Considering an AR-15

[newTexan]

I'm pretty new to shooting, so forgive me if some of this is overly simple or obvious.

Over the weekend, I took a rifle course from a training company and shot a bunch of .223 rounds with an AR-15 style rifle (I have no idea the exact rifle model, but I believe it was a Bushmaster). I found it to be a lot of fun and I could pretty easily hit targets reliably at 50 and 100 yards with the built in sights. I've been trying to decide what gun(s) I should purchase soon. I don't own anything yet, but given the political climate and the fun of the AR this weekend, I'm thinking of getting one. However, I've heard they're really difficult to maintain/clean.

So, for those of you who own them....how hard are they to clean and maintain? If you're a somewhat mechanically inclined person who doesn't know a lot about guns, would an AR-15 style rifle be a good choice early in your shooting career?

[WEC]

Welcome to the world of shooting and the forum. I think I speak for the vast majority that it is an extremely rewarding hobby and you'll meet some of the nicest people in your life.

As for my personal experiences... sure, a typical AR-15 is harder to clean/maintain than your typical AK-47 or handgun, but it's not prohibitively so. I may be crazy, but I actually enjoy cleaning my AR. It's a labor of love - like washing your dream car. That being said, the new gas-piston systems like the Patriot Ordinance rifles and the SIG 556 (I realize it isn't an AR-15 per se, but I do think it's in the ballpark) are much easier to clean. I personally bought my first AR back in 1999, kept it relatively unchanged until I caught the AR-15 customization bug a couple of years ago. Since then, I've bought another lower, and I'm in the process of registering both as SBR's and going all out. AR-15's can be a bit of a drain on your wallet, let me state that as the first caveat. You have a lot to learn, from understanding how the gun works, how each part contributes to the overall rifle, and the terminology and vocabulary. It could all be very daunting at first, but there are many online resources that can aid you.

AR15.com is probably the single best site dedicated to the AR-15 on the internet.

This site has been shared on this forum. It's a good place to get started - giving you some knowledge about the rifle.

Overall, I find AR-15's very rewarding, but YMMV.

[BobCat]

WEC is right about AR-15.com - lots of information and links to advertisers, go slow and don't choke since there is a lot of information there.

Cleaning and maintaining an AR-15 is not difficult at all. A good cleaning rod and a bore guide help, but none of it is difficult at all. Do not let the idea that it is difficult to clean and mainain deter you at all - it is not true.

The AR-15 is a very versatile platform - you can shoot NRA Service Rifle with one, build a match rifle on the same platform, shoot 3-gun matches, shoot varmints, shoot paper informally, or use one for defense. There are all kinds of parts and accessories available for them, if you want to spend money and make one just the way you want it.

Have fun!

Regards,
Andrew

[WarHawk-AVG]

There is a reason it is the most prolific firearm in America

If it didn't work..our troops wouldn't have it, and when they get home and get out..they get a civilian version..says alot about a weapon system!

Did you see my "Sub $600" AR build link??

[dihappy]

Id like to start getting some stuff together for an AR myself.

How about a link to that build :)

[Dan20703]

The gun is given to young recruits that initially (some of them) know nothing about guns and they learn every bit necessary to defend our country with them. If you are mechanically inclined you will admire the design and operation of this fine tool. Learning about it will be fun. As WEC stated, cleaning it is enjoyable to me but then that is the way I feel about all my guns. I look at it more like a religious experience than a chore. Wait............... Maybe I'm sharing too much here............

[WarHawk-AVG]

Id like to start getting some stuff together for an AR myself.

How about a link to that build :)

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... 87&t=19654" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;