I’m in a dilemma…

[cknight8]

So earlier this spring I wanted a different type deer rifle. So I did some reading and studying and ended up building an Aero Precision 350 legend AR upper. Topped it with a Vortex Viper  2.5-10x44 scope and ordered 500 rounds of Hornady American Whitetail 170gr factory ammo. It’s a great shooting rifle, very accurate. I just don’t know that it scratched the itch like I thought that it would. I’ve coyote hunted for several years with several different ARs of all sorts of configurations and I’m super comfortable and confident on that platform so idk what it is about this one.  I’m sure the rifle and round is fully capable as it’s been 100% reliable contrary to what I found in my research of parts, I bought the parts with the best reviews for reliability (Aero XL upper, Aero barrel has larger polished feed ramps, Wilson combat modified 300 blackout magazines, etc). 

Has anyone else ever headed in a direction with a gun then thought, why did I go down this road??? LOL 

[Chucktshoes]

Oh yeah. 
 

There’s nothing wrong with saying that a gun just doesn’t do it for you like you thought it would. Don’t get caught in a sunk cost fallacy and spend more money trying to make it be something it never will be. It’s better to cut your losses sell what you don’t need to recoup what you can and go in a different direction.

[A.J. Holst]

Haven't built anything, but over the years have bought some stuff that I thought I had to have.

Excited to research, save, find and buy.

Once it was owned, not so much

[LangdoniousRex]

[Grayfox54]

I think we've all been there a time or two. Bought what we thought was the perfect gun. Until it wasn't. 

Best thing to do is cut your loses and dump it. 

[Whisper]

You only live once, at least as far as we know.  If it's not right, get rid of it and get something that is.  You deserve it.

Cheers,

Whisper

[Defunct Ammo]

17 minutes ago, Grayfox54 said:

Bought what we thought was the perfect gun. Until it wasn't. 

I think this applies to most, if not all, hobbies. Had a phase with computer parts a few years back. Could've saved a lot of money had I been smarter.

[Ronald_55]

Bought a Matrix Precision P226 compatible frame to go with the factpry p226 slide I had. Still frustrated at getting it all assembled. By the time I finished with parts, I should have just bought one and sold the slide. lol

[JustEd]

Have assembled and sighted in a couple 350 legends for friends.  Owned one from PSA myself.  Used same ammo with success.  Friends have had success with Hornady 170 as well.

So, am unclear on what your concern is?  Doesn't sound like you have actually hunted deer with it.  There are all kinds of guns capable of taking down deer.  With that said the 350 legend is not a long range, beyond 150-200 yard cartridge.  The nice thing about the AR platform however is that it is easy to replace the upper, re-utilizing your lower and scope.

Do, not own one, but have sighted and shot the 6.5 credemore and it is definitely impressive at ranges above 200 yards.  That would however mean going to a rifle chambered for that round.  It would seemingly be good on coyotes as well, but have not used for such.

 

[22lr]

My typical process. 

Excitement -> Justification -> Purchase -> Buyers Remorse -> Sale -> Regret Selling 

There are many guns I regret selling. I say keep it. 

 

[cknight8]

52 minutes ago, JustEd said:

Have assembled and sighted in a couple 350 legends for friends.  Owned one from PSA myself.  Used same ammo with success.  Friends have had success with Hornady 170 as well.

So, am unclear on what your concern is?  Doesn't sound like you have actually hunted deer with it.  There are all kinds of guns capable of taking down deer.  With that said the 350 legend is not a long range, beyond 150-200 yard cartridge.  The nice thing about the AR platform however is that it is easy to replace the upper, re-utilizing your lower and scope.

Do, not own one, but have sighted and shot the 6.5 credemore and it is definitely impressive at ranges above 200 yards.  That would however mean going to a rifle chambered for that round.  It would seemingly be good on coyotes as well, but have not used for such.

 

Correct, I haven’t hunted with it yet. I have only had it at the range from the bench and in field positions practicing for hunting season. Got 100 rounds of the cheap 145 fmj to break the barrel in and I believe I’ve put about 180 rounds of the 170gr hunting ammo through it. I don’t really have any concerns at all, it shoots very well and I’m sure it would absolutely slap deer at the ranges I hunt in the foothills of east TN. It just doesn’t seem to me that it has scratched the itch I was looking for it to do. What you mention about using a different upper on it is one reason I did go with the AR platform for it. I love the platform and have hunted coyotes for years, and I’m sure it would do just as well in the deer woods. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t “feel” like it’s scratched the itch because I have hunted coyotes for so long with ARs. I’ve got plenty of hunting guns, more than I need as most of us probably do, I just decided this past spring when I started this that I would do something different for this year. Not that it’s a big deal at all to keep it or let it go to a new home, I’m more curious why I “feel” this way and I think maybe you helped me find that. Maybe it’s just because I’ve hunted ‘yotes for so long with them. 

