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3/29/2006 1:56:09 PM EDT
What do you guys recommend? Which company builds the tightest rifles? (I know SOME upper/lower slop to some degree is expected due to the designe, but as a rule, which one has the least?)  According to the brand comparison chart, Bushmaster uses 4150 and Armalite uses 4140 steel in the barrels, Armalite also uses the 1 piece gas rings. Which is the better rifle (M15 A2 20' Chrome lined barrel, just so its apples/apples)?
3/29/2006 2:08:53 PM EDT
[#1]
Both make a solid rifle, I'd go Bushmaster
3/29/2006 2:13:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Cant go wrong with either.
3/29/2006 2:13:29 PM EDT
[#3]

Both are fine, and I own both.  Armalite might have slightly better finished appearance, but Bushmaster may have slightly better customer service.

I'd rate them as equivalent, and buy whichever one you can find cheaper (when talking about comparably equipped rifles)

3/29/2006 2:20:32 PM EDT
[#4]
both are good but my first choice would be bushmaster.
3/29/2006 3:15:13 PM EDT
[#5]
Armalite!
3/29/2006 4:32:01 PM EDT
[#6]
I've been pining over this for about 2 years now, last week I finally bought my Bushmaster ES2 A2.
I was trying to get a dealer to allow me to ship in a DCM and he wouldn't. I got a price of $1,205 and then the handling from a dealer. That dealer had this one in for $899.00 and I walked out with it.
He had the Armalite side by side and from what I've read here, it was the Bushie hands down ;)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d186/ghosthorsfarms/march14mandysbrowning028.jpg
3/29/2006 4:34:56 PM EDT
[#7]
Sorry about the Photobucket picture, I don't know why they are splitting up like that?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d186/ghosthorsfarms/march14mandysbrowning029.jpg
3/29/2006 4:43:15 PM EDT
[#8]
ArmaLite
3/29/2006 4:46:27 PM EDT
[#9]
Yeah, I do a lot of thinking and shopping before I lay out $1K for ANYTHING. Pisses some gun-shop owners off, but hey, EVENTUALLY I WILL buy, and when I do I usually spare no expense when I find what I want. Been contemplating an AR for about a year now, along with something for conceiled carry, I think the AR will win out. I want to get a pre-ban configuration while i can.
3/29/2006 4:52:40 PM EDT
[#10]
I was going to get a Bushmaster, but a competition gunsmith advised me that ArmaLite or Colt would be better.  I chose the Armalite and it has a lifetime warranty, was a middy, and was only $75 more.  Haven't fired it yet but is sure looks nice!  Oh yeah, the upper to lower fit is perfect.
5/18/2006 9:37:25 PM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
I was going to get a Bushmaster, but a competition gunsmith advised me that ArmaLite or Colt would be better.  I chose the Armalite and it has a lifetime warranty, was a middy, and was only $75 more.  Haven't fired it yet but is sure looks nice!  Oh yeah, the upper to lower fit is perfect.



It was $75. more than the Colt?
5/18/2006 10:29:43 PM EDT
[#12]
nothing wrong with either
I personally lie Bushmasters better

had a few more customer complaints with Armalites than Bushmaster
5/18/2006 11:09:58 PM EDT
[#13]

Quoted:
both are good but my first choice would be bushmaster.



+1
5/18/2006 11:14:31 PM EDT
[#14]
I own one ArmaLite M15A2 20", it is a top notch rifle and I have never had one problem with it.

