AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/12/2006 7:03:40 AM EDT
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Gang, I am looking into my first AR-15 purchase in the next few days. I have been an avid handgun and rifle user both in my professional life and as just an enthusiast like many of you. I spend much of my time in Maine, so I am partial to Bushmaster. I was in a local shop yesterday looking at the different ones for sale. I don’t need any bells and whistles (yet) I just want a nice, simple gun to learn on. So my question really is- based on what he showed me he had for sale, what should I look for in my first purchase? He had a few different models to choose from. The aluminum military-type set up and what he called the "newer composite" type. I think both were the same money, both with adjustable stocks and the same length barrel. There were a few other models as well, but they were not bushmasters- so I didn’t look at them. What are to pros and cons with these two? Besides weight, of course. Also, what should these be going for price wise? Is mid 800's a decent deal? I appreciate all of the info you have on this board. I hope to make my purchase (after MONTHS of reading) this week, learn a ton and then contribute to the discussions. Thanks in advance for any advice. Josh-man Boston/Maine |
 Welcome to the site!most (including me) prefer the regular mil-spec aluminum builds over the carbon stuff--for me, the Al works fine and is light enough and the carbon is just not tested enough for me what do you plan on using the AR for--varmiting, CQB, plinking, etc--before anyone can really reocommend anything as the AR platform is pretty versitle...? if its an all around AR, i'd recommend a no-banned M4 setup w/ A3 (flatop) upper, but if its for something specfic, it might be something else... mid-$800s for a NIB Bushy sounds like a good price  |
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I'd stay away from the Carbon Fiber ones. But that's just me. I'm sure there are alot of people that like them. I guess I could sum it up with this question. Does our Military use the Carbon fiber receivers? BTW - I wouldn't limit myself to looking at BM. BM is a good product, don't get me wrong. There are alot of companies that make fine ARs in that price range. BM would make a good 1st AR, but if you plan on shooting it alot, and want to use heavier bullets you may want to consider something with a 1/7 twist in the bbl. Most BM are 1/9, and that should work just fine unless your looking to invest in heavier bullets for longer (300 - 600yds) ranges. |
+1 To all the above. If your looking for an entry level AR the basic flat top M4 style would be ideal. You have the ability to learn the iron sites with the option of later adding your choice of optics. Welcome to THE BEST AR site on the web!
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Thanks for the information, and warm welcome. I have come here to learn. I am looking to use this at the range, just to do some basic shooting. I hope to grow from there, but again as its a new platform for me I need a while to learn this weapon before I start to even think about doing the other stuff. Its kinda like the guy who gets his CCW permit and starts carrying his gun even before hes been to the range with it. BAD idea. I need a good year on the range before I expand what I do with this weapon. DBAR, Point WELL taken regarding aluminum vs. composite frame. I imagine going with 'old faithful is fine. Im not planning on carrying this bad-boy anyplace except from the car to the range, so weight is not really a huge issue for me. actually, maybe the added weight would help my shooting with added balance?? The composite frame really weighed nothing. I thought the price was decent from all of my readings online. Thanks for that confirmation. any other thoughts/considerations are greatly appreciated. Josh-man |
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Well, I live in Mass- for about another month. Then its to Maine. However, I plan to buy this bad boy in Maine JUST for that reason. Mass has to have the most retarted (can I say that) gun laws out of anyplace. We are not a state, we are a commonwealth- and apparently that brings guns laws that are just down right NUTS! Josh-man |
snake or the pony 
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Good man, its nice to live in a free state! Bushmaster makes a good weapon, but there are a few things to look at. First, make sure you are getting one that has a flattop upper receiver. Its just not worth getting an A2 upper. Look at the barrel. There are very few reasons to get a heavy barrel. While you probably won't need the M203 cutout, but the M4 barrel offers a nice weight and is a great overall barrel. I guess a large part depends on how much you have to spend, or what you are trying to budget. |
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+1 - Listen to stickman and get a Bushmaster with Aluminum (NOT carbon) receivers and an M4 or government profile barrel (you can see the different barrels Bushmaster offers here). This page explains why. Why not carbon? If you do a search you will learn that some people have had feed problems and a few people have managed to melt the treads between the barrel nut and the barrel extension. Wellcome and good luck with your purchase! |
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You’re DOOMED you know, don’t you? Soon after you get to Maine you are going to wan to invest in Class III goodies like Full Auto, Suppressors and the like. You are going to get BRF – Black Rifle Fever – and you are going to enjoy it so much! You are going to get such a terminal case of BRF that you will have a hard time keeping enough ammo in your domicile to keep you happy. Oh, you are SO DOOMED! Enjoy….  |
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I read online from an "authority" that the 20" barrel was more accurate. What he failed to mention was that the accuracy bonus only comes in as a factor at LONG ranges. If I had my first build to do over again, I'd get the following: Your favorite brand (DMPS == mine) stripped lower - ~$120 after FFL fess and S/H, DPMS LPK (~$55), 6-position M4 stock (not Chinese knock-off) - ~$60 used or new shipped from the EE, Your favorite rear iron sight - ~$65 shipped from EE, Mid-length A3 upper with chrome-lined 16" barrel like the RRA middy uppers for sale in the EE - ~$430 shipped. Stick it all together - only a punch and hammer required - and you have a kick-ass weapon for about $730. Throw in some ~$10 new milspec mags that Denny's is selling in the Accessories area of the EE , and you're done. That's going to be my second build, and while I love my 20" DPMS first build, it's 2-inches too long and too heavy (it's an HBAR that's fluted). |
well, im not so sure that I am up for putting something together. maybe when I get much more in to this I would do something like that- Thanks for the advice though. so, flat top over the handle thingy-ma-bob? |
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