Ammo prices

mashburned

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Bbdk on his JD when the purge comes out to his burb.

 

BlueRaider22

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If people died in part because my AR failed, I would have very strong opinions about that platform. I'm no expert on either, but it sure looks like the AR has more points of failure.




My father is a Vietnam Vet. At first it wasn't generally well received and was prone to getting dirty.......hence jamming in the field. Because of this, my dad carried the M14 which had a bunch of limitations but reliability wasn't one of them.

However, things have changed a lot. Firearms are machines......they all fail at times.....some just do it more than others. There's a reason why AR's are immensely popular in modern times. And for every 1 negative military experience with the AR, there are 1,000 positive ones. Modern AK's and AR's are amazing platforms.....both have pros/cons.......
 

KopiKat

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Looking at PSA AK's and some differences between them....

- Front sight/gas block combo. Is there a benefit to this? It's what psa puts on their top tier AK the "E". You get a shorter sight radius. It would be easier to chop down the barrel if you wanted to sbr it.

- muzzle devices...The 103 "klone" has the funky looking 74 style brake/compensator. Is that desirable? More useful than classic slant brake?


- Are side folders cool? What are downsides? I think part of the appeal of the AK is the folding stock. I don't know really know if it's practical or useful aside from more compact storage...I guess in a vehicle it could operate in tighter space.

- optics mounts. If you use the optic mount that attaches to the left side of the receiver, would a sidefolder work with that? I see the front gas tube pic rails which puts the optic way forward...which is fine for a red dot.
To get to the rest of your questions . . . the only sight / gas block combo I have experience with is by Jmac Customs. It works just fine. Yes, the sight radius is shortened. But I have it on a set up with a sight mount by Sabrewerks, which replaces the rear sight base. So maybe it helps take some weight off the front. This is not on a 7.62. I would say the main benefit to this is during the build, which allows for threading the barrel without the front sight block in your way, and then requires re-installing only one block instead of two. There are some combo blocks on the market that provide for a gas adjustment. If anybody has experience with those, please share.

The AK-74 brake is a very effective brake. However, an AK-74 "style" brake should not be expected to perform like one. It may or may not. Without a front sight block to provide for correct thread diameter (and consequently internal brake volume) I would be shy of relying on an AK-74 style brake to perform effectively. Maybe it will. I offer no assurance. A legit AK-74 brake is indeed more useful, IMO, than a slant brake. Slant brakes a typically intended to offset the muzzle rise and roll to shooter's right common to AK-47 (7.62x39).

As I said, wire folders are the coolest. They fold to the right and drape below the action. No interference. Other conventional stock folders go to the left and interfere with carry for right hand shooters. Options are almost limitless. Warsaw length fixed will always be the most popular. The NATO length is slightly longer.

Side rail mounts. Many great options on the market here for everything but the Saiga platform. I have never found a side rail mount that would result in a rail being on center or without making contact with the Saiga dust cover. But if you have almost any other type of AK platform with a side rail you should be able to find a rail mount to.work nicely. Recommend Kreb's Customs. And no, side folders to the left will not work while you have something mounted on your rail.

Railed gas tubes. Never have used these. Gas tubes are gonna heat up unless you are slow pace target shooter. If that's you, forget about an AK and stop reading. But that doesn't mean railed ga tubes aren't good / useful. It just means I'm paranoid avoid transferring heat onto an optic. For optics mounted in this location, I recommend modular handguard system by Midwest. Not cheap, but quality. If on a Saiga, you don't have to change the Saiga gas tube nor do you need a lower handguard retainer (true for any AK). And if anyone just happens to be doing a conversion or requiring a lower handguard retainer for some other reason, I recommend Dinzag's two-piece system.

For trigger systems I recommend Tapco G2 single hook.
 
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KopiKat

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My father is a Vietnam Vet. At first it wasn't generally well received and was prone to getting dirty.......hence jamming in the field. Because of this, my dad carried the M14 which had a bunch of limitations but reliability wasn't one of them.

However, things have changed a lot. Firearms are machines......they all fail at times.....some just do it more than others. There's a reason why AR's are immensely popular in modern times. And for every 1 negative military experience with the AR, there are 1,000 positive ones. Modern AK's and AR's are amazing platforms.....both have pros/cons.......
Happy for your father, pleased that he made it back safe. Practically all of the Sr. non-commissioned officers when I was in the service (always in parachute infantry units) had done multiple, hard tours in Vietnam. Significant combat. Literally the type of men they were making major movies about in those days, serving under them, active duty, as a paratrooper, everyday. Not trying to go to battle.with your 1:1000 ratio, but all these men I'm talking about absolutely hated the M16.
 
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BlueRaider22

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Happy for your father, pleased that he made it back safe. Practically all of the Sr. non-commissioned officers when I was in the service (always in parachute infantry units) had done multiple, hard tours in Vietnam. Significant combat. Literally the type of men they were making major movies about in those days, serving under them, active duty, as a paratrooper, everyday. Not trying to go to battle.with your 1:1000 ratio, but all these men I'm talking about absolutely hated the M16.