Fit and finish is perfect, and ArmaLite Customer service is Top Notch!
5/18/2006 11:59:33 PM EDT
[#15]
I heard horror stories about Armalite's customer service and never considered them when making my decision.  I ended up ordering a RRA.
5/19/2006 2:23:52 AM EDT
[#16]
ArmaLite! Beautiful weapon and great customer service.
5/19/2006 4:02:05 AM EDT
[#17]
Both are good manufacturers with good product.  Fit and finish can be subjective.  I've handled weapons from both companies that have had fit-up issues.  Every time you have something that is being produces en mass, you will run into a few parts that look better/worse than others.  If fit between upper and lower are loose, get an accuwedge.
5/19/2006 4:15:35 AM EDT
[#18]
It comes down to features and price.  I own 1 of each and I love them both.  Don't get hung up on which one is "better" as they are both quality rifles, and either rifle is capable of shooting better than you are.  
Regarding the 12th hand comments about Armalite customer service,  I have nothing but good personal experiences to share about Armalite's customer service and the quality of work that they did for me.  
5/19/2006 9:41:03 AM EDT
[#19]
I don't care about the finish. I plan to wear it off.

I don't want it to be "tight" except in the lockup between bolt and barrel extension.

I don't care what the warranty is because I'm going to modify the piss out of it anyway.

I think $1,000 is too much to pay for rifle. WAY too much.

I think the best thing to do is build your own rifle from quality parts.

That's just what I think.

5/19/2006 10:13:37 AM EDT
[#20]

Quoted:
Which is the better rifle (M15 A2 20' Chrome lined barrel, just so its apples/apples)?



Quoted:
I think $1,000 is too much to pay for rifle. WAY too much.



Bushmaster is only ~$750
5/19/2006 1:10:21 PM EDT
[#21]
Bushmaster!
5/19/2006 1:36:39 PM EDT
[#22]
Bushmaster makes a oustanding AR15 my shorty has NEVER Failed

my Shorty led me to buy another Bushmaster HBAR 20 inch wich could shoot 1 inch groups with 69SMK by federal!  I sold it ??   wish I could have it back


ARMALITE makes a good AR15 and AR10

If you want a M4 type I would go with LMT
5/19/2006 1:40:24 PM EDT
[#23]
Bushmaster
5/20/2006 1:58:15 PM EDT
[#24]
sold bushy to buy armalite, money well spent
5/20/2006 2:21:03 PM EDT
[#25]
I vote Armalite slightly over Bushmaster.
I also vote old Bushmaster slightly over new Bushmaster.
I also vote Rock River over new Bushmaster.
I also vote blah blah blah.
I also...

edited so I could slap myself.
5/20/2006 2:46:37 PM EDT
[#26]
dpmmn,


I own one ArmaLite M15A2 20", it is a top notch rifle and I have never had one problem with it.

Fit and finish is perfect, and ArmaLite Customer service is Top Notch!



If you have not had a problem with it, how do you know so much about their customer service?

Just courious. I HAD an AR10 and I know a LOT about their customer service.
Not saying it was bad, but I used it SO much that I dumped the gun.

Clearly YMMV.

Bill

edited to add, I have 3 Bushmasters and 1 Colt. If I were to buy another,
it would probably be a Bushy.
5/21/2006 6:01:48 PM EDT
[#27]

Quoted:
dpmmn,


I own one ArmaLite M15A2 20", it is a top notch rifle and I have never had one problem with it.

Fit and finish is perfect, and ArmaLite Customer service is Top Notch!



If you have not had a problem with it, how do you know so much about their customer service?

Just courious. I HAD an AR10 and I know a LOT about their customer service.
Not saying it was bad, but I used it SO much that I dumped the gun.

Clearly YMMV.

Bill

edited to add, I have 3 Bushmasters and 1 Colt. If I were to buy another,
it would probably be a Bushy.




Well I have ordered a couple of ArmaLite Uppers and LPK's and every single time I have been treated with the utmost respect and my products were delivered promptly
ArmaLite Rocks

5/21/2006 6:33:10 PM EDT
[#28]

Well I have ordered a couple of ArmaLite Uppers and LPK's and every single time I have been treated with the utmost respect and my products were delivered promptly


Well most everyone is happy to take your money.

My observation was and is what I pointed out.
You still have not dealt with their CUSTOMER SERVICE.
You have just placed orders.
I have dealt with their customer service a LOT.

I am not saying that it sucks, but rather pointing out the obvious.

Good Luck
Bill
5/21/2006 6:36:39 PM EDT
[#29]
Get both
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