I had similar feelings for over a decade after having left the Corps; however, over time, I had come ‘round to the conclusion that there is an AR out there for everyone, and it’s a superlative design concept. And I can see that whether one insists on piston or sticks with direct impingement. The AR is just so excellent, handy, and adaptable that the years just don’t manage to push it aside.Not an AR guy here (the Marines broke me of any desire for one) . . .