My AR-15 is very special to me because I inherited it from my best friend -- may he rest in peace -- who served with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He bought it as soon as he returned from Kandahar after seeing it in a gun store because it reminded him of the carbine he was issued and carried on nineteen night raids during his deployment. It's an early generation Daniel Defense M4A1 FDE with a 14.5" barrel and an extended flash hider. For the longest time I didn't want to touch it or do anything with it because doing so felt wrong... but in time I came to realize that just letting it be a safe queen was also a disservice in its own right. It's not an "optimized" home defense/CQB rifle because I also intend to use it for recreational shooting and potentially hunting and quite frankly I don't have the resources or interest in buying multiple rifles for each niche. One day I hope to get it running properly and set up and sighted in with a good stockpile of ammunition with some range time. It deserves better.
If you want to do deer hunting you can also get a 6.5 Grendel upper receiver and just snap it on to that lower whenever you go hunting. Another good round for that is the 300 BLK which might actually even be a better option if you're not shooting long range.
That's actually a fantastic rifle to have and it definitely should be shot. Your friend would want you to shoot it. Get an ACOG TA31 RCO or an Elcan Spectre 1-4x if you want a clone correct optic(though those block 2 M4s have been seen with a TON of different optics, I think the Elcan was probably the most popular however they are very expensive, Vortex Razer 1-6x scopes are also pretty commonly seen on them despite not being official issue). OR you could just get something like an Eotech or some sort of red dot which really are good optics. Either way, great optic and sorry to hear about your friend. Did he die in combat?
@@beardly0121 Thank you, that's much appreciated. No, he had a lot of close calls but made it out more or less in one piece. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained from that tour and a subsequent night jump during an FTX added up in terms of wear & tear until he was medically discharged when he couldn't make it through SURT (the 75th's version of Pre-Ranger for Ranger School). He ended up passing away in a car accident here at home several months later. Where optics are concerned, my buddy's was set up with an Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x. He actually wanted an EOTech or -- failing that -- an Aimpoint Micro, but being a junior enlisted guy with no Tab serving as an Assistant Gunner on a machine gun team, he didn't get to be picky. He learned to appreciate some of the merits of the Elcan where they lie, though. That being said, when he did purchase his own rifle back home, the first thing he did was get a nice shiny EOTech XPS2 to mount on it, along with a Magpul Angled Foregrip. Can't say I blame him. I've always liked EOTechs both for their aesthetics and their shootability, so I kept it on there (plus the foregrip, matches the way I shoot and handle the gun). I've added a Holosun 3x magnifier and some Magpul flip-up BUIS for the versatility and redundancy. Since I may or may not shift it into a home defense role at some point in the future, I also threw an OLIGHT Baldr Pro light/laser. Since you seem to have an interest in the kit used by the 75th, I do have a few tidbits I can share. My friend knew full well I was a gear fanatic and would "talk shop" with me whenever he spent time in the arms room or what have you. In the time he was in, the ACOG was not particularly prevalent at least in his Battalion and was more of a Marines/Big Army thing though I believe a few guys had it. They did indeed tend to prefer the Elcan by a large margin when it came to magnified optics. By that same token, true LPVOs had not yet taken off in a big way (at least not amongst the Regiment, I'm sure JSOC was already toying with them a lot more). EOTechs (with or without magnifiers) and Elcans dominated, with several of the assaulters and Tabbed NCOs opting for Aimpoint Micros over the EOTech depending on personal preference, seniority, and availability. There were also a couple of IR optics in the mix. If you're curious, my friend actually gave me a small library of photos from inside the arms room showing the kit he and his platoon used just prior to deployment. I don't mind sharing the link given that OPSEC concerns are less of an issue given the age and the fact that I went through and removed anything that I deemed even remotely "sensitive".
@@actionjksn I don't have any plans for caliber conversions at the moment, though given that many consider .223/5.56 marginal for whitetail and the like I'd be certain to choose a proper load. I have my eye set on the Barnes 70-grain TSX, which I've heard nothing but good things about. Anything I shoot would be at fairly close ranges until I develop more confidence in myself and my load in regards to humane kills.
Outssstanding! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Most people, working middle-class Americans, *do not* need a high-end costly AR-15. The truth of the matter is, Stag Arms, IWI, Diamondback, Radical Firearms, Ruger, S&W, make good quality, durable, reliable rifles at affordable price points.
Truth. But what some may not think is having to surrender said tool to law enforcement in a self defense scenario. Varies by state Easier to replace the ATI mil sport than the Sig Rattler. 😅😊
I bought my first AR-15 a year ago when the market started to settle down - Radical Firearms with 16" barrel and B5 furniture for about $550. I took the advice of Honest Outlaw and a few other reviewers that Radical has improved its quality controls and I haven't been disappointed - no malfunctions or problems so far.
A underrated company for sure. It’s not many companies that offer a mid length gas gun that’s lightweight with good furniture and acceptable accuracy for $4-$500.
This is good advice. I’ve spent 22 years in LE and 18 of those on a SWAT team. My personal rifle is a 16 inch BCM, a good red dot (I use a sig Romeo 4T - not a budget breaker and works well for me) a good weapon light (I use a Surefire mini scout - a bit pricy for a light but I got a deal). That’s it. I’ve had access to fancier stuff at work but this is more than adequate for anything I might need in my personal life and realistically anything I actually encountered at work. Zero your red dot at 50 or 36 yards and you should be able to get hits out to about 200 or 300 yards depending on which zero you use with no worries about holdovers. I am not saying there is no reason to have something else, just that most of us don’t have unlimited funds for equipment or training or access to ranges that really allow you to shoot these longer distances and this sort of set up is something you can train with and should meet your needs. Your mileage may vary.
I would add that LPVO's are also more difficult to use in awkward positions, and do much worse in low light. I've seen a lot of people struggle to get a sight picture at "brutality" style matches when shooting from awkward positions with LPVO's. The overwhelming majority of LPVO's cannot be left on for years the same way a red dot can be. Illumination would be huge in a home defense scenario, as using an etched reticle can be difficult in low light. Additionally, many LPVO's don't get bright enough to use in daylight, or even with a bright weapon light at close range. Tons of people can make it work, but I think inside of 50 or 100 yards, red dots are, and always will be the king.
All very good points. I will just note that some of the higher end LPVOs (or even some of the mid-priced but lower magnification models) mitigate a lot of these disadvantages greatly (ie, bigger eye box, daylight-bright illumination). But none of them are as good as a red dot at close range.
I'm a big fan of red dots, but I think whichever one you pick, the important part is stick with it and practice with it. Being able to use your weapon effectively is way more important than having the most optimal or newest and most popular setup.
@@hoorayimhelping3978 True. Nothing improves your effectiveness better than putting rounds downrange. I've seen tons of guys slay with LPVO's. But you have to recognize the pros and cons of any piece of equipment you choose. Training can help a lot, but an LPVO will never be as easy to use from awkward positions as a red dot. It's not even about having the best or newest red dot or LPVO, eyeboxes are just a fact of life with any magnified or prism optic.
I highly recommend the surefire G2X. I have 3 of them and they work great. They are the best “budget” high end light in my opinion with plenty of lumens to temporarily blind a threat.
Yeah, they are excellent lights. I have one that's 12 years old that still gets regular use. I do wish they still made the even more affordable G2 lights, though.
VTAC sling side note…I used the Blue Force Gear sling and loved it, I switched to the VTAC after using one on another rifle because the one feature it had most of the other slings of similar nature lacked was when pulling the sling in tight, you can since it past the normal point all the way to the buckle or connecting point. This is great for slinging the rifle tight to the body for moving (especially if you have to climb over something or really move around without the rifle flopping around) but also for stowing the sling, it makes it easier to manage. I also found the sliding mechanism to be one of the smoothest both in extending and compressing the sling. Highly recommend their sling for anyone from regular Joe to working professionals.
Thank you for not only giving good advice, but actually recommending specific items. Many people give the advice without recommending particular brands, but thank you for actually doing that.
I'll add another option: Armed with this knowledge, and the knowledge you've gained from your research on reputable and reliable brands, its possible to find exceptional value on a used gun, if you know what you're looking for. Watched a few dozen videos, and read a couple hundred reviews/articles. Then, hit the used section at my FFL/range. My first AR was a used, Frankenstein build: S&W MP /Magpul MOE receiver set (discontinued), but with a 15.5 Odin Works keymod rail, fluted, .223 Wylde barrel, Hogue grip, 3-prong flash hider, Magpul MBUIS, BCM CH, and a Geissle SS-A trigger - for $900. Replaced the Magpul stock with FAB Defense SL-Core, added a B5 grip, and a Magpul sling, BCM KAG, and a Streamlight ProTac light on a Arisaka offset mount, and topped off with Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO on a Warne skelontonized mount. Budget friendly, versatile, capable, well beyond "entry-level" - but still under $1500.
Agree with everything you said about red dots over LPVOs…. unless you have an astigmatism. I’d go with a red dot all day if I knew I’d have my glasses when the SHTF. As it is I can use the LPVO as my corrective lens if I don’t. Also have one rifle set up with a non-magnified prismatic scope, and that works, too.
I have an astigmatism but that won't be a liability unless you're trying to shoot for groups.A man size target can be engaged out to 200 meters easily.Chances are you wont be shooting that far.
After spending a good bit of time and money to modify a factory AR to home defense use, I decided to abandon the concept. You hit on one reason- hearing damage. You will absolutely damage your hearing and anyone else in a “room or two” proximity. Devastatingly loud blast from these rifles. The second reason is over penetration from a round traveling 3,200 fps. You might shoot the bad guy, but you could get other occupants of your home and some neighbors. I switched to a PCC with heavy, defensive, subsonic loads (1,040 fps) and a can. I have a dot and bright light on it and it’s short, lite, and easy to shoot accurately. I like AR’s and AK’s for defending your homestead from outside attackers getting in, that’s fantastic. If it’s “bump in the night” type scenario, I think less firepower and better maneuverability is the ticket. Great info as always Chris.
I bought 1 AR about 10 yrs ago. Did pretty much EXACTLY what you suggested. A gen 1 SW Mp 15 sport. Replaced the handguard and grip with magpul hardware (pre mlock days). Put on an extended bolt release and ambi selector switch. Added a surefire light on a viking mount. A dual 2 point/1 point sling. Sig romeo red dot. Gun has no muzzle device at all (flash hiders are illegal in NJ). Done. I have never, ever had a malfunction with a few thousand rounds through it. I see zero need to buy any more ARs as I dont shoot rifles recreationally or competitively. Great video.
