The First Guns to Buy According to Micah and Charlie from Garand Thumb

[@WillfulMirror8]

Seeing Charlie not being goofy is weird to see but I like it

[@juniorslayz-9997]

I was thinking the exact same thing during the entire video it kept throwing me off guard 😂

[@Fafafohi]

I barely recognize him in this demeanor.

[@samfisherxboxog8925]

@@Fafafohihim being pissed off at his neighbor who was pissing in public is something else. Guy jokes for the camera but is actually serious in real life.

[@jt-el8540]

Didn't even know it was him until the end lol.

[@mondavou9408]

Still goofy

[@BlackBeardsDelight338]

That Daniel defense line by charlie was on point. 😂

[@noahmanning3209]

Care to explain lol

[@Neowick963]

@@noahmanning3209😂 it’s an iykyk type thing

[@alexmaurice4274]

@@noahmanning3209right wing conspiracy ppl think the government gave a scol shtr a dd to shoot the small civilians

[@k1e948]

@@noahmanning3209uvalde mass shooter used a DD that should help you understand

[@grifdenton5224]

@@k1e948 A bit strange how a guy so poor he got into fights with his family over phone bills managed to buy 2 of the most expensive rifles on the market. Fancy optics too iirc.

[@Gojeto346]

I think the awesome thing about buying just like a PSA AR, you can just upgrade/swap things as you go. You get a rifle that works and then you shoot it and notice you don’t like the charging handle so you swap that and then next time you notice you’re not really the biggest fan of the trigger so you get a better one and then before you know it your $350 rifle has 1k worth of parts in it but you were never without having a usable rifle, I love it!

[@loneczgunner6562]

You mean... an adjustable gas block, dead air brake/flash hider/larue trigger, new magpul furniture, insert decent optic here and a can.... then yah. PSA the gateway drug.

[@downtown4279]

I agree, because most people will do all of that anyways even with high end complete rifles.

[@Bioshockaholic]

And then you’ll also know WHY you spend that extra money on this or that.

[@garrettlundy3959]

Show up to Thunder Ranch with a PSA Blem sporting a ACOG/RMR, Surefire XVL, & an Invader Zim paintjob

[@nonyabiz2777]

100% buy a few Aero Precision lowers and build the rest with P.S.A and a decent trigger group and barrel you can build multiple weapons for less money

[@alexdevonshire6120]

Personally, I was born and raised in SC and PSA was obviously the best option considering they were the only legit gun store near me. But I’ve had no issues, the quality is pretty dang good for the price, and got plenty of helpful advice from their staff.

[@BikeLife1]

Be careful who you say PSA is good quality around haha, some of these mfers out here

[@BikeLife1]

@@budget.88 Wtf🤣 What does that doc have to do with anything? I never seen someone trying to spread that crap on a completely unrelated comment yet sheesh

[@geebeaux]

I have some PSA, and would love it if they were local to me.

[@alexdevonshire6120]

@@geebeaux if you’re ever out of town and find yourself near one, I’d definitely suggest making the trip. Amazing staff and always a ton of stock even in the smaller shops

[@ghostmourn]

Hell yeah. One of my favorite rifles to shoot is a PSA GF3 i got for $500 and I goon taped a 10$ flashlight to the side 😅 Its accurate, shoots like a dream and has never had a single misfire or issue. To be fair the hand guard rattles a bit but I dont care I have tape for that. I think that everything they drop is quality (i just avoid the 1st gen of new products.)

[@brianr8372]

NOTE: A significant concern is that time may not always be in your favor when saving up for the desired firearm. Rapid changes in laws can mean that delaying your purchase might result in losing the opportunity to acquire a rifle altogether. This has been the unfortunate experience for many people I know here in Illinois.

[@garrettlundy3959]

I live in New York. I submitted my application in September so I have maybe two years to roll pennies 😂

[@tom.northshore]

This happened here in Minnesota. I bought an AR style shotgun when I was 18 but couldn't get it until I turned 21 last winter 🥲

[@thepowerofmintandberries]

happened in MA this year too. Legit scramble to get a lower that was under $1000. no joke

[@lilp4000]

I'm grabbing a psa for this reason lol my brain says save for a fancy one but then it says well end of the world hit tomorrow and you only got a damn pistol get a psa 300 blackout for 500 or a damn jakl man 🤣🤣

[@michaelnguyen2144]

why did Vietnamese people catch a stray at 1:02💀💀 i mean yeah im 5'7 but damn LOL

[@Ideo7Z]

Done take it personal. Just remind them that you and the Afghans are from the only 2 countries where empires go in and lose everytime.

[@tonymante8759]

@@Ideo7Z damn smoll folks have that burrow underground ability

[@Kabz8]

You mean why were they casually racist? 🙄

[@michaelnguyen2144]

@@Ideo7Z LOL. Vietnam is up on the scoreboard haha

[@dvolcom15]

Punji sticks to the rescue!!!

[@bearlee_accurate]

Wars are fought with $500 rifles

[@m4e1supremacy]

honestly they probably cost the US govt less than that, but those same rifles aren't sold to citizens at those prices

[@reallife3338]

By soldiers that cost $100,000 a year lol

[@PhilJLF]

Wars are also fought with sticks and stones

[@GhettoJohnWickk]

Issued usmc rifleman have an m27 with SCO and peq16 / vickers 2 point sling. I’ll let you look everything up but this is not true. Wars are fought with expensive rifles.

[@PhilJLF]

@@GhettoJohnWickk well US wars at least lol I think he may be rhinikg of a different country or just went on PSA’s seeing an AR pistol with a brace on the website and was like that looks like what they use and it’s only 500!

