A1 before all the prohib madness and the reason I loved that rifle is that it's what I used during my time in the Army and I felt that connection out on the range. My son, who is from the generation that used the C7, loves the AR since it is the only tangible connection to a military rifle that our Country uses and shooting allows him to make that same connection. So that might just be the reason that Americans feel the way they do about the AR platform.
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AR15 is still one of the most effective and efficient designs. The fact that the Swiss and German are busying producing AR15s for their commerical markets mean something.
If AR is not restricted, they will be everywhere in Canada. The day that AR15 is considered a military only rifle was long gone- it is fast becoming a standard hunting rifle and it is pretty much a standard semi-automatic platform in North America.
If AR is not restricted, they will be everywhere in Canada. The day that AR15 is considered a military only rifle was long gone- it is fast becoming a standard hunting rifle and it is pretty much a standard semi-automatic platform in North America.
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
I'd have to agree with that too. I really like the Swiss Arms rifles, and they do have several advantages over the AR-15 platform (some disadvantages too!), and even though I do prefer the Swiss over the AR, I'll admit that I'd likely have a Colt H-Bar or similar instead if they were non-restricted (mostly cost... mostly).
x2
Plus:
easy to breakdown and maintain
lot's of replacement parts available
ergonomically the most comfortable rifle to handle IMO
a blast to shoot!
I think a lot of us in the US had the M-16 as our service rifle so the AR-15 is a natural choice for us. I know I bought my first AR because I wanted something similar to my service rifle and got hooked on them. I also own an AK-47 copy as well as a Garand and M-1 carbine.
You're right though the ARs have become very popular here and more are being used as hunting guns today. I have several friends that hunt only with ARs anymore. One of the guys I hunted with in Wyoming a couple years ago carried his AR-10 in .308. He is practiced with it and can hit consistantly out to 400 yards with it.
I think a lot of it is because we can own them and they are a lot of fun to shoot besides. I know I enjoy going out and ripping off a few 30 round mags just for the fun of it. I live in the country and can shoot out back and hear my neighbors doing much the same thing. What can I say other than we Americans are a gun loving people. BTW I was born in Canada but have lived most of my life in Michigan and have got infected with the love of guns of all types.
You're right though the ARs have become very popular here and more are being used as hunting guns today. I have several friends that hunt only with ARs anymore. One of the guys I hunted with in Wyoming a couple years ago carried his AR-10 in .308. He is practiced with it and can hit consistantly out to 400 yards with it.
I think a lot of it is because we can own them and they are a lot of fun to shoot besides. I know I enjoy going out and ripping off a few 30 round mags just for the fun of it. I live in the country and can shoot out back and hear my neighbors doing much the same thing. What can I say other than we Americans are a gun loving people. BTW I was born in Canada but have lived most of my life in Michigan and have got infected with the love of guns of all types.
IMO
The AR is a constantly improveing platform,partly due to the amount of aftermarket stuff you can put on them.Technology in materials available to make better recievers,barrels,gas system(DI or piston),brakes/flash hiders etc..
It almost seems as if a lot of shooters have"come of age" and grown with the AR as it improved. Iconic symbol of freedom in some cases,or a connection of sorts to their heritage.
The "newcomers" like the SCAR, XCR, ACR, etc.. have yet to be battle tested proven platforms on large scale. Whether they are good or better does not seem to play into the equasion as they have not "paid their dues" in many peoples minds. The AR is the benchmark so to speak in present times.
Even H&K with tough battle tested line of premium grade rifles is makeing an AR...maybe cause they want a slice of the pie,maybe they thought they can do the AR better. Its the current day champ and the one to beat.
For an example I handled and shot the ACR 3yrs prior to it comeing to Canada.
My first impression: its bulky,its awkward,cheaply built, IT's NOT an AR.
I totally was disapointed and swore I would never drop the $1500. on one.
Today with the improvements made I would consider one only because it is becomeing more AR like.
Maybe in 25yrs, There might be a new benchmark,or champ.
just my thoughts,good topic
The AR is a constantly improveing platform,partly due to the amount of aftermarket stuff you can put on them.Technology in materials available to make better recievers,barrels,gas system(DI or piston),brakes/flash hiders etc..
It almost seems as if a lot of shooters have"come of age" and grown with the AR as it improved. Iconic symbol of freedom in some cases,or a connection of sorts to their heritage.
The "newcomers" like the SCAR, XCR, ACR, etc.. have yet to be battle tested proven platforms on large scale. Whether they are good or better does not seem to play into the equasion as they have not "paid their dues" in many peoples minds. The AR is the benchmark so to speak in present times.