I went through the phase where I wanted every accessory on an AR that I could possibly think of. After a lot of experience with different setups and barrel lengths, I'm at the point now where my ideal rifle is a 16" (14.5" works too) with a lightweight 12 in rail, a compact Sig red dot, ultra light weight butt stock and a light (Viking tactical sling when needed)... That's it. I want it as light as possible
I’m building one out that I’m getting a good lightweight barrel that won’t whip when hot. I have a nice lightweight red dot and I’m setting up my light (pistol wml) to be thumb push.
I went through that phase too. You live and learn. I built my first one and ordered what I considered the best of each part and it turned out very heavy, very expensive, and some of the parts were not compatible. The beefed up lower was not compatible with all pmags and the beefed up upper is not compatible with the daniel defense handguard i got. Now I keep it lightweight and simple. If anybody were to ask me what to get now I’d say get a BCM mid 16 and put a geissele trigger in it (ssa or ssa-e) if you can afford it. However those triggers are almost as much as a scout light so i’d get the scout light first if it’s home defense gun. I also bought some aero precision lowers that have the tensioning screw so I’ll see what I think. The normally present mild wobble between upper and lower receivers bugs me so I'll use that and a bunch of BCM parts.
@@benjamin3290 I say if your house is small enough, and you use it for home defense, you should never have it on in the house. I just don't see where you would have enough time to wake up, asses the situation, then worry about a sling before you start to aim. Again, just my thoughts. I am always open to new ideas, or new ways to think about things. You would give more than my 2 brain cells to rub together.
Ordered some 10mm ammo from you guys this week and was very happy with your fast shipping. I prefer to support my local gun shops but when they tell me good luck finding 10mm I'm glad you do what you guys do. My only complaint would be throw a sticker in with the orders because I would be proud to show it off to everyone. Thank you.
Mine is for Home Defense/CQB. I went with a PSA 11.5" pistol kit (built by an FFL holder). Got some Tippman flip up sites, Radian SL charging handle, two point sling, Magpul BAD Lever, SBA3 brace, Magpul hand stop, flash hider, with an M-Lok hand guard. I want to add a Holosun HE510C Green, Streamlight Protac HL-X with pressure pad and a supressor. It's in 5.56.
I’m in love with AR-15 and the unlimited customization options are just amazing. Not to mention it’s incredibly easy to shoot and you can build it to fit whatever situations or situations you want it to. I’ve never felt so safe now having one and training and setting it up for all types of potential engagements and I hope more people continue to buy them and explore their options. Man I just got myself all worked up I’ll be back in 5😁
for people with bad stigmatisms like me: i'd recommend you consider a prism sight. it's an etched reticle that's illuminated with a laser. you will not get starburst from a dot (frankly, if you train, you can over come it, but it is tough to deal with), and you have the visibility of the illumination. swamp fox makes good prism sights.
As a lefty having the ejection port on the correct side made the decision for me. And I am very impressed with Stag Arms. It shoots true and doesn’t jam. Plus it didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Good advice all around. I agree with all of your points. I have one AR set up with an Aimpoint H2 red dot and another one with a Vortex Gen IIe LVPO. Even though the Gen IIe is significantly lighter than the Gen II, it is still quite heavy compared to a red dot. I'm over 60 and for me, lighter is better -- I'm not getting any younger or stronger. Even at 1x, the LVPO is harder to pick up than a red dot. The eye box for the LVPO is just not as forgiving when your eye is out of position. So for defensive use, I find the red dot greatly superior.
I HATE exposed barrel. Always burning a person or melting something. I MUST have a full rail. Always. The problem with Ruger is they spend ZERO money on weight reduction. That MPR is nearly SEVEN freaking pounds with no optic or magazine. Its a brick during a one or two day carbine course. I build or look for guns in the 5.8 to 6.3lb range. There are a lot in this area. The FAXON pencil barrel does just fine. It sis NOT your fathers or grand fathers pencil barrel. For home I recommend a 11.5" barrel with a GOOD brace. The Strike Industries PDW 2-Position Stabilizer Brace.
My first AR was a ruger 556. I added an Olight and TRS-26 reddot and that thing is hella accurate. Nothing fancy but it will sure get the job done for home defense.
First AR was a ruger 556 as well. An man I can say it has not let me down. Nowadays when I tell people I got mine for $600 a few years back, they are baffled. Most people think I spent almost $1k due to quality of it. I want an olight for it. I have the baldr mini on my glock 19 and it's fantastic! What olight do you have on your AR?
@@aceking7100 my dad just gave me his duty AR. It was a ruger 5.56, he added a Blackhawk quad rail hand guard, vortex strike Eagle II Red dot and magnifier, and a stream light tlr1 laser/light combo with pressure pad. He added hogue furniture for the grip and stock. That thing weighs a good 2lbs over the rifle I built (Mlok aero precision, with B5 systems furniture). Despite its weight, the thing is a work horse. It was duty carbine in his time as a police officer and shoots great. Pretty reliable too. He got it for like $550 like 10 years ago. He put almost $700 of upgrades/accessories. I moved the red dot over to my AR and might add a carry handle to his because the quad rail gives it a mean standard issue look lol.
I'd recommend for a Red Dot the Sig Romeo5, it can be found for around $120 at Palmetto state Armory or Amazon and for a light all my rifles have the Inforce WMLX 800lm, $140 from Optics Planet.
The romeo5 is a good budget sight.Theres a reason its a budget sight,the threads on the body are very fragile and easily stripped.My Aimpoint t2 has been on several mounts without a problem but the romeo not so good.
I think the sling is essential, especially if you have a family. Having a sling in order to free your hands to pick up a child for instance is crucial.
I wish I had this video before my first build but I did well anyway. On my second build and find this to be excellent advice and guidance. Thanks much! Jim
After a lot of reading -- and tracking down something that was actually _available_ -- I settled on the Springfield SAINT Victor. The SAINT comes with some reasonably good default parts, including either BCM or B5 Systems furniture, flip-up iron sights, and excellent Magpul magazines. For not much more, the Victor upgrades the furniture to a free-floating hand guard and upgrades the trigger. One word of warning: if you plan to put in for a tax stamp for a silencer to make it nicer to use on the range and safer on your ears in a home defense situation, expect to wait. I've been waiting nearly a year since they took my tax stamp money, and I still don't have the can. Also, a decent silencer will cost nearly as much as the rifle after you include the tax stamp.
I assembled my first AR from parts. Bought a quality "stripped" receiver, then the best "Enhanced" lower parts kit I could find. Took my time and now have a fine shooting, accurate rifle.
I just watched one vid from this channel and now, 30 seconds into a second one, I had to pause it just to write this comment and drop the sub. This dude knows what I want to learn lol and delivers information very well.
IMHO, as far as home defense inside your house you need something more maneuverable than a rifle or shotgun and something you can operate with one hand if case it turns into a wrestling match. To me a pistol makes more sense or maybe an AR-9 SBR. For home defense outside against a mob, then an AR-15 makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing. Excellent presentation as always.
@@stevef4930 I got the Sig Rattler (.300 blackout) for home defense. It, to me, has the best of both the rifle and pistol worlds. I added a $30 reflex sight off Amazon, and it is an absolute a blast to shoot with friends and family. Waiting to see what happens with the court challenges for cans and braces before I customize it too much though.
@@mikecamden I agree with that rifle decision but at least put a romeo5 or a holosun on it. Home defense weapon should not ever have a $30 optic, it’s gonna fail you when you need it most
@@stevef4930 I thought hard about doing exactly that. My big problem is that I want the biggest picture window I can get if I am waving it around at night in my house. All the dot and holos I've seen require you to look down some scope or tunnel to use. The single lens reflex sight doesn't require you to hold it too properly to see where bad things happen. A laser is my second choice if the current optic ever fails/breaks. I want my wife to be able to point and click with minimal fuss, more than anything else really.
@@mikecamden you could go with an eotech since that eliminates the tunnel issue. I’m just saying literally iron sights with tritium are going to be better then that $30 optic, it’s literally irresponsible to run the optic bro. Also you shoot both eyes open so the tunnel is a non-factor anyways
Right on time, I'm about o buy my first AR15 which will be my do-all civilian rifle. The only suggestion I'm not going to follow is the 16" barrel, because I'm French and here in France we don't need any more paper work or authorisation to get what you call a "SBR" or "pistol". And I find the 14.5" more versatile and easier to handle indoors. Thanks again for your work ! My initial choice didn't change, I will go for a Windham Weaponry 14.5" with the M-LOK handguard.
Are you allowed to use rifles for self defense in France? I'm unfamiliar with your gun laws! SBR laws are so dumb. Clearly just abuse of power for the sake of abusing power.
@KiriUzu Yes and no, you are allowed to defend yourself with a firearm if your life or someone else's is in immediate danger (in your house only, concealed carry is prohibited for civilians). But nothing is precisly said about the kind of firearm, so it depend a lot of the judge and how you handled the situation. For exemple it will be impossible to justify 5 rounds of .308 in one guy who break into your house with just a knife.
@@antazur3983 Ah I see what you mean. Having a camera to prove if someone wouldn't go down after a single shot would be useful there! Most people are surprised bad guys in real life aren't like the ones in the movies (who go down after one hit and instantly go limp)
The sig sauer Romeo 5 is a fantastic budget optic. It’s a plain unmagnified dot but it has great features. It has shake awake tech that shuts it off after a minute of inactivity and it comes back on with the slightest touch. Mine has been on for 2 years now with daily use, I still haven’t changed the battery. It’s also literally bomb proof. I’ve seen one shot with a shotgun in a torture test and it held zero. It’s $130-$150. Also, I would add that you should get some kind of foregrip for a starter home defense carbine. Whatever is most comfortable, doesn’t really matter if it’s just textured mlok cover panel to make a heat shield around the gas block, a hand stop, an angled foregrip, or a straight up grip stick. Get a foregrip on there to serve as a reference point, so that your support hand goes to the same place every time. Under stress you’re more likely to shoot the same way you trained if your support hand always goes to the same place and holds the gun the same way.
Same here. I got two on layaway and wasn’t sure what to get for them. I want it simple and functional, although I kinda do want a vertical grip for mine
Great stuff, as usual. I can buy ammo for a bit less than I can from LG from a store that's on the way to my indoor range, but I buy from you because of your great RUclips content. And great service. Thanks!
Aero precision is my go to. Got a midlength complete upper for around $230 on sale and a kp-15 complete lower for $150. Got a toolcraft bcg for $90 on sale. If you shop sales for complete uppers and lowers you can get a really good gun from good manufacturers for really reasonable prices.
