How to Choose a Rifle

[@natewesselink]

I bet I wasn't the only one who looked next to the bed at the rifle on standby while watching this. Great points and solid advice. Keep em coming and I'll keep watching.

[@RemoteViewr1]

Times change. Bought a very nice ar15, Aero Precision, for $550 during the glut of supply and low demand. Timing is everything. Training to learn how to use it? $50 per hour, 5 hour class, professionals. Follow on classes, 3 more levels same same hours and money. Weapon acquisition, ante. Training, $1,000. Plus ammo. Reid, I totally respect you. Emphasize price of training and it's value. You have the cred to address it.

[@michaelreardon7667]

Here's another option. Have multiple weapons in multiple calibers for those times when ammo might be scarce or overpriced ( like in 2020 ) Train with each, stock up on ammo, mags etc. When times get tough and lawlessness becomes widespread, you and your neighbors can protect your neighborhood. Very good video Reid, all SOLID points.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Solid advice.

[@theeasternfront6436]

Shane K Buy what runs best. I know I have one rifle that is a little picky with HP ammo so I pay just a tad more and run soft points through it. IMHO a 7.62x39 is gonna hit plenty hard no matter the bullet type.

[@Crashtian]

Shane K I like the hornady SST plastic tip stuff.

[@rattfink17]

Shane K yea wolf works good.

[@shannonpinion5729]

Bearfootbob depends on what type walls are in your home 00 buck will penetrate interior walls..when I lived alone I used Buck and Ball a 65cal solid ball and 6#1 buck out in the country I did not have to worry about killing a neighbor after ball passed clean through a home invader but in suburb you do...even if totaly in the right to shoot the first person if your round harms an innocent after it passes through your open to civil law suit

[@Rick-wn5oh]

Bearfootbob A .40 cal pistol penetrates walls better then a .223 cal rifle.

[@tlee1982]

Reid your content keeps getting better and better.

[@darthcual]

My $500 wasr works just great. Even put together slightly crooked. Never had a failure with steel case ammo or any of the 3 different mags that I run. Puts the lead down range and on target.

[@r3load3z34]

darthcual then you dont need more. As easy as that.

[@mr.hallman333]

Wassr is great. They get a bad rap but the one I have has failed 3 times in 5000 rds. Ammo related only. Tula steel. One swelled case 2 bad primers. Gun is strong.

[@Seveneleven44]

You're the man,Reid. I really enjoy your demeanor toward others.

[@joshlincoln6779]

Sorry things didn't work out with yaeger man but great channel and it's refreshing to have a different voice with a clear mind and good advice out here keep up the good work and I look forward to more great videos

[@zacbrink5191]

I bought an slr107 because I've seen you with them . So far it seems like a solid rifle thanks for all you do for this country . You are the epitome of a true patriot

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Yup agree with you 100%. There are many things you can cheap out in but your firearm shouldn’t be one of them.

[@chase584]

built a rifle for 500 from the ground up, same parts used on the mcx and ruger ar15s. im in college and this is reliable. 3000 rounds downrange with no issues or malfunctions. 800 bucks in it with light, mags, optic, irons, and sling. watched all of your vids and they are great with good information.

[@11B30Inf]

The way I choose my rifle was to find one that came close to what I had in the Army. I choose civilian version Colt LE6920 M4 Carbine. Bought it back in Dec 2012 and it cost me over $1,200.00.The rifle is worth every penny and glad I bought it. This rifle came very close to what I had and the only difference is my civilian M4 carbine cannot fire three round burst. Everything else on the rifle is the same. So no learning curb when it came to using the weapon and cleaning it.

[@bobbyraejohnson]

Chose*

[@cautious1343]

I have the same rifle, and paid the same amount. I had to replace the trigger ...the one it came with was horrible

[@petesheppard1709]

I don't know if this was mentioned elsewhere in the replies, but if you do your homework, you can find great values that are fairly inexpensive and great values. Right now, WASR 10s are turning out to be awesome values. There were serious problems, but new ones are rivalling much more expensive AK clones for performance, at a much lower price. A machine gun rental range in Las Vegas reports WASRs going over 80,000 rounds, doing FA mag dumps! I picked mine up for a little over $600, and in over a thousand rounds, I've had one stoppage due to ammo, and a few mag issues due to cosmoline gunk. After I cleaned the mags out, they have been flawless!

