LA_357SIG

My advice is buy cheap buy twice. The absolute lowest quality I will go is Vortex. They have an Aimpoint Micro type called the SPARC. They also have an M2 type called the Strikefire. They seem to be well constructed and receive excellent reviews. Personally I have gone with Aimpoint and Trijicon for my red dot needs. As far as height goes, the iron sights in the lower 1/3 of the red dot sight picture is the perferred setup.

There is not a great deal of skill in assembling an AR-15. You must however have the proper tools, supplies and at least a good guide. The start-up cost in tooling (armorers wrench, torque wrench, receiver blocks, pin jigs, bench drill, bench vise, etc.) isn't worth it for just 1 project. Word on the street is the U.S. made barrel for this kit is crap. i have no personal experience with these kits but unless you just want an A1 you could just as well buy a new RRA kit from Pete at Legal Transfers or a MA&I kits. After actually looking at the link I'd still pass. The "converted" Semi-Auto carrier and new production 1:9 twist barrel are two reasons this deal is a bad one. Not that 1:9 isn't a good thing, but If I'm going to drop my money on something "Military Surplus" I don't want any silly civilian restriction modifications on it.

An Osprey-416 piston retrofit I installed on my x39 build. Still need the recoil spring and receiver extension. I have no doubt the DI system works and is far better than a piston system for an AR-15. I also believe the piston system is the best system for other platforms. Just not for the AR-15 system. It creates more problems than it solves. BUT since I am a tinkerer and like to try different things, I will try this piston system on my carbine length 7.62x39mm AR build. God Bless America...

I would just buy a used one from a pawn shop. I am only interested in a good receiver, bolt and trigger group. All the rest can be changed out with aftermarket parts. Just about everybody that has a 10/22 will eventually trick it out and starting from scratch, even with Ruger factory parts will be expensive. It is far easier to start with a donor rifle and swap out the barrel, stock and trigger.

I guess I gotta get a SIG pistol to go with my SIG556 and 522. Too bad Glock never branded an AR-15 like everybody else.

I shot my SIG556 Classic SWAT for the first time yesterday. It was XM193 on regular setting but I had no failures for the 100 rounds I shot and about 20 more suppressed. I am probably going to shoot nothing but wolf and Bear ammo through it from now on because of the awesome AK'esque extractor. Shamless pics: Don't forget to get a 522 for cheap shooting fun.

I have no personal experience with Red Jacket Firearms suppressors. They seem to mostly be aluminum with SS first baffles. For the money you can get SS construction with Iconel first baffles. I just thought that they were too expensive for just aluminum bodies. YHM all SS .308 suppresors are cheaper (cost) than RJF. But like I said, I have no personal experience with thier suppressors. I did however get to shoot some of thier custom AK's when they were Red Stick Firearms a long time ago. Way (WAY) better than Century but not as good as Arsenal (non Saiga) AK's.

Here's some craptastic cell phone pics of my new SIG556 CS and my son's SIG522.

Since I spend a lot of time on TOS, I would go and recommend a midlength carbine from Spikes Tactical and Bravo Company. And before anyone jumps on the milspec wagon I only recommend them because they are close enough in price to the lesser quality commercial brands. The more research you do on what makes an exceptional AR15 you will already be ahead of the learning curve. I also like Smith and Wesson. CDNN has a sale on them.

Yeah. It's about time for a new pic. Just noticed the contest is over. Oh well...

Heat Shield Assembly, 12 Ga., Blue I bought mine from here. I don't remember it being $35 though.

I ordered parts for one right after Christmas. I think it will be awesome. Osprey Defense OPS-416 gas piston retrofit kit Del-Ton 7.62x39mm barrel assembly SI Defense 7.62x39mm bolt AAC 51T blackout mount going to use my Bushmaster 6.8 lower and Trijicon RMR. Hopefully one day my AAC 762-SD paperwork will clear.

My take on the whole trust route is 1.) the local authorities have no buisness knowing what I own. 2.) the CLEO requirement is outdated and uneccessary. 3.) If I die I know my successors won't be put in any legal troubles for my NFA items and they wont be confiscated and/or destroyed. And 4.) Why anybody would spent money on a federally regulated item, pay a $200 tax on it, go through time consuming paperwork with consequences including fines and imprisonment if used improperly, to be interpreted by one of the most incom... worst government agencies and trust a $20 computer program, I have no idea.

My opinion of DelTon is it is a brand to have if you just want to own an AR-15. They aren't the best but they are certianly not the worst. How they are being marketed as a patrol carbine in the gun magazines I have no idea? There are better grade materials available for not much money. "Buy once, cry once" is what I live by when buying high ticket items. Why go cheap with something you might stake your life on? Now my contradictory arguement. You may not need the best AR-15. If you don't hunt or compete in competition, you may not need an ultra reliable AR-15. It may break or jam and do nothing but cut a range trip short. But know this. There is a MAJOR difference in commercial, milspec and Mil-Spec* AR-15 parts. *11595E, ASTME1444-01, A-A-59267, MIL-A-8625F, 7075-T6 Receiver Extention etc.

LA = Louisiana 357SIG = caliber of first handgun I carried concealed (Glock 32) when I got my Louisiana Concealed Weapons permit. Which is pointless now because I don't live in Louisiana anymore and don't own anything in 357 SIG.

Changed it up again.

In Louisiana, where I got my CHP is is illegal to carry in churches, mosques and synagogues or and defined places of worship. When I got my permit switched to TN I didn't carry in church out of habit. Now that I've backslid so far, it doesn't really matter.

Indoor range with provisions for prone and seated shooting. Apparently shooting a .22lr seated deflects into the ceiling.

I will buy from a local shop if the price isn't MSRP. I figure the shop has to make money so paying more for a firearm + tax and TICS isn't that big for me. I do buy firearms (cleaning supplies and stuff I need ASAP) from The Great Outdoor Store in Jackson at thier asking price because they do try to take care of thier regulars. Now accessories is another story. There are some crazy deals out there.

Added a Browning Buckmark to the stable.

Springfield XD9. Hated the trigger and grip. I shot like with it.

The Good: Glock 19 S&W 386NG Taurus 66 FNP-45 Kimber Custom II The Bad: Glock 27 Ruger SP101 The Ugly: (The only 2 handguns I totally loathed) Sprinfield XD9 S&W M&P40c

it ain't perfect, but my wife and son like it.

Trijicon RMR 9MOA in sunlight.