My AR for training??

[Zero_ek]

So recently I've decided I want to do some Seminars and training with my AR15 but I was wondering if the things I have done to my AR15 are okay mods and won't cause me problems during training/practicing. Here's what I have. Bushmaster XM15-E2S Carbine Length 16", Daniel Defense EZ Car 7.0 drop in rail. (non free floating). Magpul Rail covers. Magpul RVG. GGG Rear Back up Iron Sight. Magpul CTR Stock. And the interals are stock that came with the gun. My few concerns are the free floating rail system and the Carbine Length. I notice a lot of people use a MID length and I wasn't sure if many people take a carbine length to classes. The next few items I plan to get is a sling and some kind of Sling adapter for a single point. Any suggestions? I wanted to make sure I'm going in the right direction with my weapon system.

 

[esrice]

MOST people these days are running carbine-length gas system, so no worries there. Middys are kinda the new hotness.

You will want a sling. The options are endless. First you'll want to decide on single-point, 2-point, or 3-point.

I personally think 3-points have all the downsides of single- and 2-points, with none of the positives, so ditch those.

Now you're left with either a single- or 2-point.

 

[esrice]

You might also eventually want an optic of some kind. If you're talking about taking basic defensive classes, you'll probably want a red dot (but don't forsake learning your irons). There are a million of those also. I like Aimpoint.

 

[Zero_ek]

I'm afraid to spend a crazy amount of money on optics at the moment. I just can't afford that right now.

 

[esrice]

I'm afraid to spend a crazy amount of money on optics at the moment. I just can't afford that right now.

That's fine. If it comes down to money for class or money for an optic, take the class.

I was actually in your same position a couple years ago. My first AR was also a 16" Bushmaster carbine. If it helps, you can follow that entire journey here: https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long_guns/28436-my_bushmaster_m4_build_in_progress.html

 

[adam]

Learn on the iron sights first. To many people hop straight to optics and never even zero the BUIS they have on their rifles, and it's stupid. You can become pretty quick with them as well once you establish muscle memory with your cheek weld. If your optics lose power, your irons will be ready for you.

 

[sloughfoot]

I think your rifle is a great starting point to go several directions.

I would line up the type class you want to take and ask the instructor the same question and get his thoughts before you take the class.

 

[RichardR]

You really don't need to free float the hand-guard unless you are building up a precision rifle, carbine lengths are just fine, as far as slings & sling point adapters I personally like the Magpul ASAP adapter and Magpul's MS2 multi-mission sling.

 

[LPMan59]

i just put the ASAP on my M4; seems like a great adapter.

If you want an inexpensive RDS, look at Primary Arms. They dont have the battery life or strength of an Aimpoint, but they will hold zero.

 

[WebSnyper]

As suggested by another poster, I'll be checking with an instructor as well, but anybody think taking a defensive rifle type of class with an M&P Sport, without a Forward Assist would be an issue?

 

[esrice]

anybody think taking a defensive rifle type of class with an M&P Sport, without a Forward Assist would be an issue?

No. None. Zip. Zero.

 

[Fenway]

Take a gun to the class that you might actually have to run when SHTF. Won't be using optics? Don't slap em on.

 

[Zero_ek]

Learning with the Iron Sights to start out with would probably be a good idea from my understanding. I really want a nice set of optics for this gun in the future but until then I need to enroll in some classes.

 

[jblomenberg16]

I took a carbine course last fall. One of my buddies (also an INGO member) took his plain Jane AR with regular iron sights. The ONLY modification it had was a 3 point sling. Otherwise it was 100% bone stock.

He shot as good as, if not better than the rest of us that had some nice upgrades on our rifles, including red-dots, forward grips, etc.

Don't get too caught up in accessories. While there is a lot that can be added to make a good carbine a great carbine, a standard 16" carbine(or 14.5" with necessary legal features) is a darn fine weapon.

I, too, was concerned with the price of the higher end, higher quality Red-dots like Aimpoint. I bought a Primary Arms M3 clone (about 25% of the price of a real one) and it served me well in the class until it finally had a battery failure. I liked it so much that I sold another gun to buy a real Aimpoint.

 

[Fordtough25]

While I don't think you will have any problems in the course due to not having a forward assist I have had to use mine before. It's like 4 wheel drive, you don't use it often but when you do you're glad you have it!

 

[loony1]

You really don't need to free float the hand-guard unless you are building up a precision rifle, carbine lengths are just fine, as far as slings & sling point adapters I personally like the Magpul ASAP adapter and Magpul's MS2 multi-mission sling.

This^^^^Also, remeber flattop upper recievers have only been around for a short period of the AR's existance (forced to use irons with carry handles). Hell, I shot this one for 20+ years before jumping head first into the AR craze.

 

[WebSnyper]

No. None. Zip. Zero.

Thanks, wouldn't want to show up and not be able to participate with what some would consider to be less than a real AR.