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

Loved that sly, cough , reference with that "if the CIA wasn't going to buy me a Daniel Defense" 🤣🤣🤣

[@Gojeto346]

6:40 dude you really nailed the overwhelming feeling you get when starting on a project that could literally change a million times from your initial thoughts, especially after getting on KZbin or whatever to see other peoples opinions on every little thing you hadn’t even considered

[@alankordzikowski7670]

First AR was a Smith & Wesson M&P sport II. It’s a solid platform, mine has the A2 front sight, with a pop up rear sight. My next AR I went hard on; bought a Colt AR15A4.

[@yourmomsbf878]

how old is everyone here? why is all this talk about AR's and not M4's?

[@fakename287]

​@@yourmomsbf878The m4a1 is a specific military configuration of the ar15 platform Your post is pretty ironic by the way

[@recondo886]

@@yourmomsbf878 commonality, compatibility, ease of manual of arms, millions of US veterans trined with M16 series and M4 variants. the platform has been around since the 60s and is the most common rifle in use in the USA. it is America's rifle. the Modern Musket of the civilian.

[@ryzen4368]

@@yourmomsbf878 youve never touched a firearm in your life

[@Bojangles6]

Those psa ar/dagger combos are pretty hard to beat for getting into it. Add a mag/ammo package for each, a red dot, sling and holster, and your ready to go.

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

I think Hop has done everything but a rifle tier. He should.

[@thefrogking481]

He couldn't do the video without being a precocious prick. It's not a matter of humor, it's a matter of him not knowing wtf he's talking about.

[@budget.88]

⌚️ Európa the last battle

[@spookyindeed]

He would say everything is F tier because it's either actually trash or actually works and so is boring to talk about.

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

@@spookyindeed you're not wrong.

[@thenny9081]

You want the guy that dislikes everything to do a tier list…

[@Nate_the_Nobody]

My first handgun was the Steyr M9-A1 with trapezoid iron sights. Never needed a red dot with how fast and easy it is to use those sights for snap shooting. It's also basically Glock made by Steyr, it was made by a former glock employee who went to Steyr, it has a lower bore axis, a higher grip, and a better grip angle. Makes it a REALLY flat shooter for a plastic 9 that isn't compenstated, recoils like a .380 right out of the box, only modification needed was the addition of grip tape. Conceals fantastically and draws super easy since you can REALLY lock the webbing of your hand into the grip when going for it, really just a fantastic firearm. Carried that while I was working cash logistics and have been concealed carrying for the last 9 years, I've never had a reason to buy another handgun yet even after putting about 10,000 rounds through it.

[@chrismortenson695]

Now that I own a Steyr L9-A2, it definitely would have been my first pick. I just love it. Second would be my build out of my Ruger Charger 22, lol.

[@Nate_the_Nobody]

@@chrismortenson695 I haven't had the chance to try the A2's yet, how good is the grip on them? The A1's were a little too smooth

[@chrismortenson695]

@@Nate_the_Nobody the grip is fantastic, didn’t have to change it at all. Fit my hand like a glove.

[@Ideo7Z]

Problem with the Steyr is I've never seen one in any gun store I've ever been in and I've been in a few in Texas, Utah, Nevada, Washington( when it was still free-ish), Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina. They're always special order and mags are a pain to source.

[@jonnyutah.308]

The only way I see the SHTF is if Costco actually gets rid of their hot dogs.

[@BubbaJaeger]

Or can no longer eat a churro while waiting in line!

[@philpeterson7182]

No Costco hot dogs is the wurst case scenario!

[@Kaotix_music]

Micah finally said it. Barrel length is such a dumb debate. It's honestly a weird debate for me to get into because...I have real world experience with a 10.3 5.56 rifle (MK18 mod1) in combat and I hit people at 300 meters....I think one time even 400? They dropped. I didnt know if they were dead until we had afghans go do the BDA (we made them do it) and they said there was dead dudes right where I remember clapping someone....so it works. The real question is "is it ideal?"...to have a rifle that short especially in a combat zone like afghanistan where engagement distances just vary SO MUCH. I mean One minute youre being ambushed from 300 meters away (sometimes further because afghans dont understand bullets arent lasers and once ambushed us from 1k away) and then before you know it, you hear dudes running up on you 50 meters away closing in to 25. The Mk18 did it. Yea, like Micha said...know your hoids and more importantly just know the capability of that rifle. We had shorty's because we would be up in mountains, then going into the valleys where it turned into MOUT/CQB territory. Some guys preferred their SCARs with the longer barrels and having .308, some guys preferred (our TACP in particular) their 14.5 BLOCK II's....so you had a variety of calibers, barrel lengths, etc...all on a single element and we were all getting the job done. I liked the shorty because were running around the villages alot and getting into nice skirmishes and it was nice to have a shorter gun for that. I watched the SF guys struggle alot with their SCARs but to Charlies point, they still made it work. They just struggled a bit more. Thats all. I think for most, short barrels on 5.56 for *MOST* people is because it's cool. It's very "operator" looking and dudes love that shit and I dont blame them. I own one myself as a civi now but I know its down falls and also own my 14.5s and my 16 inch guns. But im beyond the "beginner" stage as a shooter and all my rifles are purpose built. I know what I can do with a 10.5 because ive done it before and thats my gun ready to go right now if shit went down for whatever reason. But all my rifles will get the job done no matter what it is....they all just work a bit different. Know the difference and thats all. Yea, shorty's wont give you the best terminal ballistics compared to 14.5, 16, 18, 20 inch barrels....but it's still gonna do its job. Thats it. The reality is - in real combat, youre not on a gun range. Youll be all over the place, youre adrenaline is through the roof. You wont be taking single shots at dudes trying to get all alphas like you do at the range. Youre just laying down rounds and just trying to get them to hit somebody. Thats it. Just shoot the best you can until you watch them drop. They dont even have to be killed. I just dont want them getting back up. I want them out of the fight so we can continue to gain ground. And thats exactly why the barrel length debate is just dumb. A bullet is a bullet and when it hits someone, they dude does not care what barrel length it came out of and when hes hit by it hes gonna go "owwwwwww!" and hes not fighting anymore and thats all that matters.

