Hello comrades, I’ve been thinking about holding an AMA for a while and now seems to be a good time. So, here I am, ready to answer your questions.

Firstly, let’s get into the stuff I can’t answer about.

  • I’m not a firearms historian, though I do have a study on American arms from 1840-1890 and a study on Soviet arms between 1930-1990.

  • I know next to nothing on calibres, so it’s out of the scope of my answers.

  • I do not have the energy to debate or explain legality, nor the energy to talk about liberal talking points on gun control.

With that out of the way, please ask me any firearms questions you have, I can’t wait to share my knowledge.

  • @Discolun
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    74 years ago

    As the AR-15 is for better or worse one of the most common platforms available to Americans, what are your thoughts on modifications intended to convert an AR-15 from a direct impingement operation to a gas piston? Do you have strong opinions on the question of whether direct impingement or gas piston operation is superior, especially as relates to a weapon meant to be viable in the field should parts suddenly be hard to come by?

    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      74 years ago

      As the AR-15 is for better or worse one of the most common platforms available to Americans, what are your thoughts on modifications intended to convert an AR-15 from a direct impingement operation to a gas piston?

      A controversial opinion to some, I’m very much in love with those “modifications”. They’re not really mods as much as they are just entirely different parts, but piston operation allows the platform to be shortened, which allows for a wider variety of stocks and makes pistol ARs a more viable option. Though, for the price of the upper receiver, the gas tube, the gas rod, the gas block, and an appropriate handguard, you might as well have gone with an AK, which also happens to be incredibly easy to find in the US, then got mods to modularize it.

      Do you have strong opinions on the question of whether direct impingement or gas piston operation is superior, especially as relates to a weapon meant to be viable in the field should parts suddenly be hard to come by?

      Both systems work equally as well, both are equally as simplistic to work on and clean, both are equally as straight forwards to replace. So, IMO, the debate between them is one of posturing and not one of mechanics. Much like the AR vs. AK argument is, the system you’re going to favour is likely the system you own and use the most. I personally prefer pistons, but I wouldn’t call it “superior”. Rather, i’d call it “equal”.

  • @pimento
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    64 years ago

    Any advice for us in Europe who cant really get our hands on firearms?

    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      4 years ago

      Honestly, y’alls politicians have backed the European Proletariat into such a tight corner that your best bet for getting armed is to either illegally manufacture them, steal them, or join into a government organization that has armament then go awol with half the armoury.

      The other option is to look at your country’s exceptions to the laws, and try to fit into those. Unless I’m mistaken most of Europe still allows certain people to own arms, but only in very tightly regulated occurrences.

      Otherwise, look into getting a high powered airgun, or get into archery. If you have a disability and can’t do archery too well, crossbows exist. Then of course, if you’re dirt poor, make a sling, I made one with old shoelaces and some cut up old jeans, and using it I’ve been able to knock out street lights and dent 1/16in aluminium. (I’m talking about the switching boxes you’ll find in the US by the railways, they’re small aluminium buildings that make really good target practice. They’re big enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re throwing at an impossible target, but small enough that at certain distances still feels challenging. I’d only recc using them for target practice if what you’re using won’t penetrate its walls.)

  • @Funnyandcreativename
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    54 years ago

    What is the best way to deal with/prevent the short term and long term effects of noise from Firearms? What should you do if you want a firearm but those close to you would dissaprove? How does MAD fit into a heavily armed society? Are there firearms that are better for people with really bad coordination? What’s the best way to practice aiming? Are there skills in using firearms apart from maintanence and aim?

    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      4 years ago

      What is the best way to deal with/prevent the short term and long term effects of noise from Firearms?

      This can have a range of answers, but I’ll shorten to two things. But first, hearing loss doesn’t just go away, if you weren’t mindful of your ears before shooting you’re going to have to live with the consequences.

      • The easy thing to do is wear hearing protection. I recommend doubling up the kind that go inside the ear with the kind that goes around the ear.

      • The less easy thing is to get a suppressor, to lessen the blast from the muzzle. If you pair 1 and 2 together, you’ll never have hearing problems again after shooting.

      What should you do if you want a firearm but those close to you would disapprove?

