Trading Down - AR's and AK's

[R19]

Has anyone traded down to a cheaper AR or AK and have been pleased with the decision? Why or why not? Thanks.

No time to shoot is my basis. I have a Sig 516 and considering dropping down to an S&W M&P15 Sport or Delton and keeping the difference.

[b18bturboek9]

I look at it like trading in a car depending on the firearm. Will the lower model suit your needs. I don't trade and pretty much don't sell my firearms unless I don't shoot/like a firearm, but for the most part I wouldn't trade just for the cash unless i had no money for the basics food,rent or something along those lines I'd need to pay. Will the lower model work for you, probably but is it really worth it? You have to answer your own question if a quality rifle is worth trading down for.

[gabe123]

To me a few hundred to dollar is just not worth the effort for a trade down of anything related to firearm. After all the negotiation, trading, paperwork, wait, etc... The saving doesnt look that attractive anymore. And then there is something called new gun syndrome. You will likely to accessorize the heck out of it and end up pocket only a few dollar.

[desertrider]

Trade down? What's being traded, besides money?

As far as AR platforms go, aren't all lowers and uppers supposed to be milspec? If that's the case, then the quality differences should be in the various components/accessories you choose to run on said receivers.

After a long conversation with a Marine armorer several years ago, and some research on my part, I came to the conclusion that rather than buy completed AR's, I would just build them as finances allowed using components that met my requirements.

Mine are all frankenguns. They also work flawlessly and are absolutely reliable.

By no means am I a "hater" towards those that are loyal to their Noveskes, Larues, LWRC's, etc., I'd own a few also if they were in my budget, but my rifles run smooth and shoot accurately, and allowed me to spend more on ammo and optics.

[SilverTauron]

Has anyone traded down to a cheaper AR or AK and have been pleased with the decision? Why or why not? Thanks.

No time to shoot is my basis. I have a Sig 516 and considering dropping down to an S&W M&P15 Sport or Delton and keeping the difference.

Its a good idea. I haven't done that for rifles, but I did it on my handguns and it was a great move. I sold an HK, bought a Beretta, and pocketed the difference for ammo.

Sometimes gun ownership can resemble a rat race. The best shooters step out of the rush and just run what they have as often as time and money allows. The guy with the mil-spec AR15 with iron carry handle sights and carbine grips won't win any photoshoot prizes, but he'll hit what he aims at-and that's ultimately what its all for.

[sl0re10]

With AKs the story is different. Low end AKs really are different than high end AKs. So; I wouldn't trade down if the one you have is good.

[deckhandmike]

Just don't shoot it for a while and you save the difference in ammo. I would never trade a realible firearm for an untested cheaper model. Guns are not all shooters. Hang on to the realible shooters. I've had some that if shtf I would of thrown at an enemy before shot due to realibility. I'd rather just work an overtime. Plus you get hosed on DROS and taxes.

[CWDraco]

Its a choice only you can make. I think a Sport is a fine AR15. It will get the job done. I sold a Colt to buy a Stag and a Draco. Then sold the Draco after a year. I don't miss the Colt or the Draco. I bought 3 guns with the profit, a Moss 500, a Savage MKII and a Walther HK MP5 (which I am selling now to fund a couple metal detectors). I have HD/SD/Hunting guns and then guns I goof off with. I sell the toys to help fund other toys. As long as you are getting something you want you will not regret your decision. I have sold guns I wish I had not, but then I think of what I bought with the money and I get over it.

Never sell items you value just to pay bills.

[desertrider]

Never sell items you value just to pay bills.

Preach it, brother!

I've done this, and still regret it. Things will have to be pretty dire for me to make that mistake again.

On the other hand, I've sold off guns, ammo, and accessories that had no sentimental value for profit, and used that money to fund a few items that I wouldn't part with now.

[HKMadness]

Has anyone traded down to a cheaper AR or AK and have been pleased with the decision? Why or why not? Thanks.

No time to shoot is my basis. I have a Sig 516 and considering dropping down to an S&W M&P15 Sport or Delton and keeping the difference.

If theyre both DI, sure, depending on the difference.

I traded my usp 9 for a great g17 + cash, and have been very happy that I did. In fact, Im looking to that with my USP .45 too. So if anyone out there has a Good condition G 21 they wanna upgrade, let me know