They are the most popular defensive/offensive rifle in America I think can be claimed with little argument. Sure there are other rifles very popular with American citizens, but there not also used in mass in our military, in issued forms of the M16 and M4, besides all the AR's, M16, and M4's that are American police hands and trunks as patrol carbines. Which is why there is such a huge aftermarket of rifles, parts and accessories making them one of the best choices for a defensive/offensive rifle for the prepper in my opinion. They can be made very ambidextrous with a few parts changes and personalized to the extreme with all the choices in replacement parts. There also pretty light even when loaded for many users from men, women and children and ergomonic in the same.
There certainly are other choices out there. Choose what you like best I say, but you're not going to get all the commonality the AR has as described. I accept when I'm forced to foot it when the time comes and shtf hard, when I walk off with my tuned M1A in hands and the rounds I'm carrying. No sweat. I still have an AR and have had and used various versions for years though I only use piston AR's now for good reason. Why? Because of what has been said. The M1A/M14 just so happens to be better for me in controls, ergos, hitting power and other preferences when it comes down to it, but it's not for everyone. Lots of people find it too heavy in weight from the rifle itself, the rounds and loaded magazines and the cartridge itself after you've laid a few mags down range. Not a problem. We're all not the same and shouldn't be.
:razz:
