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Absolutely. As a person who has found God again, I feel so ripped up over this situation. On one hand, injustices of our reality must be addressed. On the other, believers know full-well justice will be dealt. And I don't mean to turn this into a talk of religion, but, for me, it helps me cope with such an unspeakable and tragic event.

I'm just going to put it out there because some of these comments are gross over-generalizations. The comments about a certain generation having massive issues that lead to such problems is overstated-- and really only stoke a fire of misdirection/disinformation. Sure, I might not have taken the road like every other 26 year old I know, having served. However, having been involved in college and other environments where the contemporary generation are involved, we're not all lazy and expect everything on a silver platter. I know plenty of people who have a job or two on top of multiple internships, while putting in 18-21+ credit semesters knowing full well they're overpaying for college, racking up debt, and most likely will receive an entry-level job that barely even requires a college degree. And why? Because its expected. And that to me is reflective of the larger issue in regards to this topic of debate. The discourse surrounding generational differences is the root of many "ism"'s, and regardless of what "old-timers" believe, the contemporary generation is very much aware. The problem that we often times conclude is that no change for the better is feasible as long as the older generation is hardwired in. So, unfortunately, the problem goes both ways in terms of perception. My point? Generational issues are not the root of evils here. However, what I can agree upon is what Lt. Col. Grossman states in his book ("On Killing") where he does talk about how the militarization of society has indeed desensitized the contemporary generation on killing. How the lack of empathy (note: not "awareness") is due to extenuating hegemonic circumstances, similar to those used by marketing companies to push tobacco and crappy foods. This is a generational issue in the sense that the problem was not as prevalent until the Vietnam war and post-Vietnam war era/present day. However, this doesn't pit generation against generation. This is a larger problem of society, and, I'll admit, a lack of faith.

Prayers to those affected, really, really tragic. Unfortunately, like others have said, this is going to have a negative repercussion applied in the wrong way. I do think that there is an issue of increased violence in these contemporary times, but is a result of other things and, of course, not due to the result of an inanimate object. I'm not going to flesh it out because it'd take forever, but anybody who's read Lt. Col Grossman's "On Killing" would be familiar with where I'm going with my comments.

I deserve one of those patches. Mr. Chris Fry can attest to that.

We're all sheep. Lets face it, we all buy into the notions of the hegemonic discourse that has created this beast. The hetereonormative notions that not just the West, but every civilization, is responsible for maintaining plays an enormous factor in the continuing issues that society faces. Its not a matter of being progressive, but making progress. Humanity hasn't done much of that as a whole in recent centuries. So, yea, we're all sheep. And that's ok if you can admit it. Only way that can change then-- otherwise its just a bunch of denial and self-hating. ETA: No, I don't equate the progress of technology as progress of humanity. Not even the slightest. The greatest "evolutionary" change was not the thumbs, IMO, but bipedalism. It wasn't what we could do with our thumbs that distinguished us. It was the hierarchy and self-creating discrimination caused by being able to loom over others. Still see it to this day.

I think its really a matter of history/time. The classic carbine-length gas systems in an AR dates back quite some time, with the more nebulous "M4geries" becoming popular in the early 90s (I want to say 1994). The first commercial midlength was made by, supposedly, Armalite in 2002. But midlengths didn't really start catching on until a few years later. So, there may be other factors, but I think the overwhelming reason why carbine length gas systems are more popular than midlength is due to the hegemonic effects of the market translating unto the masses.

Another thing to add. As important as the actual optic is, don't forget about the mounting. A bad mount can ruin the actual rail system; or obviously lose zero consistently, which is a catastrophic issue, IMO.

Just curious, but what would be the benefit? My experience was with a 15-22 that I owned that had a crowned barrel. I had the choice to get one with a muzzle device/threads, but just didn't see the point-- other then aesthetics, which if that's the case, that's fine, I can understand that.

Like Jay said, its all about what your expectations of the gun you're putting said optic on. The type of use will dictate what kind of optic (red dot vs. scope); what kind of quality; the price point; etc. I do think there are relatively inexpensive quality red dot optics on the market (Primary Arms for example), but there is a reason why people gravitate towards names like Aimpoint. The greatest advantage I see of red dots as a whole is that they allow for a more efficient target acquisition, like was noted by the OP and others. That's not to say that a person can't do the same with irons, or that red dots will magically make someone a better, more efficient shooter. Both take enormous amount of hours of practice. However, as its been said, red dots that are parallax free [as possible]-- and not all are, this is where quality vs. price point comes into play-- allow for more efficient shooting with both eyes open... and really what that means is that a person can better continue to scan downrange even when they're looking through the tube. Parallax also of course plays a part in unorthodox-position shooting as well. ETA: There is still the danger of tunnel-vision with a red dot sight. But I feel this is less mechanical, and more psychological.

All I can really add is that the Troy rear sight that you have linked is pretty good. I got it myself when I first opted to run an irons-only AR (I wanted a fixed sight)... feels bomb-proof, super easy to zero, and has a nice stream-lined look when on the rifle. I recommend it.

great price, great communication, no frills. But would you expect anything less with lunker? Thanks again, Chris!