[@philipg7982]

I think you hit the nail on the head with the barrel length length argument. What I built my 18 competition rifle for and my shorty have different use cases and my choice represents my opinion and usually people think there is one for all. There simply isn't. I remember back in middle school we had the same arguments on barrel lengths on paintball guns. 😆

[@Kaotix_music]

@@philipg7982 HAHAHA i was in those paintball barrel arguments! Then i had to remind everyone "Guys, were playing NPPL fields...." LMAO

[@Kaotix_music]

@@Shep01lmfao im stealing that! "When you miss..." thats good hahaha

[@ethanfast6329]

We got a professional yapper over here

[@abettermind]

You're 100% right, but you're missing a big aspect of the debate. Everyone argues over what's ideal, not whether or not a bullet does bullet things.

[@kennethoyler7]

Was gifted a 43x which started me down the rabbit hole. Went with a blem PSA 16” with a cheap sig romeo optic to get started. Followed that with a g45 with rmr and tlr1-hl. Very happy with my purchases. After watching this I feel even more secure in my decisions.

[@appalachianoperator]

The benefit of not having the atf breathing down your neck the 16 sells itself

[@jayg4mrusmc]

We sell a ton of diamondback tactical AR's around six-hundo. I think we live in a good time to buy an AR. Usually, young dudes want a gun that shoots and looks cool for not a ton of money. We usually deck em out with with a BFG sling, a fore grip and an affordable red dot, some Lucas Extreme Duty oil, a soft case, and an extra couple mags and off to the range you go!

[@haroldfarquad6886]

1) M&P 2.0 with light and red dot 2) An AR in the $1500 range like a BCM with a good Trijicon or Eotech 3) Mossberg 590

[@goshawk4340]

No pistol of many kind?

[@Uuuuuhh913]

​@@goshawk4340M&P 2.0 is a pistol.

[@Chudsickle]

@@goshawk4340the m&p 2.0 is a handgun

[@tamir3071]

zero reason to buy an M&P over a glock.

[@haroldfarquad6886]

@@tamir3071 preposterous. M&Ps are superior in nearly every way. Grip texture, grip angle, stock trigger, stock iron sights, slide serrations, and esthetics are all superior to what comes out of the box in a Glock. Glocks are way overpriced for the features you get.

[@penuts17]

For entry level, PSA is the absolute best option. Also agree that a 16” is good to start with. I would get one with an MLOK handguard, not the plastic. I think those can be had for well less than $700 all in. Add a sig red dot for $125ish.

[@brianfischer5609]

This is literally what I did😂 16" mid length with mlok rail and mbus sights, Romeo 5.

[@anthonygerber8261]

@@brianfischer5609that's a legit set-up and is more than enough for most people. It's smart to Save money by getting a high-value rifle like a PSA, Ruger or S&W and use it to buy ammo and practice.

[@TacticalBaguette]

I went and did a gamer move and got a 20" rifle that I effectively turned into an M16A4, love it so far

[@jhutch1470]

@@brianfischer5609 I did the same, except I got a Romeo 5 XDR. I love the doughnut of death. It helps me find the red dot instantly even in odd positions.

[@dillonc7955]

PSA is the best option if you don't modify your rifle if you happen to send it in. This legally voids their famous "lifetime warranty".

[@Fafafohi]

My first rifle was a PSA. I bought it specifically to build on and upgrade. I treated it like my first guitar: the one I learned on and learned how to work on.

[@thekamotodragon]

I like it how if you actually were new to firearms and listened to this, then you'd have no idea wtf these guys are talking about lol. Btw, to anyone who is new and doesn't know what all these terms mean, the entire rifle section was them talking about which AR-15 to get, which i don't think they ever said once lol.

[@BassMan-wr3lq]

They said PSA like 5 times. PSA is Palmetto State Armory

[@caseyquinn9282]

@@BassMan-wr3lq, PSA sells a lot of different guns so just saying PSA won’t tell you they’re talking about an AR-15

[@clerk344]

Yea I was lost 😂

[@daft4682]

I just realized Micha and Charlie were two different people. Boy do I feel silly. Carry on.

[@LukeBrownSM]

