Need advice on a Bushmaster

[ChCx91]

Hello everyone. I was looking into buying a semi-automatic rifle the other day. I want a Bushmaster E2S A1 M4 Type Carbine. It is a .223 with a 30+1 magazine capacity, weighs only about 7 lbs, and is only about 34 inches long overall. The price stands at about $600.00-$700.00 dollars, and seems to be an all around good weapon for defense and target practice. This will be my first gun ever to be purchased in my life, so I want to get some feedback from others before trying to buy it. If anyone also has suggestions on other semi-automatic rifles, let me know please.

 

[mons meg]

This will be my first gun ever to be purchased in my life

Nothing like hitting the ground running, I always say.

Is the rifle used, or is this a new one from a dealer? Price sounds a tad low for new.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I really recommend the flattop. It is more versatile. Even if you never use anything but iron sights, the flattop allows you to change the iron sights to whatever you like - they make dozens of different iron sights for the flattop (including the M1A and H&K rear sights).

If you ever do decide you want optics, you won't have to buy a new receiver and change all the parts over to mount them.

 

[ChCx91]

yes it is new, and i actually may change my mind from the A1 to the A2. does the "Bushmaster A2 Shorty Carbine" have a removable sight or is that the A3 model?

 

[SigfanUSAF]

Where are you finding a New Bushy M4 in the $600 dollar range? Thats cheaper than a dealer can get one!

 

[rino451]

Can't go wrong with a Bushy. I have both a flat top and an A2 and in reality I like shooting the A2 better. I actually wish it were an A1. I can work more on the fundamentals of shooting better with it than with the flat top. If I want, I can still put an optic on the carry handle although it'll be a little high for real precision work. I would argue that a stock flat top AR isn't the right tool for real precision work anyway although some will argue. Also that's a good price for a Bushy. My A3 cost me $1000 out the door - I didn't know any better at the time.

ETA A3 has the removeable carry handle. Also, if you have the choice, go with the 16" with screw on flash hider or longer as opposed to the 14.5" with permanent FH.

 

[lamazza]

A1 to the A2

neither have detachable handle-
A3 has the detachable.
And, if you can get more at that price buy them all

 

[ChCx91]

alright thanks for the replies guys. keep em comin!

so this is where my decision is stuck between:

E2S A1 M4 Type Carbine (cheapest)

-OR-

E2S A3 Carbine (removable sight/hand rail for optic upgrade)

suggestions from here?

 

[lamazza]

If the A3 has a heavy barrel that is the one I'd(or did ) buy.
I really don't understand the need for an M4 barrel profile when its pretty doubtful that you would attach an M203 to it

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The M4 barrel is well-liked because it is about a half-pound lighter than the HBAR in the same length; but just as accurate.

I actually wish it were an A1. I can work more on the fundamentals of shooting better with it than with the flat top.

I am curious why you feel that you can work on the fundamentals of shooting better with an A1 or A2 irons than you can with A2 irons in a detachable carry handle?

 

[buck00]

I think a Bushmaster would be an excellent first firearm buy. That price sounds pretty good. I'd say get a used one, but if you can pick one up for $600 then go for it.

Advice: avoid the temptation to buy cheap ammo. I had a buddy who got an AR-15 then rushed out and got lots of Wolf ammo which didn't eject properly. Save yourself the grief.

I think a Bushmaster is great for the range and doubles for home defense.

 

[nitesite]

I own but one AR-15. I bought a new XM15 E2S and I'm very happy with it. If I get another upper or a complete rifle I will go with Bushmaster again.

 

[stormspotter]

Need advise on Bushmaster

I have both, an early Bushmaster w/A1 sights and a V-match flat top and with my eyes being not as sharp as they used to be, I find it easier to shoot my flat top. You have the choice of red dot or scope.

Soon going to sell the A1 and stick with the flat tops.

Leonard

 

[ChCx91]

so basically, you guys prefer the detatchable carry handle on the A3 over the A1 and A2 models. ill look into that. thanks.

 

[possum]

i suggest the models with the removable carry handles. my first bushmaster was an a2 model and i sold it to buy an a3 model, because of the versatility, flat tops are the way to go, in my opinion. bushmasters are nice and i love mine.

BTW. if you get a flat top model i have a flip up rear sight that I'll sell you for a good deal,that's all you will really need to get started. let me know.