Ace08066

Hey man, if that was an invitation count me in! lol, I've been looking for someone experienced that would join me on my first hunt. At the moment I was planning on going for varmint like squirrels and groundhogs simply to "start small" since I don't know anyone who is willing to teach me field dressing, skinning, butchering, etc. I've watched probably 20 hours worth of Youtube videos on field dressing various game, but believe me I understand 100% it's going to be completely different when I actually get into it. I've wanted to hunt since I was a kid, but although my dad taught me how to shoot he wasn't into hunting at all. I have a few friends that claim to be "hunters", but they've known I've wanted to get into it for years and I've never gotten an invite. Maybe they just don't want a new guy coming along... lol either way I'm at the point now I'm just going to go for it. I was just disappointed that the "hunter education" videos were 90% about firearms safety and politics and only a 6 minute video on field dressing and actual hunting.

I suppose I am being a bit complacent... I don't mean to, I just find 80% of the material they cover in these videos to be either matters of common sense or things that should really be well known before even considering a hunting license... I mean proper handling and usage of firearms is something in its self. If someone doesn't know how to safely load, hold and fire a firearm, they shouldn't be seeking a firearm hunting permit... They should be seeking range training. I think the biggest point is if someone is in the process of learning how to use a firearm, they shouldn't be learning from a 24 minute video made in 1990... Maybe I'm just disappointed... I mean I was expecting to learn all about field dressing, different types of game, etc... You know, actually learn about hunting... Instead it was 2 hours worth of videos on overly dumbed-down firearm safety and politics.

Gah... This is the first I'm hearing of a study guide... lol Honestly this is pathetic. Another failed attempt at something by New Jersey. I mean, "Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction" is a "step" to loading? I may just be part of a select few, but isn't keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction pretty much just part of common sense handling of a firearm? "Choose the proper shotgun shell for the firearm"?! Don't you do that when you're BUYING the ammo? My god this state is full of idiots... Which is probably why this course is what it is. Made for idiots, by idiots. I'm just glad this workbook isn't graded... Thank GOD they actually test you on real-life loading, firing and accuracy as well as real-life field application of the overly dumbed down crap I've been forced to watch unfold before my eyes. I mean, the one video... Who in the world would use their loaded firearm as a walking stick to cross a fence... I mean at some point someone had to blow their head off, otherwise they wouldn't feel the need to depict such a silly action... right? lol

Hey fellers. I'm all for safety and learning by the numbers... But some of the questions in the end area of this workbook are just silly. One asks me the seven steps to loading a shotgun... Doesn't specify break-action, lever, pump... I mean even the most complex of rifles doesn't have seven steps to loading... I'm signed up to take the course at the Quinton site next Wednesday the 27th, so I'm trying to get my ducks in a row before I go... Basically, my question to you experienced hunters is: Is this workbook something they're going to scrutinize and "grade" to decide if I pass/fail, or is it just something I have to have to fill out and forget? Because even after re-watching the grueling 24 minute video on Shotguns I have yet to imagine how someone could fathom there are seven steps to loading a firearm... Let alone some of the other questions at the end of this thing. I mean this is made for someone who is going in with absolutely no clue, never touched a gun in their life.... right?

Thanks, Eric. I saw quite a few youtube videos showing what you describe, and I can see it's a pretty easy off, but there were two major points that were in play leading to my decision to just hack it off. #1: I don't like the mil sights. I was accurate with them, but they're just anoying to me. I'd put a $30 RDS on it. and #2: Why waste $30 on a low profile block when I can just hack off the sight i'll never use anyway? Especially when I'm going to inevitably cover it with a free-float anyway.

That's the plan. The drop-in rail is just temporary. I picked it up for $25. The free float kit I want is $189. I figured I'd hack it off now because I don't like the mil sights anyway, and it's one less thing I have to screw around with when I get the free float rail.

Hey fellers. The only SJ range I've experienced so far is Range-14 and I had a blast there. Seems extremely well-run, I like how you can put a target anywhere on the field, and I probably spent more on sodas than I did on ammo... I thought shooting at paper was fun. Nothing quite as satisfying as blowing sh*t up... But I was a *little* dissapointed... See I previously purchased myself 20 cans of something a little more ... explosive ... than soda, and ofc I asked the guy at R-14 if I could use them before I did and he said no. So right now I'm debating over joining SJSC or USANA, but neither of their websites mention allowing/disallowing reactive targets. I can already tell I'm going to be more into shooting at other-than-paper targets... So I'm pretty much searching for the most liberal range/club to join as far as *what* I can violently disassemble. Maybe a range that will let me set up my slow motion camera and catch some cool shots of things going boom? SJSC's site says "Plinking on 50 yard range only", so I'm guessing simply because they limit it to 50 yards they're probably not going to allow reactives... Which is disappointing because I had really wanted to join there. Almost hoping a current member will say that's a misprint? Maybe even one in East PA / North DE?