It was a hyperbole. I'm sure if you're talking with those people who served in hard combat that many years ago, I'm sure they had negative thoughts of the AR platform. My own father as I pointed out carried the M14 because of the stigma with the M16.......and because he was more of a designated marksman.

I was referring to the modern thoughts on AR's. Modern AR's are so much more reliable than the rifles of old and are extremely well thought of with the modern military. After evolving and going through >60 yrs of combat usage, the AR has proven itself to be a very effective weapon platform.
 
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KopiKat

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Are wire folders cool to actually shoot...against your cheek? They sure look cool as hell, and uncomfortable.

If people died in part because my AR failed, I would have very strong opinions about that platform. I'm no expert on either, but it sure looks like the AR has more points of failure.
I've never operated a wire folder. Couldn't say. I just love them though. Seen people pad them up with all sorts of stuff. Scrap leather. 550 cord wrapping. Red rubber gasket material. Bicycle tubes. Anything to maybe soften the contract for a cheek weld.

Im gonna stop bagging on ARs. Raider is correct in noting advancements. Producers like LWRC and others have been offering short stroke piston systems for many years now. Sig Sauer a recoil system for an AR platform with spring positions above the bolt carrier to allow for a completely foldable stock. There are even some smaller companies out there offering long stroke piston systems on ARs. Literally, you take the bolt carrier out and a solid piston is attached to it! And while some are correct to refer to these as "advancements" in the AR, others, like myself, might also be correct to note that with each of these modifications the platform becomes a little bit less like an AR and a little bit more like an AK
 

BlueRaider22

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I've never operated a wire folder. Couldn't say. I just love them though. Seen people pad them up with all sorts of stuff. Scrap leather. 550 cord wrapping. Red rubber gasket material. Bicycle tubes. Anything to maybe soften the contract for a cheek weld.

Im gonna stop bagging on ARs. Raider is correct in noting advancements. Producers like LWRC and others have been offering short stroke piston systems for many years now. Sig Sauer a recoil system for an AR platform with spring positions above the bolt carrier to allow for a completely foldable stock. There are even some smaller companies out there offering long stroke piston systems on ARs. Literally, you take the bolt carrier out and a solid piston is attached to it! And while some are correct to refer to these as "advancements" in the AR, others, like myself, might also be correct to note that with each of these modifications the platform becomes a little bit less like an AR and a little bit more like an AK



Agreed. I think the Sig Virtus line will spark another evolution in AR design. It would not surprise me if other companies copy their design before too long.
 
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jwheat

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It was a hyperbole. I'm sure if you're talking with those people who served in hard combat that many years ago, I'm sure they had negative thoughts of the AR platform. My own father as I pointed out carried the M14 because of the stigma with the M16.......and because he was more of a designated marksman.

I was referring to the modern thoughts on AR's. Modern AR's are so much more reliable than the rifles of old and are extremely well thought of with the modern military. After evolving and going through >60 yrs of combat usage, the AR has proven itself to be a very effective weapon platform.
Not many civilians push their guns to the point of what they were seeing in combat. Also when most civilians shoot they pick a nice sunny day.

I’ve heard more than one combat vet from Afghanistan hate on the platform too. It’s just not built to withstand the harsh heat and sand like an AK is
 

BlueRaider22

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Not many civilians push their guns to the point of what they were seeing in combat. Also when most civilians shoot they pick a nice sunny day.

I’ve heard more than one combat vet from Afghanistan hate on the platform too. It’s just not built to withstand the harsh heat and sand like an AK is


I was referring to veterans' thoughts on the AR's. The vast majority of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans have very favorable views. Modern Special Forces who often can choose from a large variety of firearms usually choose AR platforms to run missions. I'm sure there are a number of guys who feel that the AK is better in some respects, but they are in the minority by a large, large margin. There's a reason why the AR is one of the most popular platforms in America.......and in the world. If the reliability were still very poor in combat......or if veterans everywhere had such a poor view of the platform it wouldn't be nearly as popular as they are.
 

catlanta33

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Need some help. I'm a novice so starting there. Got a Sig P220 45 on the way. I know ammo is a ***** to get and want some for shooting and some for home defense. Any recs/sources appreciated.
 

Hank Camacho

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45 is actually probably easier to get right now than 9mm. Try lucky gunner, palmetto state, and sgammo if you are looking for bulk ammo online. But there are many others.

After you get some ammo, watch this and immediately schedule a good training course with someone decent in your area.

 
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catlanta33

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Sorry looking for specifics for what's good for shooting and same for home defense. I'm 100% getting a ccw and going through training with a former instructor. Just want to learn with my own piece. Don't know **** about ammo other than how to look up best of lists.
 

Hank Camacho

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Federal HST, Hornady Critical Defense or Critical Duty, or Speer Gold Dot for carry / home defense ammo. For training, whatever is cheapest and your gun will shoot. A Sig should shoot steel case Russian **** ammo, etc just fine.
 
