New to Ars

[Hoov1015]

Hi there let me start with a intro - I am new to this forum and new to ARs and what they have to offer. Every since I was younger I loved the thought of shooting and becoming somewhat of a marksman. Finally after all these years Ive gotten the cash and ability to start getting into shooting.

Ive been hunting for 2 years now - dad never did and now got some friends that have accepted me and have shown me some of the ropes.

I just recently bought a Les Baer Police Special - I was wondering honestly what kind of rifle I got - I know some basics but the quality seemed so much better then that of a DPMS or Bushmaster. The sale was pretty hard to beat regardless. Ive read before I purchased that they make a good rifle and have pretty darn good quality.

What I really am wanting to know is where do I go from here - what kind of stuff should I look to add to this rifle. Scopes lights all that stuff. Another thing is what ammo to push through the gun. Thanks for listening and glad to be on the forum!

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: New to Ars

welcome.....

complete your profile

do not take pictures of your trash and post them with shag carpet in the back ground


consider taking a decent rifle course.......get some good glass and stay tuned here........

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: New to Ars

I have the same rifle. It has a 1 in 8" twist rate and can shoot the heavier bullets, like 77gr SMKs. Try Black Hills ammo- it's usually good in everything.
It is a very well made rifle. There are people who think it is overpriced, or just don't like it. Don't worry about them.
The optic you choose will depend on what you will be using the rifle for. You will need to tell us what your rifle's purpose is, and how far you will be shooting. There is no single optic that works well for CQB and long range varmint hunting. An ACOG is a very good scope, but costs around $1,000.00 and up. What is your budget?
Lights are personal preference, but I tend to like LEDs.
We need a lot more info before we can really help you.

Jim

 

[Hoov1015]

Re: New to Ars

No problem with info - i guess I really bought this rifle for fun and target shooting with the backthought of if shit hits the fan I have something that can throw out some metal.

Optics I am still playing with - Ive looked at an acog for 1400 dollars it was pretty intense with a good rec that had some kind of BDC.

What I need to know is how accurate these guns can be at higher distances say 3-400 yards - cause Ive read that its around their effective say "killing Range" correct me if I am wrong.

I was thinking maybe a red dot sight but I have bad eyes and had trouble seeing the dashes on the acog. My price range is whatever is good for the gun is good for me.

Leds are very bright - I have a 220 lumen led flashlight I use for hunting.

This wont be my varmint rifle as I live in PA and semis are a no no unfortunately. I did just get this past week a Rem 700 VSF 22-250 for coyote.

Reading the manual or paperwork that came with the rifle it said dont go higher then 55 grain - I know there are a lot higher grain bullets out there in the 223 and 5.56 any reason they list that?

 

[Strangedays]

Re: New to Ars

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hoov15</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> lot higher grain bullets out there in the 223 and 5.56 any reason they list that? </div></div>
You can shoot 223 out of a 5.56 but you cannot shoot 5.56 in a .223 So check your barrel and make sure of what ammo it can handle.

 

[Hoov1015]

Re: New to Ars

The paperwork said the Police Special can shoot 5.56

and can someone tell me what the difference in ballistics is between the two rounds.

 

[DP425]

Re: New to Ars

Max pressure is higher, thus the potential for velocity is higher. .223 can be fired in a 5.56 chamber but 5.56 cannot be fired in a .223 chamber.

 

[DP425]

Re: New to Ars

a good all-around scope would be somewhere around 1-4x or 1-6x. If you're going to be shooting more in the 400-600m range, consider up to 10x. Check out the Vortex Viper PST line; seems well suited to you with a good bang for your buck while still being quality.

 

[Maestro Pistolero]

Re: New to Ars

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Max pressure is higher, thus the potential for velocity is higher. .223 can be fired in a 5.56 chamber but 5.56 cannot be fired in a .223 chamber. </div></div>When in doubt, always follow this advice. But it is not always true. Check with the manufacturer. Some .223 chamberings can handle it fine. The consequences of being wrong are severe.

 

[Bowhntr6pt]

Re: New to Ars

Best thing you can do to start off right is to take a carbine course from a good instructor/schoollass, you will get to see a variety of optics, rails, etc and get an idea of what you liek and do not like.

Better yet, you may even get to shoot another rifle and actually get to try out a specific piece of gear.

As a Patrol Rifle Instructor, I can not stress how important good training is. Learn to do it right the first time.

 

[Hoov1015]

Re: New to Ars

I have to search but I do not know of a lot of classes where I am located. I am hopefully going to get some good info from my friends in the military and they can help me out a little as well.

Some said an acog would be a good choice. My first order of business is to take this thing down and put it back together again a few times till I know how she works and operates. Then I am going to go shoot with just the iron sights and move on from there.

I will check out that viper line for sure.

 

[jbailey]

Re: New to Ars

Without a class close by, you can always head for the books. I recommend this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Green-Eyes-Black-R...3875&sr=8-1

SGM Lamb knows his stuff. Green Eyes Black Rifles will teach you a ton of the basics that you can go out and practice yourself.

