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Does hating the AR-15 make you a traitor?

hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
edited May 2006 in General Discussion
think about it.. if it was WWII and you drove around with a bumper sticker that said "Mausers Rule" "Zero's Eat Hellcats for Lunch" or "My Other Car is a Kubelwagon" you'd probably be lynched.

discuss among yourselves
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Comments

  • HappyNanoqHappyNanoq Member Posts: 12,023
    edited November -1
    I don't see how it makes one a traitor..

    I don't think it says in the constitution that you have to love substandard weaponry .. [}:)]

    [:D]
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by HappyNanoq
    I don't see how it makes one a traitor..

    I don't think it says in the constitution that you have to love substandard weaponry .. [}:)]

    [:D]


    You're not an American Happy, so you can't be a traitor, at least not to the U.S.. With you it's simply a matter of opinion...
  • mrseatlemrseatle Member Posts: 15,467 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree the Barret .50 magezine fed sniper rifle is the way to go.
    Wow it's Made In The US.[8D]
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I know that when I toss my Zeiss bincoulars in the glovebox of my Toyota, taking care not to break my pint of Absolut or scratch my Patek in the process, I can be proud of the "I [HEART] MY AR15" bumper sticker I display on the way to the Chinese restaurant.
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mrseatle
    I agree the Barret .50 magezine fed sniper rifle is the way to go.
    Wow it's Made In The US.[8D]


    Now that's the kind of spirit we need to hear more of around here.

    I'm really distrubed that the country has become so divided by politics that we Americans can't find anything to agree on anymore. I see this "self-loathing" driven by the Bush bashers who would rather tear our country down over a difference of political opinion than find common ground.

    This disturbing trend carries over into criticism of everything American, including our military weapons and our troops. conversely, everything about the enemy is glorified up to and including their weapons.

    Back in WWII the poster said "The M1 does my Talking" and Americans were filled with pride in our troops and our country's ability to produce the best weapons in the world.

    Then came the unpopular wars, like Vietnam, and curiously with criticism of the war and our soldiers, came criticm for the rifle they were issued. Nowadays its as fashionable to bash the M16 as it is to bash the president. After all, if "everybody" is doing it, it must be right!
  • WarbirdsWarbirds Member Posts: 16,934 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hughbetcha- I think you're comparing apples to oranges. Owning an AK-47 is vastly different than driving around with a bumper sticker that says "Osama Bin Laden was right!" If you cannot look at two products unobjectively and decide for yourself which is superior, that makes you biased, not unpatriotic.
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Dave W.
    hughbetcha- I think you're comparing apples to oranges. Owning an AK-47 is vastly different than driving around with a bumper sticker that says "Osama Bin Laden was right!" If you cannot look at two products unobjectively and decide for yourself which is superior, that makes you biased, not unpatriotic.


    By any objective standard the AR-15/M16 is one of the finest rifles ever fielded by any army.

    DWS,

    That bumber sticker will undoubtably attract the attention of car jacking thugs armed with AK-47s. Keep your Glock in the glove box and your HK in the trunk.
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Dave W.
    hughbetcha- I think you're comparing apples to oranges. Owning an AK-47 is vastly different than driving around with a bumper sticker that says "Osama Bin Laden was right!" If you cannot look at two products unobjectively and decide for yourself which is superior, that makes you biased, not unpatriotic.

    Dave--this is Hugh's puny attempt at chain-yanking, yet another in a tedious succession of ludicrous laments. No matter that our troops' boots are made in Korea and their BDUs in the sweat shops of Venezuela, Hugh has to becry his Amaericanism and preference for the M16 over the AK, and this despite being told repeatedly by people who would certainly know that as a combat weapon the M16 is a far distant second to the AK, maybe a far distant third behind the Daewoo.
  • KSUmarksmanKSUmarksman Member Posts: 10,705 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    not this again...

    first of all I don't hate the AR-15/M-16, it is you who said that only criminals own AK-47s. By the way, aren't the new military M-4s made in Belgium???

    secondly, in today's global economy there is really no such thing as a "good guy weapon" or "bad guy weapon". Iran has a squadron of F-14 Tomcats, does that make the Tomcat a terrorist plane? At the time of Desert Storm Iraq had in its arsenal weapons from a bunch of countries, including some American M-60 and British Chieftain tanks, not to mention a crapload of Mirage fighters, which France sold to just about any sheethead nation.