1. Reliable striker fired pistol. Full sized or compact depending on your hands and frame. Mount a Streamlight or Surefire, then a reliable red dot. (M&P 2.0, Glock 17/19/45, CZ P10F/C, Sig P320). Overwhelmingly, the most likely weapon you'll use in a defensive situation is a handgun, it should be your priority. The most important rule of a gunfight is bringing a gun, and you're probably not strolling around town with a rifle. Get a good IWB and OWB holster that both work for you, and start to build your wardrobe around consistently carrying. No point collecting more guns from a defensive perspective if you still aren't carrying the one you already have. If you're rich you can consider getting guccier or DA/SA guns for this, like Sig P226s, Shadow Systems, more premium variants of the previously mentioned guns, CZ 75s, even 2011s maybe. You won't go wrong with a base model reliable striker fired though and I'd definitely buy one first. 2. Smaller carry gun for the days you don't wanna carry the bigger one or are wearing gym clothes or whatnot. Alternatively you can do off body carry at the gym with one of those tactical fanny packs, but it's probably worth getting a smaller deep concealment gun depending on your size and needs (M&P Shield Plus, S&W Bodyguard 2.0, Sig P365/P365 Macro line, Glock 43X/48, Glock 42/43, even Ruger LCP...) pick the biggest gun that's small enough that you know you'll always carry it even when you're in running shorts. 3. AR-15, whichever barrel length, whichever brand as long as it's reasonably reliable. Get a good optic that fits the environment around your house (1X is fine for urban environments, if you live in the mountains an LPVO would be nice), and a reliable white light. Brand doesn't matter too much because they're endlessly customizable and modular. 3. Remington 870/Mossberg 590. Good semi auto shotguns like the Benelli M4 and Beretta 1301 are far more expensive, and since the main niche these excel in is close up hunting and bird hunting, I don't think that investment is worth it if you aren't already good with a more affordable pump gun. For property defense, I'm taking the AR-15 every time. 4. Lightweight .22 LR survival rifle/plinker. I'm most familiar with the Ruger 10/22 series, and the Takedown Lite works really well as a packed away survival rifle. Mount a pistol sized red dot if you want. This rifle allows you to cheaply harvest small game like birds and rodents, and to practice shooting fundamentals for much cheaper than other options. Also an amazing tool for teaching kids how to handle a gun, and it's acquired cheaply. 5. Big bore hunting/long range rifle. I'm partial to Remington 700s in .300 Win Mag, but there are many options including semi autos if you're rich. 6.5 creedmore, 7mm magnum, even .308 can all be good options (among others), but .300 win mag has served well on caribou, moose, elk brown, and black bear at long ranges and is proven in combat and readily available. Get a good long range scope, that will probably cost more than the rifle. Same goes for good binos and a good spotting scope. Long range is a very expensive but very rewarding hobby, and dabbling lightly in it will build your shooting fundamentals with every platform. 6. (bonus) Bigger pistol if you live somewhere with bigger threats. I like 10mm for the balance between capacity and power (Glock 20, 40, 29 or Springfield XDM Elite or M&P 2.0 10mm or Sig P320 Xten). Mount a surefire or Streamlight and a good red dot. Be sure to get hot ammo from Underwood or Buffalo Bore or Double Tap or Grizzly. Also be sure your gun is 100% reliable if you get the M&P or Sig, unfortunately their extreme reliability in 9mm didn't transfer to the larger frame in every case. You can also get a big bore magnum revolver for this role, but I like having more ammo that I can shoot much faster. With that said, +p+ 9mm hardcasts like buffalo bore offers can and have worked against large brown bears, so you can get by with your 9 if you must. 7. (Really bonus) Big old thumper/brush gun, this one is far from truly necessary but has some advantages. If you wanna lug a long gun in the woods for protection from large animals, a .45-70 (or even .30-30) lever action has all of the advantages of a shotgun but with more capacity, accuracy, and you don't have to worry about water fouling your slugs. This replaces shotgun slugs in my mind for almost every purpose. After you have these bases covered and dialed in then you have room to start collecting competition or gucci or weird and fun guns that strike your fancy, but these are realistically what you're gonna come back to when it's time to put food on the table or defend your life or family.

[@jbocajs2999]

For my first rifle I bought a PSA upper and an Anderson lower. But I have upgraded it overtime to be a duty rifle. bcm barrel , aero gas block, etc.

[@jacobvisor3034]

My first gun was a ruger p95 from a pawn shop. Few months later picked up an Anderson am15, free floated the barrel and upgraded the hand guard. I’ve sold both of them now, but now I’m rocking a 13.7” build with a PSA lower, solgw mid length barrel, bcm upper and hanguard and bolt, and a kx-5 pin and weld with magpul furniture (that stubby vertical fore grip is boss) with a red dot/magnifier combo and back up flip ups. Painted it like flannel daddy taught us all, and my edc is a canik elite combat with irons, I also have the tp9sc with a dot but that’s for if I’m rockin shorts and a t shirt or tank top. I’m a construction worker so I’m in jeans and a t shirt most of the time so the elite gives me everything I need and more.

[@YarredC]

My first purchase was Glock 19 my first rifle was a DIY aero precision ar-15 that i got from Brownells. Did a lil gunsmithing and added the handguard, changed the grip and added other accessories. Next purchase 300 blk rifle in shorter barrel for truck gun and home defence.

[@ttip9411]

First rifle .22 jc higgins @ 6yo, 2nd, 20 guage single break over @10 yo, 3rd, 8mm Mauser @ 11yo. The times they are a changing. 😕

[@Drewber89]

My first was a commercial bushmaster lower that came with a A2 buffer system/stock. Threw a bushmaster lower parts kit in and found a spikes tactical 5.56 16” upper for a steal at a gun store and the rest is history. I’ve since put a collapsible stock on it and a cmc drop in trigger but she still runs great. I was a very happy 18 year old lol

[@chloehennessey6813]

I started with a BCM upper and an Aero Precision lower. Cloud Defensive Rein light and a Vortex LPVO.

[@simon134]

Most people would be better suited with a Glock 19 vs a Glock 17. The G19 is the general purpose pistol and can be a Duty gun or a CCW.

[@jacksonsmiler8028]

Taurus 605 with a 3 inch barrel would be my vote. Can't go out of battery, easier (in my experience) to conceal and if I have to, God forbid, i could club someone brains out with the almost 3 lb frame.

