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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Colt VS Windham (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 12/21/2016 9:55:06 PM EDT
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Hello, all. For the past several months I've been contemplating the ownership of my very own AR15. Building or buying, etc. Initially I selected the AR15A4 from Colt themselves as the rifle I wanted, although it doesn't have to be a colt for me to be happy. I've decided on buying a complete rifle, rather than building which I did contemplate for a bit, but now as I inch closer to that magic amount of money, I've run into a problem. Colts are hard to find! I have no doubt they're worth the money, but constantly looking for that site that has what I want in stock is a real headache and doesn't appeal to me.
So, searching for alternatives, I wound up finding the Windham Weaponry 20" Government Centerfire Rifle, being sold at Gander Mountain; which is near me; and seems to be available constantly, unlike the Colt version. So, I pitch the question at you guys: Is the Windham AR15 a good rifle? If not, should I seek another alternative, or simply just wait it out until the Colt is ripe or picking? Thank you in advance, I am very much appreciative.  I have placed a link below if desired.
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Windham-Weaponry-20-Government-Centerfire-Rifle&i=935844 |
| Windham is the OG Bushmaster, founded by guys that were part of the original Bushmaster. Windham makes quality stuff, I don't have any complete rifles but I've used lots of their parts, particularly barrels. Can't go wrong with either. If I was picking between the two, I'd flip a coin and just buy it. |
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I haven't seen anything bad about Windham and they are the old bushmaster crew.
I wouldn't be worried about a rifle from them. However, have you looked into theFNH FN-15. If I were chasing an A4 type rifle that would be my first choice. |
| I decided on a Windham 16" SRC for my first one. I don't have enough experience with Colt models to really compare but I've been very pleased with the Windham. Got it, cleaned it and then went to an all day carbine course, the only malfunction was a double feed about half way thru the second mag. All in all it was a good day, managed to set my shirt on fire from the hot barrel and everything! well... ok, it was only smoldering |
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Hinterland has some colt A4s left. I just got mine from them. Wasn't the cheapest price but they were great to deal with.
My rifle showed up as one with the mismarked barrel from colt. Some of the others were the same so that's something to consider if it's going to bother you. Colt will rebarrel with the correctly marked barrel under warranty. http://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/colt-rifle-ar15a4-remington556-nato-semi-auto-fixed-stock-black-finish-p-44848.html |
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Quoted:
Windham is the OG Bushmaster, founded by guys that were part of the original Bushmaster. Windham makes quality stuff, I don't have any complete rifles but I've used lots of their parts, particularly barrels. Can't go wrong with either. If I was picking between the two, I'd flip a coin and just buy it. i have a Windham govt profile 20" inbound as we speak. I have no worries. They are in ME. That is a long way away and the FEDEX guy is driving in shitty weather. It will be a slow shipment, hopefully it doesn't end up in a ditch. 
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I built this rifle last spring. Well, Father's Day anyways. It's a Windham GI barrel and I love it. Inch and a half or so groups at 100 yds and I can reliably hit the 200, 300 and 400 yd gongs. The 500 is a bit more challenging as the long range guys hung up an 8" gong for their 800 yd line which is 300 yds behind the regular line. But I can still hit it around 50%. This is with the Vortex Splitfire 3x scope and Federal American Eagle 62 gr green tip. 
This barrel loves that stuff. I'm a Colt man so I would love to have a Colt A4 but you certainly can't go wrong with the Windham. However I'd look around, I can't imagine Gander Mtn would have a decent point. |
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Yes, Windham makes a more than decent AR. Make sure you really want a rifle and not a carbine though for your first AR. My first was a Colt A2 and it is a nice rifle. But I wish I would have went with a 14.5" carbine gassed AR instead. The A2 is longer and heavier than it needs to be for my needs/likes/etc...YMMV...