Well, some thoughtful insight as always fellers. Like I said, I know little about reloading - Was just throwing it out there. My buddy who reloads .30-06 has a pretty cool setup and is fairly anal about his calibration... I remember him measuring powder like ten times then getting pissed off if one of us looked at the thing too hard. Doubt he'd be interested in letting me use his rig But I'm not really enthused about reloading - I just got 500 rounds for $120, I'm fairly happy about that and as long as there's no problems I'll probly order the 1k box for $230. I don't shoot competitively (yet) so I'm not even interested in reloading. Post was strictly trying to help you guys out and get a few rounds in return. Honestly - the casings aren't worth *that* much in brass scrap, so if any of you are close to Paulsboro and would like this bag of brass you can have it. Free ofc.

Just thought I'd throw this out there... I have ~320 American Eagle 5.56 brass casings, once-fired from my AR last Wednsday at Range-14. I initially collected them to save for the scrap yard but if any of you reload 5.56 and might be interested in hooking me up with some reloads in exchange for all the casings let me know. I don't know what the cost of reloading is, but I figure 1 - 6 would be fair? I'll give you 320 once-fired casings, you give me 50 reloads? I have a buddy who reloads but he only shoots .30-06. I just ordered 500 brown bear steel case rounds, so I won't be poppin' brass anytime soon... But if I do buy brass in the future I always save it. I also have a friend sitting on probably close to 2000 once-fired American Eagle .45 ACP brass if any of you reload pistol rounds. Like I said, I don't know what the cost of reloading is... But I have to assume the brass is the most expensive part.

I decided to use CheaperThanDirt.com Just ordered 500 rounds of http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/AMM-2701 yesterday for $120 + $24 shipping. FID and DL scanned and emailed over immediately, reply within 30 minutes confirming order being processed, shipped 30 minutes later. Currently en route from Texas. Just thought I'd share a good experience.

Nice, So I can come tomorrow around 1:30, buy a membership and shoot? I like it. Now I have passed a sign before that said, "Range 14", while working in the area so I'm pretty sure I already know where this is and it's not actually on base, but you don't need to be a service member to shoot here right? I only ask because you said $60(ID Required). You mean regular ID, not mil ID? And by chamber flag, you mean the bright colored thing that goes into the chamber to show the bolt is open right? I have one of those. EDIT: Wait, are you meaning to tell me I can shoot at soda cans? If such is the case I can bring a whole heap of empty beer cans to shoot at... lol

Hey all. I'm going to be joining SJSC the 24th but I'm dieing to shoot my new AR setup and the only outdoor range I've found that doesn't require an orientation (at least according to their website) is Range-14. So, I'll be off tomorrow and I'm thinking I'll visit Range-14 since it's only about an hour drive. They're website doesn't indicate if they have hourly rates, but from what I've read a membership is only $60 and you can join and shoot the same day, any day. Can anyone who is a member confirm? I'd like to come shoot, and even if they don't have hourly rates I'll definitely get a membership for only $60. If I can just come, buy and shoot, do I have to bring my own targets/backers or do they have a store on-site? I'll probably bring my buddy along as well as a guest, but if any of you guys will be there it'd be cool to meet and shoot with ya.

Personally, after visiting Cabella's in Christiana, DE this past weekend... I have no interested in a Bass Pro anymore. Cabella's is a gun store on effing steroids... and no sales tax in DE. They have American Eagle 5.56 20-boxes on sale for $6.99. I bought 15. I was more than tempted to buy some 30-round mags too... hehehe... But I didn't. I hate new jersey. So bad. So, so bad. But as far as the concept of an indoor range in a bass pro in Atlantic City of all places... Meh, no interest what-so-ever. Sounds like more trouble than it's worth.

Ahh, there in lies my mistake... I called the number on southjerseyshootingclub.com, i didn't try calling bangers. Thanks guys! I might get there this Sunday... If not, most definitely the next scheduled one.

