I've mentioned on another post that I "Took the Plunge Today"--meaning I bought a Bushmaster 16" Shorty.  Now I have some questions:

1.  What kind of accuracy can I expect.

2.  I opted for the A2 type.  I've seen some neat red dot type optics on the A3 flattops such as the OK target Red Dot.  Are there any of these sights readily available for use with the A2 style.

3.  Break in procedures.  I've never fretted about this with other rifles, but do any of you have any comments with regard to this topic.

4.  Necessaries for cleaning and lubing?

5.  Anything else?

1)I've been good out to 100, so I've moved down to the 200 yard range.  I can hit the paper 75% of the time, so need more practice.

2) Yes, you can get a mount that mounts directly to the top of the carry handle mount or one that goose necks in front of the mount over the handguards.

3) just clean it before you first shoot (to make sure there's nothing in the barrel) and clean as the manual says after that.

4) Bore and chamber brush, patch holder/jig patches, some sort of cleaning rod and CLP.

5) Lotsa ammo and mags

1. I can get 5" groups at 200yds with my Bushy shorty. I would suggest you get a National Match front sight pin. They are a big improvement.

2. What Vinnie said. Check www.tapco.com.I prefer open sights on A2's

3. It's crome-lined, so don't worry about it.

4. I like bore snakes. Should be $12-15 for each caliber. You need CLP.

5. TONS of ammo and mags.
for ammo www.sportsmansguide.com

MH
Good for you!!! Welcome to the club......

1.I can get 3 inches at 100 with good amo and a rest. 6-9 at 200. Wolf is cool for plinking...not targets ammo....Q3131 is good.
2. A few pics of my 16" with goosneck and golfball shooter. And a FAR featherweight ar...kevlar lower.
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/1.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/2.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/3.jpg
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http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/5.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/6.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/7.jpg
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http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/9.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/10.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/11.jpg
http://www.thecapitol.com/stan/12.jpg
3.Chrome bore and lined barrel..clean and shoot.
4.Std brush,patches,jag,clp!!!!
5. Shoot every chance you get!!!!

I've seen a retired Marine sniper shoot a 16" Bushy out to 200 yds, prone, with iron sights, & he was able to put 5 shots under 1 inch.  Three of the five overlapped like a 3 leaf clover...that would have covered the size of a dime or less!!!

He was an inspiration to watch shoot.

Your Bushy will shoot amazingly well right out of the box.  The only question is, how well will you shoot?  With practice & proper technique you may be able to do amazing shots with it like the Marine.

I've put the Nat'l Match front sight pin on mine (0.52 wide) it is a HUGE improvement! I would recommemd it for any short bbl'd AR, Sight is easier to see, and sharper, easier to put on targer as pin doesn't cover the whole target like stock one does, One of the best improvements you can do for the shorty

inside 200 i can tell very little difference in my busy 16" and my armalite 20". I put the arms carry handle moun and a holosight on mine.



Notice the happy bunny decal on the stock. It makes the rifle less dangerous for the soccer moms

Im more impressed at how the gun just levitates in the air like that.  I knew AR's were good, but that is an excellent trick..

Quoted: inside 200 i can tell very little difference in my busy 16" and my armalite 20". I put the arms carry handle moun and a holosight on mine. Notice the happy bunny decal on the stock. It makes the rifle less dangerous for the soccer moms

looks great!  BTW is that the arms #39 mount on there and if so how do you like it?

1. That rifle is more than likely much more accurate than you are. Bushmaster swears their rifles (including 16" carbines) will shoot 1" at 100 yards. Maybe a little exaggerated, but I see no reason why it won't shoot AT LEAST 1.5". Practice and see what you can do.

2.A2 sites are good. If you want a scope, check out Trijicon compact ACOGS. A bit pricey, but well worth the money and can be reasonably priced on the for sale boards. You can also easily mount holosights or red dots with the right mounts.

3. It's a chrome bore, don't worry about it.

4. I like the boresnake myself. And Breakfree CLP. Also, a USGI cleaning kit is a must as well. They can come in very handy.

5. Mags, ammo, mags, ammo, mags, ammo, mags, ammo, mags, ammo, mags, ammo...............


Good luck and welcome to the club!

Vinne, hg112, AXELDAWG, Matrix, Ralph, The_ Beer_Slayer, that guy, green18 and seamusmcoi.

Thanks to all of you.  I'm beginning to feel right at home.  I've read each of your posts and I'll be looking into that National Match front sight pin.  Dawg I appreciate the pics. Its unanimous on the mags.  I'll be checking into that.  Who do you guys recommend for mags?

As for the ACOG, I've known about that little gem since it was first introduced.  I finally be picking one up.  I've been too busy to stay up on all this good stuff due to my work so I didn't know if there has been any sight that has superseded it.  

When time permits I'll make a run to the range and sight her in.  BTW what brand/model of ammo do you guys prefer for general use.  

Don't worry, I won't be burning the real low quality, corrosive or Wolff ammo through it, but its been awhile since I've bought any .223 say like 7 years.  I've got some UMC laying around for my soon to be sold Mini-14, but I'm wondering what other good general use stuff is out there.

Thanks.

MH

South African surplus is good ammo and CHEAP. It isn't very accurate though. If you are sighting in a scope or shooting for MOA accuracy you will be dissappointed with SA.  

Lake City, Winchester, IMI, most new production ammo is good for accuracy.

Do you reload? That is your best bet for accuracy for the $$$.

Whatever you get, I suggest some South African to go with it for plinking, blasting.

My experience with my V match 16" is great.
I punched out the bore a couple times when new.Shot a few rounds and punched again.
After about 70 rounds,some fmj,some sp's,I ran another patch down and got serious.
Shot a group that a dime covered,at 100yds.
Figured I screwed up so I shot another 3 rnd. group.
A dime still covered it.
I think I'm I'm going to like this rifle.
I am using a Simmons Pro 50 scope-2.5X10X50.
I will also say I hate shooting paper,but I know it is a neccesity.The more you shoot,the better you'll be.
S/F

Quoted: MH Good for you!!! Welcome to the club...... 1.I can get 3 inches at 100 with good amo and a rest. 6-9 at 200. Wolf is cool for plinking...not targets ammo....Q3131 is good. 2. A few pics of my 16" with goosneck and golfball shooter. And a FAR featherweight ar...kevlar lower. 3.Chrome bore and lined barrel..clean and shoot. 4.Std brush,patches,jag,clp!!!! 5. Shoot every chance you get!!!!

Got Mags?  I rate them as this

1) USGI mags (except cooper)
2) US Thermolds
<Bigspace>
3)Canadian Thermolds and Israeli Orilites
4) Aftermarket steel mags like USA or Victor that aren't good for much other than targets or (filled with concrete)Lower Reciever Vice Blocks

Of course some people will put the big space between the USGI and the Thermolds but I like Thermold mags.  You can't go wrong with USGI (except cooper)

Read all about them here:

Troy's FAQ about Mags