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Hey, wow, that's pretty awesome of SS. I don't mean to denigrate either establishment as they both have their pros and cons, but it is pretty awesome to see SS providing for the community.

PK and CSJ, really nice. What color is the furniture on yours, csj? I'm really digging it.

To start, "frankenguns" tend to have the most issues. If a person gets a quality factory model, that usually goes a long way-- note that quality does not necessarily equal expensive. As for specific parts, I've had an extractor, gas rings, and charging handle break on me. The extractor and gas rings were on an older and shot-out M16 and M4 respectively that weren't exchanged out by the armorers. I've also seen the extractor break a few other times, notably during BCT. I broke a charging handle on one occasion, though I think it was a fluke. It was after I adopted the one-handed method for manipulating the CH. Maybe that CH had been in service too long, or some muck got it snagged and I applied too much pressure in a certain direction-- I don't know. Other then those, magazines (as someone says in the thread) was the only other issue for me. Cracked lips, springs that were overused, etc. As for a complete BCG/bolt, I don't think having a chrome bolt and the FA-style is necessary... (but nice). I think having an MPI/HPT bolt (both are tests done for mil spec bolts) is though as it confirms the integrity, and disregards sets of possible problems before you even put them in your AR. So, instead of drawing it out, my recommendations are BCM, LMT, and Colt (Note that from my understanding, current S&W are using LMT carriers as well).

I believe they both are Vltor EMODs.

I'm with you, Shane. But I also agree that people are free to spend as they desire. My perspective doesn't even have to do with SHTF or "Rambo" crap. It has to do with depending on materials that are field proven to be reliable on most cases when things do go badly. Yea, life will progress forward, and, frankly, my being prepared will never really manifest itself for the most part. However, whether its a disaster of any kind, or someone breaking into my home and threatening me and my own-- I would have rather taken the extra measures. At the same time, and I've said this repeatedly, I absolutely HATE people who say they would rely on their systems to defend them-- and have never trained for a stress situation. I'm not indicating elitism-- that if someone didn't serve they're less of a person. I'm saying that if a person relies on their firearm(s) to protect them at any level, they better be trained. Why? Otherwise they're a liability, and I do take issue with people like that because they will get an innocent person hurt or even them self. My point here is that if someone is properly trained (through service or courses open to the public) then they will know why its worth spending the extra on certain equipment (as noted in Shane's post). Its not about being "tacticool" or being paranoid... its about application of experience. But hey, people are free to do whatever they want.

Looting? Really? F'in MZBs. The whole point is being responsible. If you get a POS knockoff, and it breaks-- there is no one to blame but yourself for wasting the time and money on a POS. It wouldn't bother me what you opt to go with. I just condone being responsible... meaning, if you're planning on putting a POS optic on a firearm used to defend yourself and/or others, in any situation-- for their sake, I'd hope it was an optic that is known to work in the field. If its just for range duty, as noted, then go with whatever you want. I'm not saying you have to buy anything ridiculous and end up with a rifle that's worth more then your vehicle. But there are aspects on a weapon system that shouldn't be done cheaply, and optics is one of those things.

Ha, I was about to say the same thing that RayRay probably put it up himself! Regardless, that's pretty awesome. The "XOXO" is a nice touch, thanks, Matt

I've heard there is also the parallax issue. I understand that all red dots are not truly "parallax free," the name brand ones, like Aimpoint, are better engineered and are as close as possible. Important because with both-eyes open shooting, with the parallax off, you will not be placing your shots where you want. That would take away from the fun of target shooting, or be a liability in a situation. I think the PA red dots are great for .22 or training firearms-- but on your actual rig, go with the real deal (PA will say the same thing). Primary Arms is a great company to deal with by the way. I've been purchasing a lot of my stuff through them for a few years now-- and their customer service and shipping is probably the best I've seen in the industry (considering the size of the company). ETA: Botach has a decent deal going on right now for genuine H-1s. With one of the coupons (stimulus), its 10%, and the other is 15% (I think its 'twitter', though not sure if its still active). So, for a mount (that you'll probably replace) and an H-1, its $495-- with the discounts, it can be as low as $420 + SH. Botach has had terrible customer service in the past, but when I was browsing another forum-- a rep from them actually posted that they wanted to make amends. Basically, after you put through your order (or before), contact dan @ botachtactical . net (no spaces ofc), and let him know-- and he will personally make sure it goes through, and let you know when it ships out. Sometimes its better to contact him prior to make sure everything is in stock, etc. Correspondence was quick and easy for me, and I ended up saving 150-200+ on my H-1.