The choice of an optic is based on your intended use. I didn't see too much about what you are hoping to do with the rifle, so I'm not exactly sure what optic to recommend. A good 1-4x or 1-6x is a great all around choice.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: New to Ars

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maestro</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Max pressure is higher, thus the potential for velocity is higher. .223 can be fired in a 5.56 chamber but 5.56 cannot be fired in a .223 chamber. </div></div>When in doubt, always follow this advice. But it is not always true. Check with the manufacturer. Some .223 chamberings can handle it fine. The consequences of being wrong are severe. </div></div>
There is much flawed in your comment. I agree to always follow your owners manual and what the manufactuer says but there is never a time to shoot a 5.56 in a .223 chamber and say some handle it fine.
Truth is they do not handle it fine that is why it is common sense not to practice such.
The only time a .223 can handle 5.56 is if its a <span style="color: #FF0000">.223 WYLDE</span> match chamber.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: New to Ars

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">welcome.....

complete your profile

do not take pictures of your trash and post them with shag carpet in the back ground


consider taking a decent rifle course.......get some good glass and stay tuned here........

</div></div>

And take the discussion where it belongs -

http://www.ar15.com/

 

[Strangedays]

Re: New to Ars

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">welcome.....

complete your profile

do not take pictures of your trash and post them with shag carpet in the back ground


consider taking a decent rifle course.......get some good glass and stay tuned here........

</div></div>

And take the discussion where it belongs -

http://www.ar15.com/

</div></div>
Last I checked this was the Semi-Auto thread? Why would you send people over to the dumb nuts at BARFCOM?

 

[VYD]

Re: New to Ars

Sounds like you have some extensive homework to do. I find it strange to start off with an AR platform without knowing anything about it. Get a bolt .22

If manual says nothing heavier than 55 gr but the barrel has an 8 twist, then it's either the manual's authors are ex-plumbers or you have a slower twist (higher number).

You need to read up on differences between 5.56 Nato and .223 Rem. Nato specs vs. Saami. Different twist rates and what they do. Limitations of the round and its history. Get familiar with mechanics of an AR platform and start working on your shooting fundamentals with a small bore BOLT gun. Expensive scopes like the one you mentioned, will NOT make you a better shooter. Get yourself a Nikon, Leupold, Vortex, Bushnell Elite, or SWFA. And yes, the rifle is more capable than you are so don't even question that ever again...And oh, the LAST thing you need to worry about right now are accessories: lights, lasers, NV, slings, mag couplers, and all other crap you think you need.

 

[500grains]

Re: New to Ars

If people seem grouchy to you, just ignore it. Often people seem much harsher on the internet than they intend.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hoov15</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


I just recently bought a Les Baer Police Special - I was wondering honestly what kind of rifle I got - I know some basics but the quality seemed so much better then that of a DPMS or Bushmaster. </div></div>

Les Baer makes good stuff. His AR15 will be reliable and accurate, Just keep it lubed. Other than a high end custom maker like Les Baer, there are just a handful of companies making quality AR15 combat rifles:

BCM
Colt
Daniel Defense
Noveske
LMT
KAC


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What I really am wanting to know is where do I go from here - what kind of stuff should I look to add to this rifle. Scopes lights all that stuff. Another thing is what ammo to push through the gun.

</div></div>

First, buy 1000 rounds of Federal XM193 ball ammo. Go to a range where you can move around and shoot undisturbed. Put up silhouette targets. Move to different positions. Shoot every round carefully as though your life depended on it. Practicing shooting quick and missing will just train you to miss in a fight. You may want to break this up into 3 range sessions. Focus on sight picture, smooth trigger pull and hitting your target.

Second, buy the Magpul carbine video, part I, watch it, then repeat 1000 rounds (or more) using what you learned on the video.

Third, if you are itching for an optic, buy one now. There are a lot of optics to choose from but very few that I would bother with. I recommend putting your optic on a Larue quick release mount. Go to www.laruetactical.com where you can get the mount and optic as a package. I would consider:

1. Eotech XPS 65/1 reticle
2. Aimpoint M3 or M4 or M4s
4. Trijicon ACOG 4x Army Rifle Combat Optic.

All these are available from Laru

Fourth, with your optic installed, repeat the drills from #2 with 1000 rounds, 5000 or whatever you feel you can afford.

Fifth, register for a QUALITY combat carbine course from a place like Magpul, Larry Vickers, Kyle Lamb (Viking Tactics), etc.

Sixth, return and practice another 10,000 rounds.

Repeat.

When you get to 10,000 rounds, replace the bolt in your gun. When you get 50,000 rounds, replace the recoil buffer and buffer spring. If you have to replace the barrel, get a chrome lined one from Noveske or Centurion arms.