      That’s up to you, really. I wasn’t expecting to give life advice, but just remember you’re living for you. If someone doesn’t like something you do, then they don’t deserve to influence your life. Though, if you live with someone who’s afraid or against guns, it pays dividends to get yourself one of those safes that can be screwed into the floor and keep your arms in that. They won’t be able to just take your safe (that’s happened to me, crazy ex), and being locked away generally makes people less scared that it’ll grow legs and murder their family.

      How does MAD fit into a heavily armed society?

      Your neighbour Paul has a burst fire M16A2 clone he just recently finished paying off the tax for, and you know without a shadow of a doubt he’ll use it to defend his sheep. Paul knows that you go to the range with your shotgun every week and are willing to defend your home with it. Though the two of you might have mean looks while getting the morning paper, you both know that aggression is a bad idea. (I hope that answers that question)

      Are there firearms that are better for people with really bad coordination?

      Not particularly, but the AR platform has a lot of aftermarket parts that are useful for people without much fine motor control. Though if a person experiences medical uncoordination they probably shouldn’t use arms without direct supervision.

      What’s the best way to practice aiming?

      There are a few ways. You can spend a lot of time on the range. You can do dryfire aiming in a safe environment. You can familiarize yourself with your sights and learn what a proper sight picture is. I guess it comes down to what you want to put money into. I learned as a kid, and that was more than 15 years ago at this point.

      Are there skills in using firearms apart from maintenance and aim?

      If all you ever do with your rifle is go to the range, then all you ever actually need to know is how to hold it, and how to shoot it. But if you do more with your rifle, like hunting or tactical “sports”, then there’s an entirely different world of depth you’d need to learn to use your rifle effectively. Hence, tactical schools exist. But all of these extra skills equate to different ways to do what you would be doing on a normal range.

  • Muad'DibberA
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    54 years ago

    Couple questions:

    1. Do you have a preferred length of AR-15 barrel for all-around usage? I currently have 16", and I’m thinking of building a 12-14.5 incher, but some ppl are even suggesting 10".
    2. What mods to an AR do you think are worth it / essential?
    3. What are some of your favorite pistol models?
    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      4 years ago

      I unironically HATE the AR platform.

      Do you have a preferred length of AR-15 barrel for all-around usage? I currently have 16", and I’m thinking of building a 12-14.5 incher, but some ppl are even suggesting 10".

      I know “all-around usage” was stated, but consider what you want to get out of the rifle. Unless you’re planning on doing CQB, barrel shortening is really only worth doing for weight savings. But, my preferred barrel length for any rifle is around 16". So unfortunately you’ll have to answer that one yourself.

      What mods to an AR do you think are worth it / essential?

      There’s two branches of the answer;

      For myself, I have big hands, long arms, and don’t mind weight. So a solid stock is a must. I prefer shrouded red dot aimpoints, like the COMPM5. I grab by the magwell, so a magwell pad is nice. Then of course, flashlight and bipod.

      But more generally, what’s “essential” depends on the individual. Some people really like iron sights, some people can’t hit anything without a 16x scope. Some people like to use an AFG, others like a vertical forward handgrip. So my advice is to sit down with your rifle and think really hard about what you think you’ll need. Take the time to digest everything you’re doing with your rifle, notice how you hold it, notice how well you can shoot it, quantify the things you can improve via mods and what you can improve via training time. But to provide some things that I really honestly believe everyone should have.

      • Flashlight with a temporary switch, focusing tube, strobe, and SOS setting.
      • Sling that allows quick switching of shoulders, can be used to stabilize shots, and fits the users comfort wishes.
      • Identifying paint or artwork, for no other reason than it makes the rifle prettier.
      • backup irons or backup red dot if the user has decided to go with an optic as their primary sight.

      What are some of your favorite pistol models?

      I grew up with the M1911, and learned to shoot with the 92FS (M9). Otherwise, I’m a very big fan of the Colt Army. The Nagant revolver also holds a strong spot in my art. Then to round that list off, I’ll bend the rules a little and list the VZ.61 Scorpian machine pistol.

      • Free PalestineOPMA
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        34 years ago

        I got bored, so here’s my perfect AR made on pimpmygun

      • @Gin_and_Juche
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        34 years ago

        Reminder that the French counter terror cops started buying 7.62x39mm bren 2 rifles because 5.56 was too weak

  • @Mouseasel
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    4 years ago

    In your professional opinion, what would be the single most ideal firearm to arm the proletariat of a major western industrialized country?

