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Posted: 11/22/2004 8:49:26 AM EDT
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The wife's been hinting to me to tell her exactly what I want for Christmas this year, as she's looking over my shoulder while I'm surfing here and the Bushmaster and RRA sites. So, my question is ... what do I get? This would be my first AR. I guess it boils down to M4 16" vs. A2 20". I like the looks of the M4 with the telescoping stock, and that would also be a plus for my daughter and wife, who like to shoot also. My son is big enough to handle the full stock. I guess my questions are: 1. Any difference in accuracy between the 16" vs the 20"? The most I can see myself going is 400 yds (longest range near me), with the majority less than 200yd. 2. For those who have both, which do you prefer? 3. Am I correct that the only (major?) difference between A2 and A3 upper is the detachable carry handle? 4. I can't find anything quickly on it, but is it recommended to purchase 5.56 instead of .223 because you can shoot both rounds in the 5.56, or is it the other way around? 5. Please bear with me (complete NOOB!!) but is it really as easy as purchasing a complete upper and a complete lower, putting them together and having a fully functioning rifle? I'm not even going to ask "which is better - Bushmaster or RRA?", as so far I've not gotten the NTSA pic in response to any of my postings, and I aim to keep it that way!hanks ETA question no. 5. |
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1. Any difference in accuracy between the 16" vs the 20"? The most I can see myself going is 400 yds (longest range near me), with the majority less than 200yd. Either one will work well, with the 20" being easier to shoot at longer distance because of the longer sight radius. If you use optics, it becomes a moot point. 2. For those who have both, which do you prefer? I prefer carbines, but that is because I use them in more of a CQB setting. FOr distance shooting, I like the 20" rifles better, for everything else I like the carbines. 3. Am I correct that the only (major?) difference between A2 and A3 upper is the detachable carry handle? You got it, that is the only difference. If you go A3, get it without the carry handle and mount a ARMS 40 flip up sight (BUIS). The cost will be the same, but that way you can use an optic later, and you won't have wasted you money on a carry handle you can no longer use. 4. I can't find anything quickly on it, but is it recommended to purchase 5.56 instead of .223 because you can shoot both rounds in the 5.56, or is it the other way around? Go 5.56, that way you can shoot both 5. Please bear with me (complete NOOB!!) but is it really as easy as purchasing a complete upper and a complete lower, putting them together and having a fully functioning rifle? Yes it is, there are 2 pushpins that hold it together. Buy them seperate, and save about 10%. |
+1 - The carbines are more versatile overall IMHO. If long-distance accuracy is the primary concern, of course go longer (and don't necessarily stop at 20"  ).I will be nice, since your wife is getting this for you as a gift... if that weren't the case, you'd already have been told to... GET BOTH! 
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Dont be afraid to build your own. It is REALLY easy to do and fun. The barrel torque and all that jazz is a simple, simple process. You don't even need a torque wrench. Even a stripped upper is drop dead simple. Come to think of it, an AR15 is like a box of legos. The only way it can piss you off is if you lose a peice in the carpet. |
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| I think you will find the best combination of price, reliability, and future options with an M4A3 16 inch Bushmaster. You have the option of irons or flat top with optics. The 16 inch barrel is sufficient for general use and quite accurate. It is also very handy. The price is right too at around $850. Good luck. |
Here's my list for you. 1. Bushmaster 20" A3 Government Type, for an estimated $825. 2. If you want the best buy out there that i have found, buy the Bushmaster Modular Carbine it has a free floated 4 rail sytem and folding front and rear sights from YHM, the barrel is 16" and fluted. this weapon will allow you to attach all the neat accessories that you will want later and the weapon is extremely accurate out to 200 yards. It is my favorite AR to shoot. I paid $1149.00 3. Listen to the experts here on the board and go to your local gun shop or gun show and put your hands on the AR variants that interest you, just make sure that you get a chrome lined barrel and a forged lower receiver. My .02 worth. |
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Lotta good info here. Thanks! Sounds like it's pretty close as far as which one is preferred. I'm kinda leaning toward RRA. I was looking to stay in the $8-900 range. The one at the local shop is the Bushmaster, and he said he'd deal on it, make it comparable in price to the RRA. Decisions, decisions!! Hadn't thought too much about building one. If it's really that easy ... I can detail strip and reassemble a Garand, is it worse than that?hts, Thanks for the link to Adco. This is getting to be fun! |
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Get a chrome-lined barrel. They last longer; are better in all-weather conditions; and are easier to clean. Now, that being said, many many rifles simply have chrome-moly barrels and work just fine. I have an AR that isn't chrome-lined, just a chrome-moly barrel. If you keep it clean and lubed, it functions just fine. But for Plus 50 bucks or so.....get a chrome-lined barrel. That's what the military uses. |
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Chrome lining is a plus. Especially if you get in a SHTF situation and you won't get to clean the rifle as much. Or it will be nasty weather. My RRA barrel isn't chrome lined but the next AR I build will be. I want a chome lined barrel with a a2 upper for my SHTF gun. It needs to be nice, simple reliable, and light. Then I am going to use the barrel I have now for a flat top gun with a nice scope. For plinking and hunting. I don't think its gonna matter which one you get first. Because if you want two different types chances are you will get both. I know I am going to. This time I just got a complete upper and lower...next time its gonna be built from scratch. Just because I love to tinker with stuff. Also if you get a flat top receiver you can get a RRA high rise scope mount and run a traditional scope. Then you can take it off with the oversize thumb screws and use iron sights. You will have to buy the rear-sight because most flat tops won't come with them. Get a flip up rear sight. This way you can flip it down and have valueable scope clearance. Then if SHTF you can take the scope off and simply flip the sight up. And be ready to rock. I like the A2 setup but if you even think you may want to add a scope just get a flattop. Much simpler and more comfortable to shoot. Flattops seem to be all the rage lately. That and M4 style barrels. But we won't go there. |
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