*UPDATE Post 32* An Epiphany (Or how I learned to accept the Black Rifle)

I'd also have to say that the XCR would probably be your best bet. Don't get me wrong, I love my AR180B to death. The key problem with the AR180B is finding one for sale. On top of that, you would have to add several accessories to even approach a somewhat modular state, unless the previous owner has already done them.

Let's say you get a hold of a stock AR180B with no accessories on it. First off, you are going to want to buy a 2 stage trigger of some sort since the stock trigger sucks. If you want to change the stock, you're going to have to buy a stock adaptor for whichever stock you are looking to put on it. If you want to scope it, you are going to have to buy a QD scope mount, or have a gunsmith permanently attach a rail to the receiver. And finally, to add rails to the forend, you would have to buy a Midwest Industries Tactical Forearm.

When you consider the cost of these extra parts, it really wouldn't be all that much more expensive to get an XCR, which as mentioned, has the option of caliber conversions.
 
I've actually got a source to a modified (in all the right ways) AR180B that I am seriously considering.

And I'm sorry, I should clarify that I meant UP to mid-sized game. I do not actively hunt deer, and wouldn't think to hunt one with anything less than a .30 caliber (and to be honest, the few times I have hunted deer, I used my 12 Gauge, as I find most encounters in Ontario here are closer range). I will be using this gun as a plinker/yote/varmint rifle for mid-range.

That being said, I've spent the better half of the day researching heavily on what rifle most appeals to me, and the AR180B is what is standing out. The XCR is a close second, but I appreciate the technical design of the Armalite more (I've always had a soft spot for early AR designs, not matter how black and evil they looked). The polymer lower is the only thing I am iffy about, however, I do have access to a machine shop friend who, if I am inclined to, has the technical know-how to help me with possibly designing a metal lower. Also, being able to swap calibres is NOT an issue, as I am planning on focusing on .223 to get into reloading. I'm trying to streamline my gun collection, rather than complicate it (I am a student trying to save up for college).


I do really appreciate all of the responses and ideas though, it's great to see so many people trying to help a reformed "fudd" out :D

fnrob said:
I'd also have to say that the XCR would probably be your best bet. Don't get me wrong, I love my AR180B to death. The key problem with the AR180B is finding one for sale. On top of that, you would have to add several accessories to even approach a somewhat modular state, unless the previous owner has already done them.

Let's say you get a hold of a stock AR180B with no accessories on it. First off, you are going to want to buy a 2 stage trigger of some sort since the stock trigger sucks. If you want to change the stock, you're going to have to buy a stock adaptor for whichever stock you are looking to put on it. If you want to scope it, you are going to have to buy a QD scope mount, or have a gunsmith permanently attach a rail to the receiver. And finally, to add rails to the forend, you would have to buy a Midwest Industries Tactical Forearm.

When you consider the cost of these extra parts, it really wouldn't be all that much more expensive to get an XCR, which as mentioned, has the option of caliber conversions.
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An update on my dilemma:

I've decided on a Swiss Arms Black Special. I did a ton of research into the Swiss Arms line, and heard great things about them, but after seeing a picture of one, I was sold. The look actually appeals to me, and the one I am getting in the mail supposedly has superb accuracy. The rifle sounds exactly what I need for a paper/varmint hunting rig!

Will up some pictures once it arrives.
 
CannonFodder41 said:
An update on my dilemma:

I've decided on a Swiss Arms Black Special. I did a ton of research into the Swiss Arms line, and heard great things about them, but after seeing a picture of one, I was sold. The look actually appeals to me, and the one I am getting in the mail supposedly has superb accuracy. The rifle sounds exactly what I need for a paper/varmint hunting rig!

Will up some pictures once it arrives.
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Nice choice. :)
 
CannonFodder41 said:
An update on my dilemma:

I've decided on a Swiss Arms Black Special. I did a ton of research into the Swiss Arms line, and heard great things about them, but after seeing a picture of one, I was sold. The look actually appeals to me, and the one I am getting in the mail supposedly has superb accuracy. The rifle sounds exactly what I need for a paper/varmint hunting rig!

Will up some pictures once it arrives.
Click to expand...

Nice!

I'm OD green with envy. :p

Post pics when it arrives, ok. :D
 
CannonFodder41 said:
An update on my dilemma:

I've decided on a Swiss Arms Black Special. I did a ton of research into the Swiss Arms line, and heard great things about them, but after seeing a picture of one, I was sold. The look actually appeals to me, and the one I am getting in the mail supposedly has superb accuracy. The rifle sounds exactly what I need for a paper/varmint hunting rig!

Will up some pictures once it arrives.
Click to expand...

Good to hear. I've heard nothing but good things about them.
 
I had a similar situation recently.....

I was looking at my pile of "safe queens" this summer and came to a similar conclusion..... I needed to streamline. Dont get me wrong, the only wood in my safe is on my hand me downs from the dad etc. All of my units were tactical in nature.... 858's, an SL-8, Several shotguns (Semi and pump) and they all got used once in a while.... the same was with the pistols... Eagles, Smiths, etc, etc....

I had a long talk with self, and said "Self, what do you really want" and I came up with, a multi calibre center fire, a higher end 1911 and a custom shotgun. I sold everything except my deergun and heirlooms, got an XCR, a Kimber Desert Warrior and got Dlask to help me do a custom 8.5" 870.

I have put more rounds through that shotty than any other I have owned before, and my kimber is very well loved. I still havent fired the XCR, I am waiting for my new stock to arrive...... (doing a DMR/Sniper set up) but when its done, its going to have a busy summer.

Bottom line is,,, I am a better shot than ever, because of always using the same platforms and any one who shoots, knows its more fun when you can hit the targets that your buddies miss....:D

Having tons of guns is always cool,,,, being really good with 2-3 is better....

I'm sure you will be happy with your new unit and happy shooting.

Gord.
 
gcarms said:
Having tons of guns is always cool,,,, being really good with 2-3 is better....

I'm sure you will be happy with your new unit and happy shooting.

Gord.
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This pretty much sums up what I was trying to say in my entire first post.

When all is said and done, I'll have my Baikal O/U (wouldn't get rid of it for the world), my first rifle (Savage Mk II), and my Black Special.

I'll probably get either a 1911 or CZ75 to get my pistol fix, but thats still aways off.
 
Update time! Look what arrived in the mail this morning ;)

[
And yes, I know I have the Stgw 57 pattern bayonet on it, but I prefer it to the modern pattern one. Something about that stainless steel and longer blade length :p

Also came with 5 mags, a sling, padded case, rings, and a green cheek riser (which I removed, plan on going with irons for awhile).

Can't wait to shoot it!
 
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I have a Classic Green myself. You'll love the rifle!
You may find the short 20 and 5 round mags actually useful if you plan on firing from a bench or prone.
 
I notice you are already fitted with the scope rail. Any thoughts on a scope for it? I am using an Elcan Spectre DR but the rifle is accurate enough that a more powerful scope would be useful.
 
Scarheart said:
I notice you are already fitted with the scope rail. Any thoughts on a scope for it? I am using an Elcan Spectre DR but the rifle is accurate enough that a more powerful scope would be useful.
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I'm planning on just rockin' the irons for awhile first, but maybe a little later I may get a Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-10, or something similar. I would love to get a Kern scope to complete the look though...
 
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