    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      64 years ago

      The easy answer: The firearms the Proles can afford.

      The less easy answer: In the eventuality of a full-blown revolution in a western country, There’s a chance Russia and China will extend logistical support. Which means, the revolutionaries will either get old Communist Bloc surplus, or something based on the AK platform. So, the AK platform is my answer.

  • Raton_en_Criss
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    44 years ago

    Okay, so here are my question

    -Is there any ‘‘safe’’ and simple way to make your own gun like a mad man with like very basic tools and material?

    -What is the best option for a gun for the price and quality (the cheapest that is the best)?

    -Is there any alternative to an assault rifle where it is not legal to own one like in Québec or Canada in general?

    -What is the best type of gun in most conditions in general?

    -Do you think literal black powder gun like musket or flintlock could be a viable type of gun in some case?

    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      44 years ago

      Is there any ‘‘safe’’ and simple way to make your own gun like a mad man with like very basic tools and material?

      yes actually, that’s how I got started. Though, if you’re not familiar with the more technical side of firearms, your chances of blowing your fingers off increases exponentially if you decide to make anything rifled without the proper tools. You can make a shotgun from 100% hardware store materials.

      What is the best option for a gun for the price and quality (the cheapest that is the best)?

      This is a bit subjective, but my pick is either the SKS or a bargain bin Mosin. They were dumped onto the North American market in heeps, but retain their quality.

      Is there any alternative to an assault rifle where it is not legal to own one like in Québec or Canada in general?

      I disagree strongly with the existence of the term “assault rifle” for multiple reasons. Most notably, it’s a term of propaganda not a term of function. I don’t know Quebec law very well, but the SKS will always be a solid option, and the only reason the SKS isn’t considered an “assault rifle” is that it has a traditional stock and a 10 round internal magazine. Though, the alternatives to what is commonly called an “assault rifle” are battle rifles, and carbines. I am a huge proponent of getting yourself a pistol calibre carbine if it’s something that’s allowed where you happen to live.

      What is the best type of gun in most conditions in general?

      This one’s also super subjective. The best type of gun, is the gun you have in your hands. But extremely generally the “best” gun to use would need to be semiautomatic, be in a decent calibre that’s appropriate for hunting, and be moddable to fit the users needs. Which, again, SKS.

      Do you think literal black powder gun like musket or flintlock could be a viable type of gun in some case?

      There’s many reasons to have one.

      • Hardware store flintlock; an extremely cheap and viable option for people who live under strict firearms laws, should they have the need for it.

      • Hunting; BP is still very much in use by hunters

      • Ammunition shortages; you can make powder at home with store-bought chemicals, projectiles from soft metals, and the muzzleloader from pipes and wood. And boom bam, you’re armed while the prepper peasants complain about not stocking enough ammunition.

      Though, realistically, I’d only recommend using a muzzleloader if the situation demands it. You’d be a fool to expect to win the revolution with brown betty.

  • Muad'DibberA
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    4 years ago

    Few more rifle questions:

    • How do you feel about the AK-74?
    • Are there any specific brands / manufactures of AK-47s/74s you’d recommend over others?

    I nearly bought an AK-74 when I found one, but was worried about the availability of 5.45 and the fact that I hadn’t researched the manufacturer at all.

    • Free PalestineOPMA
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      44 years ago

      How do you feel about the AK-74?

      I don’t hate it, but I’m not a massive fan. Primarily I don’t much like the ammunition used, but that’s a purely personal thing. The type II AK47 was made in massive numbers along with the SKS, so 7.62x39R can be found everywhere in bulk, and can be bought in bulk surplus for cheap. The newer 5.45x39 is found in the US in less quantity, and fewer people will be willing to part with what they have.

      It’s a really good gun though, and unlike the AR platform’s M16/M4 variants if I was handed an AK74 I wouldn’t be disgusted. Upset? Maybe. But not disgusted.

      Are there any specific brands/manufactures of AK-47s/74s you’d recommend over others?

      Not really, most of them are the same. I’d personally recommend trying to find a Chinese or ex-Eastern Bloc surplus rifle, or if possible finding an Iranian one, but the ones made in the US are fine too. Though, a few years ago there was an issue with Vepr (and a few other dirt-cheap companies) selling rifles with bent barrels, but a competent gunsmith would be able to replace the barrel for you if you ended up with that.