[@songodan45]

Agreed. A G17 is way too big not just for Vietnamese tiny people lol. Truly is just a range gun for most. I find it laughable when people say they carry a G17 and that they don’t print. All my friends who have said that are screaming “I’m carrying a gun” and there seems to be some sort of mental block on noticing their extreme level of printing. Only one person I know has pulled it off right and they are 6’10” which makes sense at that point.

[@versace_dinner]

I was gonna say the same thing. The fact even really big guys prefer guns like the G43X or the P365 proves that the G17 is too big for a CCW. The G19 is a better option that performs the same.

[@braydennelson2498]

Unless your hand hangs off the grip??? Which is why I didn’t get the 19. There’s other ways to conceal other than iwb carry.

[@Red_R]

My first firearm was an M17 (army, so I was decently familiar with the system) that I slapped a DPro and an X300 on. My parents didn't want me having a gun at the house, so when I moved out I bought it for home defense like two months in. One of the best decisions I've made. I was a lot more familiar with rifles, so my first being a pistol gave me the opportunity to learn more as well as being super maneuverable in my small house. A few months later I bought a bolt gun for "plinking" (30-06 lol) at the range mostly because they're so damn satisfying. But I do think that an AR would be the most logical and versatile next step, and just train with it no matter if it's a $6k gun or a PSA with a holosun and a sling

[@rustysausage69]

Realistically not many people are going to shoot often enough with enough volume to actually burn out barrels or break bolts on any gun, so from a longevity aspect it won't matter for most if the gun lasts longer than the human. That said, I like what PSA does for 2A but I'm really glad I don't own any of their stuff because some of the shit people find thats wrong with rifles that come from a PSA factory is just outright astonishing.

[@wittsullivan8130]

When everyone was shitting on PSA years ago, the only problem I had was a cam pin that wasn't heat treated properly. After less than 100 rounds it was gouging itself from the bolt carrier. A $7 replacement from BCM. Hundreds of rounds later, my stainless barrel Freedom upper (sale price $300+$100 for the phosphate BCG) gets a 3/4" group at 100 yards with my floor sweeping bulk bullet handloads and a 1-6 Vortex Strike Eagle.

[@RP-ks6ly]

Thank God Charlie is here to cement this conversation....what a great guy.

[@J.Young808]

My first gun purchase was an LWRCi M6IC DI 16” followed (a few days after) by a Gen 3 G19 frame. I built it up with an optic cut slide and Overwatch Precision Poly DAT trigger. I just bought a Gen 5 G17 MOS (Holosun SCS) to use in SHTF for parts compatibility (local PD uses G17) because my Gunsmith buddy said there are more parts available than the G19.

[@tygre7]

1. fighting pistol, like a G19 or G17 2. summer carry pistol, like a Shield Plus or P365 3. fighting carbine, like an Aero that you can later pin a BCM upper onto for the upgrade 4. pocket pistol, like an LCP Max or a J frame

[@halevans3652]

I have had a few more years to build out. If the advice was to a person new or only had essential military experience, my advice if it is defense now: PSA AR-15, 16" barrel, and a Dagger. Get both for around $790 in a bundle; add 5 mags each, 500 rounds each. If you have a few bucks more, dot for the pistol and LPVO for the AR. I figure a Rack AR cost 600 or so to kit out the low end, and a Dagger is 300 for the cheap holster, mags(4, 1 15, 2 17s, and a 30-33(RTG$40)), 1200 lum light. That covers the basic need. If they have the ability to shoot more often, then the base set of gear is: .22 Lr pistol (norm used to be a Ruger Gov Target or Browning), a .22 rifle (norm was a 10/22), a duty/CCW pistol(norm 9mm, with 4-6 mags), a service rifle(Norm is an AR/AK/SKS etc, red dot or LPVO, depending on skill or area, if sight lines are sub 300m, dot, if field or long open files LPVO). If hunting is in the cards, then a shotgun and a larger caliber dedicated hunting rifle. So, a basic citizen tool kit is 5 to 7. The minimum is 2(only meet one's civic duty), but one is none, and two is one. With the rise of the FPC, the P2000, and Ruger PC, etc., a single caliber has some advantages that should be considered if the ranges of use are sub 250m and 10-100m are most likely, if ever. For years, I have known people who have their car/truck/adult kids setups as a G19/17 and a P2000 using the same mags.

[@zankelley]

i just lost everything in an unfortunate boating accident so this is helpful. i am actually starting over.

[@coltonowens2742]

PSA lower + plus "Premium Upper(FN CHF Barrel) + MIcrobest phosphate BCG and charging handle can all be had for right out 500 bucks. Throw a magpul mbus or a Romeo 5 and call it a day if your poor.

[@Chewee394]

Best money I ever spent was on a fn chf barrel/geissele handguard upper. Even the button rifled fn barrels are great

[@chevydrum82]

BCM upper, aero lower is always a solid option

[@thetransporter8585]

Not just one DD. The CIA hooked that kid up with 2. And all the accessories and ammo.

[@rpscorp9457]

that was always the weirdest part...Those DD rifles were $2500.00 a pop and didnt dude work at Mcdonalds?

[@astralgames5535]

that forest is gorgeous

[@L20MAHUGA]

I’m not sure if my PSA has 3,000 or 5,000 rounds through it but it’s been such an amazing performer. Only issue I’ve had was the ejector spring got weak and needed to be swapped out. With a red dot it’s easy to hit steel out to 5/600 yards. Great rifles for the price.

[@briangrant2005]

I agree with their takes! I knew that I mostly live in an urban area, so a pistol length PSA was exactly my first purchase. Then, the more I learned, I realized building out other rifles for different reasons made even more sense. Next "build" will be a truck/bag carbine in 300blk, which I hopefully never need to use.