Hey fellers. I'm planning to join SJSC in Winslow and I've tried to contact them via email and phone but haven't received an answer. Their website says they only hold the new member orientations (A requirement I assume?) every other Sunday, and I'm wondering if it will be held this Sunday since it's Mother's day or if its possible to schedule a different time for it, like on a Saturday. If any of you hang in the AR forums ya know I just purchased my first AR a few weeks ago and I'm dieing to get it out on the range and sight it in. I ordered a bore sighting laser two weeks ago and just realized it's coming from flippin' China and won't be here until JUNE, so I'm just going to waste a few rounds at 25 yards and sight it the old fashion way. But I digress... Anyone know if the orientation will still be held this Sunday, and when the next one will be? I can't go this Sunday because it's Mother's day - the only day of the year I'm forced to spend time with my wife. "voluntold" you could say. Which is why I was almost hoping they've rescheduled it for Saturday or the following week.

Hey guys, I just want to throw it out there on the subject of closing one eye as to not lose vision... Mythbusters did it in relation to a myth saying pirates wore eye patches for this very reason, and they confirmed it... Keeping one eye closed when changing light conditions will conserve your night adjusted vision.

It's not bolted down to anything I basically live in an apartment, it's a house split into upper/lower, I'm on the upper side. My old house I had a big beautiful workshop-garage-tinkering area, all nice and private... Here I have a closet to keep my tools and 25 square feet of office space I claimed in the living room. Had to downsize after having some job issues, but I'm finally back to solid work and hoping to buy a house by the end of this year... Hate this small space. I couldn't bolt the grinder to anything if I wanted to. And by the way, this is a stupid question I'm sure, but I used Krylon extreme-temp paint on it, it's good to 1200 Fahrenheit.... That's sufficient, right?

Alright, well for under $150 I got a drop-in quad rail, bipod, two 15/30 hexmags, a cheap 4x acog-style scope and a dremel to hack the front sight off. So, all-in-all I paid $850 for the gun as-is... Not bad, I'm happy with it. Instead of sinking money into stuff like a compensator and the other gadgets I was talking about I'll probably just shoot the balls off of this for a few months and whatever i don't spend on ammo I'll save for a rifle length ar - maybe even one chambered in 7.62/.308 or bigger. Took pics. Before: As far as my patience would allow me to grind it down with my crappy bench grinder... And also note I didn't remove it from the gun to do it. All painted up nice, painted over the little nick I put in the barrel there too... oops. Quad rail, bipod and scope on. Next weekend (hopefully) I'll be signing up at SJSC and sighting her in. Thanks for all your advice, guys!

I appretiate your honesty, High Exposure. I am definitely new to the AR platform - and fairly new to rifles in general. I grew up shooting pistols. My buddy is going to be giving me some fundamental instruction in a few weeks at a range in PA. I'll also get the chance to play with his AK clone collection and his saiga, which I'm thoroughly looking forward to. He is a retired Marine and he's a pretty avid shooter so I'm trusting he'll be able to help me knock out any bad habits before they start. He already got me to stop lowering my head to the rifle and instead bring the rifle to my eye.... By smacking me in the back of the head every time I did it. LOL we put about 200 rounds through it when I first purchased it from a standing position at a crumby indoor range, the range he's taking me to is an outdoor range so I'll be able to work on my prone and crouched fire at longer ranges. He's also giving me that light when we go as well, so I'll post a picture and make/model of it for ya.

Yeah the one I'm getting is the same one military/LE uses. A buddy is getting it for me, I don't even know the name of it, I just know he's charging me $80 for it and it's supposedly the brightest combat light on earth. I tried looking directly into his from about 15 yards away (across his living room and down a hallway) and even with holding two pairs of sunglasses in front of my face I couldn't stare directly into it. Really turns night into day, lol. He has his mounted under a sig 1911, which is a pretty cool little fabrication in itself (I don't know if they sell kits for putting the little acc rail on em, but he did his himself). He doesn't do ARs though, he\s a huge AK fan, so he was little help when I asked him about this stuff.

