I have only ever used traditional shotguns (but just bought my first AR) so learning as I go wouldn't be a problem. The price to fun factor seems pretty high so I was curious (and yes the whole taticool kind of plays into it). How hard are they to keep up with maintenance?
Depends on what you mean by maintenance, do you mean parts? It depends on gun (Usually a bit harder to find than AR-15 to lol what parts like the MDX). If you mean how to maintain, depends on gun.
Love the design, haven't shot/owned one (yet).
It's cool as hell, but I dunno how big the aftermarket is for them.
There are some aftermarket parts but they will cost you. Mainly trigger, sear, charging handle. Don't get the sear/trigger upgrade because no longer drop safe.
Bayonet lugs can be found in parts kits. Don't build a parts kit unless you want your dog shot since it has the full auto trigger. Some SOT did it the other day on reddit.
Since everyone is talking about bullpups what do all of you think of the AUG? I saw that there was a special for them on Bereli's website for $1700 which was a lot cheaper than I thought they would be
though still not financially viable for me right now.
Main experience is the AUG (I don't like the DI and prefer SSGP or Roller delayed)
Unless you're talking about the NATO mag AUG (garbage), Better than Tavor if you are not ambidex (You need a new bolt to swap left/right ejection), in addition, you will have to use firing hand for carrying handle instead of the foregrip hand. However much easier to service imho. Styer did fuck up casting for the newer stocks so run about 2-500 rounds and check for cracks. Jew stereotypes joke here though, 40 USD for a clean kit and 400 for a bayonet (Hint: Parts kit for lug + M7). AUG charging handle is a bit worse than Tavor (can get aftermarket) since its a bit "wobbly" due to the lockup/flip location. Aug (A3) has a stranger mag release but better if you train. You can bump the mag off wheras on the Tavor you need to hit it on the way back. Splitting hairs though.
AUG has a plastic trigger and firing control group though. Which sucks. If you're an SOT you can get 3rd burst/ full auto by toggling the FCS group I think.
AUG double feed malfunction is an issue though. Some motherfucker managed to stovepipe his round into the god damn barrel on reddit.
AUG has cheap 30 round PMAGs, I'd get the 42rnd ones if I had a damn pre 86' MG because that's fun as fuck squad automatic. Barrels are hard to find outside the regular length and expensive but range from 13 inch -24 inch.
Tavor is single point sling and AUG is 2 or 3 point preferred (I like 3 point L86 sling). New AUG scope is garbage, if you find A1 scope doubles as a carry handle with backup irons.
300 blackout AUG soon, someday, maybe 7.62 as well....
Tavor takes STANAG though.
Will have to drill the gas block or buy an absurdly expensive one if you need to run suppressed
You can raise/lower your elevation consistently while prone/kneeling via tightening/relaxing foregrip. Takes a bit of practice but it's nice. Doughnut of death is a great optic if you're not well versed on scopes. Otherwise slap an ACOG on or something.
Edit: I don't like the Hellion because of the trigger. Not shot live but have handled and fired with snap caps. Feels mushy compared to AUG and Tavor. Supposedly better suppressed. Magwell is a bit finicky and oh god the bolt release sucks.
Edit 2: P90 for the meme factor or if you want to make the ATF cry. On the original import ones, all you had to do to convert to a machine gun was take out a little white plastic block about 0.5"x1". No semi selector on that one though lel.
What's everyone dream but could never get firearm?
For me it's AN-94 or the SVU.