Ruger AR's

[Kenneth L. Walters]

I'm going to buy both a 223 and a 308. Unfortunately the place where I can shoot makes it all but impossible to find the fired brass. One possible solution to this problem would be to use Rugers with the gas system turned off. It would seem that all I'd have to do is cycle the action manually. Anyone tried this?

I realize that there are brass deflectors or catchers but the one's I've seen aren't appealing.

Also if I do this than I can use cast bullets. How hard are these guns to clean? Cast bullets can leave something of a mess.

 

[427mach1]

In my opinion, making it into a single-shot, cast lead firing rifle is a bad decision. Get a brass catcher, learn to use it and get over your dislike of it, and shoot jacketed bullets. If you want a single shot rifle, you should purchase a Ruger No. 1. I use one of the brass catchers and it works just fine. As far as using cast bullets, I would be concerned about the possibility of lead plugging the gas port. You say you want to make it into a single-shot so the gas port plugging might not be important to you now, but if you ever decide to use the gun as a semi-auto as it was intended, you might rethink your decision.

 

[gerryb158]

I think you should be able to "engineer" a method to catch most of your brass. A tarp or something like that. Unless of course you are walking around and firing from different positions. If there is snow on the ground you can just about kiss that brass good-bye! It seems wasteful to turn such a fine semi-auto rifle into a single shot. Also, as said by 427mach1, single shot with lead bullets, can't be good for the rifles gas system. What you suggest can certainly be done but I think finding a method to catch the brass (that you can live with) is the best solution. I am shooting an SR762 and will have a nice new SR556 by the end of this week. Let us know how you decide and comment on performance of the rifles. Gerry

 

[mishtub]

I have 2 of these and they work very well, much better than the one using hook and loop strap around the forearm attachment type.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/779085/caldwell-brass-catcher-ar-15-picatinny-rail-mount-nylon-mesh-black?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

[Rockrat]

Check out Castboolits.gunloads.com for info on cast and gas guns. Shouldn't be a problem, but you will have to work at it.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Hello,

I have the SR556E and I have moved the piston to single shot position. It works just fine that way and you can simply eject the spent case by hand.

I have no comment about using cast bullets.

Out of curiosity, what are your issues with brass hitting the ground? When I shoot my rifle puts the brass in a nice neat pile ready for collection. They do land in deep sand that I have to dump out of the case but I can work around that.

Bill

 

[Kenneth L. Walters]

Hello,
Out of curiosity, what are your issues with brass hitting the ground? When I shoot my rifle puts the brass in a nice neat pile ready for collection. They do land in deep sand that I have to dump out of the case but I can work around that.
Bill

The area is littered with small rocks and lot of junk making find a case, even a big 308 case, hard. It can be done, of course, but it adds a lot of time and I'm already out there for hours.

 

[dfletcher]

Hello,
Out of curiosity, what are your issues with brass hitting the ground? When I shoot my rifle puts the brass in a nice neat pile ready for collection. They do land in deep sand that I have to dump out of the case but I can work around that.
Bill

The area is littered with small rocks and lot of junk making find a case, even a big 308 case, hard. It can be done, of course, but it adds a lot of time and I'm already out there for hours.

Except for a Volquartsen Evolution I don't reload for my semi-auto 223 and 308 rifles. I don't like chasing brass, the only think I like less is showing up with 100 rounds and leaving with 98. But I do own a Mini 14 and pretty much have to use a brass catcher of some sort because I shoot lefty and that puts me a) close to the guy on my right and b) can't use a bench mounted brass catcher. These solid style ones work great and don't interfere with function:

http://elmfg.com/store/brasscatcher.html

They don't fall off, bounce around or shoot loose.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

I hear you.

I have shot at some spots that had broken glass and lots of brass on the ground. The brass on the ground was stuff that was not worth picking up and my brass was mixed up with the crap brass and broken glass.

These days I do most of my shooting in remote locations and I set myself up so that brass lands in open areas away from plants that can conceal.

When shooting my No.1's, this is never a problem.

I do enjoy shooting AR's and I have to set aside a few minutes at the end of the session to pick up the brass.

Picking up the brass is my PT for the day.

Bill