Would you get a Storm over an AR15?

[ericboo]

I have been toying with the idea of a Storm for a while now but am also tempted by an AR.

I just found Beretta is offering $100 worth of accessories until the end of this month.

The Storm is clearly the price winner. It is just for fun and just because I can... Basically shooting only out to 100 yards at paper.

Is there any reason an AR15 would that much more useful? Either way, my wife is going to shoot me if I get it.

I would appreciate any input as the freebie ends in a couple of days.

[ffcracker]

I thought about this as well and decided on the Storm. One fo the main reasons was I wanted to be able to shoot this at my local indoor range. I couldnt do that with a AR but I can with a Storm.

[Nowhere Man]

I don't have either, but IF I was in the market, I'd get the AR first. You can spend a lot more money on an AR. (Even after you buy it.)


Dave

[F.Dillinger]

It really depends on what you want it for. Between the Storm and the AR, I just don't see the point of going for a pistol caliber carbine with a lower capacity and fewer options. The AR has a more powerful round and limitless options for personalization and modification. The ability to switch uppers alone makes me like the AR more.

The only reason I would pick the Storm out of these two is if I were specifically looking for a pistol-caliber carbine setup, and that's only because 9mm ARs tend to be even more expensive than the standard .223/5.56 variety.

[FotoTomas]

I would not choose a Storm over an AR. They are too different in function and purpose. The Storm is a great complement to the AR with several options such as indoor range compatability for pistol caliber carbines.

In my case I purchased a KelTec 9mm carbine prior to my latest AR. Still and all I think both are better to cover your options.

[isuzu]

It really depends on the application of the firearm you want to get. If it's for home defense to complement your 92F due to mag interchangeability, get the Storm. There are good 9mm bullets out there for home defense. I would only use an AR for home defense as a last recourse. Over penetration is really a concern.

For target shooting within 100 yds, it's a tie. Both have really cheap bullets, and you could have fun with both. Beyond that, get an AR.

If you want to purchase a carbine as an entry-level gun with plans of modifying it, I would vote for the AR. Spare parts and magazines for the AR are plentiful.

Another thing you might want to look for a home defense carbine is the M1 Carbine. Used ones are quite cheap, it's light and handy, and there's an abundance of 30 M1 bullets out there. The sound signature of the 30 Carbine round is not as bad as the 5.56mm when used indoors. Just stay clear of the pre mid-50's bullets. Bullets up to the mid-50's used corrosive primers. Soft point bullets can be used for home defense. Auto-Ordnance Corp. now produces new M1 carbines as well.

[Rexzilla]

Well ideally get both an AR and a Storm. The AR variants get you a rifle in a caliber with some range. The ARs have all kinds of gizmos and third party gadgets to graft onto them.
However as stated a Storm compliments a Beretta 92 well with magazine interchangibilty. Also you can use the Storm at indoor ranges.
I do like the Storm for the cool factor. It does look different and is being used as a gun prop on such shows at Battlestar Gallactica.

[isuzu]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rexzilla
[B]Well ideally get both an AR and a Storm.

I'd strongly agree with this.;)

[duncan]

Olympic Arms makes pistol caliber AR-15s in 9mm, 357 sig, 40 cal, 10mm and 45 acp.

Love my 9mm AR.

Can shoot it anywhere and great accuracy out to 100 yards with hot ammo.

And you can use 33-round Sten mags at $3 each in mass quantites. I have a dozen of them.

Don't know if the storm can be near as flexible - was developed for LE and military especially if they have 92s.

[Perry F.]

Soldiers/guys in Iraq are carrying M-16/Ar-15s not Storms. I rest my case.

I'd get an Ar b4 any Storm.

[GeorgiaGlockMan]

get both eventually

but get the AR first

[Herdsman76]

I have both myself. As everyone said, depends on the application. My Bushmaster M-4A2 Type Carbine is way better when it comes to options and such. It's also better for longer ranges than the Storm.

Since my Storm is .45 Cal., I plan on using it more for home defense as well as at the range for fun stuff. Looking back I should have gotten one in .40 or 9mm as .45 mags are limited in capacity. With the option of adding rails, you can add optics and tac lights.

Due to it's size and overall weight the Storm is my favorite for "close up" applications. But I'd never give up my Bushmaster.

My advice, get the AR first, then the Storm.

H76

[Sinsaba]

I too have both (9mm Storm and a RRA AR15) ...

I too have to say "get both"

However, which one should you get first? Like many here I would vote on the AR first. However, my reasoning miht be a bit differant.