I agree. I own several upper tier rifles (BCM, DD and Colt) but Aero Precision makes some good stuff. I did the same but went with all Aero parts (upper, lower, lower parts kit and BCG). I've got about $750 in the rifle and it is one of my favorites.
@@deakdeagen938 I built 2 Aero's from M4E1 upper shells, and enhanced lower shells. I also use their enhanced 15 inch, 1.72 diameter rails. Then I built another from their XL upper shell, same lower shell and rail as the other two. I got a .450 Bushmaster barrel form GLFA and a Tromix bolt. There are many great rifles out there, but I only want to buy Aero parts if I can. I find no need for the others.
Another great video, informative and to the point. I like your focus on budget yet quality gear for this video. Lucky Gunner is one of my favorite channels for this reason. I especially appreciate not having to watch/hear a loud 30 second intro of "me being an operator" set to head banger music. There's certainly enough of that already out there.
Good advice, my house gun is a M&P II with a Surefire G2 light, Sig Romeo 5 red dot and a 3.5 lb CMC single stage trigger. I prefer not to use a sling on it though. I've also got a longer barrel AR set up for varmints and a heavy barrel gun for match shooting but the M&P seems just right for a house gun.
I bought a 16 inch S&W MP-15, then replaced the upper with a Daniel Defense M4 V7. I replaced the stock with a Hogue. Replaced the trigger with a RISE Armament Rave 140 flat trigger. HRF flared mag well. Other stuff. Love it.
I see the m&p sport going for around $600 on gundeals, and for around $700 you can get the IWI Zion (or sometimes the ruger mpr) which is another great choice.
I’ve spent thousands of dollars building rifles with the best equipment money can buy. But, I wish I had this mindset when I first started out. At the end of the day, a simple/practical set up is all you really need. It’s the training that matters the most. Great advice, Chris!
When talking red dot optics you should mention that people with common eye conditions may want to go with a x1 power prism optic like the PA micro prism. They also usually have etched reticles so battery life is less of a concern.
I fell out of love with prisms because of the short eye relief, and the necessity of putting it all the way at the rear of the upper's rail which interferes with my ability to use the charging handle when the lens covers are down.
@@RiflemanReveiws 1. if I assume you're referring to an astigmatism, which I have, there's some good ways to get a red dot to look sharp with an astigmatism. - A. Choose an optic with a chevron instead of a dot. - B. Choose an optic with good/automatic brightness control. - C. Use polarized and/or prescription glasses - D. And my favorite, look at it through a rear peep sight. All of these things will make it sharper. 2. In a fight a sharp dot is unlikely to be important. What will be important is very fast accusation and shooting from odd positions. Both of which a good red dot is far better at than any other type. My setup is a Holosun ACSS with a LMT BUIS behind it.
100% agree with this video. One $5 suggestion. I tried hair bands for a while with them breaking I sliced up bicycle inner tubes into rubber bands and those last for years!
Buy magazines and ammo by the case. Put together a couple of maintenance and repair kits for the little gremlins which make the AR platform amazing until one of those parts takes a crap, and don't forget to install a water bottle holder so it will match the feel of your $6,000 touring bicycle. Lol
@@LeinaVance Yes. And then every accessory you add, you see if it actually works with your gun. Make sure slings are good quality. The lights actually work and not cheap china brands. Is a vertical grip good for you
@@Excalibur01 Thanks. I've had my AR for like 2 months. it's my first one. I haven't shot it yet but I've been slowly getting sights and magazines and whatnot, till I finally get some ammo to shoot.
@@LeinaVance You should be ok with the cheapest of cheap ammo for the range. You only need high end if you plan to actually use it on things or for zeroing because different ammo are slightly different on your zero. Don't buy cheap mags like promag or Hex mag. Stick to pmags, metal mags ONLY if they have anti-tilt followers or Lancer if you are gucci. Don't buy the cheapest of the cheap red dots. But budget brands like the Romeo 5, primary arms and holosuns are good without breaking the bank. You need to learn to zero them. Make sure when installing optics, you should apply a little bit of BLUE loctite.
What a great video. I’m in this exact situation. I want to buy my first AR however it’s so overwhelming with all the options. Especially when it comes to sights.
I’m just gonna say this. I personally feel as though an very closely sighted Laser is very much needed for Home Defense. Even more needed than an Optic/Sight when it comes to inside the Home. In a normal sized home.
Yes. Fear+adrenaline+someone trying to kill you= point shooting 99% of the time. A laser allows you to shoot from awkward positions and doesn't require you to get the entire gun up to eye level. Smart idea for defensive pistols as well.
Savage msr15 recon 2 is a good rifle, I have the first model and the only difference is the grip and stock. This rifle comes with a accuracy enhancements, 5r barrel, 223 wylde chamber, 11° crown barrel. Not a bad base to start with. The factory sights on mine are kinda shitty but they work fine.
Great advice, keep it simple and clean. No real need of all that tacticool crap for average shooters. Put your money into a good+ gun instead of tons of gear.👍👍👍
Plain jane with a sling for me. similar to a full sized (20 inch barrel) I carried in desert storm. The less weight and the less complicated the better.
For my very first AR, I bought all the parts, assembled the lower myself with just basic tools and a armorer's wrench, and brought the upper to a known-good armorer to assemble for like $40. Good way to get the exact rifle you want without having to pay for tools.
Only add on I would add to that list would be a magpul vertical foregrip one of the shorter ones. It gives a good reference point for your hand and works especially well if you are just using the light tail cap. They also help new shooters keep the rifle tight against the sholder while they are still learning recoil mitigation.
I'm surprised that Aero Precision wasn't mentioned for the rifle itself, but I'm even more surprised that the Sig Romeo 5 didn't make it into recommendations for the optic!
I did want to mention Aero, but they don't offer a whole lot of complete rifles and I didn't want to bog down the video with explaining the idea of mix and matching uppers and lowers. It's not hard, but for someone who wants a straightforward turnkey solution, that's not ideal. The Romeo 5, I'm not especially familiar with, but I've heard enough negative reports of Sig optics from people I trust that I've been skeptical about them in general.
@@LuckyGunner Interesting. I put a Romeo5 on my first AR-15 last year and haven't had any problems. After a few hundreds rounds, it's still holding zero. The only negative I've heard (I did a lot of research before buying) is that the glass fogs up in cold temps. I do understand that I might have just gotten a good one while many other people didn't.
After a 21 year US Army career, an AR-15 wasn't my first rodeo with the platform. Every AR-15 has sweat equity in it. Built my own lowers first . . . with good quality lowers, Geissele 2-stage triggers, and the rest made by Aero Precision with Magpul furniture. Bought a complete Ballistic Advantage upper witth DLC BCG, and Magpul furniture. Added a Romeo7 1x30 optic in addition to M16A2 military iron sights. Total cost was about $1000 - $1200 range. The splurge was some on the DLC BCG and a bigger splurge on the trigger. Most important elements in an AR-15 are the barrel, BCG and trigger, in that order. There are many excellent red dot optics for surprisingly low cost. Also bought two PSA uppers, sans BCG, adding a Toolcraft or Next Level Armament DLC BCG -- not a PSA. PSA is the Toyota Corolla of AR-15's. Their QC has improved over the years. Definitely NOT match grade, but they run. Also built two uppers with Aero receivers, floating handguards, and Ballistic Advantage barrels, again with Next Level Armament DLC BCGs. I have headspace gauges to ensure the combination of bolt in the BCG and the barrel extension (chamber) are OK. They've always passed the Go and failed the NoGo (wouldn't close on it). Building a lower isn't that much work if you've already got a workshop with good hand tools including 1/4" and 3/8" torque wrenches, bench vise, pin drifts, hex keys, torx keys, etc., plus experiences in building your own things, doing automotive work and repairing appliances. The specialized tools aren't much extra. Mostly fixtures and an armorer's hand wrench. Building an upper is more work, and has more potential problems mating a barrel properly with an upper receiver, and a BCG. For those who have few hand tools or experience using hand tools, the DIY route is much more daunting, learning how to use the tools properly, and would be much more expensive having to acquire all the general hand tools needed . . . which one should NOT cheap out on. Chinesium Wally World tools are worthless, and can do more damage to things than actually building or repairing stuff. Don't need Snap-On either. Tekton and GearWrench have very good hand tools at affordable prices. I'm blessed with having acquired many S-K tools long ago; still make excellent tools, but have gotten much more expensive compared to 30-50 years ago. Proto is another high quality name, but also expensive. Current Craftsman brand tools are Chinesium garbage. I wouldn't trust ANY AR-15 for home defense, be it a Gucci brand, a DIY build, or budget brand, unless I'd run a couple hundred rounds through it, including a couple mags of the home defense rounds . . . to ensure it's going to work when I need it to. Neither would I have just one home defense weapon. I'd have options and backup.
Why????.16 inch barrels with the carbine gas system are very good.As long as they have .063 to .070 gas ports.I have three carbines with 14.5 barrels and .063 gas ports and they as pleasant to shoot as my 14.5 mid length.
Your delivery is like one long sentence. Well thought out and enjoyable. Best part was when you (as i said, never break that one long sentence/zero octave change too) say that if you end up discharging your AR-15 inside then you are going to have serious damage. Forget that minor detail and let’s talk about Streamlight’s. Good stuff bro.
Could we get a home defense storage of semi auto shotguns like the mossberg 930, benelli m4, and beretta 1301? Would love to hear thoughts on that compared to pump shotguns.
There are plenty of 500 dollar range ARs wether complete guns or complete uppers and lowers bought separately that work well for the regular everyday person. Plus you can get good cheap iron sights that you can replace the front pin with a night sight painted pin for quick true aquired sight picture unlike most red dots even the high priced ones that make you second guess sight picture especially in a stressed filled situation.
My setup is a bit unique as I’m a former Special Forces operator and now a paraplegic. I took the lessons learned from SF and by a lot of trial and mostly error came up with what is for me the almost ideal setup. Like I use a single point sling as I don’t carry it in a conventional manner. With the single point I can drop it and it lays muzzle down with the barrel between my knees and the muzzle pointing well clear of my feet, I have a 110 degree front end so my toes are in line vertically with my knees. And I use an OLight. It’s good quality but not top notch. I don’t run and gun anymore so it’s perfectly adequate and hasn’t failed me yet in training.
@@gprang No, my circumstances are unique. A good 2 point sling is what I’d recommend. Tactical Rifleman, Larry Vickers, Warrior Poets Society and other channels are a far better choice for information on slings.
Once you buy one you get hooked one thing leads to another then building another another from scratch not only creates accomplishment then test fire it and you dont lose you didgets pr face you dod good . Build on build often .