[@garypease7414]

Thanks again Reid, more good advice from a consummate teacher. With my newly acquired ailment, I find it harder, but not impossible to train as much as I would like. Having good equipment is a help, and so are my new training buddies. My grandchildren are learning as much as I can teach them, much to the dismay of their school teachers. I teach them the history of our family (some on both sides of every war we've been in before 1950), and the history of this country. One even got in an argument with his teacher in 8th grade for contradicting him and his skewed view of our country and leadership. He watches your channel with me and when we go to the library, looks up what you've said and uses it, and references the actual books he finds the info in. Thank you for your continued teaching and information.

[@imcsmitty]

Reid, I just want you to know how glad I am to see you starting your own business. The morals behind your teaching are top notch. Good luck in your future endeavors. As soon as I can afford to ill be coming down for your classes. Semper Fi brother.

[@arbhall7572]

I prefer my SKS. I love surplus weapons.

[@AString95]

My first AR was a POF Renegade plus, worth every penny. Got a a great deal on it too.

[@schmalzilla1985]

My time with the M16 really left a bad taste in my mouth for the AR style. First weapon I ever bought was an AK, reliable, and accurate enough for what I need it for, up to 300m's with iron sights.

[@Peace-ju9us]

it is not the gun, the weapon is the person holding it

[@jellyfrosh9102]

@@Peace-ju9us Or more likely, the shitty parts the government uses when they have weapons repaired.

[@inyourdefense0]

Sound advice, young warrior. Happy to see you're on your own.

[@schwibby99]

I love how you truly keep it simple Reid, well done!

[@10mmfan36]

It was good to see the Springfield on the table. Heck all of em!

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

My $175 Marlin 30-30 will have to do.

[@rattfink17]

***** best rifle is the one you own and have ammunition for.

[@kop4321]

I've never not seen 30-30 on the shelves. Its always there.

[@dutch1816]

kop4321 Yup, I had even seen 30-30 ammo on the shelves when other ammo was hard to get.

[@Rick-wn5oh]

***** $175? When did you buy it? The 80s? Wouldn't mind having one. That particular caliber is missing from my selection.

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

Richard Lamoreaux, Indeed I bought my 30-30 in the late 80's.

[@neckarsulme]

Reid, you're a good man

[@DaHeetFiveOh]

I would like to hear your opinions on two different classes of rifles not discussed in this video. Short barrel rifle caliber pistols, converted to SBR's. And secondly, pistol caliber carbines. Specifically: 1. My work gun (as a SWAT Negotiator) is a Bushmaster Carbon 15 Pistol converted (with a tax stamp) to a SBR with a short thumb hole stock, with G.i. and P-Mags; 2. A Pap AK Pistol with a Sig type brace (currently in my gun room awaiting a more positive ruling), with metal AK mags;; and 3. A Kel-Tec .40 caliber Sub 2000 (my other work gun as a uniform police sergeant) that uses my Glock 22 and larger capacity Glock magazines. I feel that these guns fulfill your requirements (with the exception of caliber in the Sub 2000), and certainly mine. And, they run 100% reliable. I know that in all probability I will never shoot long distance, but instead from within a vehicle,or CQB, out to maybe 25 yards. By my bed..... a 12 gauge, a light, and a Glock. Whatcha think???

[@MAGpul556]

your the man Reid

[@eltonjcasarez2744]

Nice very nice,thanks for the videos and information very helpful and informative.

[@jblack5728]

Haven't been on KZbin in a while, but man the channel has grown and your content is outstanding. This is one of my favorite channels out there. Love hearing you talk and teach about things. Can't wait to train with you one day. Very goo video Reid! Keep up the great work man!

[@timtitus2823]

AWESOME VIDEO I have been a Saiga 7.62 man since I bought my first one for $125 out the door, USN Retired

[@arfifteenguy]

Thanks Reid I have learned a ton from your channel.......You seem to be a stand up guy and I appreciate that!

