Reliability-wise, the guns are virtually equal.

However, I'd much rather have the Bushmaster, as it uses all standard size parts.  Colt's civilian ARs purposely use non-standard parts to make it difficult to use aftermarket parts and to convert to full-auto.  Plus, many of Colt's better barrels are only available in a 1:7 twist (which is Mil-Spec because they need to stabilize the extremely long projectiles in the M856 tracer ammo), whereas the Bushmasters come with a 1:9 twist that better suited to the ammo types used by civilians (40gr-75gr).  And Colt has been putting cheaper parts in some of its guns, such as plastic buffers.  Bushmaster uses a plastic trigger guard, but it isn't rocket science to figure out that the trigger guard isn't an ultra-critical component, and in some respects, it's actually better.

Finally, Bushmaster has excellent customer service, and is very pro-RKBA.  Colt's service is poor at best, and their support of RKBA is less than stellar.

Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't have a problem carrying a Colt to defend myself with, but I wouldn't choose to spend my money on (a civilian) one.  I'd buy a Colt M16A1 lower in a heartbeat, though.  :)

-Troy

sexton69

    I was also issued the Colt M16A2 while in the Corps, when I got out in 94 I got a preban DPMS the week the ban went in effect.  Just didn't feel like the same thing that I carried in the Corps.

Anyway I now own both Colt and Bushmaster, kinda like the Bushmaster more and they are cheaper and can't tell them (fit, finish, ect) from the Colt that I was issued in the Corps.  

Also Bushmaster manufactures the 25mm gun on the LAV, heard rumor that Bushmaster had been awarded the contract to make the M-4s for the military.  I think you would be happy with either rifle, but you'll pay more for the Colt.

I own a preban Colt, and a postban Bushy. I never fired a preban Bushy, so I do not know how good they are, but if they are anything like thier postbans, it will be a very nice weapon. I was in the Corps for the turnaround from the A1's to the A2's,  and I think my Bushy is of the same high quality as the Colt M16A2's that were issued. I was fortunate enough to get issued a brand new, never fired, M16A2 complete with packing grease and an owners manual in cammoflague, wich i still have. I got to know both weapons very well. Although colt lost the M16 contract with the military, they did have the M4 contract, and I think they still do. I think that both are great weapons and either way you will be pleased. I would pick the best deal you can get for the best conditioned weapon, wether it is a Colt or Bushmaster is not as important. Good luck with your purchase.