AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/23/2005 2:06:03 PM EDT
|
I'm looking to buy my first AR and am considering buying one from AIM. I have purchased several AK's from them in the past and was happy with them. I'm looking for something I can take with me to the woods when the revolution comes so I'm primarily considering the 16" carbine models. Right now I understand AIM offers the 16" A2 or A3 for $750 and $800 respectively and the 16" M4A2 and M4A3 for $800 and $810 respectively. Which one is preferable? I understand one or more of the weapon have detachable carrying handle and the M4 has the indented barrel. What are the pros and cons of them? Is AIM the best place for a first time AR buyer? I'm not looking for match grade just something to keep the starving pre-revolution liberal turkey's from vainly trying stealing my food and maybe to used to catch me a varmint or two. (all this is tongue in cheek, btw...) Thanks in advance! Strangelove... |
|
Bushmasters are good rifles, do a serach and you will see people speak VERY highly of Bushmaster brand rifles. Which AR you want is a tricky question to answer, as we have no idea what your needs are, but I'll try and answer the questions you asked. As to 20" 'M16' or 16" M4 style, that is simply an issue of barrel length and stock type. The 20" 'M16' gives you the advantage of a longer sight radius on the iron sights, abliity to properly mount a boynet (if it really matters) and better terminal ballistics on anything warm and fleshy farther downrange. 16" M4 style gives you the adfvantage of an adjustable stock, shorter overall length, and slightly lighter weapon. I would say the M4 handles a lot more like an AK than an M16, but if you are buying it to be different, then the 20" M16 might be the better way to go. As for the A2 vs. A3, I personally would recommend the A3 style 'flat top', and spend the extra $50 you save plus an extra $25-50 more to get a quality bolt on iron sight. If you want to go with the carry handle look I believe that you can even order the A3 style with the bolt-on carry handle that mounts to the A3 rail. The A3 style gives you a lot more options for bolting on optical devices such as scopes and red dots, and you can mount all sorts of rear iron sights (also known as BUIS, or 'back-up iron sights' as they are there in case the optic fails) to it so you have the same features as the A2 but with a lot more felxibiility. I have no experience with AIM, but the prices sound pretty good for a Bushmaster from what I know. Let us know what you want the rifle for and we can help you figure out a little more what you want. |
| Whichever Bushmaster you chose, you won't be disappointed, but you will need to have plenty of patience. The wait from AIM may make you decide to look elsewhere. I couldn't hold out for the 3+ month wait and bought something else instead. If you can suffer through the wait, the price is right. |
|
Thank you for the replies. I mainly want the weapon for fun at the range and as a primary weapon when the revolution comes. had I've purchase from AIM in the past and was happy with them. Are there any manufacturing problems with Bushmaster to consider now that demand is high? Thanks... Strangelove.... |
aimsurplus.com/acatalog/New_Bushmaster_Sunset_Rifles___Preban_features_.html They have been listed at the above URL for the last 6 months. They are the same rifle you would get from Bushmaster, but it'll probably take you at least 12 weeks after you order for it to arrive. |
|
Do you live close enough to AIM to go there in person? It takes me 2 1/2 hours to drive there, but then I don't have to mess with a local FFL. I wouldn't be afraid to buy anything from AIM. Of course, I always go - so I get to hand pick my AR, FAL, etc. myself. If something's no longer on the web site, they are probably sold out (especially at those prices). They tend to get shipments in and sell them out pretty quickly. I'd call them and see if they plan on getting more in the future. Perhaps they'll call you if and when that happens. Good luck. P.S. BTW, you can't go wrong with a Bushmaster rifle. They're excellent quality guns. |
|
Thanks for the link and the help. The gun listed in the flyer I just received from AIM isn't even listed on the website anymore. I called them up and they said I could order them but who know when I'll get them. I live in Florda so I can't travel to pick one up. Thanks for all the help... Strangelove... |
Dawg180, I think the factory Bushy A3's come with the detachable carry handle, that's why they're $100 more (MSRP) than the A2. WIZZO |
|
I just received my Bushmaster 16" A3 HBAR that I ordered back on Sept 20, 2004. Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait! Even though it was a very long time and sometimes I got itchy to buy something locally available, I am glad I waited and got exactly what I wanted. The guys at AIM were always very cordial and tried to give me the best info on wait times. They called me last week and said my rifle was on the way. I don't think you can go wrong with any Bushmaster, and if you can hold out, AIM is the way to go too. 64FXR, you should be getting one soon! TR |
|
Hello, Does the HBAR mean Heavy Barrel? Does that come with the 16" carbines? I didn't see that option in the flyer's I received. Thanks...
|
|
ToroRojo, What is the specific model number you ordered and how much did you pay? As far as I can tell from the flyer the 20" or more models are the only ones that come with the heavy barrel. Thanks..
