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Posted: 1/19/2003 12:17:54 PM EDT
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I recently added shooting to my hobby list after receiving a Beretta 92FS as a gift. I spent a month doing research about safety and shooting in general before going to the range for the first time two weeks ago. I enjoy my range trips with the pistol but I would also like to purchase a rifle since I assume the experience of shooting one would be quite different. I'm a military history buff so I'm drawn to the military look of the AR15 as well as reports about how easy and fun it is to shoot. I'm interested in the Bushmaster XM15 E2S M4 Type 16in Carbine. I prefer the A2 upper profile to the flat top (although I realize the latter is more versatile)and I like the looks of the fixed position, tele-style buttstock. My brother recently purchased a Bushmaster XM15 E2S Shorty Rifle and suggested it instead claiming it was 'more comfortable to shoot'. Can anyone provide me a second opinion on this? Is the recoil or buttstock 'padding' on the two that much different? Keep in mind that it is unlikely that I'll be able to shoot either of them prior to purchase. The best I will be able to do is rent a Colt A15 judging from what my range offers. Thanks in advance for your help. |
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[blue][b] First I would like to welcome you to the board [wave]. As for your question of recoil being so different between the too . The shorty might have less do too it being alittle heavier , but in general neither of them have much recoil . As for the fit , I think that depends on the person . Every gun fits everyone different , I would tell you to handle both weapons and get some kind of feel for them in your hands. Go with what you like and what feels good in hands . You wont be happy with it if you buy something you don't like . Good luck SaFe ShOoTiNg Jerry [/blue][/b] |
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andrew, there is one important difference between the BM M4 model and the Shorty model. the BM M4 model has a 14.5" barrel with what is called a 'Mini Y' compensator permanently attached to it. the compensator is 1.5" long, bringing the total barrel length to 16", therefore it meets the current letter of the AWB law. here's the M4 model: [url]http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2x14m4my.asp[/url] the BM Shorty model has a true 16" long barrel, and has no compensator on it. however, the barrel is an HBAR type (heavy barrel). this type weighs more than the M4-profile barrel. some folks don't mind the weight of the HBRR, others do. here's the Shorty model: [url]http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2s16.asp[/url] there are lots of opinions on both the 14.5"+1.5" setup and the 'blunt' 16" setup; however most people tend to say that a) the 5.56mm doesn't have much recoil to begin with and therefore you don't need a compensator. b) the mini-Y compensator makes the report much louder, especially to the sides where others at the range stand. this may be what your brother is telling you; the true 16" barrel w/o compensator is quieter than the 14.5" + mini-Y. c) both barrel lengths should have about the same accuracy. d) the 16" barrel provides a tad bit more muzzle velocity, maybe ~100fps or so. i'm currently looking for a BM M4A3 flattop fixed-telestock configured with a true 16" length 'blunt' M4-profile barrel; in the bushmaster/industry forum see the tail end of: [url]http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=28&t=139180[/url] if anyone has any leads on the most economical way for me to get there, i'd appreciate it. it's not clear that piecemeal ordering from the BM catalog is cost effective. but i'm still working on it. the ar-jedi |
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Thanks to everyone for the info. Being of average size keeping the rifle's weight down is very important to me. I'm going to lean towards the M4 16in. Hopefully I'll be able to handle (unlikely that I'll be able to shoot) both of them prior to making a decision. Andrew |
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For a post-ban "M4", the best plan is to get the 16" "post-ban" (i.e., plain-muzzled) M4 barrel, then send the upper to Kurt at KKF and have him press-fit a fake flash suppressor over the barrel. This gives the appearance of a FS, but the barrel actuall extends almost all the way through to the front of the FS. You get maximum velocity, but still have very close to the look of a GI 14.5" M4 setup. -Troy |
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