So, I own a AR and I know about the popularity. But I used to hunt a place that you had to walk in basically in darkness, in a semi Indian like trail, about a mile from camp, where smart deer could hear a pin drop on feathers. Using a basic Remington Classic, 4 power fixed short old scope. It was basically light and sleek. Nothing much to hang up or make a metal sound. So my AR….and others, they can be very very heavy, 12lbs +, they can have everything and I’m talking everything that hangs up on briars/ mesquite. Giant, monstrous scopes made to shoot a gnat at 1500 yards, knobs sticking out 1” in every direction to catch everything, bubble levels, suppressors sticking out a mile, that I’ve had a vine get caught it(?)..bipods with legs everywhere, lights, a stock with all types of clicking clanking things with holes to catch everything…not to mention that mag. That hangs down ten inches, not flush with the bottom like my trim classic. Not all blinds are the same; getting that mag in the right place on a rest(vs a flat bottom rifle is a pain) I almost forgot the sling dangling everywhere. And then the dreaded climbing up a tree on wood rungs!!
No problem, except weight, on long hike in open country, sitting on a field.
Do you guys stay with your AR?

For deer stand , no.. For pig stand YES!

I bought my Sig when everyone said Hillary would be our next President.


I have no problem with folks hunting with them and having a blast. It's just the natural evolution of firearms. But, even without a bipod, I am beyond awkward with the thing. And yes, it's heavy. Yesterday I couldn't figure out where the battery compartment opens up on the illuminated scope. I can't really get on a second pig at a feeder with any rifle, but I stand a better chance with Dad's Marlin 336 lever! (He didn't believe in slings, so I have not added one.)

I think I should just let the kids have their fun and probably find a new home for this thing. I've given all I can to my kids. I hate trading or selling anything. Note to self: Stick with what you know.

Have you ever carried a modern compound bow through the woods!? LOL!! I feel your pain!

But in a rifle situation that you speak about above, I would more than likely carry my Encore.

I guess we have dumb deer. We drive to within 250 yards of the stand carrying rifle, soft pack cooler, binos etc...then climb into an elevated stand with metal stairs.

Sounds like you need to clear path, drive closer....your AR is fine.

My current AR is a slimmed down 13.2 lbs and everything hanging off of it is stuff that is used in the field, 17.2 lbs with the tripod attached to it.. You have to be aware of what you are carrying while going through brush or you will get entangled. With that said, I could get entangled With a Rem 788 bolt gun with a single, small scope mounted on it.

Aside from better generally heavier, the other attributes you have assigned to ARs and AR hunters are also seen with bolt gunners. Weekend before deer season at the range and there are plenty of guys with guns that are a little more than what they probably need with a 6-40 x 50mm scope on a Rem 700 and a feeder at 50 yards.

Where I am going with this is that you seem to have overcharactized ARs/AR hunters with traits common to other platforms/users as well.

However, I know a guy that is sort of the type you are referring to. He keeps buying lightweight parts, SBRs etc. to make his gun as light as possible and as soon as he clips weight, something new gets added to it. However, it is his gear and he runs it well.

You need to pick out the gear that is appropriate for your hunt. You don't use a sledgehammer to change the tail lights on your mom's car, right? Some folks might, but they would not be choosing the right tool for the job, chances are.

Why do I stay with my ARs? Versatility and rate of fire (hog hunting). Other platforms are coming along in terms of versatility. You can now get bolt and lever guns with rails, but just because you have them doesn't mean you have to carry stuff on them.

I hadn’t really thought about it, but I also use a bolt gun on deer and an AR on hogs. But, thank goodness my AR doesn’t weigh 13 pounds.

Coyotes get shot with whatever is in my hands, though the bolt gun is better for distance.

Tbar, you’re right, there are dumb deer just like people….but then there’s Ole Mossback…and he’s watching you on your phone and has your sign in.

AR for pigs. Classic bolt rifles for everything else. I'm somewhat a traditionalist.

5.56. I like the caliber, just not the platform, so I switched to a Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 5.56 with Mag-Pul magazine. Sleek, handy, and fairly quiet. Barnes 62 gr TSX bullets for everything

Tex S, welcome to our forum.
“Traditionalist”, I like it.

I gotta say not a fan of ar’s, the rifle I love antler restrictions. I bought one for my kids, low recoil, ambidextrous, very adjustable length of pull. It’s just not me I don’t like nearly anything about them. My son much to my surprise all in picked a win 94 30-30 over the 300 BO ar and I can’t say it hurt my feelings. Likely gonna sell the ar for a 300 BO bolt.

I agree.

Additionally, I will not accept the concept of the forward assist.

If a gun doesn't fully cycle a round then the design is [censored] or you've fired it way too many times before a cleaning.

At best it makes a jam even worse.