I have a Windham Weaponry 14.5" barrel and BCG in a Mega arms billet upper/lower GTR-3H receiver build. The barrel is very accurate and the C-158 bolt has held up just as well as my old Colt, Spikes, and as well as my very used AIM-Surplus branded 9310 bolt. Owning examples both products OP; I would have no problem selecting a Windham if the Colt you want can't be found anywhere relatively soon. |
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Quoted:
Windham is the OG Bushmaster, founded by guys that were part of the original Bushmaster. Windham makes quality stuff, I don't have any complete rifles but I've used lots of their parts, particularly barrels. Can't go wrong with either. If I was picking between the two, I'd flip a coin and just buy it. Dis. However, no way in fuck sake would I buy a gun from Gander Mountain. Find what you want online and ship it to a local FFL. |
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Quoted:
Windham is the OG Bushmaster, founded by guys that were part of the original Bushmaster. Windham makes quality stuff, I don't have any complete rifles but I've used lots of their parts, particularly barrels. Can't go wrong with either. If I was picking between the two, I'd flip a coin and just buy it. that was what I was going to say....... I've bought a bunch of barrels from them and a few BCG. they seem up to the task .. small parts you can't go wrong |
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I bought the Windham and really like it. Would still like to pick up a Colt someday.
http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/141298/r20gvta4s7/windham-weaponry-ww-15-government-5.56mm-m4a4-rifle-with-detachable-carry-handle-and-20-in-barrel |
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I have a 20" govt barrel, detachable carry handle and the delta ring assembly from Windham on my first AR-15. Seems like good stuff to me.
I have heard they use commercial buffer tubes, that bothers some so take that under advisement too. Not a big deal but good to know about (or check into farther, "some guy on the internet" isn't always 100% right all the time) I was building mine so it didn't concern me. |
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I have a Windham, first AR15 ever, flawless function and terrific accuracy. As long as you buy a legit colt and not that expanse BS, it will be great to.
However, Colt does have a lot of nice features, exceptional materials, etc. I would say the Colt is a better choice. I did not get a Colt because the WW was there at a good price and I bought it. |
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Yep. Don't see how windham could still be an option since what the op truly wants is available at a comparable price point He did say that his reason was that the Colt AR15A4s are hard to find. The Windham Weaponry 20” Gov’t. Rifle (Model# R20GVTA4S-7) is readily available. These are excellent rifles. At a MSRP of $1192, they are priced right along with the Colt and are worth every penny. |
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Windham Weaponry is fine, if you like the rifle with the carry handle sights it's a decent option, but a Colt is going to be easier to resell in 2020 during the next Panic for top dollar because everybody's heard of Colt. But I certainly wouldn't buy it at Gander Mountain.
Slick guns I love my Colts 6720 if you prefer a lite weight carbine. 
Colt 6720. $799 |
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I have a lot of experience with other rifles, but WW I only have limited.
I took a patrol rifle class with my department and two people had WW rifles. Guess what two people had major issues with their rifles working? BOTH WW rifles had so many issues we had to stop the class. I think one of them had to be replaced. That's my only experience. It's enough of one for me. |
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He did say that his reason was that the Colt AR15A4s are hard to find. The Windham Weaponry 20” Gov’t. Rifle (Model# R20GVTA4S-7) is readily available. These are excellent rifles. At a MSRP of $1192, they are priced right along with the Colt and are worth every penny. He apparently did not look very hard if he's looking at Gander Mountain. I found Colts on slickguns for $799 in about a minute and a half. |
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Or if you like a heavy barrel........