    Lastly, to discuss the weaknesses of a weapon, such as the AK's inferior accuracy to the AR or the AR's inferior reliability, is just that: meaningful discourse which may (hopefully) lead to a better design which is the best of both worlds. No "treason" is intended.
    While we're at it I dare someone to find me a battle rifle that is perfect in all environments and for all missions (IF one exists it probably ain't the AR or AK!)

    Next let's attack the Browning Hi-power as a badguy weapon, after all it was the sidearm of choice of Iraqi generals and the Venezuelan army uses it. (this last line is of course sarcasm)
  • whiteclouderwhiteclouder Member Posts: 10,574 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A question of such profundity leaves me gasping--please, call the Rand Corporation.

    Clouder..
  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What if the Hokey Pokey really ISwhat it is all about?

    ARs just don't interest me. Thank you.
  • mrseatlemrseatle Member Posts: 15,467 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Gimme a bottle of anything, with a Green Label.
  • bobskibobski Member Posts: 17,866 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    it has to do with product loyalty. and everyone knows that with the new world economy, its a thing of the past. whoever is king of the hill today, will be bumped by someone else with a better product for cheaper. or even worse, a cheap product with free replacement parts on a special 5 yr repair contract.
    Retired Naval Aviation
    Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
    Former NSSA All American
    Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
    MO, CT, VA.
  • CLINTFCLINTF Member Posts: 735 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Irrational people and fanatics show a disturbing amount of loyalty to "things" without considering that there are different views and needs. I own both AKs and ARs and realize their differences and strengths and use the one that better suits a specific purpose. I like buying american made products when they are as worthy as a foreign one but if not I'll take the better product!
  • guntech59guntech59 Member Posts: 23,188 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The M-4s are made in the FN factory in Columbia, SC along with a number of other M-16 series weapons. And, no, it doesn't make you a traitor, just opinionated!
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
    quote:Originally posted by Dave W.
    hughbetcha- I think you're comparing apples to oranges. Owning an AK-47 is vastly different than driving around with a bumper sticker that says "Osama Bin Laden was right!" If you cannot look at two products unobjectively and decide for yourself which is superior, that makes you biased, not unpatriotic.

    Dave--this is Hugh's puny attempt at chain-yanking, yet another in a tedious succession of ludicrous laments. No matter that our troops' boots are made in Korea and their BDUs in the sweat shops of Venezuela, Hugh has to becry his Amaericanism and preference for the M16 over the AK, and this despite being told repeatedly by people who would certainly know that as a combat weapon the M16 is a far distant second to the AK, maybe a far distant third behind the Daewoo.


    Yes, this a puny attempt to yank peoples chains. Can't slip nothing past DWS(his senses were hyper-activated through combat)

    No, I'm not crazy..I'm not going shoot people on sight if they're carrying AK-47s, etc. etc.

    At least I'm trying to stir up gun related conversations. I take so much from this forum, it's just my puny attempt at giving something back.
  • ElMuertoMonkeyElMuertoMonkey Member Posts: 12,898
    edited November -1
    I just don't care for the AR-15.

    Give me a good ol' Remington 870 any day over the AR... and yes, I do know this is apples and oranges here... can I help it if I like oranges better?[:p]
  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    while i do not hate them, i really do not like them, i think as a civilian they are highly over rated, as far as a over all versatile weapon the m1a rules
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by ElMuertoMonkey
    I just don't care for the AR-15.

    Give me a good ol' Remington 870 any day over the AR... and yes, I do know this is apples and oranges here... can I help it if I like oranges better?[:p]


    that's the spirit monkeyman! No snide remarks about George Bush, no bogged down in the quagmire of Iraq..just a clear lucid answer without disparaging our country or its weaponry.
  • dcon12dcon12 Member Posts: 32,036 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by hughbetcha
    it's just my puny attempt at giving something back.



    Save the charity for Goodwill. Don
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by dcon12
    quote:Originally posted by hughbetcha
    it's just my puny attempt at giving something back.



    Save the charity for Goodwill. Don


    I'll send your share directly to the Little Sisters of the Poor
  • The LawThe Law Member Posts: 2,287 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:the m1a rules

    Yup...
  • 7.62x397.62x39 Member Posts: 1,994 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    SKS's are good too[:D]
  • mrseatlemrseatle Member Posts: 15,467 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
  • Henry0ReillyHenry0Reilly Member Posts: 10,892 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by He Dog
    ARs just don't interest me. Thank you.