[@jacobvisor3034]

7.5”-10.5” 300 blk makes for a very capable, compact truck gun. Couple it with a LAW tactical folder and it’s even more compact in storage. Practice with cheap ammunition like freedom, then keep your mags for business loaded with the same bullet weight but the premium stuff. I love mine, and it’s great for hogs and deer in brush.

[@Protraband]

Great questions and pacing from the host.

[@abelacosta7200]

My 1st pistol was a gen 3 Glock 26. My 1st rifle was a 16” Radical Firearms 5.56. Not gonna lie when I first got the rifle I immediately wanted something better. But I stuck with it and added upgrades an got that boy running like a champ.

[@GarageGunsmith]

The way I see it. There are companies more expensive than PSA that are lower quality. But there are no companies better than PSA that are cheaper

[@Mighty_Mouse_2501]

More of this please 🤙🏽

[@thefrogking481]

My first AR was given to me by my uncle sam when I was 17.

[@briangaffney616]

Same here. Unfortunately he took it back when I turned 25. I believe he later left it in afganyland

[@lucaswoods1155]

You mean M4?

[@IanAberbach]

I just purchased my first two guns I went with a dagger compact and a psa lower with one of their moe kits , good to see I made a decent choice

[@calebdoner]

The barrel length debate is settled for me by not wanting to make my rifle on the NFA registry.

[@themissinglightninglink]

So make it a pistol instead of SBR

[@dasboot9471]

For anybody new looking at rifles, as a retired military guy and gunsmith who has handled and shot just about everything, and is 6’ 3”, I can run and cqb with an 18” 5.56 rifle through most buildings easily, even with a fixed stock. It also almost entirely maximizes velocity with all ammo. Obviously this is without a can, but I’d say if you want to do that with a can, as long as your overall combined length is around 20” or less you’ll be good.

[@AmericanHistoryXX1]

Getcha one of them new hi point yeet cannons with the highpoint carbine and a maverick 88. All you need for the boog

[@jayjboogie]

restocking (out of stock products) is a must

[@trumpwon20204]

Aero is a great budget choice

[@RightClickAnxiety]

1.) Glock 17 or 19 with a dot or laser/light combo. 2.) AR-15 (any length barrel) and upgrade as necessary. 3.) .308 cal (or larger) quality bolt action, mag fed rifle with excellent glass (preferably setup as a scout rifle).

[@butlerguy2007]

So happy you mentioned windham weaponry!! Such an underrated brand. A better bushmaster. I have 5 rifles from them, all tack drivers in their caliber

[@goatman67al]

I bought two PSA Sabre’s with FN barrel, Geissele rail and Magpul furniture for my wife and son. Great accurate reliable rifles.

[@DTreatz]

for $1500 buy an IWI Zion and buy a Smith and Wesson MP15-22 Train with the SW .22 and have your IWI, which has glowing reviews for value-for-money, for if the shizzy hits the fizzy

[@terrytoledo4826]

The Micah and Charlie spin off we deserved

[@gringostaryt1491]

Serious Charlie? What rabbit hole have I fallen into?

[@stevenkennedy4130]

My 1st was a DPMS Panther Series carbine and a RIA M200. I don't own either anymore. That being said, when I get asked that question now, It's PSA. PA-15 (Your choice. And there are a lot of 'em.) and their Dagger. (Also a lot of choices.) Thanks for the share!!

[@TheNotorious675]

Had a S&W m&p 15, replaced terrible buffer and spring, sold it. Bought a psa with a better buffer stock and better trigger. Everything else identical. Swapped BCG handguard muzzle device. Things pretty solid now.

[@SaundersE5]

H&R M16A1 clone, 1:7 twist 20” barrel. Similar to what I carried in 1st Ranger Battalion back in the early 80’s. Did replace the triangular hand guards with A2 hand guards though. Shoot at 50-300 yards at my local range. Just works for me. Everyone’s different.

[@lorriz9627]

If you live near Las Vegas, you can find some ranges that are a little longer. The Clark County Shooting Complex has a 200 yd range available for everyone

[@ThereIsNoSpoon4]

First AR was an Anderson factory build. Had a lot of problems with it. Ended up replacing every single part on the gun with Aero/BCM/Magpul parts. After I was done I had enough spare parts to build back the original Anderson so I did. Sold it and built an 11.5 with more Aero/Magpul/BCM parts. LPVO on the 16" and a red dot on the 11.5. Both run flawlessly, I can't imagine paying for gucci builds when these run as good as they do. Thousands of rounds through both and can't recall a single malfunction. I do clean pretty regularly though. As far as pistols go, I've done a lot of hopping around. Started out with Springfields, went to S&W, then to SIG and now I'm a CZ fanboy and probably won't switch to anything else for a long time. Love my P-07 and carry it everyday.

[@dmo848]

So what would u suggest for a newbie small frame guy that wants to carry? Looking at the sd9,mp9, Ruger max9 or security 380

[@ThereIsNoSpoon4]

@@dmo848 I would go rent a few that you like from a gun range and see how they feel/shoot. I recommend CZ, S&W and Glock.

[@vnmdog]

Serious Charlie looks scary 😂

[@bradmiller9993]

I'm now a few years down the AR rabbit hole, and my thought here is that if you think you might want more than one AR eventually, then start with a basic carbine, then maybe a pistol, then maybe a different caliber or two. The benefit is the ability to swap upper and lowers depending on what your " needs " are. My first was a used 16" 556 with an eotech.