[@djarnoldo516]

Excellent, common sense advice on a question that many will go over the tacti-cool cliff answering. Thanks, Reid.

[@jessitaylor4170]

Great video, I live in Knoxville, TN and I really want to train we with you.

[@ReidHenrichs]

Jessi Taylor We have had several locals sign up this month. It's great to have good people nearby.

[@jessitaylor4170]

Reid Henrichs How can I sign up?

[@ReidHenrichs]

Valor Ridge's web site has all the information you will need.

[@jessitaylor4170]

Reid Henrichs Thank you I'll check it out.

[@malinois404]

Reid Heinrich in ur opinion who makes the best fighting ak

[@ababbit7461]

Reid, I like what you stand for and I like your delivery methods in your videos. I bought a Norinco SKS, which has never jammed on me out of 2,000 rounds or so. Cheap cartidges might cause a problem in some weapons, but even the cheap ones fire a 7.62 x 39 round reliably. The reason I bought it is SKS's have a fixed 10 round mag and here in "fluffy" Caifornia, you can't buy rifles with more than a 10 round mag and you can't own the 30 round mag without fear of a cop sending you to jail even if you killed an inturder with that weapon. My experience (not as recent as yours) has been that no matter how well the weapon functions, if the individual gets too high on his/her adrenaline, the game is close to over for them. After being in the Army for 10 years (Vietnam, plus 3 tours in Korea), I don't have that adrenaline fear/rush anymore (at a few years over 60 years old it might be that I am too old to fear death anymore too?). I once shot a quail at 30 yards flying across my front with a pellet gun. I also shot a buck jumping off a cliff in mid-air through the heart with iron sights at 75 yards (jumping downhill across my front). What makes the rifle good is the way the individual "trains" and keeps their wits about them in panic situations or adrenline situations. Of course, my home defense weapon of choice is a pump shotgun loaded with quail load, turkey load, 00 buck, 00 buck, slug, slug.... The slugs are incase they try to limp away from the fight and get some distance out there :-) I hope people who have limited weapons experience take your course and practice, practice, practice. I wish your type of a course was available when I was younger, but I received real world experience and training.

[@vette0812]

I wanted to give a thumbs up for each rifle he was pulling out LOL

[@EviLNox8]

I have an AR-15 on the main floor in my bedroom. I have an AK-47 In the basement. Both have 5 loaded magazines ready to go. I also always have an M&P 9 on me with two spare mags and various stuff in other rooms. I really need to mount a flashlight on them though. I can't rely on my hand held lights, and possibly forget it or fumble using it or not be able to properly control the weapon.

[@MrTedragon]

I gotta get up there and train with you, Reid. You have the right attitude brother. Great video. I'm a broke college kid and saved up to get a few good rifles, first an SKS, sold it for an AK, then built an AR. I'm a lighter guy, so saving the weight helped a lot. I think a huge factor is your body type. AK/AR can't go wrong as long as u can handle it and it doesn't handle you.

[@jaywill904]

Thank you. I have been wanting to get a good AK, but didnt really know where to look. Jim fuller here I come

[@locksmithdb2075]

I've never heard Reid give anything but GREAT advice. I did the same thing....saving to get a really good rifle. having 2 kids,wife, it's not always easy to throw $1000+ on a gun. I am blessed that my wife is on board 100%. She told me to get a good one and it's an investment,security for our family,we can hunt..etc. she now has a concealed carry permit also!!!!! She is amazing!

[@RobertSnyder808]

glad to see the growth of your channel

[@edwardsdeacon]

Great video. Non-bias, great advice. No ego, I hope anyone looking for advice finds this video.

[@tanksherman9875]

This is my rifle: there are many like it, but this one is mine.

[@bangabruhh8291]

Tank bro.. Haven't seen you posting on the SOE videos in a minute! Lol

[@tanksherman9875]

chris delao Ain't nobody got time to watch a 47 minute video of three niggas eatin eggs, and that's all they been producing lately.

[@ADJ1229]

TANK SHERMAN Ha! Exactly right.