    +1
    I used to recruit for the NRA until they sold us down the river (again!) in Heller v. DC. See my auctions (if any) under username henryreilly
  • Ray BRay B Member Posts: 11,822
    edited November -1
    To say one hates something is to say that there are characteristics of it that are so bad as to outweigh any of the good aspects. So those that hate the M16, just what is it that yu hate? From my experience with the M16 there were some shortcomings, eg the lack of slow initial extraction, the lack of sufficient operating rod pressure, and general lack of durability; but the effects of these shortcomings, from what I have heard, have largely been corrected. The gains from the design are a straight recoil and sigificantly reduced weight, compared to a steel design. The cartridge allows twice as much ammunition to be carried compared to the 7.62, and while having less penetration, it is more effective by several criteria than the 7.62 when used within 200 yards, which is the accepted distance considered to be the most likely to be encountering hostiles in the present circumstances.

    So the M16 design has good points and bad points, just as everything else does- be it guns, cars, jobs, you name it- so there really is no point in spending the energy hating something- just accept the fact the you place more emphasis on it's weak points than on it's strong points, and that there are other designs that you consider superior. So everyone is entitled to their opinion, and to not accept someone else's opinion. So let it go.[;)]
  • kyplumberkyplumber Member Posts: 11,111
    edited November -1
    Only hugh wouldve posted a topic like this... [:o)]


    but to anwser the "idoit" question; No... AK owners will more than likely pick up AR's on the field, So not only are they patriotic they are thrify too [;)]
  • HappyNanoqHappyNanoq Member Posts: 12,023
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mrseatle
    doublestar.jpg


    I guess this is proof, that AR's are not even rifles... [:D] Wheres the rest. ??!!??

    [;)]
  • mateomasfeomateomasfeo Member Posts: 27,143
    edited November -1
    quote:Does hating the AR-15 make you a traitor?

    No, it makes you a "tater."
  • gbeggrowgbeggrow Member Posts: 5,499
    edited November -1
    Gas tube, gas rings, pipe cleaners, forward assist, feeding problems, clean, clean, clean.....NEVER had one I ever liked or worked to my standards. I'll take my FAL, my AK, my Garand, my 10/22, my BB gun, a boomerang, and pretty much anything else I own over an AR. I've had three and all were "lemons". Coincidence.....I think not. Chrome lining everything is not the answer.
  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,516 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    That does it. My Colt is going.
  • jack85jack85 Member Posts: 211 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Lets assume that Mr. Kalashnikov was born in USA and Mr. Stoner was born in Russia.
    Now, patriotism induced favoritism aside, tell us what you are? Communist or Capitalist?
    Me still thinks that AR is a better, more dependable - all around weapon then the AK platform.
  • kyplumberkyplumber Member Posts: 11,111
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jack85
    Lets assume that Mr. Kalashnikov was born in USA and Mr. Stoner was born in Russia.
    Now, patriotism induced favoritism aside, tell us what you are? Communist or Capitalist?
    Me still thinks that AR is a better, more dependable - all around weapon then the AK platform.


    Lets say you drove a honda, and wanted the most bang for your buck; Every buck Every bang! Now descend to walmart they have cases of pop for 4.99$
  • jack85jack85 Member Posts: 211 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by kyplumber
    quote:Originally posted by jack85
    Lets assume that Mr. Kalashnikov was born in USA and Mr. Stoner was born in Russia.
    Now, patriotism induced favoritism aside, tell us what you are? Communist or Capitalist?
    Me still thinks that AR is a better, more dependable - all around weapon then the AK platform.


    Lets say you drove a honda, and wanted the most bang for your buck; Every buck Every bang! Now descend to walmart they have cases of pop for 4.99$



    Sorry, I don't do that. I'd rather wait, save some more and get what I really want, besides, space in my gunsafe is very limited...so -- no room for AK junk! By the way, what's Honda, Wallmart... etc?
  • kyplumberkyplumber Member Posts: 11,111
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jack85
    quote:Originally posted by kyplumber
    quote:Originally posted by jack85
    Lets assume that Mr. Kalashnikov was born in USA and Mr. Stoner was born in Russia.
    Now, patriotism induced favoritism aside, tell us what you are? Communist or Capitalist?
    Me still thinks that AR is a better, more dependable - all around weapon then the AK platform.