[@rustysausage69]

Dude my monkey brain works exactly like that lmfao for me my 16" AR wasn't enough (it definitely is enough) so I had to get a 300blackout gun with the intention of suppressing it (it doesn't have to, and I didn't have to get a new gun) but I didn't like it much (from a duty perspective that I would never put the gun through) so I sold it (for half what I built it for because ecomonics/stonks) and got a MCX spear LT. Still need a suppressor for it (it doesn't need one, it shoots great without one) and eventually need an eotech (it doesn't need it but it looks so fuckin cool)

[@bradmiller9993]

And so it goes. Eventually all these AR uppers/lowers become like lethal legos and thats cool too. My state has gone commie (Seattle) so I'm on a gun buying standstill until the world gets back to normal. It sucks but I'm saving money. @@rustysausage69

[@chaseg]

My first was S&W model 36. 2nd I got a rock river arms rrage 2G 16” rifle. 3rd was a S&W m&p 2.0 3.6” optic ready. 4th was a Zastava M70. 5th was PSA AKV

[@alibabasaluja6764]

My 1st gun. Vr80 2nd gun honeybadger sbr 3rd gun sig 4th gun Genesis 12 sbr

[@JohnDoe-mt8rf]

Underrated rifle ,delton

[@herknorth8691]

PSA voided my "lifetime warranty" because I put a different handguard on it. The found out about the "modification" (which IS prohibited in the mass of legalese that they call a "warranty"; look it up for yourself) because I called them about the machining burrs in the chamber that were so bad that I couldn't chamber ammo. They refused to fix the burrs and told me they'd never fix anything about it because of a handguard.

[@12gaFreedom]

Always put the OEM parts on your gun when you send it in for warranty. By law a warranty claim can't be denied because you opened it up.

[@dakotamaiden4331]

If true. Ouch my dude

[@herknorth8691]

@@12gaFreedom yeah, now I know better! I think that voiding my warranty was "legal" because I "modified" the firearm; in theory, getting your fingerprints on the firearm could be construed as "modification" if they have more money for legal expenses than I do (which they do). It's language that makes voiding your warranty "legal" without any actual reason.

[@Weimerica8841]

​​@@herknorth8691Modifications are still covered by law, unless the manufacturer can prove that the modification caused the problem that you brought it in to fix. I had this problem with a modified car under warranty, but after a few phone calls everything was good and the mechanics were jokingly telling me not to turn the boost up so much next time.

[@jhutch1470]

The federal law called the "Magnuson-Moss Act" of 1975 says that the modified part has to be the cause of the failure or the warranty has to stand.

[@esTaleCSGO]

First rifle for me was a zion-15 16 inch and it was super accurate! I’m debating about selling the upper and get a URGI upper instead.

[@explosion0254]

What Charlie said at the end is 100% true about these cheaper companies making some quality products and some not. I bought my first rifle about a year ago, it's an Anderson AM-15 that was about $800 in an Arkansas shop. The bolt snapped in two probably 400-500 rounds in lmao. But I replaced it with a better bolt and have not had a single issue with the rifle since, so I guess I really would not recommend Anderson BCG's. I think people like their lowers alot though.

[@velle71]

If you guys get a chance, come to Tucson, AZ. We have a nice long range club west of the city near Three Points.

[@JimMarshallUK]

I paid the price going cheap, Colt Command 11.5” from Brownells in 2021. Mid-tier affordable, URGI upper for $799-$999. Can’t go wrong. No need for $2k KAC, I had em all and sold

[@joshm3297]

Go PSA 16in mid-length completed rifle, get a Vortex Crossfire II or Sig Romeo5, Magpul iron sights and a streamlight flashlight. With that you'll have a rifle you can keep forever. Just make sure the barrel is Nitride or Chrome lined. Then just buy mags and ammo until you got enough to buy a BCM rifle.

[@SOCMMOB]

My first two picks would be G19 with light then dot, then a 13.7 or 14.5 P&W BCM upper on an Aero lower with whatever dot you want. Or an LPVO. Sig Tango MSR 1-6 is tough to beat for the price.

[@DTreatz]

Glock 19 > 17 More concealable if your pistol if your primary, takes 17 mags, and still good if it's your secondary (which you probably won't be using to your rifle anyway)

[@stephandelaney4097]

Glock 19 Maverick 88 Aero AR15

[@tannersires9734]

My first AR I got a couple years ago is a 16in PSA classic upper😂 shot close to 1-1.5k rounds and it’s decent. Plan on getting a free floated upper soon but it’s a good truck gun as is

[@jacobkeltz3584]

If you are going AR for your first rifle, I think building it is the best option. It'll give you a good understanding of how your gun works, and you can make it exactly how you want it.

[@andrewschulte3024]

disagree. its easy to screw up and you have no idea what you want or like. get a full build for your first AR and upgrade as you know more

[@edxlee]

@@andrewschulte3024 yeah I would've struggled so hard if I built my own AR for my first one, I bought a prebuilt AR and learned how to take it apart and learned about the pieces now I feel like I can build my own, def not for beginners

[@tonycs-9]

Aero P lowers,then buy DD, Geissele, BCM parts.. but get them on sale or holiday sales.

[@Tatsunami_Studios]

I was today years old when I realized that Charlie and Micah were not the same person.

[@QuietGuitaristfan]

First AR was one me and my bro built. Pretty quality parts with an aero lower. Second AR was SOLGW

[@alwaysmorecowbell]

start with a pistol you know you can conceal. That way, you train with the same gun you carry. That might be a g17, or it might be a shield+. You only lose 2 rounds from a g17 to a shield+. It's also a quarter inch thinner and almost half lb lighter.