[LangdoniousRex]

7 minutes ago, cknight8 said:

Correct, I haven’t hunted with it yet. I have only had it at the range from the bench and in field positions practicing for hunting season. Got 100 rounds of the cheap 145 fmj to break the barrel in and I believe I’ve put about 180 rounds of the 170gr hunting ammo through it. I don’t really have any concerns at all, it shoots very well and I’m sure it would absolutely slap deer at the ranges I hunt in the foothills of east TN. It just doesn’t seem to me that it has scratched the itch I was looking for it to do. What you mention about using a different upper on it is one reason I did go with the AR platform for it. I love the platform and have hunted coyotes for years, and I’m sure it would do just as well in the deer woods. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t “feel” like it’s scratched the itch because I have hunted coyotes for so long with ARs. I’ve got plenty of hunting guns, more than I need as most of us probably do, I just decided this past spring when I started this that I would do something different for this year. Not that it’s a big deal at all to keep it or let it go to a new home, I’m more curious why I “feel” this way and I think maybe you helped me find that. Maybe it’s just because I’ve hunted ‘yotes for so long with them. 

Seems like one of those journey versus destination conundrums. Outcomes are often not as you perceive them in your mind. Front-ended expectations generally lead to "so that's it?". Feelings are fickle like that.

[cknight8]

1 minute ago, LangdoniousRex said:

Seems like one of those journey versus destination conundrums. Outcomes are often not as you perceive them in your mind. Front-ended expectations generally lead to "so that's it?". Feelings are fickle like that.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. 

[RED333]

23 hours ago, cknight8 said:

Has anyone else ever headed in a direction with a gun then thought, why did I go down this road??? LOL 

No, I bought firearms to shoot and then put up in the rack. Every few months I’ll get one down that I have not shot in a while and just go out shoot it make sure it’s sighted in well and enjoy it. I have never sold a firearm. No I take that back. I screwed up and sold a Dan Wesson pistol Pack in 357 with four barrels, yeah, I’m a dumb ass. 
Just put it away, save your pennies and buy another one.

Edited September 25 by RED333
Because I can

[JustEd]

You might consider doing something completely different. No not an AK. Bolts are still fine machines. Lever actions can be a blast  

problem with those is you are married to whichever caliber you get

Most importantly have fun!

[papa61]

My guess is what was eluded to before. You wanted something "new" and the platform is not new to you. I'm sure when I finally bring home that 45-70 Marlin I'll have the same feeling except my shoulder will be hurting. It's the day after Christmas letdown, the vacation is over exhaustion. Let it ride for a while, try it in the woods and see if you like using it.

[TripleGGG]

25 minutes ago, papa61 said:

My guess is what was eluded to before. You wanted something "new" and the platform is not new to you. I'm sure when I finally bring home that 45-70 Marlin I'll have the same feeling except my shoulder will be hurting. It's the day after Christmas letdown, the vacation is over exhaustion. Let it ride for a while, try it in the woods and see if you like using it.

One will never regret a 45-70. I keep buying more of them to make sure. Lol. Now the sore shoulder is a given. 

[papa61]

14 minutes ago, TripleGGG said:

One will never regret a 45-70. I keep buying more of them to make sure. Lol. Now the sore shoulder is a given. 

I'm sure it will be oiled and wiped down more than shot. My spine and torn rotator won't allow me to put too many rounds down range. BTW, I also want a 350 legend as well as a 458 SOCOM. Something about them tugs on my "need" center.

Edited September 25 by papa61
458 not 450

[TripleGGG]

3 minutes ago, papa61 said:

I'm sure it will be oiled and wiped down more than shot. My spine and torn rotator won't allow me to put too many rounds down range. BTW, I also want a 350 legend as well as a 450 SOCOM. Something about them tugs on my "need" center.

Well get some 410gr subsonic 45-70, slap a suppressor on it and it's just a nice firm push. At least that's what I tell myself. It does make a difference though. 

[LangdoniousRex]

31 minutes ago, papa61 said:

My guess is what was eluded to before. You wanted something "new" and the platform is not new to you. I'm sure when I finally bring home that 45-70 Marlin I'll have the same feeling except my shoulder will be hurting. It's the day after Christmas letdown, the vacation is over exhaustion. Let it ride for a while, try it in the woods and see if you like using it.

 

5 minutes ago, TripleGGG said:

One will never regret a 45-70. I keep buying more of them to make sure. Lol. Now the sore shoulder is a given. 

One 45-70 is plenty IMHO. After acquiring the modern Marlin holy trinity (Dark Series, SBL, Trapper), they are still BNIB and I only really care about my case hardened Henry and occasionally the BFR. Circling back to the OP's original thoughts, there is definitely a fat dopamine hit buying all the stuff that tapers off real quick for most. Also the idea of the firearm and/or firearm project has a bit of mileage but once the acquisition/project is done, the conclusion is kind of empty. Coming from a guy that has 42069 unfinished firearm projects and no real interest in completing any of them, I have more thoughts than I do answers.

[pop pop]

I purchase guns for tools, nothing more. Don't have a love affair with any, just tools. Not a collector or hoarder. Strictly for hunting and self defense since I don't hunt any longer but just know I can if the need arises. That survival instinct thing. 

Guess I am boring. Only get juiced with a good name brand tool. S W and Ruger my go to. Don't have a long barrel shotgun any longer, gave them all to grandsons. Would purchase a long brl for my mossy mdl 500 12 ga if ever found one. 

Edited to add; Deer rifle is a Savage Axis 7 MM 0 8. 

Edited September 27 by pop pop