And of course, signed up on this site.  Been surfing for a couple of days, reading through topics...and please, forgive me on what can probably be considered ignorant questions over the next few months...at least till I get somewhat up to speed...Laugh.

So she's a pretty XM-15, a2...nothing special with a NcStar 4x illuminated scope.  I haven't even gotten a chance to take her to the range.
Her previous owner only had her for 3 months, and fired maybe 20 rounds downrange.  

This beauty even put me in the mind to go ahead and buy a gunsafe yesterday.  

So I've ordered some 223 ammo and some Orlite clips I found for cheap...and can't wait to see how she shoots.

Now I'll be posting up a couple of questions I haven't been able to find the answer to on this site, or others...

But for now, I'll let you know I'm familiar with pistols and shotguns, but this is my first rifle.  I wanted one that I could modify and that there would be support, and spare parts for, everywhere...

So what should a rifle newbie be aware of with these weapons?  

You mentioned wanting to modify your new baby.  What do you have in mind?

As far as newbie advise, keep her clean and feed her good ammo and she'll spit lead like a champ.

E-95

Well I'm trying to figure out what exactly is legal, and what's not...

I'ld like to make it more accurate...but not to an insane degree if you know what I mean...

My primary reason for owning this weapon is for target practice...and just incase SHTF...I'ld like to have something to protect myself with at a distance...

Eventually I'm planning on getting another that runs the 5.56 or maybe a 7.62 SKS or the like...

But for now this 223 for target will work...

So it's mainly accuracy mods....and slowly, new scope, and whatever else is involved...

Bipod is a definate...I really want to put one on this weapon...just trying to find the right one...

Get some [s]Orlite[/s] USGI [s]clips[/s] magazines. [;)]

Welcome to the site.

Well, if you want accuracy then you'll eventually want to have an A3 upper.  That way your scope mount will be as close to barrel center as possible.  Probably want to put in a 2-stage trigger group as well.

What are you thinking of that might raise a legal issue?

If you're looking for a bipod then take a gander at [url=www.impactguns.com/store/harris_bipods.html]Harris Bipods[/url].

Oh, and welcome to the board.  [:D]

E-95

Rowdymon, your Bushmaster should eat 5.56 ammo.
If you have the M4, there is a designation mark towards the end of the barrel. I know my BM M4gery post ban w/mini y comp brake has this designation in that location. Get comfortable with the iron sights for a while before you worry about optics. USGI 20 & 30 rounders are legal in Texas and preferred overwhelmingly around here. Never enough mags. Get ready for consumption of treasury notes. You are done!!

Stick with USGI magazines for reliability.  Orlites or Thermolds are OK for range use, but avoid all other aftermarket magazines.  The equipment exchange on this site is an excellent place to get USGI mags.  Read the AR15 Magazine FAQ found in the magazines forum.

Use good ammo and keep it clean and you shouldn't have any problems.  Welcome aboard!

I just purchased a Bushmaster A2 Shorty a little over a week ago, spent the first week at the ranch, ran 1000+ round  through her.
She ran like a champ, didnt exsperience any problems.
Did great on paper, also killed a few varments.
So far, I have Colt 20rd mags and  one 30rd  mag made in England, oh and the politically  correct 10rd mag that came with the rifle.

Just got here cleaned up  & ready to go again. :D

TG

Congratulations.  Welcome to the sight and the addiction.

Get in the habit of using CLP (a lot of the guys, including me, like Breakfree CLP) for your cleaning.  Like others have mentioned, stick with USGI (not USA Magazine) magazines.  

Thanks to everyone for their responses...

I've been wondering about breakaway...I'll have to see about a local supplier here in Houston.

On the mag's..well, I was impatient, and the day after I ordered them I was on this site...

I figure they'll do alright for range use, since that's what I'll be doing mostly anyhow...but I'll be looking for some USGI mags shortly I imagine...

ON the Harris Bipod's...do I need to get the Harris AR-15 adaptor or will those mount on the sling stud I already have?  I guess I should ask them...but wanted some opinions on people who have already done this...

I thought the 5.56 loads were a bit too 'hot' for a regular 223 weapon...but I'll check the barrel markings and see what it says...and get back to y'all on that one.

I'll have to see when the Houston boys are going to the range and see about meeting some more local 'black rifle' owners...

Thus far I have no complaints...my pocketbook does, but hey it's only money right?  I'll make more...(and right now I don't have a wife to answer to either, I'm sure that helps)...LOL

if you have this rifle [img]http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/Images/pcwa2s16.jpg[/img]
it's chambered for .223/5.56
[url]http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2s16.asp[/url]
congrats btw!

If I didn’t have a wife, I would own multiple belt-fed machine guns.  But now that I have her, I wouldn’t trade her for the world.  [;)]

The CLP you want is called Breakfree.  There is a Harris bipod adapter, which provides a swivel stud to attach the bipod; can’t think of the number though.

I'm guessing she was next to you when you wrote this.[:D]

Nope.  (But she might read this later tonight.  [:D])

Good choice on the Bushmaster.




You do need the Harris ar-15 adapter, it is the #5 adapter or HB5 adapter.