Is there a good civilian version of the M16A2 to get range time with?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:36:10 -0500

In the Air Force if you aren't Security Forces or in Special Operations you don't do much qualifying with firearms. I'm thinking about trying to spend some additional range time on my own dime to try to qualify for Marksman with the M16 and was wondering what the recommended civilian version of the rifle to use for this is. Also, shouId bother investing in buying one or try looking for a range that allows rentals and carries an M16 or civilian version?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 26 at 2015 12:46 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:46:14 -0500

Good shooting range time is just like time on a golf driving range. Practice doing things right and then practice some more until you have developed skills you are confident of.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 12:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:46:21 -0500

There is a very large gun show that I attend about every other month in my area. Most vendors do not carry the long barreled M16A2 civilian equivalents anymore and most carry the carbine versions, is that what you mean? If yes....

People are going to tell you that an AR from DPMS or Smith and Wesson or Colt are better than another company's...it really doesn't matter since the parts are usually interchangeable anyway and they really are basically the same rifle. You shouldn't pay more than 1400 for an AR....but no less than about 900...that will most likely get you something that won't explode in your face. I wouldn't recommend rental, you will have to reset the sites every time you show up, though that could assist you in practicing adjusting sites.

What will matter more than the rifle you use (or purchase) is how you practice.....use the proper firing techniques. The only thing I would suggest is that if you purchase a rifle...don't put all kinds of "crap" on it like forward grips, high speed stocks and sites...practice the way you will qualify with something that resembles what you will qualify with. Not sure if this is helpful or not, but good luck either way and I've available if you have more specific questions.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 26 at 2015 12:47 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 12:47:15 -0500

There are lots of AR variants out there you can buy. Some of the nicer ranges will rent a rifle too so you can use one or two before you buy.

There will be a lot of recommendations on varying platforms/manuacturers. I qualified on the Marine Corps rifle range 3 times and shot Expert all three times so I like the platform and am pretty familiar with it.

I chose the Sig Sauer Patrol 516. Why? Reputation/quality of Sig. I also liked the piston system in the rifle vs gas in most AR type rifles. The rifle shoots cleaner (as gas is not dumped into the upper receieved on to the BCG. I have found it to be highly reliable and to shoot well.

Not to say many others are not very good and will do the trick. The Sig is not the cheapest one you can get either. Take your time to pick one out. Just as important as the rifle is the correct shooting techniques. Not sure what they teach in the Air Force these days. Do you guy know which end the round come out of? :).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 1:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 13:00:41 -0500

well, if you do, you'd better hurry. new word today that ATF is getting instructions to ban 5.56 ammo:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/frankminiter/2015/02/24/why-is-the-atf-moving-to-ban-common-rifle-ammo/

I hope it's not true.

Why Is The ATF Moving To Ban Common Rifle Ammo?

Gun-rights groups are in an uproar over an ammunition ban proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF says it wants to ban M855 ball ammunition, a .223 (or 5.56 mm) rifle bullet that has been used by American citizens for decades. The ATF says [...]

Response by SGT William Howell made Mar 13 at 2015 4:06 PM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:06:41 -0400

So finding a M16A2 to rent is going to be hard. Just not that many out to rent. The fundamentals are the same. Just get something as close as you can and get out and shoot.

Buying vs. renting can be tricky. I would say rent until you are ready to make the plunge. Have a secure place to keep it, know how to safely use it, and know the laws where you live. Black guns are tricky in the lib states for sure. God forbid you get caught with a 30 round mag in California. They will lock you up and make you eat granola till you swear your allegiance to socialism.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 9:25 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:25:57 -0500

I'm in Texas, so the complete opposite of your situation.... but this past Sunday a man walked into the range with a M16A2 replica, semi-auto only. Damn near couldn't tell the difference myself until I saw the selector switch. I was shooting an AR-10 chambered in .308 (7.62)

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Oct 22 at 2017 7:24 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 19:24:10 -0400

If you want specifically an A2 here are specs to look for: A2 carry handle. Should have both a windage and elevation knob. Barrel length: 20". 1x7 twist. .750 diameter. Should also have a front sight post (no bayonet lug if you live in a bad gun state like Connecticut). Just about everything else is entirely up to you depending on where you live.