When I first got on this board, I had just purchased my first AR15. I have been collecting guns for years, but never got around to getting an AR, favoring Russian rifles at first, then WWII rifles after that. Because of the Sunset of the AWB I decided to stop putting off getting an AR and after some research and friendly advise I decided on getting Bushmaster "M4".
Many of the members here told me "Welcome to the Addiction" which I thought was an amusing comment...but you know what? It was absolutely true!
I have since built my 2nd AR this time from scratch, and really enjoyed the build. Ive put together several 1911's to date, but never a rifle, and I admit, I am addicted!
When I first got my Bushmaster I decided to keep the gun pretty much stock but the more time passed, the more I just couldn't leave it alone. LOL! I changed my grip, added an accuwedge, tritium (steel) night sights, did a bolt beef up, an M4 front stock, and took off the Y-comp and replaced it with a Phantom FH. Mild mods yes, but that was the point. I wanted to keep the gun looking as stock as possible. I greased the buffer tube then proceeded to break in the barrel. This gun is more fun than I can shake a stick at!
I started wondering how some added on goodies would feel on the gun, but I still had my mind set on keeping this one stock looking. So...what was the solution to this problem? That's right, get another AR! Building this one up myself was a very satisfying experience, and I would recommend it to anyone with at least a basic understanding of mechanics. I was nervous about undertaking the project at first, but it really isn't that hard. Sure, I save a couple of $$ by taking this route, but to be honest, that wasn't the reason I did it. It was FUN.
I really need to get myself a Digital Camera so I can join in on the fun of showing off these babies.
My new gun is another Bushmaster. The way I saw it, I was really pleased with the 1st one, so why try anything else? Besides...who say's that I can't build a 3rd later? I got an Aimpoint ML2 2 stage trigger, & BUIS for her so far, as well as the other stuff I did to the first. I plan on fitting this one with a vertical foregrip, a flashlight system of some sort (still deciding on what to get) and possibly a different rear stock than I have on her now. (M4 collapsible) I am very pleased with the stock on her now, but wouldn't mind trying something new.
Anyway, be warned newbies: The AR15 is the 1911 .45 ACP of the rifle world. There are literally hundreds of things you can add on or modify on these things, and once you start, there ain't no stopping it. It is just too much fun!
Good Luck to you. Once you get an AR15 you will never regret it.
E