All I can say is DO NOT ignore the value of a good stock and pistol grip combo. The ergonomics on a stock AR are hot garbage in comparison to what you can customize!
@@Appalachiannative The Magpul SL-S stock is pretty hard to beat. Magpul also has a nice range of grips that you can adjust to your grip angle preference and hand size. I like the MOE SL.
@@Appalachiannative I know this is a year late, but I run a Magpul CTR stock, and 15 degree angle Fab Defense Gradus grip with beaver tail. I have three in FDE, and one in OD green. I will not run anything else.
Wow. You did a near exact review of my AR. cool. I was looking for a basic gun I could rely on. it has always functioned and it seems to be very accurate. Just what I needed and wanted.
Another vote for BCM. People fail to understand that you're getting just about an upper tier AR15 for 1200. BCM is what Daniel defense and Aero try to be. Anything lower quality than that is just like a Kia car - it works now, but it won't later.
The streamlight is a great option. It comes with options for pressure pad or tail cap activation. Downsides to using pad it reduces water resistant greatly, the pad takes up a lot of rail space (Maybe 3/4 of a regular M4 Carbine style rail) and it adds a but of extra weight. I have my personal and duty set up with tail caps. It works well so don't think you need to mount all accessories on your rifle. Keep it simple. Have fun everyone.
Great video, I appreciate the effort you put in each video, no exception here. You share enough details to be informative which helps viewers to make informed decisions. I enjoy your channel
$1500? you can buy or build what you shared for $500-700. Most home defense AR's may rarely go to the range, so a cheap one that functions is bare minimum. Palmetto State, Bear Creek, and others will suffice for MOST people... BUT the caveat is, buy them, try them! Shoot several hundred rounds through them and check for loose parts, reliability, etc. But I see your point. Off the shelf, Factory S&W or Ruger are easy ones to find. Flattop with a decent red dot, and a flashlight are minimum requirements. cheap cloth sling will work fine.
I myself would get a PSA over a S&W Sport 2. If nothing else, because of the BCG and shelf in the lower receiver. Also, you can usually get them for a little cheaper. Thanks for the share!!
But, but, but, tactical Gun-tubers say I need suppressors, DBOL, thermal sights and a trigger job, otherwise I'm just LARPing.Thanks for making this topic a video!
Love your videos, keep up the good work. As for BCM, after watching this video I checked their web page with great anticipation only to find they are just another company that ignores the fact that there are left handed people in the world. Moving on.
It's not personal...it is based on market needs. Being southpaw is 10% of the population. I have a few friends and they just work around the obstacles. I can imagine the aggravation
I'm left handed and left eye dominant. I only use right handed guns of any kind. I put an ambi, safety, charging handle, and mag release on them, and am good to go. The bolt catch is on the proper side for us already. Adapt and move forward.
I run an older Sig M400. But I don't think Sig is making them for the $750 I got mine. Kept it simple. Removed old B5 furniture for Magpul and 1913 picatiny. Put an Eotech and an Olight on it along with a few other things. Internals are all stock, I recommend not touching those for self defense.
Why would you not want to change out the cheap MIM internals for true mil spec or better? That’s kind of an odd opinion. We’re not talking about Glocks here.
@@jstud999 Long winded response inbound. Lots of reasons. Price: I don't need flashy stuff in my gun or the same thing that costs more despite being the same material. Or something that runs 'slightly better' than what I have, whatever that maybe . More into a gun means more you lose should you use it. If I don't like it, I'm out of money as well. If you bought a cheap gun with the intention of swapping parts, might as well save up for a better rifle anyway. Time: If it doesn't work, I don't like it, swapping out parts, finding parts, testing them. Possible failures: Spring issues, buffer weight problems, cycling, feeding, ejecting, trigger problems. Triggers especially: You make that to heavy or to light and that is an accident weighting to happen. My gun runs and has for years. I'm proficient with it, I know it, I don't need to do more than hat I already have with it. Unless it is really that bad, I know I can trust my gear to fire every time. The AR-15 is the Glock of the rifle world. But if it's a reputable company, there should be no reason to change internals.
@@jstud999 Yep. If you have good quality control there is nothing to worry about. I've seen a few professionals here on RUclips recommending not touching internals. For the problems and dangers it can cause. Triggers often being the biggest one unless it is really that bad to begin with.
@@chris.3711 quality control is key but at the end of the day MIM parts don’t hold up to true forged mil spec castings. That advice is dumb not to touch internals. If you have one rifle why would you not upgrade it with quality components. Are you really going to tell me that a stock m400 would hold up as long as an m400 that has its lower parts kit changed out with something like a SOLGW or LMT lower parts kit and a quality trigger? I would agree don’t put a competition style trigger in a gun that you plan on using as a duty or self defense gun. That’s not to say don’t change it out with a better trigger like the ones BCM or SOLGW offer. A nickel polished mil spec trigger with the same reliability but a better, more crisp consistent break and pull. I would absolutely change out the internals with ones I know will last a lifetime. I’m not sure who makes the bcg for sig but if it’s not microbest I’d also change that out with a quality bcg. You’ll never have to worry about little things like your bolt catch breaking, saftey selector getting stuck or the various other issues we see with MIM parts in due time. If you don’t shoot the gun a lot you probably don’t have much to worry about but if your someone who shoots often and will eventually get 5k, 10k, 15k rounds an so on down the pipe absolutely I’d change out the internals for better quality ones that are more up to the task of a high volume firing schedule. Personally I’ve changed out the lower parts kit, bcg, trigger, and barrel on every budget AR I own and it was the best decision I’ve made. I know have a fleet of quality guns in my safe.
If you buy a budget red dot, you should have iron sights. The expensive red dots like Aimpoint are hard to actually break but the made in china brands are budget for a reason but that doesn't mean they are crap
great video as usual thanks. you're a lifesaver. I'm not sure how i feel about this new and extra enthusiasm you're working into your vids but still you rule
Point of contention on brands: The School of the American Rifle, who are experts in the AR-15 refuse to make brand recommendations because they have found parts out of spec or poorly made from everything in Budget to Gucci brands. Spending $1500 on an AR-15 is no guarantee it is made properly, that is not to say a $400 rifle is going to be "just as good" but brand is not a guarantee of quality. I understand this is a "regular people" video, but people should be aware that dropping top end money does not mean top end quality; buy a rifle from a major brand and go shoot it regularly and learn how to inspect for problems. Throwing a Daniel Defense in the safe to collect dust is not a good strategy.
You are right. Any brand can absolutely have problems. Some brands consistently do things that are objectively bad/wrong (ie, Ruger does not stake the castle nut). Some brands make more of an effort to produce rifles that are "correct," and have a better track record for succeeding, even if it's not 100%.
@@LuckyGunner That is fair, some have better batting averages I just wanted to emphasize that people can't rely on name brand alone, learning how the rifle works and what should/shouldn't be as well as running it regularly (which you noted) is something everyone should do regardless of brand.
@@domenik8339 I didn't want to pick on any one brand, but a few have had rashes of really poor QC over the years, Colt is actually one of the brands specifically I was thinking of. A few years back they had some really poor product coming out, dunno if that is resolved. But everyone should learn how the rifle is supposed to be built/work regardless of cost.
Agreed in general, but remember that SOTAR makes a living convincing people to overscrutinize inconsequential spec deviations and buy their gauging tools.
My AR-15 is very special to me because I inherited it from my best friend -- may he rest in peace -- who served with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He bought it as soon as he returned from Kandahar after seeing it in a gun store because it reminded him of the carbine he was issued and carried on nineteen night raids during his deployment. It's an early generation Daniel Defense M4A1 FDE with a 14.5" barrel and an extended flash hider. For the longest time I didn't want to touch it or do anything with it because doing so felt wrong... but in time I came to realize that just letting it be a safe queen was also a disservice in its own right.
It's not an "optimized" home defense/CQB rifle because I also intend to use it for recreational shooting and potentially hunting and quite frankly I don't have the resources or interest in buying multiple rifles for each niche. One day I hope to get it running properly and set up and sighted in with a good stockpile of ammunition with some range time. It deserves better.
If you want to do deer hunting you can also get a 6.5 Grendel upper receiver and just snap it on to that lower whenever you go hunting. Another good round for that is the 300 BLK which might actually even be a better option if you're not shooting long range.
That's actually a fantastic rifle to have and it definitely should be shot. Your friend would want you to shoot it. Get an ACOG TA31 RCO or an Elcan Spectre 1-4x if you want a clone correct optic(though those block 2 M4s have been seen with a TON of different optics, I think the Elcan was probably the most popular however they are very expensive, Vortex Razer 1-6x scopes are also pretty commonly seen on them despite not being official issue). OR you could just get something like an Eotech or some sort of red dot which really are good optics.
Either way, great optic and sorry to hear about your friend. Did he die in combat?
@@beardly0121
Thank you, that's much appreciated.
No, he had a lot of close calls but made it out more or less in one piece. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained from that tour and a subsequent night jump during an FTX added up in terms of wear & tear until he was medically discharged when he couldn't make it through SURT (the 75th's version of Pre-Ranger for Ranger School). He ended up passing away in a car accident here at home several months later.
Where optics are concerned, my buddy's was set up with an Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x. He actually wanted an EOTech or -- failing that -- an Aimpoint Micro, but being a junior enlisted guy with no Tab serving as an Assistant Gunner on a machine gun team, he didn't get to be picky. He learned to appreciate some of the merits of the Elcan where they lie, though.
That being said, when he did purchase his own rifle back home, the first thing he did was get a nice shiny EOTech XPS2 to mount on it, along with a Magpul Angled Foregrip. Can't say I blame him. I've always liked EOTechs both for their aesthetics and their shootability, so I kept it on there (plus the foregrip, matches the way I shoot and handle the gun). I've added a Holosun 3x magnifier and some Magpul flip-up BUIS for the versatility and redundancy. Since I may or may not shift it into a home defense role at some point in the future, I also threw an OLIGHT Baldr Pro light/laser.
Since you seem to have an interest in the kit used by the 75th, I do have a few tidbits I can share. My friend knew full well I was a gear fanatic and would "talk shop" with me whenever he spent time in the arms room or what have you. In the time he was in, the ACOG was not particularly prevalent at least in his Battalion and was more of a Marines/Big Army thing though I believe a few guys had it. They did indeed tend to prefer the Elcan by a large margin when it came to magnified optics. By that same token, true LPVOs had not yet taken off in a big way (at least not amongst the Regiment, I'm sure JSOC was already toying with them a lot more).
