Posted on 06/18/2016 6:28:03 AM PDT by Drew68
After reading that Academy Sports was pulling their AR style rifles off the shelves, I headed to my neighborhood Gander Mountain here in Jacksonville, Florida to see if they had wussed out as well.
If Gander Mountain is pulling their AR rifles off the shelves, it is only because they are putting them in boxes and sending them out the door with customers.
I approached the hunting department around 7:00 pm. I hadn't planned on buying anything, though I hadn't dismissed the idea either. I was just there to look around.
AR-styles have always interested me. I am familiar with the weapon from the military. I earned my rifle qualification on an M4. Although an "AK Guy", I've found the AR to be easy to handle and fun to shoot.
Anyhow, I wasn't the only person occupying the three sales clerks' time at Gander Mountain. They were quite busy. There were a lot of men, some women, young, old, white, black all amongst the crowd at the Gander Mountain firearms department last night.
A half dozen of us were gathered specifically around the rapidly diminishing AR section of the firearm shelves. The salesman, who had grown well-rehearsed at what he was about to say grouped us together so he could deliver his sales speech at the same time.
He then proceeded to sell us on the virtues of the Armalite Eagle-15, an AR flattop with MilSpec construction and a .223 Wylde barrel.
They were selling them for $599. They currently had four left, even after doubling their orders following recent events. A quick internet search showed this price to be a bit high. The catch was, Gander had them here and right now while the lower-priced dealers were out of stock.
Normally, I'd think about it, go home, do a whole bunch of research on "what's the best base-model AR" and then return to the store to buy something three times higher than I had planned on spending.
But this time was different. Something stinks in the air right now. I'm feeling it. I think we all are.
It is the time to buy, not think about buying. I was the first man in the group to raise my hand and say, "start the paperwork." Within an hour, all four Armalites were gone as well as some S&W's, Sigs and other variants.
The rifle came with one 30rd magazine, no sling, no rear sight. Some overpriced ammo and accessories set me back about a grand total.
Not a bad Father's Day weekend at the gun store at all.
The libs around you will run in horror until ou pull our your .22, fire it, then show them you AR-15 works just about the same and doesn't spew bullets like the Tarantino movies they love to watch...Enjoy ...: )
Normally I prefer reloads, but with quality made, brass cased new ammo available for 30 cents a round, it makes little economic sense to reload for an AR.
Congrats!!
The only way to go!!
I like your style!
Sooo, you’re one o’ them leftists, are ye?
Very nice! Now comes the fun part- upgrades! Time for a quad rail, a handle, butt pad, sling, and this, the cheapest knock around scope and laser for screwing around -
a Vokul 2.5-10x40 Tactical Rifle Scope Red & Green Laser Dual Illuminated Mil-dot with Rail Mountshooting handle, recoil pad, and believe it or not, this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMICT24/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Have fun!
Those extras really got ya, huh ?
That’s a great price for that unit. I had to do some major bargain shopping when I bought my Colt 2960. Got it from Walmart for $800.
My biggest advice to the new AR owner is to read up on what people are saying, but also beware that every AR owner tends to say “You NEED this” when you really may not need it.
The best lesson I’ve learned so far is that not every accessory has to be on it.
Also, It’s really not a superior firearm. It’s just a firearm that all americans should own because it’s the official weapon of our armed forces. But it’s their official rifle because of their supply and armorer chain. This rifle can’t be used to drive a stake into the ground or be whacked against a tree (Like a Garand can) but its light and is basically a “take down” rifle that can fit in a non-gun bag.
You’ll also like that fore end after time. Even though it’s not covered with rails and handles.
Quote:
“I’ve got to try to find one for $599.00. I think I could talk the wife out of that much. LOL! I want one.”
That’s just the beginning. You can easily double that and more upgrading sights, handguards, stocks, pistol grip, rails, optics, slings, etc.
Then there’s ammo.....
Heh..
I think that mine is defective too. No matter how many "right wing extremist" websites that I visit, violent video games that I play, or read my Bible, all it ever shoots is little pieces of paper.
I was in an Ace Hardware on Thursday at the line to buy rifles was 20 deep at the gun counter. I was surprised at how many little old ladies (at least 5) were in line too.
This rifle can’t be used to drive a stake into the ground or be whacked against a tree (Like a Garand can) but its light and is basically a “take down” rifle that can fit in a non-gun bag.
Oh yeah? Attach this and have some fun!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001608OMO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Smith & Wesson 8 inch Special Ops M-9 Bayonet Special Forces Knife
Just in time for a Father’s Day fishing trip. Be careful if you take your new AR-15 boating!
I love my S&W AR15-22. Great to shoot as much as I want for about 7 cents a shot. Am looking for a larger caliber as well, or maybe Ruger Precision Rifile or Remington 700 so that I can make 1,000 yard shots.
It was an easy sell. The virtues of the .223 Wylde barrel sold me on it. Now, I don't know how much is true and how much is BS but supposedly, the Wylde barrel is optimal for both the .223 and the 5.56 round and is found on more expensive competition weapons.
Anyhow, on-line reviews tended to be positive. Keep in mind, $599 gets you a bare-bones MilSpec weapon, not the prettiest girl on the shelf.
With everyone and their dog making AR variants these days, everybody is going to have their favorite and the reasons behind why they think it is the best. Honestly, they're probably most all perfectly serviceable weapons. I think I did good.
And the ladies say “is that a potato in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?”
For years I only had hunting rifles, but I bought a Ruger AR last year and I love it. I still haven’t put an optic on it because I haven’t decided what I really want or need.
The problem with buying that AR is I caught the AR bug and now recognize my need for the Ruger takedown model, too. And I might just get a takedown Just Right Carbine in either 9MM/45ACP as well. I love the idea of having a rifle to pair with one of my sidearms. I can justify that one on the basis that it would be easier for my wife and daughters to handle.
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