Hey man, in no manner of tounge would I call you a "know it all jerk-off". I appreciate the honesty. To be completely honest myself, the m&p15 sport was an impulse buy after, literally, spending years window shopping AR's and them being out of my price range. I have a son and a wife that eat most of my pay, and this was pretty much my way of saying, "I'm buying something for myself, god-damnit." Thanks for the advice! But I think you got me wrong on one thing - I'm not trying to turn a carbine into a long range weapon. I'm fully aware it's a mid-range rifle at best (100 - 300 yards). I've ordered a nice 4x acog-type optic for it that should be good out to 300, and that's really all I plan to use it for. As far as hunting with it, I'll be going after wild hog with a buddy of mine and -maybe- take it on a deer trip this coming winter if I don't end up buying something chambered in 7.62/.308 by then. The bipod and forward grip I want for versatility. More steady prone shooting for calculated shots and the forward grip for easier target acquisition if I find myself stumbling across an opportunity and have nowhere to set up properly. The flashlight I will not be buying on a budget - that will be 100% for a home defense situation. A good friend of mine recommended a light that is supposedly the "brightest light on earth", something that would blind an intruder to the point I may not even have to pull the trigger. The laser... Well... a laser on a carbine just makes my wiener wiggle if ya know what I mean. 99% for show, 1% for the off-chance I find myself in a situation where I cannot aim properly but need to fire. And High Exposure - Thanks for the vid!! Make my life 10x easier and less horrified I'm gonna FUBAR my rifle. lol! I actually ended up going with a drop-in quad rail, but I still want to lose the front sight. I tried yesterday shooting with them... I can shoot fine with the ironsights, but I just don't like it at all. Even if I decide to lose the 4x, I'll put a RDS on it.

So, when I remove the front sight to grind it down I have to hammer the 2 pins out. When I put it back together, can I re-use those pins? Should I?

ccrides350: Looking at those 15rd Hexmags from Rebel Arms right now, $12.99, works for me! And they have the flat earth color too, which is what I wanted. Saves me the energy of wrapping them. Scorpio64: I'm starting to feel like I'd agree with you, but at the same time I got this rifle because I didn't have the $1400 to spend on the one I *really* wanted, and I've always been more of a build-it over buy-it type of guy... To be honest, the whole thing kindof snowballed. I started looking at scopes because I like shooting long range, that brought me to removing the front sight, that brought me to replacing the gas block because it's built into the sight, which brought me to the free-float system just from researching gas blocks... Think I over-thought it a bit. Vlad G: There's currently no muzzle device on it. I've been able to research enough to know I just have to remove the two pins and the gas tube pin and it will slide right off. I'm going to search high and low for a slip-on comp, so far I've found nothing. The barrel isn't threaded but that's obvious because, you know, only mass murderers would have use for a barrel attachment. vladtepes: No threads on the barrel, it's just a plain old barrel. To be honest, I don't *need* the compensator... In fact, I don't really see it making much of a difference unless I had a rock'n'roll switch, which I would have if I could... I wonder if I put a "made in 1985" sticker on the side I could get away with it? But, point is... it looks cool. That's why I want it. As far as the handguard goes, I want the quad rail because I want some attachments. A forward grip and bipod for starters, and when I have some spare spendin' change I'll probably put a flashlight and laser on it just for looks. Basically, I'm guessing it would be far easier (and probably cheaper) to, if I *really* wanted a compensator, just buy a NJ-compliant threaded barrel with a permanently affixed compensator already on it and just screw it in? DargZ: Looking at the hexmags right now, thanks! And yes, they bother me greatly. Thing is, I grew up shooting pistols. The only rifles I ever shot were open sights like shotguns or lever-action .357, bolt-actions and what not. What gets on my nerves is looking through the tiny hole at the tiny front post. Even at 20 yards I felt like two things were bothering me: It takes up so much friggin space in my field of view, and it was difficult to focus the target and sight properly. I should probably note that I shoot with both eyes open. Always have, always practiced that way and I'm damn good with a pistol that way. Little tip I picked up from my dad, he was a Korean war veteran. And yes sir, I'm planning to put optics on it. Simple 4x32 IR scope to start out, eventually maybe a canted rds just to look cool and so it's more practical for home defense. I was told I can just get an adapter that will raise the optics over the front sight, but I've seen rifles with that and they look weird to me. I like the low-profile look of the scope sitting close to the rails better. junkmanted: Glad to be here, and thanks. I know the flash hider is illegal, but really I only want the compensator mostly for the look and I'm hoping it will make it slightly easier to stay on target post-shot for *slightly* quicker follow-ups, but to be honest I've never been in a position to compare with-and-without. Thanks for the quick replies guys. Dargz makes a good point... I had considered just grinding down the front sight to save me the hassle, but my initial thinking on it was I'm going to be ruining the front sights and I didn't want to fubar anything. Upon further investigation, mil-spec front sights are actually cheaper than a quality replacement gas block... So... Either way I kinda win by just grinding them off. Sparks will fly in my shop tomorrow. I'll just do that, get that drop-in quad rail for $28 bucks, and then either save my pennies for the free-float or, depending on how the next few months go at work, maybe sell this rifle to my buddy when his FID finally comes through and buy something a little more customizable.

