Tactical or Traditional Rifle?

Mister D

New member
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

OverCamping Specialist
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

Glamping Excursionaire
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

Explorer
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

Expedition Leader
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

Adventurer
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

Adventurer
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

Explorer
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

Adventurer
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

Explorer
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

Adventurer
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

Explorer
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

Adventurer
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

New member
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.
 

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
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
 

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