Why do we "Bubba" out our AR's?

[tankerman]

I use free float rails because the front sight is ugly and outdated. Plus the gas block is ugly too.

I use a vertical foregrip because it is a more natural way to hold it and allows better control of the rifle.

I use a retractable stock because I like having different options for the LOP. I have only used a full stock AR once for about a mags worth of shooting so I don't have much to compare it to.

I use an optic because I like it and it is easier to shoot with it.

Do you want to know why I like flash hiders, bayonet lugs, and pistol grips to or have you decided against supporting the next AWB?

Is opening your rifle and loading it through the top, "a more natural way" as well?

[ajaffe]

No, but using a bullet tip to drop my mag isn't too far away.

[tankerman]

No, but using a bullet tip to drop my mag isn't too far away.

Some folks prefer more than 10 rounds at a time.

[ajaffe]

Then you wouldn't be top loading would you?
I would much rather have my features and have to use a tool to drop a mag 3x as much as you than to not have my features and still not be able to use anything over 10 rounds since I was only 14 when high caps were banned.
Remember, some folks are still new to this sport and enjoy the same things differently than you do.

[Monte]

I think the AR has 2 great appeals:

1) Every Tom, Dick, and Gray Wolf can swap out any of the parts, receivers, barrels etc. and trick it out any way he or she wants.

+1 ... I like the fact that you can configure your rifle/carbine as you see fit.

I also like the fact that the AR is compact, fairly light, and fairly flat. So I won't be bubba'ing mine out too much. Just a 6-position stock, an Aimpoint, BUIS and some kind of rail to mount a light. Oh, and a decent sling.

[Mazilla]

Some folks prefer more than 10 rounds at a time.

So do I, when nobody is looking.

[maxicon]

If you can't master firing an A2 with iron sights, all that other crap is not going to make a bit of difference in real life except that you get to carry a heavier gun.

Let me guess - you're young, and your eyesight hasn't gone to hell. That's not a hit, many people were young once.

Likewise, many of us used to shoot very well indeed with iron sights, and are now not so good at it. I'm a big fan of iron sights, and didn't have optics for my first 40 years of shooting, but now, I've got lots of them, and they make a real difference.

I can still shoot with iron sights, but I can shoot a whole lot better with optics, especially an Eotech or red dot. The extra weight is well worth it to me. YMMV, as always, but remember there are people with different needs than you.

[Clodbuster]

Really? I imagine when you tell the hot chicks how much all that stuff cost, they would turn around and go with the guy who spent that money instead to trick out their Hondas with more Type R stickers.

Clod

Cause hot chicks dig it and can help you get laid.

[Clodbuster]

A lot of shooters use a sling correctly to improve their off hand shots. Esp. the Army marksmanship unit...

Clod

Have you ever used a forward vertical grip mounted where it is intended to be mounted? I was skeptical before I used one, and my offhand groups were improved a lot because the added control I had over my rifle kept my sight picture constant after recoil.
As far as red dots and Eotechs go, why not? Some of us have horrible eyes and they make things easier.

My ARs are set up with forward vertical grips, plastic handguards with a rail section on them, and with an electronic aiming device of some sort. I do not see this as overkill, but some do.
By the same logic, I do not see automatic weapons and suppressors as overkill, but some do. I do not see semi automatic weapons as overkill, but some do. I do not see bolt actions as overkill, but some do. See where I am going with this?

[Timberwolf]

Some of us believe that being prepared for the most extreme situations might just get you out alive. This "crap" actually gives you a tactical advantage "IN REAL LIFE" and that is indisputable.

Classic

I think most people tend to overaccessorize due to lack of experience of what is worth the extra money, weight, and complexity.


I think if most guys had to carry and maintain their AR "platforms" for a month in hunting or combat conditions, a lot of bells and whistles would come off.

Ding, Ding, Ding . . . we have a winner

[Clodbuster]

They also hump around with 60+ pounds of equipment and train doing this all day long. And also have a squad of similiarly equiped SOLDIERS backing them up. You have a squad and a Hummer with a belt fed machine gun to back you up when the "extreme" situation pops up in your neighborhood?

Clod

So I guess all the troops in Iraq are just going for the cool factor with there fancy EOTech, ACOG and Surefires. Ask them if it makes a difference. My guess is you haven't talked to anyone who has been in modern day combat. IR lasers, IR goggles & scopes, cutting edge optics and high power light weight flashlights are 100% needed to open cans of whoop @$$ at the level our military does.

Some of us believe that being prepared for the most extreme situations might just get you out alive. This "crap" actually gives you a tactical advantage "IN REAL LIFE" and that is indisputable.

[Lancear15]

Classic



Ding, Ding, Ding . . . we have a winner

You always have the option to take off and put on whatever the hell you want, IF you already own it before SHTF. Have all you "iron sight A2 is all you need" believers actually ever shot a red dot sight? the target acquisition is easily four times faster from a barrel low, non-cheek weld position. For a left eye, right hand dominant shooter(or even right and right) in a tactical situation there is no doubt its the ONLY choice to make.

I have shot 500 yards, 10 slow shots in a row, in the ten circle of standard Marine Corps 500 yard target with A2 iron sights prone w/ a sling before. So ya iron sights are great. But they can't even come close to cutting edge optics. I guess you wouldn't want the extra 20#s of hard plate armor or even a spectra/cordura vest on either. Bubba-ed out vs guy with bare A2... Bubba whoops his *** every time.

[mif_slim]

I think as long as you have less stuff than these guys, you are probably ok.


.

What the hell is that?!?

[ajaffe]

A lot of shooters use a sling correctly to improve their off hand shots. Esp. the Army marksmanship unit...

Clod

And a lot of them use Vertical foregrips. Your point?

[Clodbuster]

The vertical foregrip is redundant if you 'need' some sort of support to improve your groupings since you have a sling on your rifle. If you don't have a sling on a rifle you intend to take out on the field, that's another issue all together.
The vertical foregrip was intended to aid in controlling muzzle rise on fully automatic weapons, not semi-autos. Putting one on is more for looks than functionality.

Clod

And a lot of them use Vertical foregrips. Your point?