Hey all, this will be my second post on the forums here as a new (Well, kinda new) gun owner. I shot with my dad for years, but he passed away 6 years ago and I haven't shot since. I finally got the ambition to get my FID and get back into the shooting life (Damn I missed it...), and last week I purchased a S&W M&P15 Sport. I put 100 rounds through it and came to the conclusion I do not like the AR iron sights. After searching different online parts retailers and browsing the post of all your beautiful rifle pics, I also came to the conclusion my rifle needs to look a little less like something I purchased and more like "mine", so I'm dressing it up on a budget. I'll be changing the gas block to get rid of the ugly mil spec front sight, and I've watched enough instructional videos on it to feel confident I can do the job, but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask... Are there any "gotcha" moments I can run into while removing the front sight or installing the new block? You know, like something I won't see coming as a newbie but could screw me over halfway through the job? I'm also still debating on just getting a carbine length drop-in quad rail handguard: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P1JFNMA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A130RUE64CTRWO But I'm also debating on just going with a free-float system, though they're a bit pricey and I'd also have to buy the kit to get the delta ring off, so I'll probably save that for later. The guy at the store told me that a compensator is illegal to have on the rifle in NJ, then no more than 2 hours later I see a picture of someone at a NJ range with a compensator on their AR. After some investigation, I've found that -most- sources say it's not the attachment that's illegal, it's the actual threading on the barrel that could accept it. I looked up the wording of the law and it seems to be that way, so... How might I go about doing that? Is there a kit I can get somewhere to put a compensator on the stock barrel, or do I have to purchase a barrel with it already affixed? Just a note: I am very good at welding, but obviously it has to be straight so I'm not going to just plop one on there... but if there's a kit or some proven method of getting it perfect for the backyard gunsmith, then that's a different story. Also, I like the look of 30 round magazines. The 10rnd that came with it makes it look like a damn sissy gun. Is it legal to have a 30 round magazine that's limited to 15? In all my searching I only found ONE thirty round mag that was pinned to only hold 15, and they wanted $45 for it plus $15 to ship it to Jersey. There HAS to be a cheaper option... Sorry to be such a noob, but I figured this would be a good place to ask. I'm also looking for a club to join / range to join in south jersey - currently thinking about SJSC behind Bangers. Anyone shoot there? Maybe have me as a guest so I can check it out?

Hey all, this is my first post on your forums. I just signed up because I recently purchased my first AR-15, and this thread immediately caught my eye. I purchased my rifle from Bob's Little Sport Shop in Glassboro, NJ - and these guys are GREAT! Shot there with my dad as a kid, they were awesome then and still are. HOWEVER! One of my first visits was to Hagues Indoor Range in West Deptford, NJ... And these guys are... How can I put this nicely... An embarrassment to the world of firearms. Prices are astronomical to say the least... I purchased an M&P15 from Bob's for $719, Hagues wanted $895 for the same exact gun. I *had* to take my new rifle here to fire it because Bob's doesn't allow rifle rounds in their range. They charged me a whopping $40 for an hour (Which i thought was insane...) on the range. I purchased 2 50-count boxes of .223 from Bob's for $26 each, Hagues wanted $16 for a box of 20!! I bought one box of 5.56 just to see if there's a difference between 2.23 and 5.56... About 40 rounds in the dude comes back with a bad attitude and says, "I know you shot more than 20 rounds, you can't use your own ammo here.", and proceeded to be very arrogant and condescending about it and insisted I buy more of their ammo or leave... Finally he tells me if I purchase a membership I can use my own ammo. At that point I was pretty disgusted with the place, but I inquired as to how much a years membership would be... $400. Four hundred dollars to shoot overpriced ammo at a 20-yard max range that's barely open 8 hours a day and be glared at by a dude in a window the entire time. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, this dude stared at me for a solid 20 minutes through their little observation window. I'll be going to Banger's range and paying $250 for a membership at an outdoor range with a 25, 50, 100 and 300 yard range that's open 364 days of the year. I had to share this as my first post. These dudes are complete jerks. All my firearm owning friends always told me to stay away from there, and now I know why.