How many ARs do you think you need?

[SheepDog78]

Don't read too much into the thread title, I enjoy all my firearms as much as anybody, and in no way do I think there's such a thing as "too many."

That said, I know there's a run on lowers right now, for obvious reasons, and I'm wondering how much of it is due to just the possibility of not being able to buy them legally any more in the near future, or because people really can make use of all those lowers. I understand the whole forbidden fruit thing, I'm just as guilty. A question I've been asking myself lately is do I want to purchase more lowers just because I may not be able to soon, or will they really be useful to me? Would my money be better spent on more uppers to complete builds? If the SHTF sooner rather than later (say around election time) the only lowers which will benefit me are ones which will be part of a complete rifle.

One can argue that they are for backup in case an existing rifle gets worn out, but I'm willing to wager a majority of people here have enough firearms they will likely never "shoot out" any of them in their lifetime. Plus, if you had to go mobile, for whatever reason, how many could you realistically take with you? Would you be able to handle 8 rifles in 8 different cartridge/calibers, plus ammo?

Just some food for thought and me thinking out loud, as I've been asking these things of myself. It's really hard to say not knowing what's in store for our immediate future. I'm pretty uncomfortable with the way things are going.

[Tank 57]

2.
One in 5.56 and one in 7.62 (.308).

[dwalker]

I tend to build them a lot just because, and to try more things, etc. When I get more than 10 on hand I usually thin the herd a bit back down to 6 or so.

[BigPimping]

I am at ten complete ones now. Also have lowers. Looking for more.

[DesertDave100]

I wanted one in 5.56 and one in 7.62X39. Then I wanted a rifle gas 20" in 5.56. Now I want a .22lr. I might be done wanting, once I snag that last upper.

I could imagine wanting another variation or two, like a real lightweight 5.56, or something else very different. But it's hard to even shoot the various firearms more than a couple times a year, with a once-a-week shooting schedule.

[getpro56]

I've had up to 15 at one time. Sold many. Built more. Sold again. Then built them in diff cal. I have less than 10 now but have a couple lowers ready for an upper. I just got tired and a little bored of building an AR. Going w AK's at the moment.

[C.W.M.V.]

Had a lot and realized that I was on the wrong path.
One man needs one rifle. All other cash flow to support that rifle.

[NORCAL#1]

As many as you can afford

[JohnnyMtn]

I need 6. A vanilla M4, a Block 1/2 (or there abouts) with a 14.7" barrel, a Mk18 clone, an M16A2 clone, an M16A1 clone. and then just one extra for the heck of it.

[Victor Cachat]

2.
One in 5.56 and one in 7.62 (.308).

And one in 300 Blackout
And one in .243
And one in 6.8
And...

[81Degrees]

I've got one complete, 5.56. That's all I can see myself really owning. I do plan on building one or two for the experience. I did have an urge to add a couple more in different calibers, 22lr, .308, 7.62x39.... but for now I'm content with the one.
I'm definitely building a retro just because that classic look I find clean looking. Most of my money goes to ammo as of right now.
If SHTF now I couldn't see myself pushing around more than one anyways. I barely have room for all the magazines.

[stevec223]

Two... One for each vehicle or two equals one.. Plus a stripped lower and a lpk and spare upper parts kit.. Yes plenty of other options but the AR is just a handy self defence gun... And most bad people will get your drift very quickly just at the sight of it... As it should be.. Cheers...

[Guns and guitars]

Ive got 6 that are my main ones I shoot...Then theres two for my wife....Three for my three sons....Then I have and extra few Ive gotten for trades...All mine are 556...

Then when these Cali Libtards started screaming about bans I went down and bought 6 spikes lowers...
Might still buy more.
Its not about what I need, its about what I want.

[dscoduc]

To borrow from the Velominati....

Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes AR's to own is n+1.

While the minimum number of bikes AR's one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes AR's currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes AR's owned that would result in separation from your partner.

[NATEWA]

Good question. My $.02 - one or two for yourself and one for every family member. At least 6 mags per rifle and a couple hundred rounds of self defense ammo for each rifle. This would be my minimum. Also good to have extra bolts, gas tubes, lower parts kit (springs), batteries, buffer/spring, etc.