6721. $819.99 with free shipping |
OP wants a 20" A4, thought you meant one of those for that price 
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that was what I was going to say....... I've bought a bunch of barrels from them and a few BCG. they seem up to the task .. small parts you can't go wrong Quoted:
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Windham is the OG Bushmaster, founded by guys that were part of the original Bushmaster. Windham makes quality stuff, I don't have any complete rifles but I've used lots of their parts, particularly barrels. Can't go wrong with either. If I was picking between the two, I'd flip a coin and just buy it. that was what I was going to say....... I've bought a bunch of barrels from them and a few BCG. they seem up to the task .. small parts you can't go wrong This all. But I may be a little bias haha. Just got a lower parts kit in to finish a build and still great quality parts.. |
I purchased the WW 20" government model several months ago and find it to be an excellent rifle. Their story of resurrection is cool too. No ammunition or magazine issues whatsoever. Iron sights are great. I did add a scope recently to bring the target a bit closer. One of their smiths, Erik, monitors the site regularly and can be found over in the Industry section @ https://www.ar15.com/forums/f_2/489_Windham-Weaponry.html . Good folks, warranty, customer service, and firearms.
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| I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE WINDHAM'S DISSIPATOR MODEL. THEY HAVE TWO TO CHOOSE FROM I GOT THE ONE WITH THE HEAVY BARREL Model # R16DA4T. GOT IT AT A TERRIFIC PRICE SHOP AROUND, WINDHAMS CAN BE FOUND CHEAPER THAN ONE WOULD EXPECT FOR THE QUALITY YOU GET. I HAVE BEEN AT THIS AWHILE AND IN MY OPINION WINDHAMS WEAPONRY AR'S GET LOOKED OVER. LOOKING AT ONE OF THIER AR 308'S FOR POSSIBLE NEXT RIFLE. |
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I have a lot of experience with other rifles, but WW I only have limited. I took a patrol rifle class with my department and two people had WW rifles. Guess what two people had major issues with their rifles working? BOTH WW rifles had so many issues we had to stop the class. I think one of them had to be replaced. That's my only experience. It's enough of one for me.  Please enlighten us on the multiple issues you have witnesses for these 2 rifles. I have seen this same post several times; I say BS.
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Please enlighten us on the multiple issues you have witnesses for these 2 rifles. I have seen this same post several times; I say BS. I'd be interested too. Not that I am trying to defend WW quality against Colt, just because WW is what I've recently bought. I've spend lots of time as a RO during matches and I've seen malfunctions from every type and brand of firearm with every type of setup ranging from 100$ to 5000+$. Myriads of them variables as a cause for malfunctions, so what exactly do you relate to the manufactor? And besides, Merry Christmas! |
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I have a lot of experience with other rifles, but WW I only have limited. I took a patrol rifle class with my department and two people had WW rifles. Guess what two people had major issues with their rifles working? BOTH WW rifles had so many issues we had to stop the class. I think one of them had to be replaced. That's my only experience. It's enough of one for me. Why the secrecy, state what you saw happen  .... This type of cryptic bullshit shouldn't be in a tech forum.... Don't kiss and not tell
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Got no dog in this hunt as I own both Colt and WW and aside from the commercial tube, I really cannot tell a difference between the quality between the 2 of them - actually like the WW stock as it's a bit longer and fits me better. Both have fired thousands of rounds of all type through them without a single failure and minimal maintenance. Right now, I'd give the edge in accuracy to the WW, but that may just be the fitting of the stock. Here's a tgt shot the other day with the WW with iron sights at 50 yds (get's a bit fuzzy beyond that with these old eyes) - flyer pisses me off as I felt it when it happened:
Bird |
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Please enlighten us on the multiple issues you have witnesses for these 2 rifles. I have seen this same post several times; I say BS.This dates back to the Original Bushmaster AR's... I was approached by a small P.D. to perform P.M. on their six Bushmasters. They did mention they had been having issues with short stroking. When I started the inspection the first thing I noticed they appeared to have never been cleaned, the next thing I noticed that several had loose carrier key's. They all were poorly staked. After correcting the issue they functioned 100%. Based on posts I've seen over the years, this doesn't appear to be an isolated issue. But again, these weapons were built quite a few years ago... |
| I have the WW SRC .223/5.56 ,and all I can tell you is that its a great carbine. Zero problems, and accurate. I like Colts also, probably because I caused them in the military for 20 years. Guess I wanted something a bit different, but not really. Either way you go you will be a happy camper. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Colt VS Windham (Page 1 of 2)
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