AR Platform, Something Else Or Nothing?

[Dr. Evil]

I own a shotgun and two pistols. During these uncertain times (lol, hate that saying) I was thinking of possibly getting a rifle of some sort. With the possibility of Harris/Biden, civil unrest, etc., what if any would you recommend. Trying to stay $1000 or less. I understand that for home security the shotgun is best overall especially when it comes to penetration of my own home walls and having other houses around me so as to limit collateral damage. Although one sees unrest in liberal cities and there is always a possibility of it spreading especially with this election fiasco, I can't say I am expecting this in the area. BLM was shut down months ago when they tried to start issues in Poughkeepsie (I live in Ulster on the other side of the Hudson). I understand bad stuff can happen anywhere but in saying that odds are not in its favor where I am. I don't hunt, target shoot much or compete so why would I want an AR platform rifle? What purpose would it serve? When at work and running about I carry a pistol and when at home I have my pistols and my shotgun. Purely based on needs is there any purpose for looking into a rifle? I just don't want to spend money on something I am trying to justify a need for if there isn't one especially the fact that here in New Yorkistan it will be neutered. If you think there is, what rifle and why. Thanks ahead of time. BTW, I looked at something that didn't fall into the category here as a illegal rifle. IIRC it was "another firearm" or "other firearm." Company was out of CT and since it didn't technically fall into the category based on certain features it had or didn't have it didn't need to be neutered. I'm sure at some point the those in charge will catch on and it will be illegal lol. It was about $1000 but with tax, sights, etc around $1500. Same caliber as an AR.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Because one more out there is one more that they'd have to account for and go get?

Because its a reasonably accurate semi-auto in a fairly flexible caliber with little recoil and (not now but usually) readily available and reasonably priced ammo?

Because you can build it yourself and have the satisfaction of doing so as well as the knowledge of the inner workings that come along with that process?

Because its modular as hell and can be upgraded over time if you want or leave it bone stock and have a decent rifle?

Because Mini 14 magazines are expensive?

Because it's America's rifle and you're American?

 

[Blimey]

Because merica.

But truly for your needs you are covered by the sounds of it.

 

[BuffNiag]

PC carbine seems like the obvious answer.

As a New Yorker, I no longer see the appeal of an AR. Sad but true. I do not like the goofy stocks or fixed mags.

 

[BDinPutnam]

oh PS: because you're not truly a gun guy until you've spent an hour crawling around on the carpet looking for a detent and spring that skyrocketed into the stratosphere during a build...

 

[Dr. Evil]

Actually, this was it. Doesn't have to be neutered like buying an AR and making changes to be NY legal. Thoughts?

CT4-2A OTHER FIREARM - DELTA LEVEL DEFENSE

DELTA LEVEL DEFENSE CT4-2A OTHER FIREARM

www.deltaleveldefense.com

 

[dsdmmat]

oh PS: because you're not truly a gun guy until you've spent an hour crawling around on the carpet looking for a detent and spring that skyrocketed into the stratosphere during a build...

Launched the buffer retaining pin last night. Didn’t find the spring until this morning. Good thing for hardwood floors.

 

[dsdmmat]

Actually, this was it. Doesn't have to be neutered like buying an AR and making changes to be NY legal. Thoughts?

CT4-2A OTHER FIREARM - DELTA LEVEL DEFENSE

DELTA LEVEL DEFENSE CT4-2A OTHER FIREARM

www.deltaleveldefense.com

Your original question really depends on what you are comfortable with and if you want cross compatibility. If one of your pistols is a glock 9mm go for the Ruger PCC In 9mm. If you are worried about the bullet exiting your house with a rifle or pistol round look for frangible bullets. In the PRNY your options are limited and 10round magazines are not ideal for HD but it is what it is for now.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Your original question really depends on what you are comfortable with and if you want cross compatibility. If one of your pistols is a glock 9mm go for the Ruger PCC In 9mm. If you are worried about the bullet exiting your house with a rifle or pistol round look for frangible bullets. In the PRNY your options are limited and 10round magazines are not ideal for HD but it is what it is for now.

S&W M&P9C and a Walther PPS 9mm. Would you still consider the Ruger PCC?

 

[dsdmmat]

S&W M&P9C and a Walther PPS 9mm. Would you still consider the Ruger PCC?

I would see if you can find at least 5 glock 17 or 19 magazines for it first. A home defense gun with one mag is planning to fail.

