Please Explain the popularity of AR's for hunting big game

[bobcat]

The recoil reduction and accuracy aspect of a good AR is intriguing.  I found this video on Youtube:

300 Win mag with low recoil. 

I bet Inslee will try some sort of ban.  And if Hillary gets in office she is going after guns.  Seems like AR sales are likely to go thru the roof.

That is pretty amazing. Is that a standard 300 Win Mag? Whatever it is, I bet it's not cheap.

[Buzz2401]

If that 300 win mag AR was under 7lbs with a scope I would be all over that thing.  I wonder what it weighs.  I like my lightweight bolt guns for hunting but could change if their was a light weight alternative.  My HK MR308 is over 11lbs with scope and mags.  That is way more weight then I want to lug around the mountains and it is only a 308.  308 is a great caliber but I choose to hunt with magnums for elk.

[grundy53]

The recoil reduction and accuracy aspect of a good AR is intriguing.  I found this video on Youtube:

300 Win mag with low recoil. 

I bet Inslee will try some sort of ban.  And if Hillary gets in office she is going after guns.  Seems like AR sales are likely to go thru the roof.

I want one!

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[grundy53]

I haven't read the 5 pages.....but to,answer the OPs question, I think the obvious answer is...because we can.   America is on its way to being regulated out of existence, but at this point in time, we can, and some are obviously effective enough therefore, go for it. 

Part of the allure of the sport is being effective with multiple weapons.   Why pigeon hole yourself into one.  One day it might be a lever action carbine, one day an AR, the next day, a spear.  Oh, that's been outlawed maybe.....some user group might have thought it was ineffective so we should ban it.

Exactly! Variety is the spice of life.

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[DJ_Mack]

I hunt with an AR platform rifle. It is what I chose rather than a bolt action because I like shooting. So I killed two birds with one stone by getting a gun that is fun to shoot and big enough for hunting.   Plus the more I shoot with it the more proficient I become with it. Plus it is easier to buy a cheaper gun later on than a higher priced.


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[fly-by]

The .338 Federal would be a tough one to beat in close.

What would the recoil be like on that without a muzzle brake?

Used to have a DPMS Lite Hunter in .338 Fed.  It had a brake and had just a little more recoil than a .308 AR-10 with brake.  I assume the relationship for unbraked is similar.

[James]

I've used an AR in the deep, dark rainforest for varmints and didn't feel disadvantaged for not using one for bigger game.  In the real heavy stuff, I can't seem to get a second shot anyways--so auto, lever, pump wouldn't have made any advantages there.  Maybe in the alder bottoms could get a decent follow up.  Definitely different in the open country, mixed terrains where you can see the animal again after a first shot.  If you're in a clear cut, I could see it being a big advantage.  The only performance issue I had with the AR in the rainforest was after about a week of being rained on, ice/snow, mud and fir needles is that it can be a little bit of a dog and need some cleanings/oiling.  The lugs seem to get sticky.  But they are weatherproof in all the other regards, like corrosion and point of impact shifts.

I agree. The fast follow up is great. I'm from the school of if they are on there feet there getting another bullet. You might take a look at a 338 federal or 450 marlin in a AR 10 with those close ranges that marlin would be a ELK smacker!!!

Thanks guys for the feedback.

In regards to being able to get a second shot, no doubt the rainforest is tricky, trying to get a shooting lane seems like quite often most of the battle.  While sometimes they do bolt when I shoot, I have on a number of occasions after my first shot had all the elk in the herd turn and stare in the direction of the shot (me) for just the amount of time it takes me to rack another round (put not quite pull the trigger). With a semi auto I am sure I could have put another round in them.  That's the cows and the bulls. Also I was thinking of getting a suppressor for two reasons; one my hearing and two I was hoping it might give me another second or two to fire off another round. 

In regards to AR's dealing with the environment of the rainforest, that is my big concern. I typically hunt for 9 days during elk general season in the rain forest. I also tend to hunt in the worse and most difficult possible locations (I hate seeing people when I hunt) and it is brutal on my equipment, like you said mud/snow/rain/pine needles/etc. even my very simple bolt guns can cause problems, bringing in a more complicated system (like an AR) is a concern.

Is it possible to build an AR10 and have everything but the springs be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or composite? I know that will not keep mud/pine needles/ice/etc from plugging things up, but it is a start.

[Yondering]

I'll through it out there, If I'm hunting in an area that is timbered, or brushy and I know shots are going to be under 200yds the AR10 is my go-to rifle.
 A huge bonus for ARs is familiarity, modularity (as mentioned many times) and they are just easier to shoot faster with follow up shots when needed.

 I see a few guys mention that they don't see guys using the AR platform, well they aren't looking hard enough....its the fastest growing rifle platform for hunting right now, not so much here in the West, but in the South and East it is one of the most popular rifles for hunting hogs, whitetails, and yotes.
 EVERY manufacturer has a hunting model right now and they are some of the best sellers in the product lines. ARs aren't going to be replacing bolt actions they aren't a fad either.

 Not all of them are heavy and loud either      6-1/2pounds, .308 and dang quiet

Actionshooter, what handguard is that, and how wide is it?

I have the Midwest SS15 handguard on my 308 and like it, but yours looks like it may be even slimmer. I like thin handguards on hunting guns.

[actionshooter]

I'll through it out there, If I'm hunting in an area that is timbered, or brushy and I know shots are going to be under 200yds the AR10 is my go-to rifle.
 A huge bonus for ARs is familiarity, modularity (as mentioned many times) and they are just easier to shoot faster with follow up shots when needed.

 I see a few guys mention that they don't see guys using the AR platform, well they aren't looking hard enough....its the fastest growing rifle platform for hunting right now, not so much here in the West, but in the South and East it is one of the most popular rifles for hunting hogs, whitetails, and yotes.
 EVERY manufacturer has a hunting model right now and they are some of the best sellers in the product lines. ARs aren't going to be replacing bolt actions they aren't a fad either.

 Not all of them are heavy and loud either      6-1/2pounds, .308 and dang quiet

Actionshooter, what handguard is that, and how wide is it?

I have the Midwest SS15 handguard on my 308 and like it, but yours looks like it may be even slimmer. I like thin handguards on hunting guns.

That rifle is a factory built Christensen Arms CA-10 in .308, you can buy a carbon fiber handguard separately but they are a touch on the spendy side.

 http://www.christensenarms.com/products/components/carbon-handguard-rifle-length/

[mountainman]

I

I'll through it out there, If I'm hunting in an area that is timbered, or brushy and I know shots are going to be under 200yds the AR10 is my go-to rifle.
 A huge bonus for ARs is familiarity, modularity (as mentioned many times) and they are just easier to shoot faster with follow up shots when needed.

 I see a few guys mention that they don't see guys using the AR platform, well they aren't looking hard enough....its the fastest growing rifle platform for hunting right now, not so much here in the West, but in the South and East it is one of the most popular rifles for hunting hogs, whitetails, and yotes.
 EVERY manufacturer has a hunting model right now and they are some of the best sellers in the product lines. ARs aren't going to be replacing bolt actions they aren't a fad either.

 Not all of them are heavy and loud either      6-1/2pounds, .308 and dang quiet

Actionshooter, what handguard is that, and how wide is it?

I have the Midwest SS15 handguard on my 308 and like it, but yours looks like it may be even slimmer. I like thin handguards on hunting guns.

That rifle is a factory built Christensen Arms CA-10 in .308, you can buy a carbon fiber handguard separately but they are a touch on the spendy side.

 http://www.christensenarms.com/products/components/carbon-handguard-rifle-length/

played with a few of those...nice and lightweight!

[Yondering]

Thanks! Those are nice. And very spendy!

The website doesn't say how wide they are; if you get a chance to measure yours I'd sure like to know.

[REHJWA]

ARs are popular now for the same reason the 30-06 was popular after WW2. People in the services and with past service are familiar with them and they get mass produced. ARs are like wildcat rounds use to be. Almost anyone can customize one that meets their needs....

[Stein]

ARs are popular now for the same reason the 30-06 was popular after WW2.

Still popular in many circles, mine included.

I have nothing against the AR, if that is what you want to shoot, you should.  Today, you can buy just about any rifle and shoot it 1 moa or under out of the box.  A really workable optic can be bought for $250.  A guy should shoot what brings him pleasure.