EOTechs (with or without magnifiers) and Elcans dominated, with several of the assaulters and Tabbed NCOs opting for Aimpoint Micros over the EOTech depending on personal preference, seniority, and availability. There were also a couple of IR optics in the mix.
If you're curious, my friend actually gave me a small library of photos from inside the arms room showing the kit he and his platoon used just prior to deployment. I don't mind sharing the link given that OPSEC concerns are less of an issue given the age and the fact that I went through and removed anything that I deemed even remotely "sensitive".
@@actionjksn I don't have any plans for caliber conversions at the moment, though given that many consider .223/5.56 marginal for whitetail and the like I'd be certain to choose a proper load. I have my eye set on the Barnes 70-grain TSX, which I've heard nothing but good things about.
Anything I shoot would be at fairly close ranges until I develop more confidence in myself and my load in regards to humane kills.
@@beardly0121 AimPoint CompM4s are also a great choice.
Outssstanding! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Most people, working middle-class Americans, *do not* need a high-end costly AR-15.
The truth of the matter is, Stag Arms, IWI, Diamondback, Radical Firearms, Ruger, S&W, make good quality, durable, reliable rifles at affordable price points.
Truth. But what some may not think is having to surrender said tool to law enforcement in a self defense scenario. Varies by state
Easier to replace the ATI mil sport than the Sig Rattler. 😅😊
Love my S&W M&P Sport II
I appreciate you being down to earth about this and not going nuts about all the different accessories that are out there
I bought my first AR-15 a year ago when the market started to settle down - Radical Firearms with 16" barrel and B5 furniture for about $550. I took the advice of Honest Outlaw and a few other reviewers that Radical has improved its quality controls and I haven't been disappointed - no malfunctions or problems so far.
I put together my 3rd AR recently and I used a RF Complete lower ($200) and a PSA Upper that I found on sale last Presidents Day for $300 😎👌🏼
Same. First AR15 was a Radical I got from Brownell's last year. Been very happy with it.
A underrated company for sure. It’s not many companies that offer a mid length gas gun that’s lightweight with good furniture and acceptable accuracy for $4-$500.
Good to know. 👍
This is good advice. I’ve spent 22 years in LE and 18 of those on a SWAT team. My personal rifle is a 16 inch BCM, a good red dot (I use a sig Romeo 4T - not a budget breaker and works well for me) a good weapon light (I use a Surefire mini scout - a bit pricy for a light but I got a deal). That’s it. I’ve had access to fancier stuff at work but this is more than adequate for anything I might need in my personal life and realistically anything I actually encountered at work. Zero your red dot at 50 or 36 yards and you should be able to get hits out to about 200 or 300 yards depending on which zero you use with no worries about holdovers. I am not saying there is no reason to have something else, just that most of us don’t have unlimited funds for equipment or training or access to ranges that really allow you to shoot these longer distances and this sort of set up is something you can train with and should meet your needs. Your mileage may vary.
I would add that LPVO's are also more difficult to use in awkward positions, and do much worse in low light. I've seen a lot of people struggle to get a sight picture at "brutality" style matches when shooting from awkward positions with LPVO's. The overwhelming majority of LPVO's cannot be left on for years the same way a red dot can be. Illumination would be huge in a home defense scenario, as using an etched reticle can be difficult in low light. Additionally, many LPVO's don't get bright enough to use in daylight, or even with a bright weapon light at close range.
Tons of people can make it work, but I think inside of 50 or 100 yards, red dots are, and always will be the king.
All very good points. I will just note that some of the higher end LPVOs (or even some of the mid-priced but lower magnification models) mitigate a lot of these disadvantages greatly (ie, bigger eye box, daylight-bright illumination). But none of them are as good as a red dot at close range.
I'm a big fan of red dots, but I think whichever one you pick, the important part is stick with it and practice with it. Being able to use your weapon effectively is way more important than having the most optimal or newest and most popular setup.
@@hoorayimhelping3978 I agree 100%
@@hoorayimhelping3978 True. Nothing improves your effectiveness better than putting rounds downrange. I've seen tons of guys slay with LPVO's.
But you have to recognize the pros and cons of any piece of equipment you choose. Training can help a lot, but an LPVO will never be as easy to use from awkward positions as a red dot. It's not even about having the best or newest red dot or LPVO, eyeboxes are just a fact of life with any magnified or prism optic.
A red dot mounted 45° should help remedy some of those issues.
I highly recommend the surefire G2X. I have 3 of them and they work great. They are the best “budget” high end light in my opinion with plenty of lumens to temporarily blind a threat.
I agree they are the best hand held budget light for the all around
I’ve had a old school G2 on my AK for around 12 years. Over 100k rounds through the AK and the light still works perfectly.
Yeah, they are excellent lights. I have one that's 12 years old that still gets regular use. I do wish they still made the even more affordable G2 lights, though.
@@LuckyGunner The days of the $30 Surefire are long gone
Love them
VTAC sling side note…I used the Blue Force Gear sling and loved it, I switched to the VTAC after using one on another rifle because the one feature it had most of the other slings of similar nature lacked was when pulling the sling in tight, you can since it past the normal point all the way to the buckle or connecting point.
This is great for slinging the rifle tight to the body for moving (especially if you have to climb over something or really move around without the rifle flopping around) but also for stowing the sling, it makes it easier to manage. I also found the sliding mechanism to be one of the smoothest both in extending and compressing the sling.
Highly recommend their sling for anyone from regular Joe to working professionals.
Everyone forgets that PSA make more than their Freedom line lol.
It’s the same QC
@@totenfurwotan4478they’ve gotten way better. No company goes w/o having any qc issues throughout their standing. Ask sig, glock, S&W
Or maybe everyone remembers they make their Freedom Line lol!
I know lots of people who own psa ARs and they run well. In recent years they seem to be pretty decent
My PSA was dirt cheap and has had zero issues with like 600 rounds so far
Great information on AR-15 first time ownership. Very quick to the point and really doesn't leave much questions for a first time owner.
Thank you for not only giving good advice, but actually recommending specific items. Many people give the advice without recommending particular brands, but thank you for actually doing that.
That is what they call an "influencer". In this case, I'm probably buying what he is selling. ha ha
I'll add another option:
Armed with this knowledge, and the knowledge you've gained from your research on reputable and reliable brands, its possible to find exceptional value on a used gun, if you know what you're looking for.
Watched a few dozen videos, and read a couple hundred reviews/articles. Then, hit the used section at my FFL/range.
My first AR was a used, Frankenstein build: S&W MP /Magpul MOE receiver set (discontinued), but with a 15.5 Odin Works keymod rail, fluted, .223 Wylde barrel, Hogue grip, 3-prong flash hider, Magpul MBUIS, BCM CH, and a Geissle SS-A trigger - for $900.
Replaced the Magpul stock with FAB Defense SL-Core, added a B5 grip, and a Magpul sling, BCM KAG, and a Streamlight ProTac light on a Arisaka offset mount, and topped off with Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO on a Warne skelontonized mount.
Budget friendly, versatile, capable, well beyond "entry-level" - but still under $1500.
Agree with everything you said about red dots over LPVOs…. unless you have an astigmatism. I’d go with a red dot all day if I knew I’d have my glasses when the SHTF. As it is I can use the LPVO as my corrective lens if I don’t. Also have one rifle set up with a non-magnified prismatic scope, and that works, too.
I have an astigmatism but that won't be a liability unless you're trying to shoot for groups.A man size target can be engaged out to 200 meters easily.Chances are you wont be shooting that far.
Prism optics man, swampfox Blade 1x25 is a great option
After spending a good bit of time and money to modify a factory AR to home defense use, I decided to abandon the concept.
You hit on one reason- hearing damage. You will absolutely damage your hearing and anyone else in a “room or two” proximity. Devastatingly loud blast from these rifles.
The second reason is over penetration from a round traveling 3,200 fps. You might shoot the bad guy, but you could get other occupants of your home and some neighbors.
I switched to a PCC with heavy, defensive, subsonic loads (1,040 fps) and a can. I have a dot and bright light on it and it’s short, lite, and easy to shoot accurately.
I like AR’s and AK’s for defending your homestead from outside attackers getting in, that’s fantastic.
If it’s “bump in the night” type scenario, I think less firepower and better maneuverability is the ticket.
Great info as always Chris.
One of the better straight to the point videos on home defense carbines. Good video
I bought 1 AR about 10 yrs ago. Did pretty much EXACTLY what you suggested. A gen 1 SW Mp 15 sport. Replaced the handguard and grip with magpul hardware (pre mlock days). Put on an extended bolt release and ambi selector switch. Added a surefire light on a viking mount. A dual 2 point/1 point sling. Sig romeo red dot. Gun has no muzzle device at all (flash hiders are illegal in NJ). Done. I have never, ever had a malfunction with a few thousand rounds through it. I see zero need to buy any more ARs as I dont shoot rifles recreationally or competitively. Great video.
I went through the phase where I wanted every accessory on an AR that I could possibly think of. After a lot of experience with different setups and barrel lengths, I'm at the point now where my ideal rifle is a 16" (14.5" works too) with a lightweight 12 in rail, a compact Sig red dot, ultra light weight butt stock and a light (Viking tactical sling when needed)... That's it. I want it as light as possible
Sling should never leave the rifle
If you want the lightest possible rifle check out the "what would stoner do" or W.W.S.D. rifle!
I’m building one out that I’m getting a good lightweight barrel that won’t whip when hot. I have a nice lightweight red dot and I’m setting up my light (pistol wml) to be thumb push.
I went through that phase too. You live and learn. I built my first one and ordered what I considered the best of each part and it turned out very heavy, very expensive, and some of the parts were not compatible. The beefed up lower was not compatible with all pmags and the beefed up upper is not compatible with the daniel defense handguard i got. Now I keep it lightweight and simple. If anybody were to ask me what to get now I’d say get a BCM mid 16 and put a geissele trigger in it (ssa or ssa-e) if you can afford it. However those triggers are almost as much as a scout light so i’d get the scout light first if it’s home defense gun. I also bought some aero precision lowers that have the tensioning screw so I’ll see what I think. The normally present mild wobble between upper and lower receivers bugs me so I'll use that and a bunch of BCM parts.
@@benjamin3290 I say if your house is small enough, and you use it for home defense, you should never have it on in the house. I just don't see where you would have enough time to wake up, asses the situation, then worry about a sling before you start to aim.
Again, just my thoughts. I am always open to new ideas, or new ways to think about things. You would give more than my 2 brain cells to rub together.
Ordered some 10mm ammo from you guys this week and was very happy with your fast shipping. I prefer to support my local gun shops but when they tell me good luck finding 10mm I'm glad you do what you guys do. My only complaint would be throw a sticker in with the orders because I would be proud to show it off to everyone. Thank you.