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hmt5000

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I found a bunch of 6.8spc ammo so I ordered an upper in 6.8... once I got my confirmation on shipping I went back to order the ammo and they were sold out. smdh. The only reason I got it was because 2 sites had tons of it.
 

BlueRaider22

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I found a bunch of 6.8spc ammo so I ordered an upper in 6.8... once I got my confirmation on shipping I went back to order the ammo and they were sold out. smdh. The only reason I got it was because 2 sites had tons of it.


It’ll be interesting in the future if the US military goes to something larger like the 6.8. Well all be buying uppers.
 

I am stupid

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Thank you, Hank. Just ordered some wolf rounds from lucky.

Good practice ammo. The defense ammo suggested above is a good list. I suggest shooting a few of them also. Some guns can be picky with hollow points/defense rounds, the Sig you bought isn't one of them, but if it was me I would shoot a few anyway.

Your sig has 2 8 round mags +1 in the chamber gives you 3 to test and still be loaded.

Edit- Maybe a 8 and a 10 round mag. So still leaves one.
 

catlanta33

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Good practice ammo. The defense ammo suggested above is a good list. I suggest shooting a few of them also. Some guns can be picky with hollow points/defense rounds, the Sig you bought isn't one of them, but if it was me I would shoot a few anyway.

Your sig has 2 8 round mags +1 in the chamber gives you 3 to test and still be loaded.

Edit- Maybe a 8 and a 10 round mag. So still leaves one.

I bought 200 **** rounds and 250 HST. I'm going to break this mofo in good.
 

812scottj

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The FBI conducted an extensive study on ammo a few years ago. Their findings concluded that self defense bullets need a combination of penetration (lethality) and expansion (pain/stopping power). The optimal combination was 13” of penetration (standard gel) and 1.5x expansion. The bullet exhibiting these traits most consistently was Speer Gold Dots
 

jwheat

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The FBI conducted an extensive study on ammo a few years ago. Their findings concluded that self defense bullets need a combination of penetration (lethality) and expansion (pain/stopping power). The optimal combination was 13” of penetration (standard gel) and 1.5x expansion. The bullet exhibiting these traits most consistently was Speer Gold Dots
That’s why we pay you the big bucks scottJ
 

812scottj

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Ha! I read the entire study...it was really interesting in terms of the science behind their criteria (clothing types, etc). A .22lr round is lethal, but some joker hyped up on LSD might not notice he’s been shot until several minutes later (during which time, he keeps coming after you and your family). I’m an old school guy, so I lean toward .45ACP for home protection (230 grains earned it the nickname “man stopper” for a reason). Recent advances in ammo design have made the 9mm hard to beat.

Rule #1: Get a gun you can shoot accurately and practice with it!!
 
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jwheat

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Ha! I read the entire study...it was really interesting in terms of the science behind their criteria (clothing types, etc). A .22lr round is lethal, but some joker hyped up on LSD might not notice he’s been shot until several minutes later (during which time, he keeps coming after you and your family). I’m an old school guy, so I lean toward .45ACP for home protection (230 grains earned it the nickname “man stopper” for a reason). Recent advances in ammo design have made the 9mm hard to beat.

Rule #1: Get a gun you can shoot accurately and practice with it!!
I sleep with HK45 beside my bed and EDC a 9mm
 

I am stupid

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The FBI conducted an extensive study on ammo a few years ago. Their findings concluded ....

Have you read anything about the Underwood Extreme Defender ammo? I believe a group of law enforcement agencies from Texas did an updated test similar to the FBI's test. I remember the Underwood coming out on top, or being top 3 in their test despite it being made completely different. Performed well in penetration, wound channel, etc...

If interested I can try to find that study and link it.

 

berniecarbo

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Ha! I read the entire study...it was really interesting in terms of the science behind their criteria (clothing types, etc). A .22lr round is lethal, but some joker hyped up on LSD might not notice he’s been shot until several minutes later (during which time, he keeps coming after you and your family). I’m an old school guy, so I lean toward .45ACP for home protection (230 grains earned it the nickname “man stopper” for a reason). Recent advances in ammo design have made the 9mm hard to beat.

Rule #1: Get a gun you can shoot accurately and practice with it!!
I once seen a fairly small guy who was hyped up on PCP rip the door off the hinges at a bar and throw the door at the guy who was trying to kick him out.
 

812scottj

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I’ve seen that ammo but don’t know much about other than I’d prefer not to be shot without it.
QUOTE="I am stupid, post: 9091593, member: 11604"]Have you read anything about the Underwood Extreme Defender ammo? I believe a group of law enforcement agencies from Texas did an updated test similar to the FBI's test. I remember the Underwood coming out on top, or being top 3 in their test despite it being made completely different. Performed well in penetration, wound channel, etc...

If interested I can try to find that study and link it.

[/QUOTE]
 

812scottj

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Hit the bad guy center mass with .38 special or larger, and I like your chances