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

Thanks for the video and channel. I'm down Knoxville way and would like to get up to Valor Ridge some time. Thanks again.

[@Soonerfrk11]

Only thing I could recommend would be a table, other than that your review is very well laid out. Such a good video my man.

[@MtnBadger]

Really good advice... I served as a munitions systems and light weapons specialist with expert marksman rating so, I have an idea of your requirements. I have a couple of "bargain" ARs that I bought/built for under $500.00 as "secondary" weapons, one to hand to someone with me, etc.. I even have a Franklin Armory with the "fancy" trigger (wink, wink 😉). However... The AR I *count on,* everytime I pull the trigger?? A *CORE15.* It came with basic, MOE Magpul furniture (Not needed over stock but, a reasonable upgrade), a few Magpul magazines and I added a "Surefire" light. Rifle- $1,200 (right before the first, "Obama panic buy") + the light and a Magpul sling, aprox. $1,500 total. It's good from now to eternity with just an "OOPS kit" for essential replacement maintenance parts. Remove the Magpul furniture/mags and run stock AR furniture, a few steel, govt. mags and a decent, $75.00 light (keep the Magpul sling)... About $1,000. Good factory warranty, durable, made in FLA. They make all their primary components for upper and lower in *one* factory so, fitment is never an issue. Whatever brand you decide to buy, be sure the same is true so you don't have a sloppy upper/lower marriage and need wedges and such to keep it from rattling and the factory warranty covers everything, with no issues. 😊

[@1911Drew]

Simple, unbiased, great video.

[@lennyround-n8xlq]

I just spent $519.00 plus tax on a Smith and Wesson M&P AR15 Sport II. The prices for good guns have come down a little.

[@vonguido1]

Reid, I want to tell you how thrilled I am to see you doing your own thing! I look forward to traveling down to TN from Ohio to take a couple classes.

[@nateo200]

Pretty far off from being able to take one of your classes but I do want to say that I will most certainly be giving you my business. An instructor that knows our history, is thoughtful, well spoken and intelligent is very much needed in the firearms world! I certainly hope you will be giving little history lessons during the courses!

[@valhallah]

I'm so glad you left T.R. and started doing your own thing. I abhorred having to listen to Yeager (not to start a flame war). Keep up the good work.

[@wildcat19671]

Valhalla14 Yeager may very well be great at what he does, I really don't know. listening to his arrogant self praising, I'm better, smarter, and faster than you babble of his is truly obnoxious.

[@ilovemusicsomuch]

Reid, what do you think about purchasing a rifle vs building your own? I'd really like to build one but I need to know exactly - what exactly makes a rifle reliable? And what makes one rifle reliable while another may not be reliable? No one has ever explained this. Can you weigh in on this or perhaps make a new video to address this subject to the new gun owner and aspiring AR builder?

[@jake51515]

Sw mp 15 with a sig sauer vertical grip that holds 2 CR123A batteries and im toting a surefire m600p scout light. Im still working on an optic, but not too concerned because my shotgun is my go to homd defense gun, but my AR is my Ferguson and baltimore gun. The gun is suler reliable; I've put about 1500 rounds through it and only had 1 jam. I would shoot more, but ive got my glock and shotgun to practice with. My glock mainly because i carry that and to me a carry gun is my first priority. Thanks reid!

[@Jarhead6]

great vid bro!

[@PlaintalkwithNate]

Great video Reid, favorite channel on KZbin! Thanks for great content!

[@justinprather8846]

Personal recommendation, if you're forced to go cheap leave the idea of government calibers behind and get a marlin lever gun. Not optimal but it sure does work.

[@samwagner31]

Love my ar15, just built up a nice 870 and am now saving up for a Springfield M1A

[@grobenbaren5561]

I would like to see a continuation of patriot book of the month. Working through 5000 year leap right now. Thank you for what you do!

[@2ndChanceSurvival]

Brother love your vids, and your very humble approach. Glad to see you making them!

