Tactical or Traditional Rifle?

[Mister D]

Have any of you with the AR type weapons ever gotten any unwanted attention carring a "Black Gun" versus a more traditional looking wood stock hunting rifle?

[Corey]

Not I, but then I have only shot it up in the mountains up around where I like to wheel and explore for backcountry campsites.

[Mr. Leary]

On public land, seeing orange generally means find another spot, so not in that case.

On private land, who cares?

Sometimes the game warden will stop by and check on us, tell us to tone it down a bit, and admire our firearms. Nothing but positive attention, I suppose.

[EMrider]

No, but combining a bit of common sense with some understanding of human nature, suggests to me that an AR15 is likely to draw more scrutiny than a cowboy lever action rifle.

For that reason, I bring along a Henry lever action .357 when I go camping. It is great fun for plinking with 38cal ammo, but with my skills, just as effective for protection as any AR15.

I'm about as pro-gun as it gets, but I don't want any extra attention either.
R

[Fireman78]

I love my AR15, being trained on one in the Infantry and State Police make it a rifle I will always have and admire. However, you will definately get more attention with a "Black" rifle vrs say a... 30-30 lever action. Depends on what you are doing with it I suppose. When I am out with guns nobody is ever around, so i haven't ever had any issues, hell I could pull out a Stinger missle where I camp and nobody would ever know. (Actually I've shot those too)... fastest 87 grand I ever spent- Uncle Sams money of course) ;)

[Gone2Baja]

In my neck of the woods nobody evens bats an eye at a AR, but I see what you're saying.A mini 14 might look less 'fearsome' and draw less attention with the same bang.

[FAW3]

I carry one at times camping/hunting...and it can draw a bit more attention when carried out and about...

You can somewhat minimize the attention you draw by carrying it slinged and leave the tactical lights & glass off, switch to the full stock, as well as using shorter mags.

For those who ask why have an AR-15, and use it for hunting, plinking or the like....the nice aspect of the AR-15 is it is such a modular platform. I can shoot .22LR rimfire, .223/5.56, and 6.8SPC (similar to .270 Winchester) out of one gun by switching some parts. The big plus is one rifle, one set of marksmanship/handling skills.

[SunTzuNephew]

An increasing number of hunters are using AR-pattern rifles these days: Usually in something other than .223 though. The ergonomics, light weight, light recoil, and availability of options make it possible.

Just don't get caught with anything other than a hunting-legal magazine with you by a warden.

[FAW3]

An increasing number of hunters are using AR-pattern rifles these days: Usually in something other than .223 though. The ergonomics, light weight, light recoil, and availability of options make it possible.

Just don't get caught with anything other than a hunting-legal magazine with you by a warden.

You know that is a critical observation that I forgot to mention! As far as I know (at least in my state - Virginia) if your on public land with a loaded weapon...during hunting season...your hunting and all the firearm rules apply...even if your just camping or carrying for some sort of defense. If your caught...a fine and your firearm just became property of the Commonwealth.

[Photog]

Are you going to use it for hunting, plinking, self defense, competition, ???

Have you used both types of rifles, and are you familiar with the care and feeding of both?

[6Pins]

You know that is a critical observation that I forgot to mention! As far as I know (at least in my state - Virginia) if your on public land with a loaded weapon...during hunting season...your hunting and all the firearm rules apply...even if your just camping or carrying for some sort of defense. If your caught...a fine and your firearm just became property of the Commonwealth.

came here to say pretty much the same thing, and that the .223 is too small to use for deer hunting according to VA Game Laws. The day of the week also plays a part, it's illegal to hunt at all on Sunday (with the exception of raccoons for a little while on Sunday). So, depending on how hard-a** of a game warden you come across, it could be a real pain.

[fowldarr]

I have both, when I'm camping, I take my Winchester Model 94 in .44 mag (not a traditionalist). Why? I don't have a good answer for that, I guess it just fits the application better. I'm pro-gun, but have never EVER had a situation where I was dependent on a gun to get me out of it. Close once, when a cow moose bluff charged me, I thought I was going to have to shoot, but never have I actually had too. The lever action is a friendly enough gun, others are not intimidated by it, I find that when people see it they tend to come over and ask about the "cowboy gun", when I have the AR i get more of a "who is the right wing wacko militia nut job" sideways glance.

