Newbie to AR15, Advice?

[02roadster]

Plenty of pistol and revolver experience, going to pop the cherrie on my Sig M400 tomorrow. Virgin to the AR15 platform. Any advice for a first experience with this weapon? Have experience with small caliber rifles such as bolt action 22LR, but that is it. Words of wisdom please.

 

[BuckCreek]

I almost bought a Sig M400 as well. I ended up with the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Tactical. I think the Sig you are looking at will be a very good choice from what I researched. You can find tons of information on how to break them down, clean them, etc. I have found the platform to be very easy to maintain, fun and easy to shoot, light and easy to handle, and I have a Bushmaster .450 upper that I swap in to hunt deer.

I think you will really enjoy it.

 

[sloughfoot]

Don't shoot your eye out.

Seriously though, buy plenty of good magazines. I like the Brownell's aluminum mil-spec for less than $15 each. Get a dozen or more. And a GI web sling. Then go shooting. A lot.

 

[SILVERBACK]

RUN IT WET, as in plenty of lube on the BCG.

 

[SpaldingPM]

Have fun.... and don't worry too much about the rifle. They're made to be shot the hell out of.

 

[ShootnCut]

Don't forget your ear plugs/muffs.

 

[wsenefeld]

Don't buy a lot of add-ons for your rifle before getting a lot of practice in. Practice, then you'll find out what you want. If you have any friends with ARs, try something different to see if there are other features that peak your interest. Ask a lot of questions here on INGO but put your flame suit on first. Sometimes people get carried away.

 

[SpaldingPM]

Don't buy a lot of add-ons for your rifle before getting a lot of practice in. Practice, then you'll find out what you want. If you have any friends with ARs, try something different to see if there are other features that peak your interest. Ask a lot of questions here on INGO but put your flame suit on first. Sometimes people get carried away.

can't agree more with wsen, don't go out and buy a $300+ optic, $150 flashlights, and what not. Might want to even consider buying an AR with a detachable carry handle so you can just get familiar with iron sights, then move on from there!

 

[Vamptepes]

Get used to the gun first. Clean it before you shoot it and lube it up good with some good oil. And just shoot it.

 

[Cerberus]

Like many said above. Learn how to properly field strip it, clean it and operate it safely. Then shoot it a lot before you buy any add ons. In fact learn the iron sights first then and only then do you need to think about an optic, and you may not want one at that point. Be very careful what mags you buy. MagPul mags are cheap and work wonderfully. Avoid UTG, Tapco or other bargain stuff, they suck in the long run. Avoid well used USGI mags until you learn how to inspect them.

 

[02roadster]

RUN IT WET, as in plenty of lube on the BCG.

Sorry, but what is the "BCG" (My learning curve)?

 

[SpaldingPM]

Sorry, but what is the "BCG" (My learning curve)?

Bolt carrier group

 

[02roadster]

Bolt carrier group

Got it!

 

[02roadster]

Like many said above. Learn how to properly field strip it, clean it and operate it safely. Then shoot it a lot before you buy any add ons. In fact learn the iron sights first then and only then do you need to think about an optic, and you may not want one at that point. Be very careful what mags you buy. MagPul mags are cheap and work wonderfully. Avoid UTG, Tapco or other bargain stuff, they suck in the long run. Avoid well used USGI mags until you learn how to inspect them.

Thanks so much for the advice, I did buy 3 extra Magpul 30 rd. mags, have 4 total now. At the advice of an "experienced AR guy", I had a Vortex Red/Green Dot installed and bore sighted on my Sig M400, perhaps my bad? I have watched several You Tube vids. on field stripping and cleaning, seems pretty straight forward from a newbie point of view. As far as operation goes, should I enlist an instructor or someone with experience on this weapon for an IOE or would a good general background in firearms and safety suffice?

 

[SEIndSAM]

I have one, buy a reloading set up and all of the primers, powders & bullets that you can afford. It's cheaper and when the next "panic" happens, you will not be paying $.80 to $1 a round like last time.

 

[Cerberus]

Thanks so much for the advice, I did buy 3 extra Magpul 30 rd. mags, have 4 total now. At the advice of an "experienced AR guy", I had a Vortex Red/Green Dot installed and bore sighted on my Sig M400, perhaps my bad? I have watched several You Tube vids. on field stripping and cleaning, seems pretty straight forward from a newbie point of view. As far as operation goes, should I enlist an instructor or someone with experience on this weapon for an IOE or would a good general background in firearms and safety suffice?

Nothing wrong with an optic, since you have it just take it off for a while to learn using your irons, or turn it off if it only works when turned on. The AR is not complicated, but it is a professionals weapon. And by that I mean, you have to treat it the way a true professional treats his stuff, take care of it before yourself. Intruction wouldn't hurt at all, but you can do that yourself if you are detail minded.

 

[02roadster]

Nothing wrong with an optic, since you have it just take it off for a while to learn using your irons, or turn it off if it only works when turned on. The AR is not complicated, but it is a professionals weapon. And by that I mean, you have to treat it the way a true professional treats his stuff, take care of it before yourself. Intruction wouldn't hurt at all, but you can do that yourself if you are detail minded.

Cerberus: All points well taken. Like the idea of starting with just the iron sights, will practice that for awhile, makes a lot of sense. Thanks a ton!

 

[dhamby]

Enjoy it, but most of all respect it. That goes with any firearm though. The AR is a great platform that you can easily make your own to fit your needs/wants. Don't waste a bunch of money on fancy do-dads and lasers, ect right out of the gate. Shoot it, learn it, and keep it clean and well lubed. If you know someone who owns one could be a plus but if you see someone at the range with one don't be afraid to ask questions, just do your research and don't believe everything you hear.