Originally Posted by
Rex G
Now that this thread has re-awakened, I thought I would mention that the Mini/Ranch Rifle seems a reasonable solution for RV-ing through states/provinces that have problems with some better options. My already-retired wife is quite ready to see some places where no AR can go, when I finally get around to retiring from wearing a piece of tin on my shirt. We have a pair of 580-series Ranch Rifles.
I was, once upon a time, certified to protect the citizens of Houston with an AR15. When the front sight of the AWB-era LE-only Colt Govt Carbine became fuzzy, I sold it to a colleague with younger eyes. (Another factor was that the timed qual was getting to be a bit too athletic; once I am in prone position, getting to my feet, to run to the next firing position, is not accomplished quickly.) I reckon an AR would be the better choice for me when in jurisdictions that allow the AR. Ours is a BCG Lightweight Middy upper, on an S&W M&P15 lower, with RRA LRPK and Colt A2 stock. The stock prevents it from fitting into anything discreet, unless broken-down, but I really like the A2 stock. We may buy or build another AR soon, with a smaller profile.
For the moment, as I am still active, but no longer certified by the PD to tote an AR, and PD policy applies 24/7, my vehicular long gun would be one of our three Remington 870 pump guns. My usual take-to-work gun has been an 870P with a Vang-comped barrel, but my new chief may dislike porting*, and I am starting to need real sights, so I have a Remington 24545 factory barrel en route, that has factory rifle sights. I may install a Trijicon or XS front sight.
I may try using my old-school Remington folding stock, for the first time in years, as it only works for me with iron sights, taller than a bead-on-pedestal. I used to find the recoil quite tolerable with the folding stock, because its long L.O.P. was OK, thanks to my long monkey arms, but my left shoulder may not be so sturdy anymore. (My right shoulder does not do well with shotgun recoil, but I shoot long guns lefty, due to left-eye dominance.)
Next on my (potential) shopping list, if the folder does not work well for me, is the adapter that will allow me to mount a Limbsaver pad on my Magpul SGA stock, with the idea of one of my pair of 870Ps becoming a designated slug gun. Yes, I remember Louis Awerbuck, and regret waiting too long to sign-up to attend his shotgun training.
*Our new chief has not yet changed any firearms policies. I just want to be instantly prepared, if he does.