[@prazcuray1388]

Got lucky and landed an IWI Zion 12.5. Hands down my best AR “pistol”, but Glock is always a solid choice for parts and holsters.

[@DesertDuc]

Surprised noone has mentioned looking for something second-hand. Not necessarily someone else's Aero build they're trying to sell on Armslist, but maybe something that someone put on consignment or traded in to a LGS. Recently found the need for a 16" carbine for a class I'm going to be taking. Not particularly enamored with "full size" guns so I was trying to get one on the cheap. Considered ordering a PSA or building an Aero but I swung by the LGS and they had a lot of ex-cop carbines they were selling for $500 ea. Little rough on the outside, but the bores and barrels were all super clean, BCGs in good shape, and they had modern furniture. Even better, the salesman let me pick from all the uppers/lowers/BCGs that I thought looked the best. The one I snagged was a 16" Sionics carbine with a heavy profile chrome lined barrel, a mid-length gas system, chromed BCG, 13" Centurion MLOK rail, Tango Down grip, Magpul trigger guard, nickeled milspec trigger, and a Roger's Super Stock. While the grip and stock wouldn't have been my first choice if I was building a rifle, I like them well enough I don't think I'll change them. Hell, Wilson Combat puts the RSS on their carbines... Took it apart to deep clean it, lubed it up, off to the range, and it runs just fine. Ideally I replace a few screws and throw in a new spring kit, but that's all super cheap stuff and in the end I've got a duty-proven rifle (literally) for less than what some of the shit-tier ARs are going for new.

[@Chewee394]

There have been so many ar15s in the local market the past couple of years that my lgs won't even accept them as trades. Their ar wall is absolutely packed. I see the market as a whole might be going that way right now so you should be able to find them for pretty cheap

[@DesertDuc]

@@Chewee394 The same shop also had a COLT. Don't remember which model, but it was a quad rail with the flip up front sight, A2 pistol grip and CAR stock. I didn't get it because it wasn't quite what I needed at the time, but it was only $750. I might swing by next pay period on the chance it's still there.

[@blairgarber]

Sons of Liberty Gun Works SOLGW Lifetime Warranty (including against wear!) solid components from the BCG right down to the individual pins and springs. Great rifles and and the Lifetime Warranty covers not only anything that breaks but anything you wear out as well! Shoot 15,000 rds and see your accuracy degrade. No problem, your barrel replacement is covered. Same goes for extractors, ejectors, fring pins, bolts, gas blocks, gas tubes, you name it.

[@JHypers]

Basement level startups used to be milsurp. You’d get a No4 Mk1 or SKS…now those are far less affordable and only worth getting for the nostalgia/collectivity. CMP rack grade Garand is probably the best option for a proven milsurp rifle in 2024. But the top choices for a first general purpose rifle would something in .308, and not an AR10, but a FAL or M1A. Learn to shoot your rifle well with irons, then move on to an optic. Train often. Even at a 25m range you can reasonably simulate shots at distances of up to 500m with appropriate sized targets. A USGI sling is the only other necessity for your rifle, as it will greatly improve your accuracy when used correctly whether standing, sitting, or prone.

[@Uuuuuhh913]

I bought a Mosin Nagant, then a second gen Glock 17, then a break action 12 gauge shotgun, then an AUG A3.

[@BoneRat]

Started with a mosin also, still my favorite

[@recoiler4545]

This is almost weird to see Charlie being himself, and not his GT character. Good interview!

[@GR-cf4qh]

I worked with Charles for a few years and he is a bona fide outside the box dude, but he is nothing like his GT character.

[@dionysis84]

If I could start over… I’d start with a general purpose AR with either lpvo or acog with offset dot, then a .308 style bolt action, then a 12G shotty, and a Ruger .22 (we can’t have pistols in NY basically or I’d also add a Glock or something similar right after the bolt action).

[@kevinroberts781]

BCA and PSA are the best options for any budget. Mil spec is mil spec is mil spec. Stay away from polymer lowers and you will be fine. BCA and PSA will fix anything if it's not right.

[@bashisobsolete.pythonismyn6321]

well, that was quite the sales pitch.

[@petesheppard1709]

Regarding the barrel length issue, remember that there are certain infringements in place that restrict the availability of barrels less than 16". Until those are cleared up (rescinded), recommending anything shorter for a new shooter is not advisable.

[@squidy4082]

BCM and aero is king

[@sigspearthumb7993]

If I had to do it all over again I’d have to get an M&P 9 2.0. Either the full size but I’d maybe go compact. I definitely think the rifle is the more interesting route as well. From what I know now, I think I’d buy the Sabre upper I’ve got now with the FN CHF barrel. Should last nearly a lifetime. Throw it on a lower. I’d run a streamlight, an Eotech and a magnifier and a sling. I’d probably upgrade the BCG to a HM Defense bolt (they’re pretty much bomb proof). Save up for all the fun stuff like nods and lasers. Maybe upgrade to a surefire somewhere along the way.

[@recondo886]

when I was finally able to afford an AR15 I bought a Bushmaster carbine w/1in 9 twist and bayonet lug some 20+ years ago. I always wanted a Colt AR15, A1 style like I had during my enlistment but those were out of reach and hard to find. one day I'll get a Harrington Richards PSA A1 (my basic training issue was a Harrington Richards) just for nostalgia. I also have a couple Brownells BRN180s. fun rifles but not what I'd choose as a "go-to" rifle. my primary is a DD 14.5 M4A1.

[@TheSonsOfSimon]

I have owned a PSA since people claimed they were trash. You can’t go wrong. They have consistently been worth far more than their price point, they are huge on integrity, and they and loud 2A advocates.