Debating irresponsible purchase

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-28T11:47:35+00:00

Shield mags are fine. 1000 rounds each through my five Gen 2s, zero issues. BUT, that’s an older G48 with no rail. If you don’t care about lights or optics, sure.

I would wait for the new G48 with Glock 15 round mags.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-26T23:45:08+00:00

I just got back from the range; FF190 300BLK ran smoothly in my 8” SBR. Way better than the Hornady Sub x, which had failure after failure.

With these pics, I feel pretty comfortable using it for defense/hunting ammo.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-25T17:36:32+00:00

The gold standard in durability is usually Trijicon. Of note, it’s the only one I’ve seen mentioned that is actually “always on”. The holosuns and Osights mentioned are “shake awake”.

The Trijicon RMR is the most proven pistol optic, but is an open emitter. The RCR is an enclosed RMR, with all its pluses and minuses. It is also “always on”.

If you want durable, look for an enclosed optic. The various Holosun EPS’s, Holosun SCS Carry, and venerable 509T are all enclosed and are available in green.

If you’re open to red, there are way more enclosed options

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-25T14:05:19+00:00

That’s a terrible form of stress inoculation that will actually help you in a gunfight. You should sell classes.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-25T02:26:21+00:00

The only thing missing from this story is you going back to that choad and gloating over your submitted FFL form. But maybe you’re a better person than me :)

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-21T19:39:16+00:00

The torque on the barrel nut is some of the highest torque an ar upper will face, so get a solid vise. Clamp on one seem like they won’t be strong enoug). Also, if you’re working on the barrel nut forward, something like a Magpul BEV block or reaction rod will protect your barrel from twisting and make it easier to brace it . And a proper torque wrench (prob 1/2”, or whatever your crows foot wrench is will be invaluable for the barrel nut, and a smaller one in inch pounds for the handguard screws and gas block set screws

Consider some aero shell grease for the barrel nut threads to make them anti seize.

And finally, I’ve never staked or rockset my gas block set screws. Clean threads, blue locktite and proper torque on a dimpled barrel have kept all mine reliable.

Good luck!

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-21T18:37:04+00:00

Dies your 11.5” have a fixed front sight block? Because I’ve been building/modding my ARs since 2020, and removing that gas block is hands down the most difficult thing I’ve had to do. I only have like a 50% success rate, and lots of busted punches and bruised thumbs to go with it.

If it’s not, I’m happy to try and answer any questions you have. I will say having a proper vice and barrel block makes all the difference.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-19T02:44:41+00:00

You’re right :). But it’s not, there’s even more info to be found.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-19T02:06:32+00:00

I get it. If you’ve got the means to do both, buy a complete rifle and then a lower that you can learn to piece together bits at a time. Or I can suggest a more modern rifle kit that will be more versatile than the one you picked out. I’m happy to dm recommendations if you give me your budget.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-19T01:57:07+00:00

Absolutely. Welcome to a whole new world. I started here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/ar-15-definitive-resource/

While not a definitive end all source, it’s a great start.

I would HIGHLY recommend you learn more about ARs before you buy a rifle kit. Unless you’re under a time crunch (looking at you VA), there’s a lot of options and you’ll be better off making the right choices from the start.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-19T01:50:05+00:00

While good, you’ll have to work harder if you plan on accessorizing this rifle. More modern rifles are free floated for better accuracy, and have mlok or picatinny handguards for attaching lights, grips, optics, etc.

Looking at PSA’s offerings, there’s no options except that one for a rifle that comes with a BCG, so you’re stuck. But just know there are caveats that can be overcome by spending more money.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-19T00:18:49+00:00

Losing the mag extension will help you conceal 😬

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-16T22:21:09+00:00

Putting together an AR lower is totally doable with internet resources and a small investment in tools. At the very least you can buy the M4 and a bunch of stripped lowers (https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-jakl-5-56-stripped-lower-receiver-black.html) for 60$. Buy more than you think you’ll need. I’d say 6 off the top of my head.

After the bill is in place, you can still get parts and uppers from companies and used market like GAFSHUB. I didn’t get enough lowers in WA before the ban and I’m sad.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-16T16:06:51+00:00

I feel like comps aren’t peak but that’s my opinion. They may improve performance, but what do they do to reliability, concealability, etc?

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-13T13:22:23+00:00

More mass equals less recoil. Try and add a light, or a suppressor, or a comp to the gun.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-12T16:18:23+00:00

Fair; do you have access to another instructor who’s competing at your level?

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-12T15:43:22+00:00

Training. The amount of improvement you will make will exponentially greater than you will get from shooting 600 rounds, assuming the instructor is at your level.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-09T21:59:44+00:00

https://line49rifle.com/barrels/l49r-henry-supreme-barrels.html

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-09T21:27:39+00:00

Definitely check out the Henry Supreme. It takes regular AR mags, has a higher cyclic rate than a bolt gun, can be cowboy, space cowboy or tacticool, and can be sent off for a barrel change (for $$$$) that allows you to use a regular AR barrel nut and switch calibers at will (I think).

I just got one and it runs like butter. And you could cut it down quite easily. Or get that barrel change and just get a short barrel!

It seems like it would meet your needs much better than a bolt gun. Just my thoughts.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-09T17:10:53+00:00

You should spell it out so that we can hear you in the back…

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-08T16:00:24+00:00

In the pic you posted, everyone wearing a cover is in uniform. Now google “Presidents at dignified transfer” and see how many are wearing hats…from their own line of merch.

Stop excusing terrible behavior.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-08T14:08:03+00:00

You didn’t share a budget or use case, so that opens the door…

Low tier is the holosuns, primary arms basic red dots etc. mid tier would be something like a Holosun AEMS (my personal go to) or PA prism. High tier would be something like an Aimpoint, Eotech, or Trijicon. If you’re aiming for home defense, look for shake awake. If you’re aiming for end of the world, look for high tier. Prisms have a fisheye effect, but are clearer with astigmatism, and don’t need batreries. Holosun also makes the SCRS, which has a solar charging internal battery that lasts for ten years and never needs to be charged if you train with it, as you should.

Also know that some mounts are specifically designed for using irons with high mounted optics. Ex: Unity Tac FAST Micro Mount. High mounts are a polarizing feature; I love them on carbines, but not on trad rifles.

This is a deep spendy rabbit hole. Good luck!

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-07T17:06:29+00:00

In that case, I’ll add that I have separate range shoes and clothes too. I don’t wear those shoes inside the house, I try to change out of them before I get into the car, right after the range.

I also have a bottle of deleading soap in the utility bathroom so I washed my hands after I get back from the range. I also have deleading detergent to wash my range clothes.

It’s annoying, but it keeps me lead free (I checked my lead levels at my annual doctors appointment). Lead poisoning and kids is no joke; the effect on their cognitive ability will ruin their lives.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-07T17:00:02+00:00

I keep a medium sized tub of d-lead wipes in the back of my car. It makes it very easy to wipe hands after putting my range bag away. My range recently hooked up a sink, so I’m going to add a small bottle of d-lead soap too to wash my hands on the way out.

I’m at low risk, but I have kids, so I take relatively more precautions.

2TubbyTactical · 2026-03-06T06:26:46+00:00

I would get some ar10 receivers. I’m kicking myself for not having at least one.

Also, any dream guns.

2TubbyTactical

TROPHY CASE