Mine is for Home Defense/CQB. I went with a PSA 11.5" pistol kit (built by an FFL holder). Got some Tippman flip up sites, Radian SL charging handle, two point sling, Magpul BAD Lever, SBA3 brace, Magpul hand stop, flash hider, with an M-Lok hand guard. I want to add a Holosun HE510C Green, Streamlight Protac HL-X with pressure pad and a supressor. It's in 5.56.
I’m in love with AR-15 and the unlimited customization options are just amazing. Not to mention it’s incredibly easy to shoot and you can build it to fit whatever situations or situations you want it to. I’ve never felt so safe now having one and training and setting it up for all types of potential engagements and I hope more people continue to buy them and explore their options. Man I just got myself all worked up I’ll be back in 5😁
for people with bad stigmatisms like me: i'd recommend you consider a prism sight. it's an etched reticle that's illuminated with a laser. you will not get starburst from a dot (frankly, if you train, you can over come it, but it is tough to deal with), and you have the visibility of the illumination. swamp fox makes good prism sights.
As a lefty having the ejection port on the correct side made the decision for me. And I am very impressed with Stag Arms. It shoots true and doesn’t jam. Plus it didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Good advice all around. I agree with all of your points.
I have one AR set up with an Aimpoint H2 red dot and another one with a Vortex Gen IIe LVPO. Even though the Gen IIe is significantly lighter than the Gen II, it is still quite heavy compared to a red dot. I'm over 60 and for me, lighter is better -- I'm not getting any younger or stronger.
Even at 1x, the LVPO is harder to pick up than a red dot. The eye box for the LVPO is just not as forgiving when your eye is out of position. So for defensive use, I find the red dot greatly superior.
Fantastic video Chris!! Great info and very well paced and presented. I hope a ton of people see this!
The Ruger MPR in the 16" barrel is a really good option for a starting point. Same price range as the M&P but you get a full rail.
I HATE exposed barrel. Always burning a person or melting something. I MUST have a full rail. Always.
The problem with Ruger is they spend ZERO money on weight reduction. That MPR is nearly SEVEN freaking pounds with no optic or magazine. Its a brick during a one or two day carbine course.
I build or look for guns in the 5.8 to 6.3lb range. There are a lot in this area. The FAXON pencil barrel does just fine. It sis NOT your fathers or grand fathers pencil barrel.
For home I recommend a 11.5" barrel with a GOOD brace. The Strike Industries PDW 2-Position Stabilizer Brace.
Easily one of the best videos I've seen for the 'regular joe'. Well done Lucky Gunner & team!
My first AR was a ruger 556. I added an Olight and TRS-26 reddot and that thing is hella accurate. Nothing fancy but it will sure get the job done for home defense.
Love my olights!
First AR was a ruger 556 as well. An man I can say it has not let me down. Nowadays when I tell people I got mine for $600 a few years back, they are baffled. Most people think I spent almost $1k due to quality of it. I want an olight for it. I have the baldr mini on my glock 19 and it's fantastic! What olight do you have on your AR?
@@aceking7100 my dad just gave me his duty AR. It was a ruger 5.56, he added a Blackhawk quad rail hand guard, vortex strike Eagle II Red dot and magnifier, and a stream light tlr1 laser/light combo with pressure pad. He added hogue furniture for the grip and stock. That thing weighs a good 2lbs over the rifle I built (Mlok aero precision, with B5 systems furniture). Despite its weight, the thing is a work horse. It was duty carbine in his time as a police officer and shoots great. Pretty reliable too. He got it for like $550 like 10 years ago. He put almost $700 of upgrades/accessories. I moved the red dot over to my AR and might add a carry handle to his because the quad rail gives it a mean standard issue look lol.
@@aceking7100 Bought my MPR this week for $649. The AR-556 can be had for less.
I'd recommend for a Red Dot the Sig Romeo5, it can be found for around $120 at Palmetto state Armory or Amazon and for a light all my rifles have the Inforce WMLX 800lm, $140 from Optics Planet.
The romeo5 is a good budget sight.Theres a reason its a budget sight,the threads on the body are very fragile and easily stripped.My Aimpoint t2 has been on several mounts without a problem but the romeo not so good.
I think the sling is essential, especially if you have a family. Having a sling in order to free your hands to pick up a child for instance is crucial.
I wish I had this video before my first build but I did well anyway. On my second build and find this to be excellent advice and guidance. Thanks much! Jim
After a lot of reading -- and tracking down something that was actually _available_ -- I settled on the Springfield SAINT Victor. The SAINT comes with some reasonably good default parts, including either BCM or B5 Systems furniture, flip-up iron sights, and excellent Magpul magazines. For not much more, the Victor upgrades the furniture to a free-floating hand guard and upgrades the trigger.
One word of warning: if you plan to put in for a tax stamp for a silencer to make it nicer to use on the range and safer on your ears in a home defense situation, expect to wait. I've been waiting nearly a year since they took my tax stamp money, and I still don't have the can. Also, a decent silencer will cost nearly as much as the rifle after you include the tax stamp.
I assembled my first AR from parts. Bought a quality "stripped" receiver, then the best "Enhanced" lower parts kit I could find. Took my time and now have a fine shooting, accurate rifle.
Excellent video! I had been thinking were to start with an AR for years. I will follow your recommendations for sure.
I just watched one vid from this channel and now, 30 seconds into a second one, I had to pause it just to write this comment and drop the sub. This dude knows what I want to learn lol and delivers information very well.
IMHO, as far as home defense inside your house you need something more maneuverable than a rifle or shotgun and something you can operate with one hand if case it turns into a wrestling match. To me a pistol makes more sense or maybe an AR-9 SBR. For home defense outside against a mob, then an AR-15 makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing. Excellent presentation as always.
Maybe a pdw would be a good option, but I’m sticking with rifle
@@stevef4930 I got the Sig Rattler (.300 blackout) for home defense. It, to me, has the best of both the rifle and pistol worlds. I added a $30 reflex sight off Amazon, and it is an absolute a blast to shoot with friends and family. Waiting to see what happens with the court challenges for cans and braces before I customize it too much though.
@@mikecamden I agree with that rifle decision but at least put a romeo5 or a holosun on it. Home defense weapon should not ever have a $30 optic, it’s gonna fail you when you need it most
@@stevef4930 I thought hard about doing exactly that. My big problem is that I want the biggest picture window I can get if I am waving it around at night in my house. All the dot and holos I've seen require you to look down some scope or tunnel to use. The single lens reflex sight doesn't require you to hold it too properly to see where bad things happen. A laser is my second choice if the current optic ever fails/breaks. I want my wife to be able to point and click with minimal fuss, more than anything else really.
@@mikecamden you could go with an eotech since that eliminates the tunnel issue. I’m just saying literally iron sights with tritium are going to be better then that $30 optic, it’s literally irresponsible to run the optic bro. Also you shoot both eyes open so the tunnel is a non-factor anyways
Right on time, I'm about o buy my first AR15 which will be my do-all civilian rifle. The only suggestion I'm not going to follow is the 16" barrel, because I'm French and here in France we don't need any more paper work or authorisation to get what you call a "SBR" or "pistol". And I find the 14.5" more versatile and easier to handle indoors. Thanks again for your work ! My initial choice didn't change, I will go for a Windham Weaponry 14.5" with the M-LOK handguard.
Are you allowed to use rifles for self defense in France? I'm unfamiliar with your gun laws!
SBR laws are so dumb. Clearly just abuse of power for the sake of abusing power.
Please do a run down of your gun laws!
@KiriUzu Yes and no, you are allowed to defend yourself with a firearm if your life or someone else's is in immediate danger (in your house only, concealed carry is prohibited for civilians). But nothing is precisly said about the kind of firearm, so it depend a lot of the judge and how you handled the situation. For exemple it will be impossible to justify 5 rounds of .308 in one guy who break into your house with just a knife.
@@antazur3983 Ah I see what you mean. Having a camera to prove if someone wouldn't go down after a single shot would be useful there!
Most people are surprised bad guys in real life aren't like the ones in the movies (who go down after one hit and instantly go limp)
@@AzayBae Yep, I've heard not long time ago a guy took 5 rounds of 9mm in the chest and survived with no handicap
The sig sauer Romeo 5 is a fantastic budget optic. It’s a plain unmagnified dot but it has great features. It has shake awake tech that shuts it off after a minute of inactivity and it comes back on with the slightest touch. Mine has been on for 2 years now with daily use, I still haven’t changed the battery. It’s also literally bomb proof. I’ve seen one shot with a shotgun in a torture test and it held zero. It’s $130-$150.
Also, I would add that you should get some kind of foregrip for a starter home defense carbine. Whatever is most comfortable, doesn’t really matter if it’s just textured mlok cover panel to make a heat shield around the gas block, a hand stop, an angled foregrip, or a straight up grip stick. Get a foregrip on there to serve as a reference point, so that your support hand goes to the same place every time. Under stress you’re more likely to shoot the same way you trained if your support hand always goes to the same place and holds the gun the same way.
Romeo 5 is a Holosun optic in disguise.
Great video. Would add the Ruger MPR as a great rifle that's just a touch up from the S&W tier.
Perfect timing! Im just about to pull the trigger on my first AR15 for this purpose
Same here. I got two on layaway and wasn’t sure what to get for them. I want it simple and functional, although I kinda do want a vertical grip for mine
Great stuff, as usual. I can buy ammo for a bit less than I can from LG from a store that's on the way to my indoor range, but I buy from you because of your great RUclips content. And great service. Thanks!
Aero precision is my go to. Got a midlength complete upper for around $230 on sale and a kp-15 complete lower for $150. Got a toolcraft bcg for $90 on sale. If you shop sales for complete uppers and lowers you can get a really good gun from good manufacturers for really reasonable prices.
I agree. I own several upper tier rifles (BCM, DD and Colt) but Aero Precision makes some good stuff. I did the same but went with all Aero parts (upper, lower, lower parts kit and BCG). I've got about $750 in the rifle and it is one of my favorites.
@@deakdeagen938 I built 2 Aero's from M4E1 upper shells, and enhanced lower shells. I also use their enhanced 15 inch, 1.72 diameter rails. Then I built another from their XL upper shell, same lower shell and rail as the other two. I got a .450 Bushmaster barrel form GLFA and a Tromix bolt. There are many great rifles out there, but I only want to buy Aero parts if I can. I find no need for the others.
