River02

Well-- I've built 2 ARs and purchased 2 factory fresh from DD. I cannot speak for any other brand since I have zero experience--- (except for Colt ...'cause every Vet likely has some experience w/Colts). Having said that, the DD Mk18 10.3 (one of your 3 considerations) is a solid performer and my personal favorite among the 4 ARs in my inventory. I have probably 4-5 thousand factory rounds through it at this point and I don't recall a single FTF, FTE, un-intentional jam, or misfire (but I am getting older...) suppressed or not. Suppressor is a Dead Air Sandman S (adds 6 inches). The size, weight and length of the Mk18 work well for me. The RIS III hand guard is everything it's advertised to be-- 'nuff said. Mods for me on the Mk 18 have been adding a Geiselle SSA-E trigger (DD's stock mil spec triggers are meh), changing the butt stock to a B5 Systems Bravo stock, changing the buffer from H2 to H3 w/Sprinco Hot White buffer spring to mitigate felt recoil. This has made the firearm more comfortable to shoot and maintain/return to target much quicker (especially when suppressed). I also added a small Magpul angled fore grip. DD has a lifetime manufactures warranty and I have found their customer service to be pretty squared away (not that have had to use them for any warranty work at this point). I have 0 experience w/piston driven rifles. So no help there--- except to say opinions on a SHTF scenario does not favor them for finding replacement parts just lying around... My builds are solid shooters too and were fun and informative for me to do. I'd take any of my ARs to combat but my Mk 18 is first among equals let's say... Not here to sell you on one brand or the other-- just sharing my experience. I know folks who have built awesome AR SBRs and "generally" spend less than say on a Colt, BCM, DD, Noveskie etc. without sacrificing functionality or reliability. It's all about what you want and what you can justify to yourself (and the family budget) to spend. Happy hunting and good luck! P.S. Do let us know what you decide!

I've recently moved to TN from Maryland. Until Bruen, very few MD residents could even get an HGP because MD was a "May Issue" state and your right to carry hinged on your "good ad substantial" reason for needing to carry a firearm. I started carrying in MD in 2007-- even though OC was allowed by law (with a permit), it just wasn't prudent to carry OC there with the population of Karens in MD far exceeding the number of registered Republicans in TN . Post Bruen- HGP issuance in MD skyrocketed... I mean like Space X level. The folks on the gun forum there who had been living in 2A hell for decades (and adamantly fighting for literally decades for their 2A rights-- (I mean walking the streets picketing and rallying and testifying at the MD general assembly annually etc. level of fighting) decided to have a members meet-up at one of the local Mission BBQ's not far from the Capital in Annapolis-- on condition that everyone agreed to Open Carry. It was a sight to see-- a mini demonstration of "freedom" in that god awful 2A desert. Funny thing-- nothing crazy or silly happened. I'm sure the venue helped. None of those gents and lasses would generally advocate for just exercising OC on the daily (well maybe 1). But having a group of folks show up at a random establishment from time to time, all open carrying, all on good behavior and just having a good time, seems like a pretty safe and innocuous way to flex that muscle occasionally. If folks feel that strongly about it-- safety in numbers... One last thing... It's good to live in a state where we can exercise choice.

Something else to send an e-mail to Kash about and get this 922r stupidity rescinded...

OWB 3:30, Galco Combat Master leather pancake holster. Kydex spare mag holder-- weak side 8:30.

My wife and I both carry the 43X. If you get a good purchase and disciplined grip on the G19 and are used to shooting with the Glock grip angle--then the transition to a 43X from a 19 is gravy. I upgraded the OE sights with Ameri-glo night sights. Added an extended metal mag release so the firearm could accommodate the Shield 15 round mags. Added a flared mag well and changed the OE trigger to an Apex replacement because Glock stock trigger shoes are continually the worst part of the gun for me no matter the model. The size is perfect for CCW and the hand grip allows a good full purchase for a guy like me with sausage fingers-- I also added the Talon grip appliqués. Never had an issue with the Talon tape coming off during multiple high volume fire training events no matter the weather. So-- I carry the 43X 90% of the time along with/a spare 15 round mag. The other 10% vacillates between the Sig 365XL w/Romeo 0 red dot and Wilson Combat grip upgrade...and a 1911 CDR.

Yep--- boo-lits do some crazy things...just ask the Warren Commission...

I'm sure that there is a good parcel of truth in the above post-- $$$ Talks and keeps the lights on...

The Soul Cages-- by Sting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjCo_gmZJ5E

So-- read through this thread and decided that a Dash cam might make a good Christmas present for my wife. Decided to go with the above one that eRay posted. Hopefully the install isn't too difficult and that it works as described. After 36 years of marriage it isn't easy to find gifts that matter. If nothing else it will be there if needed--

That was just a bit creepy for a few seconds there--

Got it-- thanks for taking the time to explain. I can see the draw of them-- I've seen a few in pictures but less so out in the wild. I too prefer a smaller pac and that's the primary reason I went with Eberlestock's "Bandit" as my choice for a lightweight and versatile option for EDC. At 13.65L it's right in the sweet spot for me. The MOLLE webbing provides ready options for creating more space in a pinch if needed-- for a short term solution. The availability of color schemes allows for that "Grey Man" mystique if that's a concern. Not so much here in Tennessee-- but where I moved from in Maryland that tended to be a concern for a fair number of the guys. Thanks again-- I hope Defender's pack winds up working for him. It seems like finding the right holster(s) and pacs is a adventure/journey all its own.

I have no experience using sling bags-- can you enlighten me on the advantages you see in them...any drawbacks?

Have you ever looked EBERLESTOCK pacs/bags? Quality and versatility is all there-- I have a couple. The one I have set up for EDC is the BANDIT. But they have several options-- you might be interested to take a look if you have never seen them before. https://eberlestock.com/collections/edc-packs

Finally got around to giving "Three Body Problem" a try. So fatr the first season has been well worth the time. Looking forward to season 2.

But--is it ever Really... I mean... On another note-- I watched the Daily Wire Team's livestream election coverage-- that was a hoot!