Coastie looking for a affordable AR-15 to practice for Qualifying.

Posted by ShalltearSeryuu@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 22 comments

Hiya I’m in the coast guard and I’ve been having some trouble qualifying on the M4. I’d like to get an AR-15 that’s affordable and similar so I can go out and practice on my own. Brand and specific model Recommendations help a lot as well as where to look.

[-]

NPC_no_name_@reddit

well if you are in MA al center fire rifles are now illegal so good luck with that

[-]

Woodpusherpro@reddit

You have a cite on that? I would like to read up on it.

[-]

BlindMan404@reddit

Just Google Massachusettes gun laws ffs.

[-]

Woodpusherpro@reddit

You're a dumbass.

I did try to look BEFORE I asked. I see that all firearms that are semiauto and/or "high capacity" would be.

Where do you read that all centerfire will be?

[-]

NPC_no_name_@reddit

only one that didnt get banned is a mini14

[-]

juggarjew@reddit

I think that person meant all centerfire semi auto, you now need an MA LTC to get any of those. An FID card does not allow ownership of semi auto rifles anymore. They also postponed the enforcement of the long gun roster, since it had not been made, so you can still buy something like a Sig Spear in 5.56 if you have your MA LTC. Its a massive clusterfuck of a law and no single comment on Reddit could possible even begin to really explain it fully. But basically you can not import any new "assault weapons" which means any kind of AR-15,AK, etc. So the only way to own an AR-15 there now, if you are a new gun owner, is to get your LTC then buy a pre August 1st 2024 AR-15 or lower. It must have existed in the state prior to the ban for it to be transferable.

Basically "assault weapons" in MA have become like pre 86 transferable machine guns.

[-]

Woodpusherpro@reddit

Thanks for the explanation.

That is absolutely ridiculous, as most gun laws are. The people writing these bills have no understanding, or very little, besides some general knowledge of firearms.

Scary words seem to sell gun laws.

[-]

NPC_no_name_@reddit

actualy yes https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4885

[-]

Impossible-Debt9655@reddit

Coast guard boii. 90% chance he'll have a exemption. Both coasts are strict gun control up and down so he gotta be taking that exemption into consideration I'm sure.

[-]

TacTurtle@reddit

PSA budget AR with a CMMG .22LR conversion kit. The 22LR will allow for much cheaper practice (kit will more than pay for itself in the first 500 rounds).

I would also recommend looking at a MantisX dry/live fire training system.

[-]

KillerSwiller@reddit

Hey there Coastie, former Marine here. What were you issued: A2, A4, or M4?

[-]

BandicootFuzzy@reddit

Go find an appleseed course or the equivalent. Spend a weekend and get focused on marksmanship fundamentals.

[-]

Token_Black_Rifle@reddit

What sights are you using to qualify?

Make sure you get a rifle with the same sighting system. If your issued rifle has a detachable carry handle and M4 front sight post, then make sure you buy a rifle with a similar setup.

Other than that, most ARs are very similar. PSA on Black Friday always has good deals if you can wait a month.

[-]

MikeStrikerrr@reddit

Smith & Wesson M&P Sport 3 AR-15

It’s already built, affordable, mounted on scope, good beginner rifle, with a decent caliber to it.

[-]

Sweet_Swede_65@reddit

If I were buying an off-the-shelf AR15, the lowest I'd probably go from a reliability standpoint is IWI Zion or SOLGW. Another common option is a BCM upper on an Anderson/PSA/Aero lower. While PSA is probably the best of the budget guns, and they should correct any issues under warranty, I personally feel a bit too many rifles with QC issues get shipped out.

[-]

CADnCoding@reddit

Literally anything. A pellet gun will help you with fundamentals. I’d recommend a 10/22.

Not trying to come across a Holier than thou, but it’s rare from anyone to fail Marine Corps rifle range, which tops out at 500 yards with clapped out FN/Colt rifles. Ask your instructor for extra help and listen. You don’t need a top of the line rifle to pass.

Practice dry fire a lot, get that feeling of when the trigger is going to break. Control your breathing and learn what the natural respiratory pause is.

[-]

2020blowsdik@reddit

What qual are you struggling? The PMC?

[-]

emperor000@reddit

As the others have said, PSA.

[-]

HWKII@reddit

I’m imagining your M4 is reasonably similar to this model from Palmetto State Armory: https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa15-16-nitride-m4-carbine-556-nato-classic-ar15-rifle-black.html

This a 16” barrel, versus the 14.5” I expect your M4 has, but the manual of arms and general feel of the rifle should be the same.

Not sure what sights you’re being asked to qualify on but assuming the standard carry handle m4 sights, then add this to your order: https://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-mil-spec-carry-handle.html

[-]