Minuteman Rifle

In the past, I made some suggestions for folks who would want to keep alive the idea of the Minuteman. There is a lot of wisdom in having one's means of self defense readily acceptable. Many readers have asked me via email to illustrate some examples, so here they are!

First up, the AR15. I have mine in the M16A4 configuration. Most other configurations would also be acceptable.


Here is a closeup on the ACOG and MATECH backup iron sight. Both are calibrated for shots out to 600 meters. Shameless plug here for LaRue mounts - the quick detach is really cool and returns to zero like no other (accurate to within 0.1 MOA)

Here is the entire rifle. 

I keep nearby a bandolier that hold six magazines. Each magazines holds 30 rounds of ammunition. Coupled with the magazine I keep in the rifle itself (another 30 rounds), that is a total of 210 rounds at my disposal at the moment I pick up the rifle. I prefer M193 clone ammunition, as it is more than acceptable to 300 meters, and can be shot to 600 in a pinch, if needed. 

Here is the combination of rifle and ammo. In the case where my rifle is stashed, there is also a flashlight and pocketknife/multi-tool. 

The only thing I would avoid in a minuteman type AR15 rifle would be a high power scope. The ACOG or similar would be the most magnification I'd want. You aren't going to be doing sniper duty, and chances are, you probably aren't up to it, anyways.

The ideal Minuteman Rifle (MR) is an AR15. A distant, but distinct second, is the AK47.
Here's how the AR15 stacks up:

Capacity:
Ideal. 30-round magazines are the norm. Other commonly found sizes are 20-round mags, and 100-round mags.

Reloading:
Ideal. It is the quickest to reload of all the major platforms. One-hand reloads are easy. One never needs to take one's firing hand off the pistol grip with a reload. It is easily accomplished with the off-hand.

Accuracy:
Best on the market. A subpar AR15 these days is capable of sub-2 MOA. Decent barrels can get under 0.5 MOA. 

Weight: 
At 8.5 pounds, as pictured, medium. An AR can be configured under 6 pounds, to be the second-lightest platform of those I'll review. It can also be the heaviest, if that is how you configure it.
(I have an AR over 12 pounds)

Cost:
The AR is the most expensive platform I will review. Ammo is among the cheapest, though.

Reliability:
Slight advantage to the AK or SKS. Maybe.
Even advantage for the M1, M1A, or M1 Carbine.
No advantage for any other model I'll review.

Range:
Cheap .223 / 5.56 ammo: 300 meters or less.
Decent ammo: up to 600 meters.

Magazines / clips:
The AR magazines are the most common on the market during normal situations. Price can vary, but unless there is a panic-buy, they can easily be had for less than $20 apiece. 

Upgrades:
You can buy any number of upgrades for an AR. The AR is the most easily modified platform in the world.



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