|
|
Yes, HBAR is Heavy Barrel. This is the exact rifle I purchased from AIM (not exact, mine is an A3): Bushmaster 16" A2/A3 .223 Carbine http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/bushsuna2carb.gif Semi-Auto 5.56mm-.223 Rem. Caliber. 30rd Magazine, "16 Chrome Lined Heavy Bbl. Includes A3 Carry Handle (on A3 Models), Bayonet Lug, Birdcage Flash Suppressor, and Telestock. 32.5" Length (Retracted stock), Weight w/o magazine- 6.93lbs. Item#Bush-BCWA2F A2 Type: $749.95ea Item#Bush-BCWA3F A3 Type: $799.95ea Here is Bushmaster's direct link to the same rifle: www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3f16.asp I paid $799.95 + about $15 for shipping for the A3. |
|
I bought a Bushy M4A3 from Aim in November. Great price that you will find difficult to match. Fair warning though, be ready to wait. I still don't have mine ordered on 3Nov. I don't think it really matters who you order from right now, you're might have to wait depending on which one you get. Their customer service people are always very friendly when I call them once a week to ask where I'm at in the wait. I would not hesitate to spend more money with them. |
| I just got my Bushmaster 16" A3 M4 on February 28th. I placed my order with my local FFL dealer on January 11th through Davidsons Gallery of Guns in Arizona. Davidsons offers a lifetime warranty and I thought $859 including shipping, plus sales tax, was a good price. |
|
ToroRojo, Does your weapon have the detachable carrying handle? What is the major difference between your A3 and the M4A3? Is the M4 not a heavy barrel? Thanks..
|
|
ABC4ME, That does sound good. I wonder if my local guy could do the same? I especially like the relatively short lead time.. Why did you choose the M4? Thanks...
|
Because for your first AR, you should get a flat top unless you know for a fact that you will never, ever want to mount an optic sight to it and even then, it's still not a bad idea to get a flat top. And because I hate HBAR's, especially on a carbine! Serves no practical purpose other than saving the manufacture time and money and making your carbine heavier than it should be. (As added bonus, it also seems to piss Colt off when BM uses the term "M4"  )Just my opinion of course! 
|
|
Strangelove I choose the M4 for three reasons: less weight, it was only $10 more, and it looks cool. I actually asked for either rifle as both generally have a long lead time and the M4 was available first. I found that the dealers listed by Davidsons have varying prices so check around in your area to find the best deal. I found a FLL dealer that offers very good prices, can service what he sells, and I enjoy talking with him about many topics. |
|
Strangelove, The model I purchased (A3) has a detachable handle. There are a few things to consider when looking at the differences between the rifles. 1) All of the Bushmasters come with a designation of A2 (fixed carry handle) or A3 (detachable carry handle). So there would be no difference between two models sharing the designation A3. 2) Bushmaster is shipping two types of "M4's". There is the standard M4A3 (BCWA3F 14M4 IZ) which is has 14.5" M4-profile barrel with a permanently attached Izzy Brake (overall length is 16" which causes some confusion between models), and there is a 16" version (BCWA3F 16M4) that was previously marketed as a LEO Patrolman's Carbine. It is the same as the standard M4 except that it has a 16" M4-profile barrel with an A2 Bird Cage flash suppressor. 3) The only difference between the 16" M4A3 (not the 14.5") and the 16" A3 Carbine is the barrel profile. The 16" M4A3 has an M4-profile barrel (total weight 6.8 pounds) and the 16" A3 Carbine has a HBAR barrel (total weight 6.72 pounds). The 14.5"/16" M4A3 weighs in at 5.994 pounds. All weights were taken from Bushmaster's site. 4) Given the information above, I wanted to have a 16" standard barrel that would allow me to change flash suppressors at will without the fear of breaking some federal law. The weight difference between the two 16" carbines is negligible so that didn't really factor into my decision. I chose the HBAR for two reasons: a) the HBAR supposedly maintains accuracy better after sustained firing sessions, and b) I like the straight line profile of the standard HBAR over the step in the M4 barrel. You should be able to make up your own mind given this information. I think everyone has a valid reason for making the choices they make. TR |
|
I picked the Bushmaster A3 HBAR for the same reasons as ToroRojo. The barrel is 1" under the hand guards. A little better for sustained fire. I really don't think that you would even notice the weight difference. If I could get a real M203, with real rounds for it, then I would have gotten the M4. Jeremy |
| I ordered my M4A3 from AIM on Oct 13 2004 for $809. I also had a K31 in the same order. I got the K31 that week. I just got my M4 last thursday from them. I would call them on a weekly basis to get an update. They had about 75 on backorder and they filled them up to about Nov 1. They said that Bushmaster was producing a lot for some civilian contractors in Iraq and the us market was a priority. I didnt mind the price because to get it locally it would cost me about $1050 from all the dealers. Plus I found and FFl do it for $10 plus a $5 background. Saving 7% in taxes was nice also. AIM only charged $13.00 in taxes. |
AR Sponsor