Would public executions be much of a deterrent in this day and age? Unless a person is there, smelling the thick blood and feces in the air, I would doubt that it would do much. As for it costing more to execute someone vs. keeping them locked up-- are you including their time on death row? That's the only way it could total up (but if they're on death row, and not in the physical act of being executed-- that's incarceration, right?).

I'm not a glass guy, so, I'm sure Maks can sell you on some Nikon ( :shifty: ), jk! But as for rests, some guys prefer to sit on the bench, some prefer to be in the dirt. I wouldn't mind shooting on the bench if it was more comfortable for me, and I learned how to shoot from the prone anyway. Do what makes you naturally comfortable. I would also use sand bags myself if I had any, but I just use one of my range bags as an improvised rest anyway. If you're really into distance shooting, maybe looking into the whole ballistics and ammo thing could fit your niche. I'm not going to go into specifics with ballistics because there are far more knowledgeable people then me regarding that stuff. But it'd be a good idea anyway considering the type of ammunition is a huge component of accurate shooting/"tack driving." Good luck.

Jackie Earle Haley is awesome in that gritty, no-nonsense type of way. I really enjoy his character on Human Target (the show on Fox I think). As for the movie, eh, maybe. I'm not that old at all, but it seems like my entire youth is already in the process of being remade (aka trashed). The concept behind Freddy always fascinated me the most. Jason had some Freudian issues; once I got past the fact that Chucky was simply a doll I stopped checking under my bed; etc. Freddy on the other hand... it does play into the whole psyche thing (how Freddy is only kept around because people fear him, etc), but its well done. I think this movie could be done well (I don't know anything about it)... but it could use how social networking is so global now, and from old stories, it somehow leads to Freddy manifesting himself again. Then of course that's just my logical breakdown, and Hollywood is far from logical.

They look like the classic AR nylon sling. Blackhawk has their version: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=133312 And then there is the USGI version: http://blackrifleworks.com/usgi-1-14-he ... p-369.html They both work the same, though I'm not sure of the quality.

I loved that they included something like that. Honestly though, I wouldn't use a strobe setting in an actual HD situation though. Maybe if I didn't have anything but the flashlight I would consider, otherwise... eh. Might as well as use a flashing neon sign as a weapon light instead.

Those types of attachments are great, but only work if the rifle utilizes a castle nut (found in conjunction with telescoping stocks-- fixed or not). Seems like since its NJ, a lot of people opt to go with an A1/A2 type stocks that do not utilize a castle nut. If I still ran a stock that could use one of those, I would have used my Magpul ASAP in a heartbeat. Blackhawk is a decent sling for the money. Nice thing about slings, IMO, they don't need to be anything crazy as long as they function and are [semi] durable. Devs: There are too many to name. I would look into the Blue Force Gear Vickers slings-- expensive, but that brand really focuses on the 2 pt sling design... and apparently do it pretty well. There is always the classic slings... just google universal rifle sling. Those are pretty darn cheap, and function just fine. You can browse something like Bravo Company's list of slings (not all are 2 pt) to get an idea: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Tactical-Slings-s/62.htm

Well, figure out if you want to run a 1 or 2 pt sling first. If you decide to run a 1pt sling first, try out the sling attachment that's included (as it will include the sling swivel as well). Since you're a lefty, you can just place the swivel on the right hand side (it'll make sense once its in your hands) so that the sling doesn't get in the way when you shoulder the rifle. For a 2pt, it'll depend on your current set up. You could still utilize the sling swivel in the manner described above, and then use either the sling swivel included (if your model has one on it already), or buy an aftermarket sling attachment for the rails.

Yea, Chinese invasion... and thanks for sharing, gets me pretty psyched.

RayRay- I'm honestly not that familiar with the ACE stocks. They do seem to have an A1/A2 design, and not utilize a castle nut-- which would immediately eliminate any type of sling mount that is made for telescoping stocks. However, companies like Troy Industries and Tango Down do make sling mounts (only in quick detach swivel form that I know of) for A1/A2-type stocks. From my understanding, the stocks do come with integrated sling swivels, but they look flimsy... but that's my speculation as I've never held one in my hands. Either way, if you can get a mounting system that uses sling swivels, it would benefit you, even as a lefty, because those types of systems can attach on either side for any model by any company.