 

[Celt]

If you have glock handguns, a PCC that runs glock mags is a good companion. Your HD situation is covered, but a carbine that has extra range is good for SHTF. You can have it NY compliant for when you must and change it when you need to.

 

[dsdmmat]

You can actually modify the S&P magazines to fit the Ruger PCC

M&P Mag adapter for Ruger PC Carbine? - Calguns.net

M&P Mag adapter for Ruger PC Carbine? Centerfire Rifles - Semiautomatic or Gas Operated

www.calguns.net

 

[togmaster]

You won't need it until you need it. Buy a rifle.

 

[Dr. Evil]

OK. AR or Other firearm or Ruger PC?

 

[togmaster]

OK. AR or Other firearm or Ruger PC?

All of the above. Personally I would start with an AR built from a striped lower.

 

[Dr. Evil]

All of the above. Personally I would start with an AR built from a striped lower.

I'm lazy lol. No interest in building my own as well as I'm wet behind the ears related to doing such.

 

[PutnamCharlie]

Actually, this was it. Doesn't have to be neutered like buying an AR and making changes to be NY legal. Thoughts?

CT4-2A OTHER FIREARM - DELTA LEVEL DEFENSE

DELTA LEVEL DEFENSE CT4-2A OTHER FIREARM

www.deltaleveldefense.com

I have two of these and you certainly wouldn't be disappointed if you bought one. If they do get FUAC banned you can always modify them to be compliant. But until then you will have a great set up.

 

[Steal2B]

Based on your post, my suggestions would be to focus as much on conceal carry for self defense 24/7 for both you and Mrs Dr Evil as much as I would for home defense.

With the listing of a shotgun and 2 handguns, I'm curious if your best approach is how you team up with Mrs DrEvil.

If you have a long 12ga shotgun, you may want to consider a shorter tactical shotgun in a smaller guage if Mrs DrEvil is not comfortable handling or using what you already have. Is your shotgun short enough to comfortably navigate through the hallways of your home, is Mrs Dr Evil comfortable using the shotgun, do you have spare shells mounted on the shotgun, do you want a tactical light mounted on the shotgun, have you trained using an empty shotgun in a hand to hand combative situation, have you trained rolling a new shell in to an empty chamber under stress? Mrs DrEvil could likely also become quite adept with the suggested 9mm PCC if she does not yet have her permit.

With the two handguns you have listed, are you AND Mrs DrEvil carrying 24/7? If not, my suggestion may be to look there.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Based on your post, my suggestions would be to focus as much on conceal carry for self defense 24/7 for both you and Mrs Dr Evil as much as I would for home defense.

With the listing of a shotgun and 2 handguns, I'm curious if your best approach is how you team up with Mrs DrEvil.

If you have a long 12ga shotgun, you may want to consider a shorter tactical shotgun in a smaller guage if Mrs DrEvil is not comfortable handling or using what you already have. Is your shotgun short enough to comfortably navigate through the hallways of your home, is Mrs Dr Evil comfortable using the shotgun, do you have spare shells mounted on the shotgun, do you want a tactical light mounted on the shotgun, have you trained using an empty shotgun in a hand to hand combative situation, have you trained rolling a new shell in to an empty chamber under stress? Mrs DrEvil could likely also become quite adept with the suggested 9mm PCC if she does not yet have her permit.

With the two handguns you have listed, are you AND Mrs DrEvil carrying 24/7? If not, my suggestion may be to look there.

I am the only one with the permit besides my older son who is currently home now and has his permit. I am always carrying outside the home. Wife likes having guns around but has no desire getting a permit or shooting them. I have a Winchester SXP 12 gauge. Thanks for the suggestions. Just ordered a spare mounted shell holder and a light/mount.

 

[Steal2B]

Wife likes having guns around but has no desire getting a permit or shooting them

My wife was the same until we had an attempted home invasion.

We were both subsequently suprised to find how many women friends and family we had who in fact were concealed carriers and recreational shooters. It just never came up until after that night.

Do yourself a favor, and see if you can find another woman to win her over to learning and handling firearms. There are two things going in your favor .. 1) If introduced with friends she will likely become addicted 2) My guess is when the true realities of violent crime risks in the Hudson Valley are understood (yup, Highland) her mama bear protective instincts will take over.

BTW, my wife may now be the most accurate handgun and rifle shooter I have seen

 

[Dr. Evil]

My wife was the same until we had an attempted home invasion.

We were both subsequently suprised to find how many women friends and family we had who in fact were concealed carriers and recreational shooters. It just never came up until after that night.

