I wasn't talking about you, Nodaisho. You actually had some pretty good, well thought out ideas. I'll clarify for you:
Why wouldn't belt-feds be a good choice? The main issue I could see is that damn near nobody makes a lightweight one, barring the Shrike, which is pretty much vaporware,
The Shrike was mostly vaporware because they chose a poor original location for their factory. Now that they're down in FL, they've started shipping the carbine uppers for 2500 each and the feed covers (which are currently being shipped to the patient customers who have been waiting 5+ years for the damn things, hence the vaporware comment is not wholly unwarranted, in fact, it is mostly justified) which, once they are caught up with both their pre-orders and the military, will go for another 2500.
It's not so much the lightweight concept as it is the ammo concept. Beltfeds are voraciously hungry eaters. You might stop ONE mob with three beltfeds, but the sheer amount of ammunition necessary to have in reserve in order to keep those beltfeds running quickly becomes logistically unsound for an unresupplied location.
Moving right along.
Is the Sub-2000 sturdy?
As compared to what? I wouldn't butt-stroke someone with it, if that's what you mean. If you mean amount of rounds downrange between failures, I've put about 5000 through mine with nary a hitch. It's a very simple action with a big, heavy bolt and decently heavy recoil spring. It's a blowback, so no gas system to foul, and the trigger system is STUPID simple. So from a FIRING standpoint, I'd say yes, it's durable. From a "Use it as a club" standpoint, I'd say it makes a better wiffle bat.
The SU-16 has been the victim of a rumor, the origins of which are a bit obscure, as to mean rounds before failure. Also, it's been inferred that their barrels are not chrome lined.
When I spoke to George Kellgren a few weeks ago in person, he assured me that ALL SU-16 models are being manufactured with chrome-lined barrels and chambers, not just the SU-16D. Then he showed me. I'm a believer.
I still wouldn't buttstroke someone with it; But that's the tradeoff for the weight, the fold-down bipod, the gas-piston system that doesn't crap where it eats, and a reliable action with many of the GOOD points of the AR-15 without some of the more glaring drawbacks.
And moving along again.
Why would a suppressed gun only be a toy? It isn't like you can't clean it out while things are quiet. A cleaning kit is necessary equipment with any gun for long-term effectiveness, why not clean the suppressor too?
Because suppressors don't exactly work the way people think they do; They'd be of limited utility in a ZPAW, and they make a barrel you're trying to make shorter for handiness, LONGER. Many modern suppressors do not require cleaning at all; In fact, at least one AAC model, the factory reps said, "The dirtier it is, the quieter it is." Others are of a semi-self-cleaning nature. Suppressor technology has come a long way since the crude drawings of the Anarchist's cookbook.
Other than shooting without earmuffs, there are just too few real-world applications for a suppressor for it to be much more than a toy. But I'll admit that that's my opinion. And my first suppressed firearm will probably be the converted Ruger 22 pistol with integral AAC suppressor called the Amphibian. Very nice. Looks like a long-barrelled Ruger .22 pistol with a bull barrel.
Moving right along.
Oh, and before you point out my suggestion of the 74SU isn't legal without an SBR fee or a machinegun fee if it was auto, I know that.
I wasn't even going to go there. Instead, I was going from the point of view of the 74 SU's short barrel having a detriment to both muzzle velocity (already an issue with the 5.45x39.5 cartridge) and accuracy (especially the shorter sight radius). A way to get around the shorter sight radius is to go optical, but then that's one more thing to worry about breaking under heavy duty conditions.
And while the 5.45 is plentiful and cheap RIGHT NOW, it IS an imported round, which can dry up with the stroke of a presidential pen. If you're going to keep it for ZPAW, then no matter how much ammo you get, it is still finite, which means full auto is wasteful. If you're not going full auto, you still have the velocity issues cutting down on your effective range with a shorty barrel.
In contrast, I'd recommend a full-length 74 (16" barrel) in 5.56; I've been very impressed with the accuracy of the Romanian SAR-3's, and a little disappointed in their "remix" the WASR-3. However, their barrels are ALSO chrome-lined, and with decently adjusted sights to a 25/250 BSZ, or a QD scope setup, could be used as effectively as a 16" AR-15, though a bit heavier but definitely an advantage in the reliability department. Just remember that the 5.56 version of the 74 uses a slightly different hammer geometry. The correct hammer can be purchased at Red Star Arms, or, I think also from Tapco.
By and large, though, the 74 is a good choice for a ZPAW if compatibility and continued logistics are not a concern. Merely stock up with anywhere from 2-5 thousand rounds in the coolio spam tins, have at least ten 30-round magazines that feed reliably (Try them out before betting your life on them), and appropriate sight adjustment, and you're good to go.
I didn't address legal issues because honestly, I don't care. It's your business, not mine how much exposure to what kind of risk is tolerable to you and under which conditions. I was making recommendations based upon my own opinion and experience.
I'd also finally like to point out that merely having a gun does not make you armed any more than having a piano makes you a musician; A tool is useless if you are not able to use it skillfully.
With that, I recommend actual practice with your firearm, a tactical carbine class that includes both technical and psychomotor components, at least one force-on-force class with emphasis on your chosen sidearm, at least THREE bouts in a FATS, and that's just for starters. Basic Defensive Pistol, Defensive Pistol, and Advanced Defensive Pistol are also excellent courses.
Because knowledge and skills are things that can't be taken away from you, and with enough of both, the equipment becomes less relevant to your effectiveness than does how you apply it to your situation.
Finally, my statement was "Many of you..." when it came to hollywood and television "training"
And I also mentioned that some of you had the right idea in that same post. Curious as to WHY you thought I was talking TO you when I talked about hollywood and was NOT talking about you when I talked about the right idea.
But no matter. I've clarified my positions. And without near the Great Wall O Text, either.
We can discuss logistics further, if you like. As I said before, SOME of you (by which I specifically include you, Nodaisho) have the right idea, and some well-thought out options. Those who fall into this category, I am happy to discuss the finer points and make recommendations.
The REST of you who DON'T fall into that category...the cluephone is ringing...pick it up.
It's up to you to decide who's full of shit and who has been there and done that, not me. I'm comfortable in my preps, and mine are both FOR REAL, and ALREADY DONE.
S