AR-15 for little people?

Question

Building an AR-15 for my girlfriend. She is short (small for a chinese woman) and thin. I've put a 16 inch collapsible stock m-4 style in her hands and she seemed o.k. with it. My thoughts are something she can shoot club side matches and otherwise play around with. Has anyone built an ar under similar circumstances? Got any suggestions? Also, is the 243 25 wssm gaining any ground? Can you use an m4 buffer, spring, etc with a 25wssm upper? I know it will be a bit unbalanced but I am thinking of her using this for deer season.

I was going to put a JP brake on the 25. Also, I just wanted an excuse to buy the upper. I think the 7.62X39 is iffy as a deer round also she is a good shot so why limit her to a small range. I appreciate the thoughts though.

The 25 is an after thought. More concerned with AR for little people. I muddied the water with my random thoughts

Answer 1

Sounds like you know what you are doing. The 7.62x39 isn't intrinsically inaccurate, it's just usually shot from an inaccurate gun (AK-47). The 6.8SPC and 6.5 Grendel seem to be doing OK, the SPC works better close in and the Grendel takes over at longer ranges. I'm holding off to see which of them has long term appeal before I buy another upper though. Right now the SPC seems to be doing best but the 223 supporters, regardless of the poor performance of the round in Iraq, are trying to stifle any change in the military.

The 6.8SPC and 6.5 Grendel have both been used for hunting with good results.

Answer 2

The older style smaller 4-position CAR stock has a smaller buttplate that, with the addition of the 1/2" recoil pad intended for it, might be a bit more comfortable than an M-4 stock, which is larger and slopes in top-to-bottom rather than being perpindicular to the bore axis.
You might also consider a "tactical" A2 style fixed stock. These are shortened about 3" from a standard fixed A2 stock for use with thick body armor. That makes them similarly ideal for a person of small stature, while providing the superior cheek-weld of a fixed stock.
.243wssm, 6.8spc, and 7.62x39 all would make a good deer cartridge. Recoil? Recoil is a simple occurance you learn to overcome, not a demon to be feared.

Answer 3

I can't really say about the AR-15, but I suspect with the demise of the model 70, all the Winchester short stubbies are on the endangered species list (though I did buy one myself this past winter). Also, what with all the switching around, I'm not sure you wouldn't do better just to get her a second rifle/carbine for deer. Perhaps a Remington model 7 in 260 or 7mm08.

Answer 4

In response to the Vietnam vet. The AR15 was originally a sporting rifle chambered in .308 before the military adopted it . ArmaLite sold its rights to the AR-10 and AR-15 to Colt in 1959. I still would never hunt with one though. With a collapsible stock and a 16" barrel is as small as you are going to get it without turning into AR type pistol. I would recommend keeping it chambered in .223 as the recoil is next to nothing. Or you can get a 22lr upper conversion, these are pricey but it allows you to shoot for pennies a day. To further control the rifle I would suggest a benchrest or a pistol grip if legal, and perhaps a recoil pad for the little lady. With these accessories even a child should be able to control it.

Answer 5

You have a good set-up for your girlfriend with the collapsible stock,but, for any chambering, especially for deer hunting, I'd go with the 7,62x39 AK round. It will give you sufficient knock-down for deer, which the .223 "poodle shooter" doesn't have, and you have a plentiful and inexpensive ammo supply for target shooting and hollow point rounds for hunting, as well, and the AK round will be controlable for your girlfriend's shooting.
Bushmaster, among others, can supply complete uppers for converting your AR to this, or several other calibers.

Answer 6

Several thoughts came to mind.
The AR has few problems for the use you intend to put it
but I'd consider being more sporting. I'm assuming the stalk is quieter than our delivered chatter. First, obtain a promise
she will eat her kill, after packed out and properly dressed.
Second, so she can better focus on object, limit her to one cartridge for kill.

Uh-huh, when you two are on a public range let her hose it.

Answer 7

I would think with the stock fully collapsed she would be comfortable with the length of pull, as far as her using it for hunting, just my humble opinion here, but are you sure you want her to hunt with an AR platform weapon? Not really it's intended purpose, altho the 25wssm is an awesome round for taking game, but a heavy recoil for a small woman may dissuade her from the sport.

Answer 8

The AR-15 Is the street legal version of the M-16 Which is only good for one thing and that's killing people. Having served two tours in Viet Nam from 1968-1970,my weapon of choice was the AK-47, a much better automatic, and is the reason iam able to give you this advice, try a 60 or 90lb compound bow for deer, at the very least you will give the animal half a chance. PS Iam also and have been an active member of the NRA since 1971. I also agree with rocker Ted Nugent who said '' You have to kill it before you grill it''

Answer 9

How about a Ruger mini14 !!!!!!