New AR Owner....what do I need to do?

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

I’ve just purchased the DD M4 and will take delivery sometime next week.

I read Robb’s thread about “I’ve bought an AR…now what” and the chart he references doesn’t take the DD model into account, assuming because it’s new.

I’ve read about the issues with the BM’s, etc., and I’m curious if anyone thinks there’s anything I should do with my rifle to make it more reliable.

I have already purchased an Aimpoint C3 on a ADM mount, but because someone here suggested it, I’m going to not only zero in, but practice and become proficient with my iron sights. I think I will also take a training class to familiarize myself with my weapon.

I’ve been pondering getting a laser mount, (mostly because it seems cool I guess), but I can’t really find any justification for having one. To me, it seems if the target is close enough to use a laser on, I should’ve grabbed the shotgun.
Maybe that’s just me…dunno.

Do I want a tac light? Really? I mean, my intentions are to get a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 series home defense shotgun, and would probably put a light on that, but do I need one on an AR?

OK…so the next question I can already hear is “what are you going to use it for?”.

The reality is I purchased this weapon for 2 reasons. 1…Because I’m pretty sure the leader of the free world will try to take them. 2…Because of the economy, and I’m strictly fearful it’s going to get MUCH worse. When the rubber hits the road, I want to still be alive and I figured the AR platform makes the most sense for multiple differenct scenarios.

Toss is revolution and you’ve got my personal trifecta.

So far I have the Aimpoint and mount, and a DDM4 with a cheap free case and 5 - 30 rd mags (decent).

What else would YOU get?

$300 case? Man they are expensive…everything is expensive for these weapons… I can see getting a top shelf case for a decent rifle, because why spend that money and not protect it, but my wish list just went from $2k to $4k with all the bells and whistles. Lights, lasers, magazines, ammo, Aimpoint/Scope, Bipod/mounts, flip up iron sights, slings, cases, and lord knows what else. The list seems endless.

If it were you…and you just purchased a reputable manufactured weapon, what would be your list of priorities, and why?

I’m stuck…and I’m not rich. I kinda want it all…(who doesn’t I guess), but I need to find a way to be smart about this too.

Any input would be great.

2

you gotta good gun and RDS for SHTF… seems like all you need is magazines and ammo. and another gun.

flashlights are essential for a home defense weapon- but if it’s not gonna be for that, and you wont be running it inside at night, then pass on the light. just adds weight to your support arm.

what i would do is what i do do- stockpile good brass-cased ammo, and shoot an assload of wolf for serious training. start taking quality carbine classes as you can afford 'em. load up on magazines- disposable items that need to last you from now till you get shot to death raiding a NWO supply convoy in five-ten years. try to get spare everything- barrel, BCG, LPK… or just a whole nuther gun.

my .02

ETA: and a sling… blue force makes good 2 points. you’ll probably go through 3 different ones till you find the one you like, which is to be expected and is acceptable.

3

Ammo, lots of it, and mags…and more ammo.

4

Ditch the laser. They are practically useless and you already have a good RDS. Get a flashlight instead. Even if you don’t plan on using it as a home defense weapon. If it’s going to be a SHTF rifle you may find a need for it at night.

5

Thanks for the input guys.

Has anybody found a website with cheap ammo that’s in stock?
Went to 4 different places yesterday…Gander Mountain is charging almost a buck a round. :eek:

I bought every box of Wolf they had (14 total), but the next best price for Brass ammo was .70 per round. Yikes.

6

Poke around the ammo forum.

www.surplusammo.com was selling Lake City for less than 40¢ a round (<$400 for 1,000 rounds, shipped) a couple weeks ago.

Bimmer

7

not no mo… i couldnt find a lick of 223/556 anywhere on that site

8

you know, it’s getting to the point where i almost dont mind seeing expensive ammo- at least it’s there if you need it. i can’t find any ammo right now, expensive or otherwise. i’ll be reducing my monthly ammo consumption, rather than increasing, like i’d hoped to do. i’m already cut into my SHTF stash…

9

I hate to refer people to TOS, but this is a good place to start looking:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=313837&page=41

There’s usually word about what’s in stock and not too expensive on M4C.net’s own ammo forum, too…

Bimmer

10

I’d throw on a MIAD, sling, and mags. You can put a Surefire G2 LED in a VTAC mount for around a hundred bucks. Not the most expensive, but works, especially if you’re not sure you want/are going to use it.

11

Thanks man. I purchased the Streamlight TLR-2 today, and have been doing my best to hunt down some cheap BRASS ammo. Good luck I guess…

Sling and mags are on the list, but I’m struggling to figure out which sling to get.