The Cult of KISS article that we recently posted has generated a lot of discussion. The reception was mostly positive but there are still some who are holding out. Much of the discussion seems to center around what KISS really means as it is applied to defensive rifles. So this seems like the perfect time to ask what a KISS rifle looks like to you.
What do you think? Is your idea of KISS an iron sighted carbine with accessories whatsoever? Is it something more?
Now is your chance to Be Heard. Leave a comment below and join the discussion.
The idea of KISS is a “simple” rifle. That can be up to the end user. I find a simple rifle to have a red dot, light, and some type of grip (vertical, hand stop, angled, etc)
Others see it as a bare-bones stock weapon.
I also see a weapon as “simple” not only in looks but in form, functionality and effectiveness. I’m more effective with a weapon like I described firstly as compared to a stock bare-bones weapon.
A simple rifle lacks bells and whistles, but it doesn’t have to lack everything.
Here’s a pic of what I consider my KISS rifle : http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1529/dscn2226da.jpg
Lets look at the term KISS first. Keep It Simple Stupid. I don’t consider my self stupid. I know how my guns work and run. I know how my optic works. I know how to use my weapon light. I know how to use my sling.
KISS can can be a concept that varies from person to person. If your not too stupid to use everything you have incorporated into your rifle then I guess it’s your kind of KISS.
A KISS rifle for me is very similar to the rifle pictured in Zak’s post. A quality rife (BCM, Colt, LMT, Noveske, ETC), sling (BFG), light (Surefire), optic (Aimpoint), Magpul stock and furniture and quality magazines (Magpul, TD). Ammo is also important. Yes to some this might sound like I have a lot of “bells and whistles”, but all of these items allow me to deploy my rifle in almost any condition and I can do work from contact to 200 yards plus in daylight and low light conditions.
At the very minimum, a flat-top with a red-dot, but ideally with a lightweight rail and some sort of light as well…..nothing else for me.
…and of course a vicker’s sling.
My opinion, like others, is a modern Kiss rifle is a quality (BCM, LMT, Colt, Noveske, Daniel Defense ) flat top with a quality red dot (Aimpoint) a white light (Surefire), 2 point sling and a quality rail ( Daniel Defense or LaRue ). Is it going to be over $2000, most likely. But shooting isn’t a cheap hobby/sport and the cheaper stuff doesn’t hold up.