AR build for Exploring/Camping

Nomad2217

Nomad2217

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Looking for some opinions and ideas for a new build that I plan to do here in the next few months. Intended use will be something that I can have in the truck while exploring the backcountry and camping. Most of my time is spent around Western NC, Eastern TN, KY, and North Georgia. I want something with a bit more fire power than my obvious EDC 9mm pistol that I carry on my person. Would like to be able to fit it in a bag so I’m thinking an AR pistol so my CHP would cover me from a legality perspective. I would prefer to stick with .223/5.56 since it’s a caliber that I’m already deeply invested in with other guns, magazines, ammo, components, etc.

With that said, what do you have? What would you buy/build? What are some things that I should consider? I have a few AR pistols but all have 10.5”-11.5” barrels. I was thinking this one should be a bit shorter to easily fit in a bag?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.
 
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I just picked up a Ruger 5.7 and am impressed with it so far. Other than that I carry a 10mm or 45
 
chrishf12 said:
Imho if going shorter than 10.5” it should be chambered in 300blk.
Ballistics drop off too much in 5.56 under 10.5”.
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I also like the idea of 300blk but since I haven’t had that caliber previously I’m obviously not stocked up on it and would like to avoid trying to accomplish that right now. $1+/round when and if you can find it just doesn’t seem reasonable.
 
If you already reload and want a short ar15 300 blackout is the answer.
 
Since I play a bit in the 4x4 world, there are a number of items designed to carry an AR (or other rifle) in a truck, either concealed or not. I'd look into exactly how I'd be carrying and then take that criteria to determine what to carry. While I love my 50/70 roller, at 48in in length, it's not exactly something that lends itself to concealment. Some of the stuff I've seen are Molle type addons and storage systems and there are even ones that turn a tailgate into a completely concealed system.
 
Nomad2217 said:
Looking for some opinions and ideas for a new build that I plan to do here in the next few months. Intended use will be something that I can have in the truck while exploring the backcountry and camping. Most of my time is spent around Western NC, Eastern TN, KY, and North Georgia. I want something with a bit more fire power than my obvious EDC 9mm pistol that I carry on my person. Would like to be able to fit it in a bag so I’m thinking an AR pistol so my CHP would cover me from a legality perspective. I would prefer to stick with .223/5.56 since it’s a caliber that I’m already deeply invested in with other guns, magazines, ammo, components, etc.

With that said, what do you have? What would you buy/build? What are some things that I should consider? I have a few AR pistols but all have 10.5”-11.5” barrels. I was thinking this one should be a bit shorter to easily fit in a bag?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.
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I have at least one pistol or SBR AR in .223/5.56, 300Blk, 6.5 Grendel, .22lr and 9mm. I had put off building a 9mm due to the perceived cost but was surprised when I built one for right at $600.00 minus optics. Ammo cost and availability pushed me into starting it. With the Tailhook Brace and 5" Foxtrot Mike complete upper it is incredibly compact at 20 1/4" with the brace collapsed. I would almost say it is cheaper to shoot than the .22lr since I go through 2-4 times as much ammo per outing with the .22lr.
 
Combat Diver said:
LAW folders are for storage. Still can't fire it with it folded. Has to be extended.

CD
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IMO the primary purpose of folders is storage/concealment. Scenarios where it would be advantageous to fire while folded are rare enough to not affect my selection. In fact I have never desired to fire an AR or similar "pistol" without using a brace and didn't own them until braces became the norm. Secondly, If I HAD to fire from within a car a short barrel 5.56 would be my last choice. Ouch. What'd you say?
 
Nomad2217 said:
Looking for some opinions and ideas for a new build that I plan to do here in the next few months. Intended use will be something that I can have in the truck while exploring the backcountry and camping. Most of my time is spent around Western NC, Eastern TN, KY, and North Georgia. I want something with a bit more fire power than my obvious EDC 9mm pistol that I carry on my person. Would like to be able to fit it in a bag so I’m thinking an AR pistol so my CHP would cover me from a legality perspective. I would prefer to stick with .223/5.56 since it’s a caliber that I’m already deeply invested in with other guns, magazines, ammo, components, etc.

With that said, what do you have? What would you buy/build? What are some things that I should consider? I have a few AR pistols but all have 10.5”-11.5” barrels. I was thinking this one should be a bit shorter to easily fit in a bag?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.
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Are you really needing a rifle caliber? You can up your firepower and accuracy by just using a 9mm braced pistol. Greater firepower primarily by way of capacity and abillity to accurately control rapid fire compared to a handgun, but a couple of hundred fps over handgun veliocities as well.
 
.......for a short barrel 300 blackout is a great option. Due to the type of powder it uses....... Magnum handgun powder.

For the areas mentioned........ I worry about bears. I would rather have a 308 or 458 socom, something with a much heavier projectile.....but with at least an 18-20 inch barrel for the 308


Let me edit that......458 socom uses the same powders as 300 blackout, it may also do well with a shorter barrel.
 
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What do you plan on protecting yourself against with this firearm, people or animals? A 9mm should be fine against people and small animals but would not be much against bears. A 223 would not be my first choice against bears. Perhaps a good 44 Magnum should be considered. It can be light enough for constant carry without undue effort in a way that is instantly available for use. It can be concealed fairly easily. It has the power to get the undivided attention of most people and bears you are likely to encounter. It does not, however, have the capacity or speed of reloading that an AR pistol does.
 
I have a few short ones for the AR platform around…not counting 22LR:

7.5” 5.56
10.5” 5.56
11.5” 5.56
12” 5.56
8” 300BLK
10” 300BLK
12” 6.8
6” 5.7x28
4” 9mm
7” 9mm
5.5” .45
10.5” 50 Beowulf
12” .410

I started with the 11.5” 5.56 (with a flash can) in a backpack. Now I have the 8” 300BLK (w/ silencer) dedicated to the bag.

Everything is suppressed except the 7.5” & 11.5” 5.56, the Beo, and the AR-410.

I would recommend one of the pistol calibers, the 11.5” 5.56, or a 10” (or less) 300BLK.
 
Stogies said:
Kel Tec SU16B if it doesn't have to be an AR. Can be folded up nicely.
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Or to keep in the pistol theme, the PLR16. They make a stock/brace adapter to run any AR tube, so you can put a folding brace on it, but it will fire folded since the tube is empty. Front handguard available to make it more of a 2 handed pistol, and with the 8.5" barrel it keeps 55gr 556 ammo running over the magic 2200 fps number needed for the big tissue damaging hydrostatic shock, if you believe in that sort of thing. Dump the garbage keltec mag and use something real and it's fairly reliable (so I've found using magpul 20s and 30s).


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Also since it's mostly plastic it's not that heavy at 3.5 pounds. Makes really nice fireballs too.
 
I don't think east coast bears are a problem other than perhaps getting your car or campsite ransacked by Yogi Bear looking for free food. I'd arm up with people in mind and not bears.
 
Thanks for all of the insight. Looks like I will be jumping on the 300blk wagon. Likely do a short pistol with a LAW folder.
 
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