[bobcat charlie]

Camped a lot in the back country in Montana, Nevada, and California...usually take the Browning M1892 in .44 Mag. Loaded with 260gr heavy jacket full loads when in Montana since the was always a fair chance of a bear encounter. 210 gr and 240 gr in NV and CA because biggest concerns would be a cat (although probably would never see it in time) and two legged critters. Prospect in the Trinities NW of Weaverville, a lot of pot growers in the area. I have in the past encountered a boobtraped 12 ga single shot with a trip wire (1981), and crossed path with a couple of armed 'walkers' in the area (2004 & 2006). No trouble but felt much better with the big hole carbine in my hands!

BTW, also have a .44 Taurus Tracker on my hip.

Years of family very remote camping in California, usually just took the M1911 .45 as a "just in case" tool. Always considererd the NM M1A a little extreme for family camping, but it's always an option if I want to upstage the 'Black Rifle' group!

[Mister D]

Thanks all for your input.. I was wanting to put a rifle(cased) in the truck for plinking, survival rifle if needed, self-defense (maybe). Just didn't want trouble, if lets say, Johnny Law pulls me over and asks, "Why the M16 boy?"
Probably unlikely, I know. Don't want a discusion about search and seizure. I am a law abiding citizen and haven't had any contact with a cop for 25 years. Sounds like what you are saying is that the "Black gun" is not as hardcore as it once was. With good judgement and common sense I'll be alright.

[TACODOC]

I never get any "unwanted attention" because I never allow any "unwanted observation" of what I have/use. If I'm on the move my gear is stowed away and legal. Abiding by the local laws is a good way to avoid worry.

If I'm out shooting it's far from others, usually with a one way in/out road with a long approach so there's no game warden or anyone else just rolling up on me unannounced. I prefer similar camp sites.

Gotta love the desert :costumed-smiley-007

[Wyowanderer]

The most enjoyable rifle I've ever owned was a post ban Bulgarian AK47. It didn't shoot very well, but was reliable and simple. Second was my Winchester 30/30 model 1894. Reasonably accurate, and reliable.
I behave so that I don't draw attention to myself, and I'm aware of what I'm doing and where I am. It's never been a problem.
Seems like it's the attitude of the person.
I've been around folks that I wouldn't trust with a slingshot, and others that I would trust if they had a piece of artillery.
Frank

[ECVMatt]

I have two I like to camp with. One is a Marlin 1894P in .44mag. It has a 16" bbl and is very compact. It packs a good punch, the ammo fits in my Redhawk revolver and it is ultra PC for other folks to see. I have had groups of ultra liberal Santa Monica, CA folks pull up on my camp and not be concerned. They started taking pictures of it and comments about how cool it is to see a real cowboy (I live about .5 miles from the beach). What a crack up.

If I am going into an area where the meth cookers or pot growers are active, then I switch to my Saiga 7.62x39. It has a traditional stock and short 10 round mags. It looks kind of PC, but is basically a very well made AK. It is very light, compact and accurate. I carry extra mags in my backpack. It is becoming my favorite expedition rifle and I take it most time now.

I have been stopped and had my AR run (it is a legally registered assault rifle in CA) and it was a pain. Everything was OK, but it is nerve racking. I don't want to go through that with my wife and kids there. Both rifle work just as well and draw almost no attention.

I vote for the low profile route.

[Bullsnake]

x3 or 4 or whatever it is. I have AR's in several different configurations and calibers, and love to get them out and shoot with the boys, but if I am going anywhere where I think I'll encounter the general public during my hikes or off-roading excursions I'll take my lever action Browning in .223, or a .308 bolt action, along with a pistol du jour.

Funny as it seems, I get more strange looks when I am carrying a 1911 or HK USP vs. a revolver or .22 pistol then I do with the AR vs. lever action. I am a firm believer in carrying whatever you want, as the end result when you pull the trigger is all the same...

[1911]

Thanks all for your input.. I was wanting to put a rifle(cased) in the truck for plinking, survival rifle if needed, self-defense (maybe). Just didn't want trouble, if lets say, Johnny Law pulls me over and asks, "Why the M16 boy?"

A carbine of some kind makes a good truck gun because they are shorter than a traditional hunting rifle and hence easier to store and faster to get out if needed. A military-style one with a collapsible stock even more so. Personally, I'm always armed (everywhere it's legal to be of course), but no one who doesn't know me pretty well is ever aware that I am or what kind of weapon(s) may be in my truck, so the color or style of them is never an issue, including "Johnny Law". In any event, as long as you're in any U.S. state that still recognizes the constitution and the bill of rights, it's no one's damn business what color or style of otherwise legal weapon you may have.

