You are the fuckn man. Thank you again. I totally understood all of that. If I'm not pushing my luck too much. I have some follow up ?'s, that you dont have to answer if you dont want to. But it sounded like, from what you said, I would (except for possibly in apocalypse conditions) I would not have an issue with a direct impingement gun and it would fit all/most usage. My question is, if I later decided that I wanted to alter that upper and switch to a piston system, is that even possible at that point? It seemed like from what you said that it may be possible, but on that site the most upvoted answer to the guys question about being able to put in a piston was "no, it's a DI built upper". So is it possible to switch? Idk that I will ever need to just curious. Also that upper that I was looking at is a right sided charging upper, not an ambidextrous one. All the others I looked at were ambidextrous. I was going to go with that cas it just seemed better. I guess my question is, how much does it matter? I am right handed. I can only think of extreme scenarios where I would need to charge with the other side. Any thoughts on that? And last question then I promise I will stop bugging you. Is I've decided it's in my best interest to get a handgun aswell. Looking in the 250-350 range (I know that's low and limiting). But any recommendations? I've been looking at the S&W M&P Shield 9m, Ruger Security-9, and Canik TP9SF, also some revolvers. Sorry to be throwing a bunch of questions at you. I have done a a good amount of research on my own, I just don't know anyone in my life to bounce these types of questions off of. I appreciate it a lot. Be well, you friendly stranger, that has some graciously imbued your knowledge unto me.
If you wanted to switch from DI to piston you would have to change so many things it would be easier to buy a second upper. It's not hard to change the lower with the fire control group and stock to a different upper. I don't have a piston AR so I'm speculating but most parts would probably have to be changed on an upper assembly to convert. I think the barrel and bolt could be kept but the upper receiver, bolt carrier, and gas block would probably be different. Just switching the gas block is enough trouble to keep me from wanting to do it. You'd have to really love your barrel to try the swap.
Again, watch for a sale and pick up a second upper if you really have to have a piston gun. Putting it on your lower is less than a minute.
Handguns: Although I prefer more expensive models, I have heard many opinions about things on the market in your price range. Probably the best report on cheap ones is on the Canik. I have heard their lower priced models are solid. You might also look at the better condition Star model BM that is being imported. They are used Spanish military/police guns. https://www.guns.com/news/review/star-model-bm-a-colt-1911-for-the-cash-strapped
There are some ragged Stars out there. Make sure you get one that is in VG or Exc condition. I suspect you can find one for around $300. Don't get one of the ones that are obviously worn on the outside. They are out of stock at the importer so look for one at gun shops or a trustworthy seller online.
Lots of folks were free with advice for me when I was just getting started shooting. I hope I've been of help to you.
Thanks again man. All good to know. Last question. The side charging upper. You think that is an issue? Or have any thoughts on that. I was gonna go w. ambidextrous but have found some cheap uppers (I think their cheap), complete upper for 230$ from BCA but its side charging. Btw is that a decent price?. And I've been looking at the Stars. Never heard of them before. I'm not opposed to buying used. They seem pretty legit. Thanks again
The Star BM in VG+ condition is a good value if under $250. It's a 9mm which is sufficient for most social encounters. https://www.jgsales.com/star-bm,-9mm-luger,-compact-semi-auto-pistol,-vg,-blued,-used.-p-85501.html
BCA stuff is pretty inexpensive. IDK about the side charger. I'm not familiar with them. I use an ambi rear charger. Some people like the side because it interacts less with a scope. Go for the Wylde chamber, then it's pretty much what's in stock and what you feel you'll be OK using. Really, almost anything that isn't cross handed (left handed for RH user) will work fine.
If you enjoy shooting your first AR, there will be an upgrade in your future.
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