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Posted: 6/16/2006 9:27:31 PM EST
Hey guys i just came down with the AR cold and viewing this site does not help get rid of it.

So im on my way to buying my first i read a bunch of threads and comments but still cant decide.

I will rephrase and just simply ask for help in what opitions to look for in my first.

What are the benifits to a flat top?

Does having a 14.5 to 16 inch barrel make any diffrence other than size in barrel?

U know things of that nature so if you can reply like

I recomend u getting a 14.5 flattop model ??? from bush
Or make sure it has a ???

That would help alot, this is worse than buying a car.  I know must of you have more than one AR im guessing i will enjoy this sport and community alot.

Thanks again for taking the time
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:28:31 PM EST
[#1]
bushmaster
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:31:27 PM EST
[#2]
Set a budget for everything, even optics if you are getting them and go from there.  That is the only way it worked for me.  
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:31:34 PM EST
[#3]
thats one for bushmaster thanks
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:31:47 PM EST
[#4]
ABCDR, stag, LMT--take your choice

i'd opt for the Bushy or RRA or Stag for the price

try a search, its been done before...and you got to have some criteria to meet!
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:35:15 PM EST
[#5]
knowing me i will end up spending a ton of money on extras but for a stock im looking at no more than $1000 but crap when u got to buy u get all these dam models and configurations thats what throws my off.  What is the most important things i should look for?
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:42:07 PM EST
[#6]
i searched and read but i guess if i knew what to look for that would help.  U got fluted barrels 14.5 to 16inch barrels sbr's personnaly i would like a 14.5 . If u guys can i guess just advise me on what are the most important things to look for then i gues the choice of manufacture will be the easier part.,

Thanks again for the help i really apreciate it.
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 9:56:27 PM EST
[#7]
how bout a rock river arms?
Link Posted: 6/16/2006 10:00:52 PM EST
[#8]
Rock River was on my list i might take a second look thanks
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 1:56:24 AM EST
[#9]

Quoted:
Hey guys i just came down with the AR cold and viewing this site does not help get rid of it.

So im on my way to buying my first i read a bunch of threads and comments but still cant decide.

I will rephrase and just simply ask for help in what opitions to look for in my first.

What are the benifits to a flat top?

Does having a 14.5 to 16 inch barrel make any diffrence other than size in barrel?

U know things of that nature so if you can reply like

I recomend u getting a 14.5 flattop model ??? from bush
Or make sure it has a ???

That would help alot, this is worse than buying a car.  I know must of you have more than one AR im guessing i will enjoy this sport and community alot.

Thanks again for taking the time



One thing to consider with the 14.5 inch tube is the muzzle device is permanently attached - you cannot just unscrew the thing and slap on a new one.  

If you think you are likely to get a full case of BRD and change out the FSB, put on a free-float hand-guard, etc., then that welded and pinned on muzzle device becomes a right pain in the butt.

Since the overall length will be the same, might as well get the 16 inch tube, and not have to worry about it.

Just my $0.02

Matt
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 3:40:06 AM EST
[#10]
Hey there "trial member"- I was in your shoes just a few short months ago while I started reading on this board. You will find really smart, expeirenced shooters who wont point you in the wrong direction. They may have different opinions on things, but thats good for people doing research on a new purchase.

I JUST bought my Bushmaster m4/a3- one of my biggest questions was flat top vs. carry handle. I ended up with the best of both worlds really- a flat top with removable handle.

From what I have been reading- and looking at the pics posted for that matter, MOST preffer a flat top so you can mount a nice scope. BUT there are those who mount the scope up high on the carry handle. I have not tried either yet, but looking forward to it.

The BM was a great deal, and a good amount of gun for the price. I went with the 16" barrel over the 20 because I dont plan on super long range shooting. That was just personal taste. and with the 16" you can stick a target out at 300 yards from what I have been reading.

Enjoy all of the good people on this board and the pluthera (sp??) of info here. Its invaluable.

Josh-man
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 11:28:00 AM EST
[#11]
Guys thanks for the advice i think i will go with a BM A3 Flattop 16inch. I guess once i learn more about the AR i might just build my second one.  

The info has helped alot thanks once again i guess ill speak to you guys soon!!
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 11:39:33 AM EST
[#12]

Quoted:
Guys thanks for the advice i think i will go with a BM A3 Flattop 16inch. I guess once i learn more about the AR i might just build my second one.  

The info has helped alot thanks once again i guess ill speak to you guys soon!!



Be sure to post pics of the completed build.  Good luck to you.


