After shooting a gentlemans AR-15 a few months ago at my local range I decided I need and want an AR-15. I mostly shoot WWII milsurps(Enfields, Mausers and Mosin-Nagants) and I am not at all to familiar with the modern semi-auto's. I have about $1000.00 right now. I know I want a 20" barrell and from reading post on different forums I think I want a Bushmaster. I am looking for basic plinking with decent accuracy and with the possibility of upgrading for DCM matches in the future. So gentleman what type of rifle do I need and about how much for just the rifle(not including the mags, sling and ammo right now). Also another question. Should I order thru Bushmaster or other manufacturers direct or find a gunshow or gunshop with my specifications?
Your help would be much appreciated.
TIA
triage

I believe it's always best to support your local gunshop, you'll need to go through an FFL anyway. I got almost exactly what you are describing a while back, just slightly used, for $700.

You can find a Bushnaster at any gun show and most shops,or you could order one.

If you want a mach set up check out the Bushmaster web site they have alot of out of  the box mach ready guns.

[www.bushmaster.com]

Poof...Clickable

www.bushmaster.com

Triage --

There's really no way to "upgrade" to a CMP rifle from a standard AR15 as hardly any of the parts are useable on a real match rifle, and besided the Bushmaster CMP rifle thru Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association is about the price of the CMP upper anywhere else.

20" standard barrel is extremely heavy and isn't a match rifle, it's just heavy.  Finding a 20" government profile barrel on a new rifle is difficult.

For "basic plinking" and learning the rifle's systems the Bushmaster "M4 Carbine" with standard M16A2 stock will do great.  Minimal maintenance.  Accurate.  Reliable.

Where in Ohio you located?

-- Chuck

I you are thinking about shooting in DCM matches, why not purchase a Rock River Arms National Match DCM upper and lower?  You save $ by buying them seperate.  The combined price is about $950.

You can always buy an M4 upper later.  I have a RRA and Bushy.  You can't go wrong with either.

Live Free

Thanks all for the replies! Chuck, sorry for not getting back sooner. I live in Strongsville at the moment. About 15 miles SW of Cleveland.

After reading hundreds of post about the AR-15 on this forum and "TFL" I have decided on the Bushmaster "XM15 E2S A2 Shorty 16" Rifle" Ordered her yesterday :^)Again, Thank you all for your replies!