Own an AR-15 or Want To?

A bit of history and background information first (it may help–if you are in a rush, then scroll down for the suggestions):

The M-16 (and its military variants) use a light-weight mid-sized cartridge that falls into the definition area between a U.S. Military main battle rifle (.308– 7.62mm x 51mm NATO  or 30-06) and sub machine gun (9mm and .45ACP) rounds and because the military version is select fire it is classed correctly as an assault rifle. The same for other rifles such as the as is the 7.62 x 39mm (AK-47 and smaller AK-74) firearms which also fire mid-sized cartridges and have select fire capability. The civilian AR-15 and variants that are NOT select fire are also NOT assault rifles! they ae simply semi-automatic carbines.

While here let’s clear up what AR means. It means Armalite Rifle, not automatic rifle. Amalite developed the gun. The AR was originally intended as a guard duty/security rifle for the Air Force but shortly it was shoved down the throats of all of our military in 1962 or so by Robert MacNamara the then Secretary of Defense (and one of the  so-called “wiz kids” at the time).

1973 Colt M-16 rifle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The new M-16 assault rifle was pushed into overall use by our military to replace the M-14 as a jungle warfare rifle since it was lighter, recoiled less, could be put on full automatic and controlled much easier (the M-14 on full auto was a real serious handful!) and troops could carry much more of the lighter ammunition. In Nam, the jungle fighting combat distances were much less than on an open battlefield such as in Korea or most in WWII where larger calibers also thrive compared to smaller calibers when it comes to penetration, power and range.12) A hand grip (pistol grip) that delivers much better and more accurate trigger control such as the fully adjustable Accu-Grip is definitely worth the money if operational accuracy through better trigger control is your goal.

13) Replacement parts (and parts kits) are a very smart thing to have-especially gas piston rings and springs; learn how to detail maintain or repair your rifle. Get one now, you will need it.

14) A combo tool to service the firearm.

15) Complete cleaning kit and learn how to use it effectively-I like some orange smelling stuff called SEAL 1 real effective in the gas system to keep it clean and easy to clean over hundreds of fired rounds.

I am sure there are other things, but and again I remind you, we are talking about real combat in a national emergency, survival or apocalyptic environment and fancy tight fitting precision guns weighting ten pounds or having all kinds of bells and whistles are ill advised in these deadly civilian population unsupported scenarios where it could be months or even many years before things get normal again-if ever.

Reprinted from Man Talk Blog.