Even H&K with tough battle tested line of premium grade rifles is makeing an AR...maybe cause they want a slice of the pie,maybe they thought they can do the AR better. Its the current day champ and the one to beat.
For an example I handled and shot the ACR 3yrs prior to it comeing to Canada.
My first impression: its bulky,its awkward,cheaply built, IT's NOT an AR.
I totally was disapointed and swore I would never drop the $1500. on one.
Today with the improvements made I would consider one only because it is becomeing more AR like.
Maybe in 25yrs, There might be a new benchmark,or champ.
just my thoughts,good topic
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
Very true.
When you think about it, the progressive development of a rifle system isn't at all a new thing. After all, it took Paul Mauser almost 30 years to develop the perfected M98 action from the original concept of the Dreyse bolt action, and it took another 10 years for the "proper" (spitzer) ammunition to be developed. So it should really be no surprise that the AR-15 is constantly being improved, using new materials and technologies, and adapted to the different conditions of 21st century military needs.
- Location
- calgaryish
I would love a big game caliber ar-15 variant, one i 308 or 7mm-08, like the Remington r-25. They are just plain awesome and would love to see them available for hunting in Canada. I know several Americans, that only shoot 308 version of the ar-15, think the 223, does not have the punch they needed if (or when for some) the civil war breaks out (oddly enough the civil war guys all live in Arizona).
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
Holy crap!
Thanks for all the responses.
As long as you don't start any threads asking "what non-restricted black rifles are out there" or "are 10 round LAR-15 mags legal", we'll all get along fine, lol.
I feel the US are hyped over the AR15/M16 for two reasons:
1. It is to my knowledge a rifle designed by an American: they are proud it came from the mind of one of their own.
2. It is from the last major conflicts/wars the Americans are involved in: it puts the average citizen owning the same type of rifle their soldiers carry.
As for Canada, if the AR15 platform was not restricted I would imagine that they would be everywhere here too. A lot of hunters & shooters don't bother with a AR15 because it is restricted: they buy a Ruger mini 14 instead.
1. It is to my knowledge a rifle designed by an American: they are proud it came from the mind of one of their own.
2. It is from the last major conflicts/wars the Americans are involved in: it puts the average citizen owning the same type of rifle their soldiers carry.
As for Canada, if the AR15 platform was not restricted I would imagine that they would be everywhere here too. A lot of hunters & shooters don't bother with a AR15 because it is restricted: they buy a Ruger mini 14 instead.
Actually the AK is gaining ground in the US, Travis Haley is teaching Kalashnikov classes... Red Jacket specializes in customized AKs... I think Larry Vickers prefers to run the AK over the AR... So yea there are die hard AR lovers in the states, but there is love for other platforms.... I think it just seems like they only love the AR because everyone seems to have one...
I certainly wished we had access to the AK up here as well
I certainly wished we had access to the AK up here as well
While I'm sure the market saturation of the AR in the states is due to no one issue, I think people are over thinking this. Economics and law play the two biggest roles in the ARs popularity. Remember that every Modern Sporting Rifle in the US must be 922r compliant. That is they have to, by law, have a certain percentage of US manufactured content. This effects the cost of everything that we would just get imported here. Also ARs are cheaper there. A quick check of Impact Guns site shows that it's possible to get an M&P 15 for under $1100, and some models are available for under a grand. Even Colt 6920s are available for under $1200.
A base AK is available for around the $500 mark, but it you want it with any enhancements whatsoever and you're back up to the $900 mark.
IF you want a US made FAL then you're lfooking at $1500 for a decent one.
Swiss Arms rifles were unimportable due to the 922r regs, and we all know what's been going on with the US made 556s.
SCARS and the other FN Products are all more then double the price of the ARs
So if you want a decent quality rifle with a reasonable amount of readily available accessories, then the AR is the least expensive way to go.
I think that's the bulk of your answer right there.
A base AK is available for around the $500 mark, but it you want it with any enhancements whatsoever and you're back up to the $900 mark.
IF you want a US made FAL then you're lfooking at $1500 for a decent one.
Swiss Arms rifles were unimportable due to the 922r regs, and we all know what's been going on with the US made 556s.
SCARS and the other FN Products are all more then double the price of the ARs
So if you want a decent quality rifle with a reasonable amount of readily available accessories, then the AR is the least expensive way to go.
I think that's the bulk of your answer right there.
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
To a degree.
Remember that 20 years ago, there were only a handful of AR-15 manufacturers as compared to today. It had to establish itself as a good, reliable rifle before it achieved such popularity. The fact that its popularity continues to grow is due to the good design coupled with its modular nature and ability to keep up with much newer designs.
