What would you recommend to a new shooter for an optic or irons?I'm going to argue for a PSA ar-15 with 16 inch barrel in .223 wylde or 5.56. Cheap, accurate, reliable, able to upgrade easily for those wishing for more. Cheap mags. Easy manual of arms with easy cleaning.
Kinda goes without sayingAre we bringing sidearms?
I'm a fan of the 1-6x LPVO but also like the light weight and simplicity of the ACOG. My short ARs tend to have Eotechs on them, which really seem to work at CQB distances.I keep thinking about a low power/lpv optic in place of the current Aimpoint PRO. I feel like it would suit the rifle much better. Aimpoint is bombproof but limited.
The idea behind the original question was that a growing segment of society might become more in tune with the original intent of the Second Amendment and that they would begin buying, and learning how to use a long arm. It's not at all about creating a shopping list for the last minute.Let me answer the original question with a question.
Would you rather have the new "modern minute man" be the guy who shows up out of shape with all brand new gear that's on your checklist, or would you rather have a stud show up with what he had handed down to him for hunting and that he knows how to use because he's been hunting with it since he was 18?
My "Ideal Minuteman" would be a guy showing up who can handle a 3 second sprint (I'm up, he see's me, I'm down) with a rifle he knows damn well out to 400 yards that can go backpacking for days and butcher wild game. I'll take that patriotic outdoorsman kinda guy any day over the giant beer bellied nascar fan with "no fear" stickers on his lifted truck.
Barrel length is shooters choice, as is ammo.Interesting thread to read through, instead of listing every detail I thought I'd just cover where I differ from many/most on my setup.
First, I see no reason to have a rifle with a barrel less than 16" for this purpose. The rifle should have both primary and backup sights, IMO, but as much as I like LVPOs, I tend to think that is too too much for this application. An ACOG or similar low power fixed optic in a quick detach mount would be my choice. Lastly, I don't see a reason to use ammo with more than 55 grain bullets or to limit myself to FMJ.
If it's all about gear, here's my suggestion. For a rifle I'd vote either an AR-15 in whatever kind of barbie doll M4 wannabe configuration a person choses or an AK-47 in whatever configuration a person choses for all the same reasons. Glock 19 or 17 on their side. I think a person would show up with at least 6 mags plus one in the gun, a poncho or some form of rain gear, some water, medical, a radio, and a couple food bars.The idea behind the original question was that a growing segment of society might become more in tune with the original intent of the Second Amendment and that they would begin buying, and learning how to use a long arm. It's not at all about creating a shopping list for the last minute.
The question was asking if we began training together as small groups with regularity, what would be acceptable for folks to show up and train with. The fantasy here would be the general acceptance in American society of the need and people voluntarily supplying themselves with as much of it as the can. Then, taking the time to learn to be proficient with it.
Comms are an area that I need to work on. Best I have right now is a bunch of GMRS radios.A rifle every American should own to perform duties as a minuteman... I'm going with the lightest AR you can find. 14-18" barrel. Light. Sling. Optic (I like LVPOs) and later some kind IR for night time shenanigans.
Honestly anything from a bolt rifle to belt fed, as long they know their role, is good to go in my opinion.
It would be interesting to know what everyone would use for comms as they link up.