[@BladesRKing]

Like ur style! Subscribed. Worked with some Marines in Iraq in 03. Most people have no clue Coast Guard was even there...been like that for years;)

[@downsouthlife7505]

Hey man your videos are awesome. Keep doing what you're doing. Because of you I'm went and took the CWP test. Got a hundred on the written and 98 on the shooting Thanks

[@conrad505]

Good advice. For the budget conscious, Bulgarian AK-74s are running around 600 bucks on line.

[@livinright1]

Excellent info Reid! best advice is getting that training and knowing your weapon and how to use it. thx 4 sharing, Lisa

[@LostMyMojo100]

Another excellent video! In my house I would grab my Winchester 1300 defender with a light attached. Outside, the AR with a light attached... Of course my favorite is the scout squad bare bones...But as you say, you gotta see what you're shooting at...

[@SHWELL11]

@Reid Hendrichs I was wondering what your standard of reliable is? Is there a magic number for you personally that you feel a rifle needs to shoots without fail before it is added to your "Battle" rifle role?

[@Onefast45]

Agreed, however a well trained and experienced shootist can shoot a 100.00 gun just a good, where the problem lies is in durabilty of the gun.

[@jblack5728]

Recently bought an M1 Carbine, .30 Carbine. I use my AR as my bedside gun, but I think that could be a decent choice for a mid range and home defense gun. May just be that I've fallen in Love with it recently but those are some good guns. What do you think about the M1 carbines?

[@jbatesbtt]

Glad you started your own channel, man.

[@HeretoStay33]

The best caliber is the one you are most effective with.

[@schecterc1exotic]

HeretoStay33 Oh so I should carry a .22LR? Yeah great logic

[@HeretoStay33]

schecterc1exotic By saying that I can only assume that is the caliber YOU are most effective with and I guess that's going to be your go to. I Hope your purse matches your rifle.

[@louismccall]

JohnnyBoyCali So will a properly placed snap stick.

[@Clutch_Kick187]

Love the trench art on the stock of your RD mak90..

[@morgue420]

Great Video, Subscribed! What is your opinion on the SKS rifle?

[@TKO593]

Only about 500 rounds through my SLR 107fr and loving the 7.62x39. Nice change of paces

[@TKO593]

pace*

[@madscientist417]

Great video. Reid. Due to the state that I live in. We can not have the AK in my state which sucks. I picked up a century arms vz 58 chambered in 7.62x39 which isn't on my states ban list. I have 200 rounds through it so far. I was curious what you thought of the VZ 58. Thanks for you time.

[@shannonpinion5729]

I am Glad to see you opening a facility in East TN...I have enjoyed your views on history and on firearms...such as the fact 6.8 was an answer to a non existent problem since 7.62x39 performs almost identical and is much more economical.

[@dalemyers9265]

i agree in whole. my favorite is a mosin utilizing 7.62x54 rimmed. mainly due to cost and reliability. because a bolt are seldom to falter as opposed to a semi-auto. but bolts actions have a slower cyclic rate. but that does allow to manage your ammo usage. because wile i was in the army. i double tapped the trigger many times. i see that as wasting ammo.

[@coreysmithsvt]

i got a socom about 6 months ago. it took the place of my AR as my go to rifle. that clean carpet though...

[@thomaspounds9031]

Excellent video great advice straight to the point keep up the good work bro.

[@davidgonyeau1825]

Hi Reed, good video. It's nice to hear someone tell the truth, that all these calibers will work. I sure would like to know what is in the pouch on the AK's slings? Also, if it's good enough for the AK's, why not on the AR or the M1-A? You keep up the good work.

[@kelvintran448]

I went with a ddm4 with a eotech vudu and 45 degree offset aimpoint. It was a buy once cry once and I most certainly did cry

[@Beecozz7]

Good stuff, I really appreciate your no nonsense presentations! Very good! TY

[@BigD11507]

Hey Reid, great info! Keep up the good work! Just wondering what all Rifle Dynamics did to your mak? Thanks

[@harleygaddis9226]

Thanks for doing these videos they are awesome for us first time AR owners, the best I've come across on youtube. My question is what is your opinion on the Core15 rifle system AR.

[@MrPlecemanvpd]

For the non free states the river mini 30 and mini 14 are a good option also

[@kenhelmers2603]

Good advice - thanks Reid.