Do yourself a favor, and see if you can find another woman to win her over to learning and handling firearms. There are two things going in your favor .. 1) If introduced with friends she will likely become addicted 2) My guess is when the true realities of violent crime risks in the Hudson Valley are understood (yup, Highland) her mama bear protective instincts will take over.

BTW, my wife may now be the most accurate handgun and rifle shooter I have seen

SHHHHHHH. I am in my underground lair. Don't know what this "Highland" thing is you refer to.

 

[Dr. Evil]

I have two of these and you certainly wouldn't be disappointed if you bought one. If they do get FUAC banned you can always modify them to be compliant. But until then you will have a great set up.

I see this is available in 9mm too. Only takes Glock mags.

 

[kev74]

I'd say go for an AR with a Thordsen stock and no muzzle brake.

If you're willing to reconsider putting together at least the lower, you could put together a nice basic rifle for under $700.

 

[Dr. Evil]

I'd say go for an AR with a Thordsen stock and no muzzle brake.

If you're willing to reconsider putting together at least the lower, you could put together a nice basic rifle for under $700.

My oldest could probably help me. He won't be home until Monday. Any links for what I would need? Not familiar with the process.

 

[kev74]

My oldest could probably help me. He won't be home until Monday. Any links for what I would need? Not familiar with the process.

Thruway in Walden has (or had 2 weeks ago- haven't been there since) lowers and lower parts kits in stock. If you buy the lower from a local shop, you don't have to pay extra for a transfer.

You can get the Thordsen stocks form Thordsen (sometimes they have blem or clearance sales) or Brownells, or pick up one used here or on ebay.

The upper (complete upper, assembled with bolt & carrier group) you can get where ever. I have a couple from Bear Creek Arsenal that are basic, inexpensive, and shoot well. There are also tons of deals on guns.deals. Then replace the muzzle break with a screw on cap with the "permanent" adhesive of your choice.

If you want a complete rifle, go see Frank at Wallkill River Small Arms (Rt. 300 & Plains Rd). He's a good guy and has nice stuff.

If you decide to assemble your own, you'll get plenty of coaching here. If you need a hand, I'm down in Orange Co. - not too far.

Edit.... You'll also need a buffer assembly.

 

[PutnamCharlie]

Yea They make a 9mm and I was close to buying it but their price went to 2k. I decided to build my own for about 800.

I see this is available in 9mm too. Only takes Glock mags.

 

[Vapor]

Honestly...

I'm shocked to see you make a gun post. This is a start in the right direction.


Ok,

Normal ar vs mini? That probably tips in favor of the stoner gun.

Mini-14 vs thordsen stocked ar? Wow, having owned several of both before the boating accident, I actually give the nod to the mini, especially in NY. You can still mount any optic, mags are about $17/each for 10 round pro mags (they work in my experience) , and skinner sights now makes a light mount that is of good quality. The stock is actually comfortable in all positions, and accuracy in the 580 series is excellent. Ergos on a thordsen suck. Prone puts your wrist at an odd angle, holding it up with firing hand during reload is uncomfortable, and you WILL need an ambi safety.


A Thordsen stock is a place holder for shft or when you move. It's not a good solution for real world self defense.


That is just my $0.02 after shooting the two systems in NY for 7 years.

 

[tirwin1]

Launched the buffer retaining pin last night. Didn’t find the spring until this morning. Good thing for hardwood floors.

Doesn't have to be for a rifle. The first time I went to reassemble my colt 1911 the spring launched and it took me a while to find it on my dark blue carpet. Bought 2 replacement springs right after that lol.

 

[Calculon]

The "others" are great but you may be hard pressed to get one under $1k. A rifle in a different caliber lets you diversify a bit in when ammo hard to find/expensive. For home defense they will be LOUD inside the house but considering the alternative presented by the threat it's a fair trade off. The shorter profile is an advantage indoors. A full size AR works well too just a longer setup. The key IMO is the detachable magazine. Features are great but limit you to 10 rounds with a fixed mag. Never had a Mini so I won't comment.

A 9mm PCC is a great idea especially if you can share mags. A bit less intimidating to use (less noise and recoil) for those unfamiliar with the platform.

In either case with home defense as the primary role, throw a red dot on and you're GTG.

As far as assembling I have tools I can lend you. You're a smart guy and will have no trouble with it.

 

[Modean]

My oldest could probably help me. He won't be home until Monday. Any links for what I would need? Not familiar with the process.

You tube has lots of videos on building. That’s how I built my first. Didn’t buy any of the specialized tools either. It can be done with basic hand tools.