Some studies have shown that the 5.56mm round is less likely to over penetrate in a home defense setting. Notice how I phrased that "some studies have shown"

I got this from the internet (I wish I remember the sites) so take it with a grain of salt.

If you think of it though. In typical home defense settings the range is such that the round will fragment if you hit the body cavity. If the round fragments it is less likely to over penetrate. This is just my thoughts not any scientific study. Also, I am no expert.

If you don't have anywhere you can practice with your AR often then get the Storm first. You can get more practice that way.

Just my $.02

[TED]

NO WAY IN HELL!!

TED

[Sinsaba]

;z what was THAT about?

[Disintegr8or]

Originally posted by ericboo
I have been toying with the idea of a Storm for a while now but am also tempted by an AR.

I just found Beretta is offering $100 worth of accessories until the end of this month.

The Storm is clearly the price winner. It is just for fun and just because I can... Basically shooting only out to 100 yards at paper.

Is there any reason an AR15 would that much more useful? Either way, my wife is going to shoot me if I get it.

I would appreciate any input as the freebie ends in a couple of days. If you want a 100 yard rifle get the AR, if you want something better suited for home defense, get the Storm. That is why I got a Storm, I have no need for an AR in the city. For you guys bashing a pistol round in a carbine, ever see one of these?

http://www.stillwaterpolicedept.org/images/mp5a3_sm.jpg


;f

[GDSKAHRS]

I too aggree get both.... I have both. The storm is overall better as it can be used in a indoor range and if using hollow points will not overpenetrate in a HD situation.

Whatever web sight said that the 223 would not overpenetrate was smoking crack.... Ive seen first hand what the 5.56 ball ammo does in urban combat...

The only negitive about the storm... I personally dont think it will hold up long term as well as the ar but so far it has been fine... I have had mine for over a year and 3000 rounds (9mm) though it without a problem.

[sharpstick]

The AR15 in 5.56,will fragment out over 100yards.Any bullet that fragments dissapates much of its energy in its self explosion.I use IZZY 46 gr fragmented rounds for in the house.I tested on a pallet,They penetrated the first board but no the second.I shot a watermellon at knobcreek and it blew it up.Rapid energy dump,very very mean wounds.

With the current gun laws a full sized rifle that shoots a pistol round is crap.These guns were made to replace a pistol,not a rifle.
I hate fullsized guns that shoot underpowerd bullets.Dont waste your time.If you were able to have say a 7in barrel on it,and not have to pay some government bribe.It would have a chance.GET A AR15

[SomeGuyInAHat]

I haven't read the rest of the responses.

I have an AR, and I see the Storm as an answer in search of a question. I've never seen the point of pistol-caliber rifles. The advantage to pistol calibers is that you can put them in a pistol for the sake of convenience and/or concealment. Rifles are not meant to be weapons of convenience. You use your pistol (weapon of convenience) to fight your way to your rifle.

If it were socially acceptable, I would drape myself in m4geryness and walk around, but it's not, so I carry a handgun.

[obxemt]

I'm not much on pistol caliber carbines...as said numerous times, depends on your use. If you're looking for a plinker and have alot of 9mm/.40/.45 ammo sitting around then it might make more sense to go with the Storm.

They're fun little guns that feel great, and the closest thing to an MP5 that I could ever own. I sold my 9mm Storm but still have my AR. I've been considering a Storm in .40. I bet that would be a blast to shoot.

[tggt05]

Interesting...

I went the Storm route because of the 9x19 ammo being generally easier to come by and cheaper.

I also thought that if I were to get an "Black Rifle" I'd want it to be at least a .308 or .30-06 (if a black variant exists) ;f

[sharpstick]

There is a happy medium for me between 9x19 and 308,its called 223/5.56

223 is just as avalible as 9mm,with a 22 drop in kit in the AR15,i have cheap practice all day long.I could not be happyer with it.I would get a short barreled rifle in 223 before I got a SMG.

[Gun Shark]

Get the AR15 my dad shot it in highschool and he said it was cool and fun.Still you should shoot both. If you want to try shooting the storm go to The American police hall of Fame in Titusville it will be the nicest civilian range you have ever seen.

[Target Shooter]

Originally posted by Perry F.
Soldiers/guys in Iraq are carrying M-16/Ar-15s not Storms. I rest my case.

I'd get an Ar b4 any Storm.

How about those special ops guys with their MP5's?

[sharpstick]

Those MP5 are not rifle length.They are submachine guns.I would still rather have a rifle round,but in a submachine gune 9mm is popular.