Link Posted: 6/17/2006 12:01:36 PM EST
[#13]

Quoted:
Guys thanks for the advice i think i will go with a BM A3 Flattop 16inch. I guess once i learn more about the AR i might just build my second one.  

The info has helped alot thanks once again i guess ill speak to you guys soon!!



Good choice and gives you plenty of opportunities to change stuff later -- the madness never ends!

Have fun, and building one is fun too.

B2
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 12:10:16 PM EST
[#14]
These get very addicting.  Just budget and plan your buys ahead.  Also KISS and master the skills to shoot the rifle, not substitute gear for skill.

Max
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 12:34:19 PM EST
[#15]

Quoted:
Hey guys i just came down with the AR cold and viewing this site does not help get rid of it.

So im on my way to buying my first i read a bunch of threads and comments but still cant decide.

I will rephrase and just simply ask for help in what opitions to look for in my first.

What are the benifits to a flat top?

You can remove the carry handle and mount a LARGE scope instead of the carry handle. Putting a scope on top of the handle means (to me, anyway) a large lever angle that can damage the mount. Even thought the front sight is in front of the scope, the optical properties of the scope hide the front sight for the most part.

Does having a 14.5 to 16 inch barrel make any diffrence other than size in barrel?

14.5 inch bbl. needs a  special tax stamp, costing something like $400. The shorter barrel also doesn't accellerate the bullet as much as a longer bbl.
I got a 20" Bushy and love it!


U know things of that nature so if you can reply like

I recomend u getting a 14.5 flattop model ??? from bush
Or make sure it has a ???

That would help alot, this is worse than buying a car.  I know must of you have more than one AR im guessing i will enjoy this sport and community alot.

Thanks again for taking the time

Link Posted: 6/17/2006 1:42:53 PM EST
[#16]
When buying an AR, the barrel and upper receiver are the most important parts.  The rest is easy to change.  

I opted for a 14.5" bbl with permanently attached compensator for my first.  Soon I was dissapointed to learn I couldn't easily put a free float forearm on, since the compensator would have to be cut off, and an even LONGER one added afterwards.   This was upsetting.  

I have since sold that rifle.  I would recommend a 16" for your first.  After that, get others.  

As far as TYPE of barrel, I recommend a M4 profile, because it is lighter than the HBAR, and works just as well for 99% of what you'll do with it.  If you wanted an A1 "pencil-barrel", I think that would also be just fine.  Careful, some manufacturers (Rock River) sell HBARs as their standard barrel.  Be sure it's skinny under the handguards, because otherwise they look the same.  Usually, if there is a notch cut out on the front of the barrel, it means it's skinny under the handguards (M4 Profile.)

I would suggest a flattop (A3) upper receiver unless you are CERTAIN you want the permanent carry handle (A2.)  I have an A2 20" rifle, that I SPECIFICALLY wanted as an M16A2 clone for my US Military rifle collection.  Otherwise I'd always get the flattop version.  I have a 16" A3 with removeable carry handle as my M4 clone in my collection.  

Bushmaster is great (I have three), but I'd suggest looking at Stag Arms, or at least buy the upper receiver (complete with bolt) off the internet (Eagle Firearms, or a "plethora" of others in the industry forum), then buy the lower receiver separately also off the internet in order to save some money (excise tax AND sales tax.)

Like this from Eagle Firearms:

Complete Upper: $469



and then the complete lower: $235



Total: $704  (+ $25 for the FFL transfer?)
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 5:17:26 PM EST
[#17]
You guys are great thanks for all the info
Link Posted: 6/17/2006 9:30:29 PM EST
[#18]

Quoted:
Guys thanks for the advice i think i will go with a BM A3 Flattop 16inch. I guess once i learn more about the AR i might just build my second one.  

The info has helped alot thanks once again i guess ill speak to you guys soon!!



Good choice, but give a second thought to buying a Stag upper and a Stag lower.

Put the two halves together and save about 150 to 200 or so dollars over a "complete" rifle.
My first was a "store bought" Bushmaster and I really like it, but what I know now, I'd go
with getting the 2 halves and use the saved money toward an optic, mags, ammo, or
any of the other "goodies" that you know you'll want for it.

Mike
Link Posted: 6/18/2006 3:55:00 AM EST
[#19]
welcome to the site and to BRD (black rifle disease).  Just so you know there is no cure and it only gets worse.  Good luck and I hope your not married.

Go with a Bushy 14.5" or a 16" M4 or anything from any of the top manufactuers (Rock River, Colt, Armalite, ect..)

Have fun and be careful!
Link Posted: 6/18/2006 4:43:06 AM EST
[#20]
Welcome
Hope you have a lot of money

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