[@horsesattack]

Reid I had no idea you had your own channel and company now I am so happy I found this out today :) I want to sign up for a class!

[@ReidHenrichs]

horsesattack Go to Valor Ridge's site and see what we offer. Hope to train with you soon. Thanks for the support.

[@adambecker585]

Nice video with some womping ass rounds. Do you not run a break on that Rifle Dynamics AK?

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent advise. My favorite is the M1A. Only negative is possible collateral damage in a home defense situation. I also like the 7.62 x 39 I really like the Ruger mini 30. What is your honest opinion on the Ruger mini 30? What ammo do you choose for self-defense in your 7.62 x 39? I also like the classic M1 30 carbine but not sure if it meets your criteria for reliability. I've heard it's very difficult to find reliable magazines. I appreciate your information and I may sign up for some of your classes. Do you have a classic marksmanship class that includes classic shooting positions and training on proper use of a shooting sling? With something like a classic M1A with iron sights . Thank you P.S, I was thinking about your first most important criteria of a reliable magazine. I thought about the M1 garand. I know most people think it's a dinosaur but the enbloc clips are extremely reliable and with practice and technique can also be extremely fast to reload. I've never heard of one failing to feed . Just a thought... Thanks again I appreciate your opinion and advice.

[@5jjt]

Reid, do you do any night vision training? Or, do any for yourself on your own time?

[@ArtisanTony]

SGL31 baby! :)

[@aimeeosmulski1831]

Thanks again, I've done handguns...but might be up for one of these

[@zachb.6606]

Great video! I like the Springfield.

[@molonlabe4745]

My two self-defense rifles are the M&P 15 Sport II and My Ruger mini-14 in 300 AAC Blackout. To me it kind of makes sense to have two rifles rather than one really expensive rifle.

[@ItsMeMarioJr]

Great video. I am what you would call a poor mans prepper. Have been that way since the late 90's. I guess before prepping became "cool". That being said. I have a Norinco SKS. I got it for $200. Have put thousands of rounds through it and it fires every time I pull the trigger. Trust me. I would love to get an $800-1000 rifle. But my wife won't let me ;-) Do you have any opinions on the SKS? I subscribed and look forward to more videos bud. Keep up the good work.

[@nickfulton1149]

Amd 65 is a good rifle you can find them anywhere from 300-600

[@bigtruckboy20011]

Good video. I liked your views on magazine numbers. I think 6-7 is the perfect amount. I always wondered why people would feel that they needed 20 or 30 magazines.

[@TripleAAA53]

STALWART ADVICE on rifles. THX Reid !! Semper Fidelis

[@happyhunter1964]

I know you said use an intermediate sized cartridge, but what do you think of the M1 carbine. It has been around for decades and was proven in battle, plus my wife loves to shoot hers because the recoil is soft..

[@drgasiecki]

Great video, I was wondering what your opinion is on the Ps-90 and the 5.7x28 cartridge? Thanx, Doc G

[@gobucks45177]

Right on Man! If you had to endorse an AR what would it be? Spikes. Daniel Defense, BCM? I am a Spikes man myself I am curious as to which you prefer

[@TheJoeCool1964]

Just picked up a DD m4 v11 pro yes, I got an acog for it ,( iron sights too. ) a red dot, and a 4×12 too. Thanks. Hope you get to teach me a couple things some day.

[@The11eleven]

Awesome video, Reid!

[@gunghovagabond]

youre a joy to listen to amigo. keep up the great message!

[@libertytree2538]

A $560 2015 WASR or Npap will do anything an slr will do. Except have a stock that folds. Both are factory built rifles with CHF barrels and they will run. For AKs price doesn't always determine reliability. Factory built AKs with CHF barrels and $10 steel surplus mags equal reliability.

[@fishman80]

great video. on that last AK- i think I recognize the blotch on the stock. Mine still has the patch on it Reid with the history of where it came from :) id take it off too but its kinda sentimental

[@rob-jz9eo]

great video. what do you think of the mossberg mvp patrol? i ask because here in australia we mostly cant have cool semi autos just bolt action.