04-10-2023, 06:22 PM
(04-10-2023, 05:59 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: So, being a Pennsylvanian you are not afforded the opportunities to hunt with the AR platform as some in other states are as you cannot hunt with a semi-automatic. First off, most ARs are rifles. Some are nominally pistols, but that is a whole other political debate I won't get into.
Anyway, AR stands for ArmaLite, the company that first came up with the platform. The more appropriate, generic name for the platform is the modern sporting rifle, or MSR, which the NSSF coined in 2009. But, since we have been using AR for so long no one really knows this more proper name we have a Wite Out, Kleenex, or Xerox situation. Plus, certain folks like to use AR because they think it means assault rifle. It does not.
Anyway, most people may not realize that the first AR was actually the AR-10, which chambers a .308 or 7.62 NATO cartridge. This is a beefier boy and is actually used for hunting big game in some instances. Here on the east coast (if your state doesn't outlaw it) this can be a decent rifle to use for bear of deer because the .308 cartridge is an outstanding choice in the eastern woodlands. It is my cartridge of choice for a reason. I don't own an AR-10 but if I did I would not hesitate to use it in a hunt. I just grew up hunting in PA where you can't use such things so I am a bit of a traditionalist and prefer a bolt-action.
Now, the AR-15 is used a lot in predator control. Coyotes primarily, but other varmints can be tagged with it as well. I have also seen them used for wild hogs. Either in 5.56 or .300 AAC it is a popular choice for taking these animals out. Plus it is just fun as hell to shoot and the ammo isn't ridiculous. Plus, when you shoot primarily NATO cartridges (5.56, 7.62, and 9mm) when there are ammunition shortages you will see your stuff on the shelves first.
You are absolutely correct across the board.
