Jonas

I didn't watch any of the Olympics, would like to have watched this though. Was Anschütz the dominant rifle?

Yeah, I was wondering about that given all that is going on, or might! Plus, there was apparently a plan for Saiga (I think it was) to really ramp up production for the North American market. Suppose that could get affected too.

That's a sweet looking' lower! I love the sharp angles! Just got a reply from Spike's, a bit disappointed - I had asked if they build a complete upper like what they already have on their website, but with the "Slick Side" receiver. They don't do build with that upper. (Seriously? Not to order? How hard could it be?) - I guess they have their reasons. Hmmmm.....

Thanks for the replies and advice and link gents! I'll start doing some more research. How do you compare the forged vs. the billet? I've always thought billets were just awesome, but I've not seen a Spike's in person. The machining always seems, well, I dunno - there's just something about billet I really like in the machining.

The guns are so damn simple compared to an AR (in my opinion), can't help but love them. Not meant to offend AR people, as I am one too. They're not for everyone, but I think everyone should have at least ONE, just because. :)

Dang, that's too bad. Seriously affects the value! Keep the old, damaged wood no matter what though. I've seen some amazing work with damaged stocks on Japanese rifles by this one gent who knows Japanese stocks. See below... No. Not for this. The chrysanthemums were ground off of a number of surrendered weapons. According to literature, it may have been ordered by Gen. McArthur, though there is do written proof of it. Don't know if there is any truth to the intentional marring of the rifles by soldiers, though I have heard the same thing. Haven't heard about using butt stocks, but I have heard about the use of bayonets to hack the flower. But a great number of these rifles do have intact chrysanthemums.

Was gonna take this to the M4Carbine forum, but for whatever reason I can't post there, something screwy with registration, or something. Anyway, I'd imagine here is just as good!! So, looking to put together an AR for my wife (fairly small), starting with a Spike' ST15 lower - thinking about getting a Spike's matching upper (Slickside). But how are the Spike's barrels? Doesn't necessarily need to be a competition gun, and it probably won't have the beegeezus shot out of it, but something fairly accurate - are the Spike's barrels pretty good? They seem to get favorable reviews. She's pretty small, so wondering what would be best for her, probably a shorter, light-weight barrel - carbine or mid-length. -OR- are there better options out there without spending too much more? Thank guys.

How bad's the damage?

Sorry, I don't follow. You don not have a complete Type 44 with good wood? You have two 44s, one with bad wood?

Actually, had ZERO interest in AR platform rifles period, until the politicians started threatening to ban them, especially here in California. This was the only reason I got into ARs period. They said I couldn't have one (if they had their way), so That made me want one! As for AR.308, seemed like a natural progression, and still "reasonably" priced ammo, though I'm still trying to figure out how to justify the prices for some of the hardware out there!

You can try here too: http://gunmagwarehouse.com/ Pretty fast processing and shipping.

Well, the 44 is not common, so nice to see that mum there. If your customer is wiling to sell, I'd be willing to buy if it is correctly matched other than the DC, that'd be icing on the cake!

Will do! God only knows when I'll make it to the range, but hopefully sooner rather than later..... ;)

I would not mess with that Type 44 if it has not already been messed with. Is that dust cover original? Arisakas with intact mums are not actually rare, but it is very nice to see a 44 with it, for sure.

Well, ended up getting the Magpul MBUS Pro sights. Got them installed last night. They sure seem like very high quality sights, well made, very nice finish on them. Now I can finally take this thing to the range and see what it does!