Hi, I will be purchasing my first AR-15 this weekend, and I have reallly done my homework, I see that the Bushmaster is definitely the way to go. Like I said, I did my homework, but Im still confused on a couple of issues. Please dont kill me for sounding like a newbie(even thought I am) but whats the difference between the a1,a2,a3, m4????I have absolutely NO idea what these designations are. At the local gun shop, they pretty much all look the same to me, w/ minor variations.

This is what I know so far, I want a 16" w/ the short front handguard, as for the stock, I want the full stock (not the fake collapsible)(it can be changed later). Whats the full stock called? I really want the carry handle, i kinda like the iron sights, Is the flattop w/ the removable carry handle pretty much the same thing?

The gun is going to be used for plinking and having a good time, No competition or that kinda thing....

By the way, its going to cost me $825 before tax, is this ballpark for the NYC area? (stuff is definitely more $$ here)

One last thing, as for the barrel, what kinda flashhider/compensator should I get? like I said, they pretty much all look the same(I know I dont want that 5" long one, Id rather have the extra 3 1/2" of barrel...)

What else should I know?? Any help is appreciated and please throw you 2 cents in!!!

Why not take a look at www.bushmaster.com and do some reading. Everything will be explained there.

For what your wanting from an AR15, you seriously should go here & do some reading on our AR15.com LEGP rifle. I think you will find that this would be better suited for your needs than the Bushmaster, plus it's $165.00 cheaper.

[url]http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?id=60[/url]

ColtShorty

GOA KABA COA JPFO SAF NRA

"I won't be wronged,  I won't be insulted
and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do
these things to other people and I require
the same from them."

I got a A3 system with a handle for my Bushmaster.  Not sure what everyone else thinks, but it seems that one would need a flip front sight to make it work.  The forged front sight will interfere with the line of sight on a flat-top mounted scope.  I have a handle mount, but now I am wondering if I wasted the extra $70 I paid for the A3, and should have just gotten an A2.
Are you planning on scoping it anytime?  If not, definately go with a standard A2.

I don't have a Muzzle Brake so I can't help you there.  Bushmaster has a good add on selection.
[rocket]

Everythings been covered so far except for stocks and brakes...

SO, I'll throw in my $.02...

Full Stocks: A1 is black and shorter then A2.
The A2 is 5/8" longer than the A1, and is grayish in color.
The M4 stock is the collapsible job, and is legal only on Pre-bans and Law enforcement guns...
UNLESS it is PERMANENTLY fixed in 1 position, then you can put it on a Post-ban gun.

As far as muzzle brakes go...

I've heard BAD things about the "Y-Comp"..never used it myself.  
(poor accuracy + VERY loud)

I've used the "Smith" comp and "AK" style brakes and they both work fantastic...

Hope that helps...

The front sight on an AR with a flat top doesn't get in the way of any optic 4x or higher.

You might see a "ghost" of the sight, but nothing that distracts at all. On my Bushmaster M4A3, I have an ACOG NSN 4x that works great. The front sight doesn't interfere. Granted, a flip-up front sight may be a little better, but certainly not required.