[Target Shooter]

Originally posted by sharpstick
Those MP5 are not rifle length.They are submachine guns.I would still rather have a rifle round,but in a submachine gune 9mm is popular.

The Storm is not Rifle length either.

[sharpstick]

It has a 16 in barrel,that is so deemed a rifle by the US government.If you could say obtain a short barreled rifle easy then I could see where 9mm would be good,the storm would have much more value as a SBR then it dose a MBR.once you put 16 in out there any gun becomes a rifle in my book.And a 9mm rifle just dont cut it.

[Target Shooter]

Btw it is concidered a Carbine not a rifle. Have you ever owned a carbine in a pistol Caliber? Try one you should like it I own three at this point. I also have hi powered rifles. Try a little variety in your life you might be amazed.

[sharpstick]

Yes they are nice and fun to shoot,I currently use a AR15 carbine.
The AR15 that shoots 9mm,kicks as much as 223.With that said i would rather have the rifle round.I have shot boath class 3 sub guns and SBR as well as AOW.Im not talking out of my butt here I do have a lot of knowlage in this area.

First the 9mm drops at a very rapid rate,making it a 200yd or less at best, weapon.It lacks in penetration,I know sometimes you need that,but it is easyer to download or use frangable rounds then it is to try to use a 9mm rifle out to 200.Its a trade off for sure.

The storm is only a carbine for the same reason the UZI,and the HKMP5,and the AR9mm,and hell the civilan version of the M4,because thats what they have to do to get around a stupid law.If there was no law,I doubt one of those guns would have over a 10 in tube,well all but the M4.

If your going to aonly have one rifle I recomend it be as multi pourpos as can be,and with a drop in 22 kit,the AR cant be beat.
But that is just my .02

[Disintegr8or]

Originally posted by sharpstick
First the 9mm drops at a very rapid rate,making it a 200yd or less at best, weapon.It lacks in penetration,I know sometimes you need that,but it is easyer to download or use frangable rounds then it is to try to use a 9mm rifle out to 200.Its a trade off for sure. Well, since my house is only 25 yards at it longest point, my Storm will do just fine. Like I said before, it all depends what you want to do with it, and last time I checked, I am not in Iraq, so I will leave the M-16/Ar-15s for the boys over there.

If you guys don't believe in the power of my Storm, I invite you over one night around 2:00 a.m., come through the window. What my German Shephard doesn't bite, I will shoot. :cool:

But I am like the other guy, if you have the means, buy both!

Hell, I am getting ready to get an SKS-Exc Yugoslavian M59/66 SKS 7.62x39. It is a great looking gun for CHEAP! ~$140.00 almost new.

[ericboo]

I have been debating this after selling my AR15 and although the AR is great and can be outfitted to the nines, the Storm is cheaper, goes well with my 9mm ammo I have already and would be a nice, effective close range defense weapon if needed. After buying an AR, it is too easy to spend wads more cash on rails, optics and other bolt-ons.

Who is really going to run around their house with an AR? That is why they make shotguns, right?

[Disintegr8or]

Originally posted by ericboo
Who is really going to run around their house with an AR? That is why they make shotguns, right? You'd be surprised by some of the wanna be mercenaries on this forum. ;f

[F.Dillinger]

Originally posted by Disintegr8or
You'd be surprised by some of the wanna be mercenaries on this forum. ;f

That would be me! I'll be starting my first AR build in the next two weeks or so. :cool: I doubt my finished product will be the tactical monstrosity many people boast, however.

I thought about getting a Storm awhile back, but for home defense I've got a very capable 12 gauge pump, and for at-the-range plinking I'd like the versatility of the .223/5.56 round (the ability to shoot out to 300yards or so). I also wanted to familiarize myself with the extremely popular AR-15 weapon system.

I'll probably pick up a Storm at some point down the road for fun, but for me it's definitely secondary to an AR carbine.

[Manny]

I just went with a Storm over an AR for my all around urban SHTF weapon as the caliber and compact weapon size is a better choice as a house gun in an urban setting. The Storm will best fill the NEEDS I have for a weapon, but I still WANT an AR.
Manny

[Stancil]

For the record, you can also get a Storm chambered in .40 and .45, if you're concerned about "knockdown power" in a home defense situation.

http://www.berettausa.com/product/rifles/series_page.cfm?currentseries=18

[DonGlock26]

I think a Storm in 9mm makes in the city. You can shoot it at indoor ranges(pratice is important), pratice ammo is cheap, 9mm JHP's will get the job done, carbines are handy indoors, the report isn't too loud,and it will have low recoil.

I have thought about picking one up.;c