- Thread Starter
- #221
I agree...especially the self-serving part about me knowing something.Thegman knows his ultralight ARs. Listen to him. Build a semi to begin with and don't break the bank with crazy expensive parts. Afterwards, you can go balls to the wall and build an even lighter straight-pull. They're fun as hell and unique but offer no advantage for most shooters/hunters.
I think I posted this earlier, but probably worth repeating. To me, a straight-pull has some of these advantages over an ultralight AR:
Lightest possible build
More stock options
Cleaner to run
Simpler
Less fussy with ammo cycling and ammo selection (e.g. easy to drop in a mag of sub-sonic small game loads and run normally)
Easier to recover brass (I hate losing brass and have walked 300 yards back up a mountain to pick up a piece of brass, even though I have a lifetime supply of the same at home - most hunters are not that nuts)
More familiar function for traditional bolt-rifle hunters
No extra noise from the gas system (something I've appreciated shooting out of a box blind)
Quieter to cycle
Quieter suppressed
Probably a few other things.
Disadvantages:
Fewer easy-cycling chambering options (e.g. the 6mm ARC is probably not a good choice)
Not a semi-auto (if you prefer AR rifles, these aren't a substitute)
Obviously slower follow-up shots
More and sharper recoil at any given weight due to no buffer and spring to absorb and lengthen recoil cycle.
Far fewer parts choices on the market
Still have to be "adapted" somewhat like covering the gas port without going custom and spending more $
Probably a few other things.
If considering building one, I think at least some of the things on the top list have to be things you care about one way or the other. If not, the few extra ounces saved may not be worthwhile, especially if you really prefer ARs over bolt rifles.