If a person trains with lasers as much as anything else, why not? But that's the point-- training. Why spend the money on a system that can range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars when that can be put towards training of fundamentals via classes or simply trigger time at the range? I would also say that I don't see the point of a civilian using a NOD/IR laser combo in most realistic situations. I know there are some hi-speed low-light/no-light classes where these are useful, but still. In the end though, its not my money and not my reasoning that matters so I don't really care. ETA: I think there is also a misunderstanding of what lasers are used for by the military (I can't speak for the LEOs as I don't have any experience from that perspective). Systems like the PEQ15A and PEQ2 are designators and illuminators. The Illumination aspect has nothing really to do with the actual laser, so, forget that. The designator function is similar to the concept of tracer rounds. It shows where the rounds are to be put on target at the basic level. But going higher up the tiers, it helps CAS and even overhead systems be able to mark as well. I think video games make them seem like they're for aiming and whatnot, but that's not really the case.

Like the others before me, I too would prefer a mid-length. Mechanically speaking, raz-0 covers it. And the others covered the preferential aspect (felt recoil). The extended sight radius is a plus if one were to run irons. And more interesting, IMO, are the Dissipator systems. The current generation are mostly mid-length systems with a full rifle-length sight radius. Dissy's aren't for everyone, but I really dig'em

As others said, its a carbine length handguard... or more specifically 7'' Also, a bit of rattle is a good thing in an AR. More psychosomatic than an actual issue.

I feel indifferent as the combatants chose the profession of being a warrior, and there are severe consequences if a person stays in said profession for too long (or any amount of time really). They met the wrong end of the spear, and on another day they might have not. I knew that risk like others-- just was smart enough to get out of dodge before it caught up to me. With that said, I'm with the small minority that doesn't necessarily advocate dehumanizing others for the sake of justifying a systematic demise. I don't care if you do, I just don't.

Get those properly grounded Faraday cages ready!

USC without Barkley? Lane Kiffin is as good as his personnel, and beyond his wideouts, he doesn't have much. That's not discounting the freshman that will be starting in Barkley's place, but, c'mon, not being an Irish fan-- I have to admit their defense is quite good. I hate to admit it as I was hoping the SEC would be charlie-bravo'ed out of the national title game this year for once, but I would rather see the best teams on the field regardless.

The movie was suppose to come out in late 2010, and then was pushed to 2011... and finally got a solid release date for this November. MGM went bankrupt a few years back, and this movie, as well as the latest Bond (and some others) were put on the burners. A Chinese group came along to essentially save MGM... and, as its been said, rumors have it that they weren't fans of the fact that the main antagonists were Chinese. Thus, the dialogue and graphics were tweaked to make them DPRK. Is the DPRK as the main protagonist in a film like Red Dawn feasible? Sure. DPRK is known for their prowess of having a fanatical "million man army." But the little known fact is that DPRK's real strength is as a dealer... thus they have access.They might not be crazy enough to launch a multi-pronged attack on a country half-way around the world (who honestly would be in these times?), but they do have the asymmetric warfare capabilities. By outsourcing certain aspects and acquiring certain items, they could legitimately have a chance. I mean, let's be honest, no government, including our own, is THAT good at their jobs... and it just takes a series of "paper cuts" to cause a deluge of chaos. Just look at the cyber-war that has really gotten quite hot in the last decade or so-- you know, the one that our government seemingly doesn't have much of a grasp on [yet].

Nice pics and writeup, Scrap. I have the Magpul kit (in FDE) incoming for my 870, and am that much more looking forward to it. I'm intrigued by the stock because I always prefer shorter stocks as I have shorter arms, but like the flexibility that the Magpul stock offers with the spacers. Also a huge fan of the forend's design with an inherent hand stop, and ability to slap rails on for cost-effective and efficient light mounting solutions. Looks great though to see it up-close via your pics, thanks.

Regarding the OP's original question, he was asking about vendors and not necessarily manufacturers...

Its dependent on your command structure's policies, post commander's policies, and state laws. When I was in Colorado, I was allowed to purchase whatever as long as I had orders in hand. And even when living on post in the B's, I could have personally owned firearms, but they had to be kept at the post armory (which was open 24/7, so I could check them out whenever). With that said, congrats. SC wasn't much fun when I was there, albeit I was out in the sticks during hurricane season.

Yes, you can. Barrels are sold separately from plenty of vendors out there on the interwebz. ETA: for example: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-M16-M4-Barrel-Assemblies-s/3.htm

Hahaha, I had my soul taken by Metzen and crew for longer then I'd like to admit. I was one of those snobs who longed for the days of vanilla WOW once the expac train started rolling down the line, to the point I got tired of it all and shelved it awhile back. These days I hardly have time for any of it, but I use to be pretty involved with the whole community as well as some dev teams. Still mess around with CS:GO (still prefer the 1.6 days, but GO is heads and shoulders better than Source)-- but I haven't spent a dollar on any of the contemporary COD games (get them comped) because they're kind of... crappy, haha. As for console games? Well, I'm glad that the industry is accepting that consoles are not the future anymore...

I totally forgot about RifleGear-- good guys. And its nice to hear that BCM is actually doing custom orders now. When I got my BCM upper in 2010, they were only assembling uppers in bulk-- glad to hear that their services have only gotten better with time.

Another nod for BCM. I would also say Palmetto State Armory with a decent selection, and decent prices. Rainier Arms is another good vendor with a more focused variety of uppers, and prices that are slightly more compared to PSA-- but right on par with BCM.