When it comes to AR’s, don’t get caught up in the little things. It’s not about what you have on or in your AR. It’s about what you can do with it.
Imagine a simple tool belt, much like what any Handi-Man might have. A Hammer, Screw Drivers, a Saw, a Measuring Tape and a Pencil. It doesn’t matter what company these tools came from. You give them to a skilled man, he can build you whatever you need. A Shed, a Dog House… a set of cabinets. Fix a shelf. He will get the job done.
Give that same tool belt to one with no skills, and you will be lucky to get a Bird House out of him. He is not competent enough to take on the big projects. The quality of the tools, the perfection of the craftsmanship is lost on him. Even if he payed high dollars for the very best tools available.
What’s important about the Tools themselves… and we all get caught up in the tools… is that they work. You can argue Craftsman, Snap-On, or Stanley… The Contractor’s Client doesn’t care a bit about that. His concern is only the results.
When you seek to dress out your AR, make sure you are not just dressing it up. Putting on Bling for looks or to impress your friends is meaningless. Instead only worry about what you really need to get the job done. To know what you really need, you need to use some thought. Not just looking through a catalog or browsing the shelves at your LGS. Buy what’s going to help you use the tool. The AR-15 is just that, the simple tool. You can enhance it with some upgrades. Grips that allow your hand to fit better for better control… Stocks that fit you better… Optics that allow you to line up your target faster and more precisely.
Guys, don’t ask me what you need. Ask yourself. Go to the range, shoot and move, take a Tactical Carbine Course and see for yourself what it is that you need for you and your gun.
Good post.
Also, the tools hanging from a plumber’s tool belt, will differ vastly, from those of a trim carpenter’s. Or a roofer’s. Or an electrician’s. Different tools for different jobs. A bipod on a CQB gun makes about as much sense as a pipe wrench on a roof…
Very good point.
Very good point. It’s not so much what ya got as it is what ya do with it !
I’m especially leery of all the battery operated optical devices …. they often take up too much space and may limit your ability to revert to “iron sights” as a back-up. I appreciate the value of a good riflescope on a longer range rifle, but I’ve conditioned myself to rely upon peep sights where they’re possible to install. Simple, reliable, and less of a chance of failing when needed most. After all, Uncle Sam taught me well to use such sights on the 300m range over many, many years.
For me, the problem with most iron sights is that my vision seems to be getting worse, not getting better. I can just aim so much better with a battery powered optic. I have a decent optic that hasn’t failed yet, but if it did, I could aim through the tube in a pinch. It doesn’t weigh much or take up much space. I am not knocking your choice, just saying that the benefits outweigh any of the disadvantages, IMO.
Excellent analogies. I concur. There’s a world of difference between a task force and a parade.