jhs1970426: - If you want to get one of the attachments that sit on the handguards, I would recommend getting the small rail portions that could be installed on the handguards themselves. The similar alternative to this is getting handguards that are more modular to attaching rail panels that are still cheap (if you aren't interested in investing in 200+ quad rails). I would suggest the Magpul MOE handguards: http://store.magpul.com/product/14/50 (Magpul has actually released their official mini-rails finally for the MOE handguards). - Another alternative is if you have the MP15 ORC model, there is actually an insert at the bottom of the gas block where you can simply place a sling swivel (similar to: http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop ... oduct_id=6). Here's another shot (with the Magpul MOE handguards too). The swivel is attached on the lower portion of the gas block:

The sling attachments depend wholly on the sling itself. I'll try to cover the bases, but no promises here... If you wanted to go with what you have, depending on what type of stock you have, you could get something that works as simple as looping them through the sling attachment on the fore end and buttstock. This only applies if you have a stock telescoping buttstock with the slot, as shown here: Otherwise there are universal adapters that simply loop on to the buffer tube portion of the butt stock, and then attach to the sling itself (normally through a clip)-- similar to this: http://www.opsgear.com/index/page/produ ... ng+Adapter The more mainstream type of attachments are quick detach (QD) swivels and sling mounts that use slings with "hook" ends. Example of QD swivel: http://tangodown.com/shop/index.php?cPa ... 7887867ee2 Example of sling mount that can use any type sling with an end that hooks in: http://store.magpul.com/product/mag500/100 I run the Tango Down QD swivel mount because, as Caine showed me, its a far better feature that allows for easy on/off-- plus it allows for full rotation, so the sling never gets snagged on itself.

Haha, thanks Maks. But Maks is right, the number refers to how many points of attachment it has to the rifle. Mel is also right, generally speaking. IMO, it comes down to preference. As Mel pointed out, 1-pt are great in an applied situation where you need maneuverability, and possibly the need to switch shoulders on the fly. I like these, especially in the home, mostly because the sling will not get in the way when shouldered and the AR type rifle is light enough that its not a burden when slung. The negatives is that its the type of sling that's mostly for retention purposes, and not really a work-type sling. 2-pt are the classic/original design that a lot of people find comfortable-- especially if the rifle is kept slung for long amounts of time (hiking for example). I dig 2-pt slings, and for the casual person I would recommend it. Its comfortable, and, with the right type of sling, can perform the function that 1-pt slings just as well. A good example would be the Vickers 2-pt slings. Plus, with your current setup, you can easily attach a 2-pt sling without anything else really. The big negative to me is that if you need to shoulder the rifle when its slung, depending on what sling you get, you might have to go through an extra process as the sling would get tangled. 3-pt is an old school design. Most companies don't make 3-pt's anymore because its just too much material, and there are actually 2-pt slings that are functioning virtually the same way. 3-pt slings are the only type I wouldn't recommend. I would recommend anything you find comfortable, keeping in mind what your use of the rifle is. I personally use my rifle for HD purposes, and use a 1-pt sling because of that. What I do stress is that people should have a sling no matter what. Whether you opt to braid one out of 550 or buy one, a sling is to a rifle what a holster is to a pistol. As for brands: Blue Force Gear, Magpul, Gear Sector, Troy Industries, Blackhawk... There are also smaller brands, but equally as durable. An old favorite of mine are the slings from Rocky Mountain Tactical. Just remember that slings need correct sling attachments... so, just be weary of that, or you'll just have some material with no purpose.

Ahaha, darn, I want to see a mall ninja in its natural habitat.

Ugh, I didn't enjoy the IOTV any more then the old IBAs (though I just used those for training, never in the field). I was fortunate enough to be able to field the MBAV, and it was pretty darn slick. Further, the SOP I had to abide by reduced our combat load significantly (for mobility and quarters reasons, not operational per se), so I traveled very light. I have to definitely give my respect and props to you for dealing with that

Yea, those port shelves are terrible, and I often feel a bit uneasy when I un-case and set my rifle on it (though I prop the rifle on the reinforced portion or on the ground [cased and unloaded] with it pointing down range regardless). So, I could imagine putting anything heavier on them would trigger the same type of logical response... and that an accident like this could have been preventable. But hey, glad to hear people are OK.

Yep. Aside from the fact that "Lord of War" was an entertaining film and Nic Cage's best (though I guess that doesn't say much), it does highlight the point that arms trade (legal or not) are boku bucks for nations (and as already noted, many of the permanent member ones for that matter).

Not a rifle, but a squad automatic weapon-- specifically the M249. I never had to hump one around, and the ones I did interact with were the Para or SPW variants.