[BigAl]

kind of related.., but when I think about a menacing gun, I think of my 1903 Springfield 30.06, with a wood sportorized stock and 3-9 scope. I have put some large holes in deer with that gun. I think I would want to be shot twice with an AR 15, rather than once with the '06. Actually I don't think i want to be shot at all.:elkgrin:

[backcountrycruiser]

You know that is a critical observation that I forgot to mention! As far as I know (at least in my state - Virginia) if your on public land with a loaded weapon...during hunting season...your hunting and all the firearm rules apply...even if your just camping or carrying for some sort of defense. If your caught...a fine and your firearm just became property of the Commonwealth.

WOW that sucks, in my state if you are doing that without a tag, you are shooting targets. No tag means your not hunting, or you are poaching, if you have a dead animal.
Mike

[Metcalf]

split the difference....

M1A scout, direct connect flash hider, gas lock front sight, ultimak rail, 2 moa aimpoint on a QD low ring to co-witness the stock irons. Get a nice wood stock and have the pull shortened about 1-1.5" and an adjustable comb. Then add a nice QD reciever scope mount with a higher power optic for 300+ yard stuff.

Its not the cheapest to purchase or shoot, won't be light, but will do 99.9% of anything you could ever ask of a rifle.

With just irons and a 5-round mag it looks almost harmless:Wow1:

Just a thought.

[stevo]

Here in the People's Republik of Kalifornia, if John Law finds you with a "black rifle", prepare to take a big bite of a **** sandwich. I have learned to be "comfortable " with a .45 auto. A lot less hassle. Mini-14's also tend to work real well.
Cheers, Stevo

[robert]

Never worried about it myself but I have had Fudds make stupid comments or give the evil eye when shooting at public ranges (which I very rarely go to). Depending on which AR, I can easily shoot targets as well as they can with their traditional bolt guns.

We did have a "thug gun" day one time where we all brought our best thug guns- it turned out to be pretty funny as these two older guys where talking crap until we invited them over to try them out and explained that they were just range toys. We always offer to let others shoot just to help break down stereotypes and I've always been surprised how many folks will try them and admit that they're actually pretty fun. Anyways, they ended up admitting they had a good time and enjoyed shooting them even though they'd never buy any of them themselves. Watching some seventy year old guy rip off a mag with a full auto MAC was great (a buddy of mine had it; SC is a class III state and transferable Macs still sell for around $4,000); he had the biggest cheese eatin' grin on his face. Nobody wanted to shoot my chrome plated(?) Davis .22mag derringer for some reason (I won it in a poker game years ago). :snorkel:

That said, I more apt to carry a .357 lever gun than I am an AR just because I like them.

[Mlachica]

Here in the People's Republik of Kalifornia, if John Law finds you with a "black rifle", prepare to take a big bite of a **** sandwich. I have learned to be "comfortable " with a .45 auto. A lot less hassle. Mini-14's also tend to work real well.
Cheers, Stevo

"black rifles" are becoming quite popular these days and as long as you know and follow the law, have and use common sense you are just fine with a black rifle in California.

[squatch]

i have a m1a scout. the thing is awsome! great ranch rife loves mil surp ammo. so fun to shoot too.

[Corey]

Mine will end up drawing a little more attention now since Santa paid me a visit (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53022).

Here is what it looked like less than a month ago, only a picatinny rail on the bottom of the stock hand guard, and a Grip Pod bipod.

http://www.pnw4runners.com/ar15/5.jpg

After a few upgrades over a weeks time, all that is left is to install an Acog TA31H-G (http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1661).

http://www.pnw4runners.com/ar15/26.jpg

[bobcat charlie]

M1A, had it built in 1990. Fulton Receiver, broach cut barrell, NM trigger, Operating rod and sights, reinforced GI fiberglass stock, picanary (sp?) mount replacing front sling swivel (allows bi-pod mounting), USCG muzzel brake (to keep it legal in California). I have some .75" groups with 168gr match ammo; <2.0" 5 shot groups all day with German mil surplus 147gr FMJ, from bench or prone. A couple thousand rounds (at least!) through it and NOT ONE FAILURE. Just plain fun to shoot!