WEAPONS: The AR-15

   

   The AR-15 is my chosen rifle system in a survival situation.It is fast, comfortable, and fairly reliable. Many believe that it has reliability issues but that just stems from problems with the M16 during the Vietnam ear. Besides auto stuff is never as reliable and the semi guns. AR-15 rifles, carbines, etc are finally getting to be more affordable. I love how easy it is to change upper receivers and that essentially gives you a new gun but only one upper should be carried in a survival situation. I will take my standard 5.56 upper. My rifle, technically a carbine, is a Smith & Wesson MP15X.  When choosing an AR-15 there are a few things to consider:

1. A 5.56mm chamber is preferred over the .223. You can shoot .223 and 5.56 ammo from a 5.56 barrel but you should not shoot 5.56 from a .223 barrel.
2. Chromed lined barrels and chambers improve reliability and are easier to clean.
3. Lightweight barrels are faster than heavy barrels. We are just trying to survive, not shooting in matches.
4. Don't hang a bunch a "tacticool" stuff of of the rails. I have a vertical fore grip and a flashlight and that is all it is getting.
5. Get a good sling system. 3-point is going to be best in a survival situation.
6. Most AR-15 manufacturers built quality stuff. I don't think Colt is better than DPMS, or SW is any better than CMMG, etc. There are a few companies that make supreme parts, such as Noveske and Daniele Defense, but I don't think their stuff is worth the extra cash. To save money you can build them yourself too. That will save you about $200 usually.

   It is important that you know your rifle. Read the paperwork that came with it over and over again. Also, use AR15.com. You can learn more than you will ever need to know about the AR platform at that site.

   There will be plenty of more posts about the AR-15 in the future. It is one of my favorite topics! Later I will talk about optics, accessories, ammo, and more.