Another great video, informative and to the point. I like your focus on budget yet quality gear for this video. Lucky Gunner is one of my favorite channels for this reason. I especially appreciate not having to watch/hear a loud 30 second intro of "me being an operator" set to head banger music. There's certainly enough of that already out there.
Good advice, my house gun is a M&P II with a Surefire G2 light, Sig Romeo 5 red dot and a 3.5 lb CMC single stage trigger. I prefer not to use a sling on it though. I've also got a longer barrel AR set up for varmints and a heavy barrel gun for match shooting but the M&P seems just right for a house gun.
I bought a 16 inch S&W MP-15, then replaced the upper with a Daniel Defense M4 V7. I replaced the stock with a Hogue. Replaced the trigger with a RISE Armament Rave 140 flat trigger. HRF flared mag well. Other stuff. Love it.
I see the m&p sport going for around $600 on gundeals, and for around $700 you can get the IWI Zion (or sometimes the ruger mpr) which is another great choice.
Bought my MPR this week for $649.
Great video. I'm a newbie and looking to buy my first Ar 15. this video cut straight to the point and gave me a ton of detail. Thank you!
This is so helpful alot of gun nuts are focused on just looking cool not providing useful information this is just down to earth helpful
I’ve spent thousands of dollars building rifles with the best equipment money can buy. But, I wish I had this mindset when I first started out. At the end of the day, a simple/practical set up is all you really need. It’s the training that matters the most. Great advice, Chris!
Train till your mind forgets and your body remembers.
Great video. Thank you. Personally I like PSA as an affordable option. Try moving your rds further forward for better field of vision.
There is one for $475.00, blemish kind.
PSA is gold.
Well done Mr. Baker! Thank you!
When talking red dot optics you should mention that people with common eye conditions may want to go with a x1 power prism optic like the PA micro prism. They also usually have etched reticles so battery life is less of a concern.
Swampfox also makes awesome 1x prism optic. I'm very pleased with mine.
Except for two aspects.
1. There's ways to deal with it.
2. In a fight even with bad eyes the dot is superior.
@@snek9353 your comment had zero substance. Can you elaborate on either of your points to substantiate your claims?
I fell out of love with prisms because of the short eye relief, and the necessity of putting it all the way at the rear of the upper's rail which interferes with my ability to use the charging handle when the lens covers are down.
@@RiflemanReveiws
1. if I assume you're referring to an astigmatism, which I have, there's some good ways to get a red dot to look sharp with an astigmatism.
- A. Choose an optic with a chevron instead of a dot.
- B. Choose an optic with good/automatic brightness control.
- C. Use polarized and/or prescription glasses
- D. And my favorite, look at it through a rear peep sight.
All of these things will make it sharper.
2. In a fight a sharp dot is unlikely to be important. What will be important is very fast accusation and shooting from odd positions. Both of which a good red dot is far better at than any other type.
My setup is a Holosun ACSS with a LMT BUIS behind it.
100% agree with this video. One $5 suggestion. I tried hair bands for a while with them breaking I sliced up bicycle inner tubes into rubber bands and those last for years!
Yeah, that's not a bad idea. The hair bands are definitely expendable.
Buy magazines and ammo by the case. Put together a couple of maintenance and repair kits for the little gremlins which make the AR platform amazing until one of those parts takes a crap, and don't forget to install a water bottle holder so it will match the feel of your $6,000 touring bicycle. Lol
Chris is the hero we need right now
I was lucky when I bought my Springfield Saint Victor it came in a package deal with a Vortex Red Dot. Just need to buy a light attachment.
Love this, no nonsense, to the point, and none of that gucci gear bs
The most important thing is make sure the rifle works. Take it to the range and shoot full mags.
before you buy all the accessories?
@@LeinaVance Yes. And then every accessory you add, you see if it actually works with your gun. Make sure slings are good quality. The lights actually work and not cheap china brands. Is a vertical grip good for you
@@Excalibur01 Thanks. I've had my AR for like 2 months. it's my first one. I haven't shot it yet but I've been slowly getting sights and magazines and whatnot, till I finally get some ammo to shoot.
@@LeinaVance You should be ok with the cheapest of cheap ammo for the range. You only need high end if you plan to actually use it on things or for zeroing because different ammo are slightly different on your zero. Don't buy cheap mags like promag or Hex mag. Stick to pmags, metal mags ONLY if they have anti-tilt followers or Lancer if you are gucci.
Don't buy the cheapest of the cheap red dots. But budget brands like the Romeo 5, primary arms and holosuns are good without breaking the bank. You need to learn to zero them. Make sure when installing optics, you should apply a little bit of BLUE loctite.
@@Excalibur01 Definitely! I got 3 pmags on the way. I installed irons sights too.
Palmetto State Armory have affordable and reliable uppers and lowers for great prices. I have three.
What a great video. I’m in this exact situation. I want to buy my first AR however it’s so overwhelming with all the options. Especially when it comes to sights.
I’m just gonna say this.
I personally feel as though an very closely sighted Laser is very much needed for Home Defense. Even more needed than an Optic/Sight when it comes to inside the Home. In a normal sized home.
That's great if it helps you, but definitely not necessary. I find them to be distracting and prefer to use the momentary switch for my light instead
Yes. Fear+adrenaline+someone trying to kill you= point shooting 99% of the time. A laser allows you to shoot from awkward positions and doesn't require you to get the entire gun up to eye level. Smart idea for defensive pistols as well.
Thanks, really appreciate the basic starter information. Such a dense field out there and lots of us are just looking for something that's 'good'.
Savage msr15 recon 2 is a good rifle, I have the first model and the only difference is the grip and stock. This rifle comes with a accuracy enhancements, 5r barrel, 223 wylde chamber, 11° crown barrel. Not a bad base to start with. The factory sights on mine are kinda shitty but they work fine.
That's what I'm thinking for my first AR...
Gun, light, sling, LVPO, extra mags, ammo. Got it. Thanks.
Great advice, keep it simple and clean. No real need of all that tacticool crap for average shooters. Put your money into a good+ gun instead of tons of gear.👍👍👍
Thanks
Ruger makes a fantastic AR15
Plain jane with a sling for me. similar to a full sized (20 inch barrel) I carried in desert storm. The less weight and the less complicated the better.
For my very first AR, I bought all the parts, assembled the lower myself with just basic tools and a armorer's wrench, and brought the upper to a known-good armorer to assemble for like $40. Good way to get the exact rifle you want without having to pay for tools.
Only add on I would add to that list would be a magpul vertical foregrip one of the shorter ones. It gives a good reference point for your hand and works especially well if you are just using the light tail cap. They also help new shooters keep the rifle tight against the sholder while they are still learning recoil mitigation.
I'm surprised that Aero Precision wasn't mentioned for the rifle itself, but I'm even more surprised that the Sig Romeo 5 didn't make it into recommendations for the optic!
Romeo 5..... Meh... Rather get shake awake/solar panel.
@@Rob_Nasty it has shake awake
I did want to mention Aero, but they don't offer a whole lot of complete rifles and I didn't want to bog down the video with explaining the idea of mix and matching uppers and lowers. It's not hard, but for someone who wants a straightforward turnkey solution, that's not ideal. The Romeo 5, I'm not especially familiar with, but I've heard enough negative reports of Sig optics from people I trust that I've been skeptical about them in general.
@@LuckyGunner Interesting. I put a Romeo5 on my first AR-15 last year and haven't had any problems. After a few hundreds rounds, it's still holding zero. The only negative I've heard (I did a lot of research before buying) is that the glass fogs up in cold temps.
I do understand that I might have just gotten a good one while many other people didn't.
@@Rob_Nasty Romeo 5 is shake awake.
After a 21 year US Army career, an AR-15 wasn't my first rodeo with the platform. Every AR-15 has sweat equity in it. Built my own lowers first . . . with good quality lowers, Geissele 2-stage triggers, and the rest made by Aero Precision with Magpul furniture. Bought a complete Ballistic Advantage upper witth DLC BCG, and Magpul furniture. Added a Romeo7 1x30 optic in addition to M16A2 military iron sights. Total cost was about $1000 - $1200 range. The splurge was some on the DLC BCG and a bigger splurge on the trigger. Most important elements in an AR-15 are the barrel, BCG and trigger, in that order. There are many excellent red dot optics for surprisingly low cost. Also bought two PSA uppers, sans BCG, adding a Toolcraft or Next Level Armament DLC BCG -- not a PSA. PSA is the Toyota Corolla of AR-15's. Their QC has improved over the years. Definitely NOT match grade, but they run. Also built two uppers with Aero receivers, floating handguards, and Ballistic Advantage barrels, again with Next Level Armament DLC BCGs. I have headspace gauges to ensure the combination of bolt in the BCG and the barrel extension (chamber) are OK. They've always passed the Go and failed the NoGo (wouldn't close on it). Building a lower isn't that much work if you've already got a workshop with good hand tools including 1/4" and 3/8" torque wrenches, bench vise, pin drifts, hex keys, torx keys, etc., plus experiences in building your own things, doing automotive work and repairing appliances. The specialized tools aren't much extra. Mostly fixtures and an armorer's hand wrench. Building an upper is more work, and has more potential problems mating a barrel properly with an upper receiver, and a BCG.
For those who have few hand tools or experience using hand tools, the DIY route is much more daunting, learning how to use the tools properly, and would be much more expensive having to acquire all the general hand tools needed . . . which one should NOT cheap out on. Chinesium Wally World tools are worthless, and can do more damage to things than actually building or repairing stuff. Don't need Snap-On either. Tekton and GearWrench have very good hand tools at affordable prices. I'm blessed with having acquired many S-K tools long ago; still make excellent tools, but have gotten much more expensive compared to 30-50 years ago. Proto is another high quality name, but also expensive. Current Craftsman brand tools are Chinesium garbage.
I wouldn't trust ANY AR-15 for home defense, be it a Gucci brand, a DIY build, or budget brand, unless I'd run a couple hundred rounds through it, including a couple mags of the home defense rounds . . . to ensure it's going to work when I need it to. Neither would I have just one home defense weapon. I'd have options and backup.
You should recommend a 16” barrel and mid-length gas system as standard for first rifle.
Why????.16 inch barrels with the carbine gas system are very good.As long as they have .063 to .070 gas ports.I have three carbines with 14.5 barrels and .063 gas ports and they as pleasant to shoot as my 14.5 mid length.
Your delivery is like one long sentence. Well thought out and enjoyable. Best part was when you (as i said, never break that one long sentence/zero octave change too) say that if you end up discharging your AR-15 inside then you are going to have serious damage. Forget that minor detail and let’s talk about Streamlight’s. Good stuff bro.
