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Posted: 7/29/2008 7:46:05 PM EDT
| Hey guys im planning on purchasing my first AR and do not have a lot of knowledge about them. I was wondering the difference between a bushmaster or one made by olympic arms and which was better. Also was wondering what a good price on a new one was i have priced my local gunshops and most seem to be in the 800-1000$ price range. Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks |
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I have no experience with Oly. However, they seem to sell a lot of non-standard AR parts that may or may not be compatible with other ARs. I am unsure about their quality, but don't take that as a negative. Bushmaster sells some great rifles. I own many Bushy uppers, a complete rifle, RRA, LCW, and others. My Bushy runs as well as my Colt. |
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My father-in-law uses Oly Arms receivers. He's married them to various barrels, lower parts kits, uppers, stocks, and any other AR part without any problems. I've shot his rifles in several competitions and they have always performed flawlessly. I would confidently buy one of their rifles. As far as prices go, a basic carbine (cheap stock, standard grips, A2 or flat upper) should start around (from what I've seen) $650 to $725. If you're looking at a non-basic carbine setup and want a different barrel and stock, then $800 - $1000 is probably a good ballpark. However, you may be able to save a little bit of $ if you purchase the basic carbine and swap out it's parts with pieces you find individually at gun shows, gun stores, or online. I hope I have answered your questions. Good luck with your purchase. The black rifle is a ton of fun. - Rick |
Bushmaster seems to have a decent rep. I'm not really familiar with Olympic. I can recommend a Rock River Arms. I did a lot of research before I bought my first AR15 and always heard good things about them. I love my RRA Tactical Entry. They won a government contract because of their reliability. There were the only company to meet the strict requirements and pass all types of torture tests. The price really depends on what you want. You could probably get a flat top carbine for around $850-$900. http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=217 http://www.class3weapons.com/rockriverarms/quality_review_rra_rock_river_arms_ar15_ar-15.html |
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I would pass based on what I have seen. A friend of mine picked up one in 20" and it was a POS. Lots of jamming problems. Picked up one in 16" and same thing. Sold that off and bought a Bushy and no issues after that except with mags breaking. I went with Stag for my first. Both the ones I got were around $750 OTD. I guess they are owned or work with LMT and make great quality rifles for a good price. I love mine! I have only put about 400 through each since I got them but they have ran great with 3 kinds of brass stuff and wolf. Worth checking out...  
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| I can only comment about Bushmaster as I have one in my arsenal and if I would comment about Olympic it would only be hearsay. Bought my Bushmaster Modular carbine last year and all is well. It has become my precision medium distance shooter. My first AR-15 carbine also bought last year is a RRA Entry Tactical. The RRA is my HD/SD/SHTF go to carbine. Both carbines shoots well with no issues from the get go. |
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I have had both, still have the Oly. I'd say overall the Bushmaster was a better rifle, with the CL barrel, 4150 steel and better resale, that said I have had zero problems with the Oly after 6000+ rounds. If the price point is the same I would say do the Bushy. You will find there are a lot of Oly haters here, but mine works fine, so I won't bash the Oly. I did rebarrel my Oly with an FNMI chrome lined barrel, but that's because I'm a Chrome lined barrel freak. For half the price of what I paid for my LE6920, it gives me plenty of bang for my buck. |
Out of what brands that were evaled??? |
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My first black rifle was an Oly and it is still performing flawless, not a single hang-up or any other problem. With that said if I were in the market for another entry level AR I would get whichever my budget would allow. Bushy makes a great gun and dispite the negative rep Oly gets I believe they make a fine rifle as well. I have yet to meet someone who could provide first hand evidence that Oly's quality is anything less than the other budget companies. |
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True, and most of those who do have first hand evidence speak of Olympic rifles manufactured from 10 years ago and older. their QC has improved from what I can tell. I've had one for 6 years and have yet to have an issue with it. It gets shot a lot since it is my only 20"er. |
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