    Lets say you drove a honda, and wanted the most bang for your buck; Every buck Every bang! Now descend to walmart they have cases of pop for 4.99$



    Sorry, I don't do that. I'd rather wait, save some more and get what I really want, besides, space in my gunsafe is very limited...so -- no room for AK junk! By the way, what's Honda, Wallmart... etc?


    they dont let you guys watch FNC Fanaticle Nutcase Channel in canada do they? I'm suprised the njc/njo would let a militant amish member aboard..

    Ahh I see that youre not a member of the njcnjo just poking at them in your pic..

    You should hear EVERYONE listen to few believe none and trust God...
  • wanted manwanted man Member Posts: 3,276
    edited November -1
    My second-to-last unit issued M-16 I carried for 7 1/2 yrs, never had a jam! The only true "maintenance" it ever required was replacing the gas rings, IIRC. It was always accurate. I've heard of how you can drag an AK-47 through the mud, rinse it off in a creek and it will supposedly perform flawlessly, still I'd take the M-16, if those were my ONLY 2 choices.
  • p3skykingp3skyking Member Posts: 23,916 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    After some consideration, the best weapon is the one you have in your hand. I don't believe the AR-15 variant is the best weapon that could be used in Iraq. It will do, but others might be better.

    For house to house in town, I would personally choose an M3 greasegun or MAC 10. A big caliber in a fast small package.

    On a convoy or anywhere where there is wide open spaces, the short M-14 or FAL. Again, caliber is the deciding factor. Penetration is needed also.

    The AR-15 was fine for SE Asia. Small bullet, but small targets. Enough penetration for jungle and bamboo huts. More than enough range. I think we still got shortchanged there and should have waited until the AR-18, with it superior gas system, came online. Some talk about the Mickey Mouse folding stock. Well it is Rube Goldberg, but a standard stock could be fitted just as easy, and no more problem.

    There is much talk about a new military round. I fear we are going to repeat a historic mistake yet again. 7mm should be the caliber of choice as the ballistic coefficient is the best. Numerous militaries have used the 6.5 in the past. Battlefield experiences have always shown that to be not quite good enough.

    The AK is a good weapon. However it suffers from accuracy problems (thankfully). In SE Asia, it was the better choice of the two opposing weapons systems.

    What's it all mean? Not a hell of a lot. The best weapon is the one in your hands.
  • elect1mikeelect1mike Member Posts: 4,585 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The only reason the army opt. for the m16/ar was that most guys could not hit the broadside of a barn ( More bullets more hits)and the fact jungle warfare means not being able to see the enemy so throw a bunch of lead and maybe you will hit something. I don't think hating one makes you a traitor.
  • rediceredice Member Posts: 1,550 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I want to get a Tatto of my ak on my arm, unfortunetly I do own an ar-15 to however its chambered in 6.8rem spc so its not totally lackluster, however I still wouldent trust it in anything worse than a light rain in the suburbs.

    My ak on the other hand I took hunting in a heavy rain got my deer set it in the mud while I pulled the deer out of the woods went and got it an hour later stuck it in the gunsafe then 6 months later I cleaned it, still works like new, still looks like new.
  • FrogbertFrogbert Member Posts: 2,380 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, if I was 17 I'd join up now, to serve my country because when I was 17, I did. When I joined up, I'd go through testing and boot camp and the chain of command would decide what I was good for and I'd be assigned where they wanted me to go. While I was there, I'd do the best I could and get good reviews, because when I was assigned I did that. When they assigned me to a battle station, I'd accept it because I'd have no choice and when they assigned me a weapon, I take the one they decided I should have and learn how to maintain it and use it to the best of my ability.

    And when I did all those things, it would PROVE my patriotism by my actions. When I followed orders it would prove my LOYALTY, as I did.

    It wouldn't make one stinking bit of difference if I liked one weapon design or another made anywhere, anytime for any reason.
    I'd still be a loyal, patriotic American voluntaring service to my country in the military. And when I finished my tours of duty, I would be a loyal, patriotic American Veteran, which I am, no matter what somebody says about me for my opinions on firearm design.
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