Will the AR-15 be fondly remembered like the Garand?

[Mauserdon]

I don't know if this question has been addressed yet, but as our military decides whether it will be H+K or FN or someone else that provide replacements for M-16/M-4, in your opinion, will the M-16/AR-15 be as fondly remembered as the Garand? I was reading the article in American Rifleman about the SCAR, and it got me wondering?

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[Ron H.]

Sir, I'd bet many (most?) of today's soldiers and Marines will remember the '16 fondly. Locally, I see lots of young vets buying ARs. To them, a Garand might as well be a flintlock musket--an interesting relic of bygone days, but not something they'd chose to fight with.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[John Kepler]

Like Ron, I think it already is! Folks of a certain age seem to get all warm and fuzzy when it comes to Garands....folks not of that age don't seem to as much.

I don't know a single competition shooter that would willingly trade his/her AR for a Garand.

[M1Riflenut]

That brings up anoter question. Will the new replacement weapon be any better for matches? Will the rules change to also allow the civilian version of it in competition? If so,what version/caliber? If its a modular system,what version would be allowed? All of them?
The younger shooting crowd around here tend to favor the AR types and AK clones but I've yet to see one not smile wide when they pull the trigger on an M1. Anytime I take one of my kids out and they bring a friend or two,those new shooters can't get enough of the garand but at the same time they will also drain me of .223 ammo as well.

[John Kepler]

That brings up anoter question. Will the new replacement weapon be any better for matches? Will the rules change to also allow the civilian version of it in competition? If so,what version/caliber? If its a modular system,what version would be allowed? All of them?

It's an issue I know for a fact that has been kicking around the Army/DCM/CMP since at least 1990! I think there's a framework for a plan if and when! This is one where input from Maj. Culver could be enlightening!

[polska]

I doubt it.All the younger people that I see with them want the shorter barrel with the folding stock because it looks cool and that is what they see on TV.I don't think new recruits train on the same type of M16 to begin with some train with an A1 or A2 orA3 and I'll bet no one gets an M4 in basic.(I could be wrong). When a new replacement rifle comes out they will fall in love with it.Younger people like high-tech and plastic.
I have a Colt SP1 Vietnam era and a match AR-15 and no one has any interest in them at the range but pull out an M1 or Springfield and everyone is checking it out.
The M16 cannot really be collected as it's predecessors .We can buy a real GI M1 or 1903 or carbine or GI 45 that was used by our military.The AR-15 has no cartouches or dates to collect,no wood to refinish no history,as they will all be semi-auto repros and not the real deal.
A good example is the M14. Bring an M1-A to the range and many shooter don't even know what it is.

[John Kepler]

I doubt it.
I have a Colt SP1 Vietnam era and a match AR-15 and no one has any interest in them at the range but pull out an M1 or Springfield and everyone is checking it out.

This little anecdote depends on where you shoot. Where I shoot, a Compass Lake or WOA AR-Service Rifle will draw a LOT more attention than any old "muzzleloader"....a new Space Gun will have people on their cell-phones taking pictures and texting their friends. I stand by my statement.

BTW, the "perfect rifle", like the "perfect car", hasn't been built yet!

Any weapon-system is like your wife...you LOVE her good points and learn to put-up with her bad ones! Cdr. Randy "Duke" Cunningham

[kilroy]

I love both platforms, but for different reasons. I love the Garand because it is "pretty" to me. My rifle has a walnut stock, a 43 reciever and many correct parts. It is also neat owning something that may have been used in WWII. I also love the 06 cartridge and the "Ping!" my Garand makes when it is empty. Besides, my Garand gets a lot more attention at the range I shoot at. It is accurate, but not as accurate as my AR. I have read that people can customize a Garand to make it as accurate as an AR, but I think it would lose some of its appeal to me. This is just due to my reaction at seeing Sporter 1903s.

I love my AR 15, but I do think it is ugly. Don't get me wrong- my AR is a great rifle. It is very accurate and it does what I want it to do (Varmint Rifle). I enjoy outshooting my dad using my Plastic Fantastic against his bolt action hunting rifles. It is easy to work on, light and accurate. I like it so much I am considering purchasing an AR 10 too.

Both have appeal. My suggestion is that everyone should own both!

[dbarn]

The AR15/M16 set new standards for assault type weapons when first developed, but will never have the romanticism of the M1 nor will most any modern plastic wonder assault rifle produced in the future. The old days of walnut and forged steel are lost forever as is the government arsenal of Springfield, and the iconic commercial company, Winchester.

With the military looking for new and improved assault rifles, it's interesting to note that many of the ergonomic features of the AR/M16 rifle will be incorportated. This speaks well of the design. However, it's also good to see they will not be incorporating the old gas system. No problems if kept clean and lubed, but a system that does not spray hot gasses and unburnt powder into the action requiring less maintenance is much preferred, IMHO.

History will probably be kind to the AR family for the most part.

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

Having been issued an M1 the first time around and a M16 the last time, I am going to disagree with most folks. The "mouse gun" will NEVER be a favourite of mine.