What do you like about your rifle?

From this blog post by Rifleslinger, he asks the question "what do you like about your rifle?"
In fact, many relevant questions are asked. I decided to answer in a blog post of my own.

Italicized questions are from Rifleslinger's blog.

As it catches your eye, what is it that draws you to want to pick it up and handle it?
The general shape. The utilitarian nature. The usefulness. 

Is it the sleek, graceful lines of wood masterfully blended to machined steel? 
No wood. It is steel, aluminum, and polymer. Typical AR in a 20" barrel configuration.

Is it the aggression that is exuded from a black rifle of forged aluminum and polymer?
YES!!! 

Is the blue wearing at the muzzle and bolt knob?
No. It is a stainless steel barrel. The bolt is parkerized. There are wear marks forming on the bolt.

Is the wood worn where you handle it, showing the character given from the practice that makes the rifle part of you?
No, but I see the remnants of my finger prints on the polymer handle and forearm.

When you can no longer withstand the urge and finally pick up the rifle, does it feel like you just added the missing part of you?
Yes. It completes me in a way. 

Does the same curve of the pistol grip find the same part of your hand every time? 
Yes. It is an ergo pistol grip, specially selected for personal comfort. 

Does the balance of the rifle lend itself to use on an instinctive level? 
Yes. It balances right under the delta ring. It has a heavy barrel for accuracy, and is a bit heavy. I like it heavy, a it makes the rifle shoot very softly. 

Is it light enough to be handy, yet have enough heft to give the impression of solidity, strength and the steadiness that a bit of mass can offer? 
It is as heavy as an M1 Garand. Some think that heavy, but for a man of my stature, it almost looks in some pictures to be a bit small on me.  Certainly falls into the category of handy in my hands.

When you work the action is the feel of it pleasing? 
Very smooth. Very pleasing. 

Is there a conspicuous absence of grittiness, drag, slop, hollowness, sharp edges, tight spots waiting to grab and pinch your fingers, or compromises in workmanship?
No tight spots, no pinches, no compromises. This rifle is tight. It functions flawlessly.

Does the finger find the trigger instinctively at just the right spot without interference from any other part of the rifle? 
Yes, as was designed by Eugene Stoner. 

Does the trigger break cleanly? 
Very cleanly. RRA match trigger. It is very crisp and light.

When you let friends try the trigger, do they let out an involuntary, “Oooh” of appreciation of the fine quality and workmanship?
Every time  :)

When you chamber a round, does it provide you with an inherently satisfying feeling? 
Every time. 

Does the round feel as though there is absolutely no question that it will arrive at its destination without undue interference or friction?
Without question. Smooth operation all of the way around allows for flawless function.

Do you know that the feed lips will make a perfect offering of the cartridge to the bolt, and that the intricate geometry of the rifle’s inner workings will make the cartridge’s destination inevitable?
No doubts. The rifle feeds perfectly and is only fed quality ammunition and magazines.

When the crosshairs settle perfectly on the center of the target, and the steady press of the trigger yields a sharp surprise of a jolt to the shoulder, are you blessed with the certainty of the knowledge of where the hole was created?
250 on the AQT with this baby.
I am confident with it out to 600 yards - due to personal experience at that range. Since it is a sub-MOA rifle with Privi ammo, it can hold sub-6" groups at that range. I feel confident with it to that range with either the ACOG or the iron sights.
With the ACOG, there are hash-marks to 800 meters. such a shot would require a rested position, as well as the heavy Privi ammo. I am confident in being able to make that shot, though I never have shot that far. 

Does the smell of powder summon familiar and comforting feelings that are now only vaguely associated with actual memories?
Every time. I can tell the different powders from several major brands, and each has its own feelings. 

Are you still amazed of the smoothness and ease with which the empty case is extracted and ejected, and the fresh round fed?
Yes. And amazed at the nice, neat little pile that the shells form at about 2:00.

Perhaps most importantly, are you rewarded with the confluence of an actual hit just where you called it?
Every time. 

What do you like about your rifle?


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