I'm going to be purchasing a M4 type of AR at the end of the month. I do not have the money to purchase a Colt, but I spent a great deal of time with my issued Colt in Iraq and loved it to death. I'm looking for a reliable quality AR (preferable one that will have no problem with cheaper ammo). Right now I am between getting a S&W M&P15 or a Bushmaster, but these are be no means the only I am considering. . I will be shooting mainly 62 and 55 grain rounds. The uses for this rifle will be mainly plinking and small game hunting. I am not going to build my own because I am gettinng a military discount that makes it just as expensive to purchase an AR whole with a warranty. I have never owned a civillian M4 type AR, and I need some advice one what you experienced shooters recomend.
AR Advice Needed
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DPMS
I have a DPMS that I have put thousands of rounds through and it is great. I also have a DPMS lower that is waiting for a 6.5 Grendal upper. Same quality, if not better than Bushy. I had a Bushmaster, but once I gut my DPMS, I sold it. The DPMS, IMHO, has a better fit/ finish and is just as reliable and accurate. Plus the DPMS comes with 2 30 round mags and a cleaning kit, complete with a chamber brush. And all for about $100 less than the bushy.
Just my $0.02
I have a DPMS that I have put thousands of rounds through and it is great. I also have a DPMS lower that is waiting for a 6.5 Grendal upper. Same quality, if not better than Bushy. I had a Bushmaster, but once I gut my DPMS, I sold it. The DPMS, IMHO, has a better fit/ finish and is just as reliable and accurate. Plus the DPMS comes with 2 30 round mags and a cleaning kit, complete with a chamber brush. And all for about $100 less than the bushy.
Just my $0.02
MachIVshooter
Member
If you have the dough for an M&P-15, you have enough for an Armalite M-15. That would be my vote. They've been building them for awhile, and I've yet to meet anyione who disliked an Armalite. Love my 10A2c
You might also check into Sabre Defence. They're a military contractor formerly in England. They supply the M2 (correct me if I'm wrong) guns often on hummers, and several other military contracts.
I've got one of their mid-length uppers on a RRA nat'l match lower. Very high quality materials and fitment. I've heard Bushy has gone downhill in recent years in terms of QC and anything with COLT on it will be astronomically high. Good luck on your search.
I've got one of their mid-length uppers on a RRA nat'l match lower. Very high quality materials and fitment. I've heard Bushy has gone downhill in recent years in terms of QC and anything with COLT on it will be astronomically high. Good luck on your search.
Nobody's recommending you a bad brand. I did the same thing when I got home, but I went with a Colt. I later sold it when I needed some quick cash, and now that I've bought back into the market I've got a Bushmaster. I just wanted something comparable to the military version - adjustable stock, A3 upper - and bought the Bushmaster when I saw it since it met the criteria. For the record though, I'd have easily gone with DPMS, Rock River, or others if that's what happend to be on the shelf.
Beren
Moderator Emeritus
In order of (my) preference:
1. Colt 6920
2. Colt 6520
3. LMT upper half on Stag lower half
4. Stag Arms upper & lower
1. Colt 6920
2. Colt 6520
3. LMT upper half on Stag lower half
4. Stag Arms upper & lower
Go to http://www.title2.com/Stagarms.html. They have Stag complete upper and lower assemblies for 710.00 delivered.
Flip.
Flip.
possum
Member
I have owned two bushmasters and own one now, and i love it, i have it set up many different ways depending on what i want to do with it. i shoot the same ammo that you are considering, and i have never had a problem with it. it functions flawlessly, and is a hoot to shoot. i think you will be very happy with the bushmasters. they make good stuff and i have never experienced any problems out of the two i owned or the 3 that my dad has owned. his ain't going anywhere, and mine is a keeper too!
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Yep, Baren has listed the list of the best in order. Although, I believe the 6520 is every bit as good as the 6920 - it's just a different configuration rifle (A2, thin barrel etc.)
If you have to get a 100% complete rifle and don't have money for Colt, I'd look at Stag. Seriously. Then RRA 2nd, but I believe they are a more distance 2nd. As well as Bushmaster.
If you can buy a complete lower, which counts as a firearm purchase - I'd go Stag M4.
Here's a possible assembly:
LMT upper $485
CMT M16 carrier MPI tested: $130
CH + HG: $40
Stag Complete lower: $235
Total: $890. About the price of a Bushmaster. No assembly required (other than putting halves together) This will be higher quality though. Resale will be LESS if you sell to the casual owner, resale will be decent if sold to knowledgable AR folks who value LMT etc...
Key advantages are that you get a 1/7 twist chrome 556 barrel with M4 feedramps and an M16 MPI tested carrier. Good stuff. This will be a lot closer to what you used in the military than a Bushmaster.
If you don't want the 1/7 twist rate or M4 ramps, you can save money by getting a Stag upper which is 1/9 twist, chrome lined for $375ish. That would allow you to shoot everything but the very heaviest of loads (75-77gr).
If you have to get a 100% complete rifle and don't have money for Colt, I'd look at Stag. Seriously. Then RRA 2nd, but I believe they are a more distance 2nd. As well as Bushmaster.
If you can buy a complete lower, which counts as a firearm purchase - I'd go Stag M4.
Here's a possible assembly:
LMT upper $485
CMT M16 carrier MPI tested: $130
CH + HG: $40
Stag Complete lower: $235
Total: $890. About the price of a Bushmaster. No assembly required (other than putting halves together) This will be higher quality though. Resale will be LESS if you sell to the casual owner, resale will be decent if sold to knowledgable AR folks who value LMT etc...
Key advantages are that you get a 1/7 twist chrome 556 barrel with M4 feedramps and an M16 MPI tested carrier. Good stuff. This will be a lot closer to what you used in the military than a Bushmaster.
If you don't want the 1/7 twist rate or M4 ramps, you can save money by getting a Stag upper which is 1/9 twist, chrome lined for $375ish. That would allow you to shoot everything but the very heaviest of loads (75-77gr).
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