Keep ear plugs next to your bed or on your carbine.
Could we get a home defense storage of semi auto shotguns like the mossberg 930, benelli m4, and beretta 1301? Would love to hear thoughts on that compared to pump shotguns.
I bought Aero precision complete lower and charge handle and Aero BCG at the store, ordered upper aero precision on line , love it ! Under $1000 .
I love their quality!
There are plenty of 500 dollar range ARs wether complete guns or complete uppers and lowers bought separately that work well for the regular everyday person. Plus you can get good cheap iron sights that you can replace the front pin with a night sight painted pin for quick true aquired sight picture unlike most red dots even the high priced ones that make you second guess sight picture especially in a stressed filled situation.
Will do so, Lucky Gunner!
My setup is a bit unique as I’m a former Special Forces operator and now a paraplegic. I took the lessons learned from SF and by a lot of trial and mostly error came up with what is for me the almost ideal setup. Like I use a single point sling as I don’t carry it in a conventional manner. With the single point I can drop it and it lays muzzle down with the barrel between my knees and the muzzle pointing well clear of my feet, I have a 110 degree front end so my toes are in line vertically with my knees. And I use an OLight. It’s good quality but not top notch. I don’t run and gun anymore so it’s perfectly adequate and hasn’t failed me yet in training.
Do you recommend single-point slings in general?
@@gprang No, my circumstances are unique. A good 2 point sling is what I’d recommend. Tactical Rifleman, Larry Vickers, Warrior Poets Society and other channels are a far better choice for information on slings.
I decided on a Springfield Armory Saint for my 1st AR. Now to start buying ammo.
I have had a budget friendly Ruger 556 for about 7 years and have never had an issue.
Same
Once you buy one you get hooked one thing leads to another then building another another from scratch not only creates accomplishment then test fire it and you dont lose you didgets pr face you dod good . Build on build often .
You missed PSA.
Well done, Chris. Thank you a bunch
All I can say is DO NOT ignore the value of a good stock and pistol grip combo. The ergonomics on a stock AR are hot garbage in comparison to what you can customize!
Which stock and pistol grip do you prefer/recommend? I’m looking to buy a new set for my ar
@@Appalachiannative The Magpul SL-S stock is pretty hard to beat. Magpul also has a nice range of grips that you can adjust to your grip angle preference and hand size. I like the MOE SL.
@@BarkyLondon thanks for your reply I’ll look into that
@@Appalachiannative I know this is a year late, but I run a Magpul CTR stock, and 15 degree angle Fab Defense Gradus grip with beaver tail. I have three in FDE, and one in OD green. I will not run anything else.
Wow. You did a near exact review of my AR. cool. I was looking for a basic gun I could rely on. it has always functioned and it seems to be very accurate. Just what I needed and wanted.
Another vote for BCM. People fail to understand that you're getting just about an upper tier AR15 for 1200. BCM is what Daniel defense and Aero try to be. Anything lower quality than that is just like a Kia car - it works now, but it won't later.
Love BCM. Have 3 of their uppers on lowers I built myself Run super smooth and flawless.
You can get into a BCM for cheaper if you buy a stripped lower and then the full upper
1200 is a lot of money. ARs are really simple machines. No need to spend that much.
I would agree. I see no deferrable differences between my DD mk18 and my BCM 16”. Both very nice guns.
I wouldn't trade any of my Daniel rifles for a BCM.
You obviously have zero experience with them.
The streamlight is a great option. It comes with options for pressure pad or tail cap activation. Downsides to using pad it reduces water resistant greatly, the pad takes up a lot of rail space (Maybe 3/4 of a regular M4 Carbine style rail) and it adds a but of extra weight. I have my personal and duty set up with tail caps. It works well so don't think you need to mount all accessories on your rifle. Keep it simple. Have fun everyone.
Primary needs: 3x or 4x scope, rifle light above 300 lumens and sling
Secondary: h2 buffer spring kit, foregrip, muzzle device
Tritiary: anything else
;)
4x scope for a gun centered around self defense?
Great video, I appreciate the effort you put in each video, no exception here. You share enough details to be informative which helps viewers to make informed decisions. I enjoy your channel
$1500? you can buy or build what you shared for $500-700. Most home defense AR's may rarely go to the range, so a cheap one that functions is bare minimum. Palmetto State, Bear Creek, and others will suffice for MOST people... BUT the caveat is, buy them, try them! Shoot several hundred rounds through them and check for loose parts, reliability, etc. But I see your point. Off the shelf, Factory S&W or Ruger are easy ones to find. Flattop with a decent red dot, and a flashlight are minimum requirements. cheap cloth sling will work fine.
I myself would get a PSA over a S&W Sport 2. If nothing else, because of the BCG and shelf in the lower receiver. Also, you can usually get them for a little cheaper. Thanks for the share!!
But, but, but, tactical Gun-tubers say I need suppressors, DBOL, thermal sights and a trigger job, otherwise I'm just LARPing.Thanks for making this topic a video!
Lucas Botkin has left the chat
Here's the real truth. We're all just larping but some guys are real serious about it.
Love your videos, keep up the good work. As for BCM, after watching this video I checked their web page with great anticipation only to find they are just another company that ignores the fact that there are left handed people in the world. Moving on.
It's not personal...it is based on market needs. Being southpaw is 10% of the population. I have a few friends and they just work around the obstacles. I can imagine the aggravation
I'm left handed and left eye dominant. I only use right handed guns of any kind. I put an ambi, safety, charging handle, and mag release on them, and am good to go. The bolt catch is on the proper side for us already. Adapt and move forward.
I run an older Sig M400. But I don't think Sig is making them for the $750 I got mine. Kept it simple. Removed old B5 furniture for Magpul and 1913 picatiny. Put an Eotech and an Olight on it along with a few other things. Internals are all stock, I recommend not touching those for self defense.
Why would you not want to change out the cheap MIM internals for true mil spec or better? That’s kind of an odd opinion. We’re not talking about Glocks here.
@@jstud999 Long winded response inbound.
Lots of reasons. Price: I don't need flashy stuff in my gun or the same thing that costs more despite being the same material. Or something that runs 'slightly better' than what I have, whatever that maybe . More into a gun means more you lose should you use it. If I don't like it, I'm out of money as well. If you bought a cheap gun with the intention of swapping parts, might as well save up for a better rifle anyway. Time: If it doesn't work, I don't like it, swapping out parts, finding parts, testing them. Possible failures: Spring issues, buffer weight problems, cycling, feeding, ejecting, trigger problems. Triggers especially: You make that to heavy or to light and that is an accident weighting to happen.
My gun runs and has for years. I'm proficient with it, I know it, I don't need to do more than hat I already have with it. Unless it is really that bad, I know I can trust my gear to fire every time.
The AR-15 is the Glock of the rifle world. But if it's a reputable company, there should be no reason to change internals.
@@chris.3711 do you know what MIM parts are? They are not even close to the same as true mil spec parts. Sig uses MIM parts
@@jstud999 Yep. If you have good quality control there is nothing to worry about. I've seen a few professionals here on RUclips recommending not touching internals. For the problems and dangers it can cause. Triggers often being the biggest one unless it is really that bad to begin with.
@@chris.3711 quality control is key but at the end of the day MIM parts don’t hold up to true forged mil spec castings. That advice is dumb not to touch internals. If you have one rifle why would you not upgrade it with quality components. Are you really going to tell me that a stock m400 would hold up as long as an m400 that has its lower parts kit changed out with something like a SOLGW or LMT lower parts kit and a quality trigger? I would agree don’t put a competition style trigger in a gun that you plan on using as a duty or self defense gun. That’s not to say don’t change it out with a better trigger like the ones BCM or SOLGW offer. A nickel polished mil spec trigger with the same reliability but a better, more crisp consistent break and pull.
I would absolutely change out the internals with ones I know will last a lifetime. I’m not sure who makes the bcg for sig but if it’s not microbest I’d also change that out with a quality bcg. You’ll never have to worry about little things like your bolt catch breaking, saftey selector getting stuck or the various other issues we see with MIM parts in due time. If you don’t shoot the gun a lot you probably don’t have much to worry about but if your someone who shoots often and will eventually get 5k, 10k, 15k rounds an so on down the pipe absolutely I’d change out the internals for better quality ones that are more up to the task of a high volume firing schedule.
Personally I’ve changed out the lower parts kit, bcg, trigger, and barrel on every budget AR I own and it was the best decision I’ve made. I know have a fleet of quality guns in my safe.
You, sir just gained an additional subscriber. Sensible, logical, and articulate. 👍🏼
If you buy a budget red dot, you should have iron sights. The expensive red dots like Aimpoint are hard to actually break but the made in china brands are budget for a reason but that doesn't mean they are crap
Yes, they are utter crap. If your battle rifle can't take some degree of abuse it's no longer a battle rifle
great video as usual thanks. you're a lifesaver. I'm not sure how i feel about this new and extra enthusiasm you're working into your vids but still you rule
Point of contention on brands: The School of the American Rifle, who are experts in the AR-15 refuse to make brand recommendations because they have found parts out of spec or poorly made from everything in Budget to Gucci brands. Spending $1500 on an AR-15 is no guarantee it is made properly, that is not to say a $400 rifle is going to be "just as good" but brand is not a guarantee of quality. I understand this is a "regular people" video, but people should be aware that dropping top end money does not mean top end quality; buy a rifle from a major brand and go shoot it regularly and learn how to inspect for problems. Throwing a Daniel Defense in the safe to collect dust is not a good strategy.
You are right. Any brand can absolutely have problems. Some brands consistently do things that are objectively bad/wrong (ie, Ruger does not stake the castle nut). Some brands make more of an effort to produce rifles that are "correct," and have a better track record for succeeding, even if it's not 100%.
I could tell you were describing Daniel defense before I even finished reading your comment.
@@LuckyGunner That is fair, some have better batting averages I just wanted to emphasize that people can't rely on name brand alone, learning how the rifle works and what should/shouldn't be as well as running it regularly (which you noted) is something everyone should do regardless of brand.
@@domenik8339 I didn't want to pick on any one brand, but a few have had rashes of really poor QC over the years, Colt is actually one of the brands specifically I was thinking of. A few years back they had some really poor product coming out, dunno if that is resolved. But everyone should learn how the rifle is supposed to be built/work regardless of cost.
Agreed in general, but remember that SOTAR makes a living convincing people to overscrutinize inconsequential spec deviations and buy their gauging tools.
I built my first ar completely from BCM with the exception of the Lower, really love their stuff
“Basic, no frills, defensive AR15” holds up a BCM AR15 🤦🏾♂️