As for a flashlight, avoid the fancy rigs like that gigantic and heavy surefire vertical foregrip thing, or large lights with cords and tape switches. They are just a pain in the ass and get caught on stuff, which is why you can find them used for a big discount. A Surefire X300 will be great, it is light, and it is compact.

http://www.surefire.com/X-SeriesWeaponLights

If you cannot afford a top quality optic as listed above, don't buy any. Just save and wait.

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: New to Ars

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strangedays</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Last I checked this was the Semi-Auto thread? Why would you send people over to the dumb nuts at BARFCOM?
</div></div>

Much better place to bitch slap each other over the virtues of 556 and 223 chambers.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: New to Ars

Read your manual again. It specifically states that you can shoot 5.56 as well as .223. I think the difference is more chamber dimensions than pressure. .556 isn't that much hotter.
Your rifle has the same twist rate as mine. It allows you to shoot bullets from 55gr to 77gr.

Jim

 

[Tengu]

Re: New to Ars

The diffrence in chamber pressure between .223 and 5.56 can be do to a variety of reasons. Bullet type/weight, powder composition, seating depth, primer make up, ect. Not just case volume.

Toys for your gun? Maybe a .22lr converson kit to fit inside your gun? They have them but never had my hands on one. Personaly I don't know why you wouldn't just use the battle sites with tritium for night shooting. But thats just me.

Practice is much more important. If you can't practice then knowledge will have to make up for lack of experience, I guess. Follow your shooting steps and remember slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Aim to be abidextrous with your rifle. You don't know what kind of conditions you'll be shooting in an emergency (if thats your intention for use: defense) so might as well prepare for the worst, and do your best.

The gun doesn't make a distintion between practice and combat so neither should you. Good luck on your training/shooting endeavors.

 

[Hoov1015]

Re: New to Ars

Thanks so much for all the info. To answer some things - I bought the ar as for a few basic reasons.

1. I like to shoot -they are fun to shoot
2. Defense if the worst should happen
3. I go off to work for 7 months decided to buy one just in case the crappy govt decided to ban sales of ars.

_9H AR15.com - nty I am in the topic appropriate thread and I like this forum.

VYD - You might find it strange but I have shot before know some basics but wanted to buy a AR for above said reasons. Can I learn what I need and how to perform with the weapon - I think so. Ive already striped it down cleaned it and put it back together and took it a part reassembled to learn the gun.

Also I never said I was throwing an ACOG on there...

500 - Thanks for the advice. I plan on shooting when and where I can. I know practice makes perfect just from my line of work and even in every day life. I am not just going to go pull the trigger to hear the thing go bang. I am serious about trying to learn some good marksmanship skills. I have ordered the vol 1 of the tactical carbine dvds its winter and why not.

Pepper - I know I can shoot 5.56 I was just asking what the difference was between the two.

Thank you Shinobi for the info.

I will be going out to shoot today or tomorrow so I will let ya know how that goes.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: New to Ars

SAAMI lists the .223 at 50,000 cup and the 5.56 at 60,000 cup. The chamber for a rifle in .223 also has a shorter leade than a rifle chambered in 5.56. A rifle chambered for 5.56 can safely shoot .223 but a .223 can't safely shoot a 5.56.
I don't remember if the Les Baer barrel is stamped 5.56 but the manual list 5.56 as being OK in this rifle. I wasn't sure if you had the manual or not.

Jim

 

[samnev]

Re: New to Ars

Hoov15,
Your spot on, your post belongs here on the Semi board. I first went the $1400 TA31RCOM4 route on one of my AR's. Then wasn't satisfied with the groups I could get with a 4X scope. Great scope for combat not so great for target shooting IMO. So for a few $$$ I bought a NightForce 3.5-15X50 NXS. usually use it on lower power range and been very happy with it. Several friends who don't need the extra magnification have have gone to the NightForce 1-4X24 NXS for thier AR's and been happy with them. That said I still have a TAO1 ACOG on my M16A1 and am happy with it there.
Welcome to the board.

 

[Hoov1015]

Re: New to Ars

Thanks Santo for the welcome - Im turning over and over again either a combat optic or something more for target shooting. 3.5-15 would be awesome with an ar I think. I will just have to check out the different options if I can find some at some dealers and look and see what will be practical for me.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: New to Ars

There is a setup that uses a 3x magnifier that can be swun out of the way and is used with a reddot sight. That might be an option. It give quick sighting for close fast shooting and the magnifier for longer range shooting.

Jim

 

[Hoov1015]

Re: New to Ars

If you dont mind me asking who makes it - ? All I think I am looking for is a small magnification for 100-200 yard shots at max - took it out today and shot at a steel rotating target from 50 yards with just the iron sights. Must say its accurate and a blast to shoot. I was hitting regularly.

I am sure someone with better vision and gun skills could do better but I was happy for the first time out with this weapon.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: New to Ars

There may be others but Aimpoint seems to be the brand I read the most threads about. I think it's the Aimpoint M4 and the Aimpoint 3x magnifier.

Jim