AR Suggestions?

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ds92

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Okay, I know this subject has probably been beaten to death but i was just searching out some advice on what AR-15 style rifle is best. I'm looking for an AR to plink at the range and maybe tag some coyotes in the upcoming season and one thats probably not too pricey. I've narrowed it down to either a bushmaster or a DPMS lite 16. The price on the lite 16 is really attractive but it made me wonder whether they cut some corners and make a lower quality rifle.


ANY advice is welcome. thanks
 
Probably have better luck in the rifle forum.

The only AR I have ever used is my brothers Bushmaster and it works very well but I can't compare it to anything else.
 
For those that will say to use the search, why don't we just answer the questions it's not a big deal.

If the rifle is just for range shooting, either should work fine, but the I think that the bushmaster is a little higher quality. Hopefully someone will post the chart for you.

+1 for stag if you are in the bushmaster price range a stag is even better.
 
Not sure if this is the kind of feedback you're looking for, but I've had good luck with my Bushmaster, and DPMS has enjoyed a fairly good reputation on this and other forms.
 
wow okay. i hadnt considered stags. thanks for all the quick replies. ill go try my luck in the rifle forums
 
Bushmaster cuts corners too. The gas key nuts are normally poorly staked, they should use an "H" buffer but don't, and the extractor buffer isn't quite up to par. These are the the things that are easilt fixable.
The barrel isn't parkerized under the front sight post. And the barrel isn't made out of as high grade of steel as most others.
DPMS might be a corner cutter too, but I'm not so familiar with it.
Keep in mind that a lot of Bushmaster owners like their guns and get a lot of use out of them. The barrels are actually probably OKAY for semiauto fire for most peoples' use ....just not something you'd want in Iraq firing full auto over the period of a war.
The extractor spring and buffer is an easy fix. The gaskey nuts is a little harder but there are gunsmiths who can do it, and there's no reason it can't be used and examined periodically for looseness as it is.
 
I vote for Bushmaster. I have one and it runs great. No problems with almost 2k rounds through it. My only experience with DPMS was with a rental gun at a local range, and no problems with it either.
 
okay this is all great advice. would building one be any less expensive or more troublesome?
 
Keep in mind that a lot of Bushmaster owners like their guns and get a lot of use out of them. The barrels are actually probably OKAY for semiauto fire for most peoples' use ....just not something you'd want in Iraq firing full auto over the period of a war
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I have a number of Bushmasters, and have shot them quite a bit in full auto (with Wolf ammo, no less). No problems, they hold up just fine. In fact, under constant full auto fire, the gas tube will be the first part to fail in any Ar15/M16. And in my experience, Bushmaster gas tubes hold up better than some others I've seen.
 
From what I hav seen it is like 20-50$ less to build it. My time is worth more than unless I am building it as part of the fun.
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I am possibly the newest/least experienced member of the AR community. I'm building mine just so I can better understand how the rifle works. It takes me a while to figure out the workings of a rifle I buy as a complete weapon, but I hope that building one will help me truly understand how it operates.
Having said that, the only part I have for my project is a stripped lower. I have a DPMS, and when I bought it, I had the oportunity to compare it side-by-side with a Stag lower, and a Bushmaster lower. Just from what I could see with my own inexperienced eyes, the DPMS was far superior in finish and machining quality. The others both had noticeable flaws in the threading for the buffer tube, and other spots. I know a lot of folks who have Stags and Bushies and love them, but I called it as I saw it.
 
I bought my first two Bushmasters in 1999. Both are fine weapons though I traded the Varminter flat top to a friend for a WWII Remington Rand 1911 . The other is a Dissipator. I subsequently bought a Bushmaster M4 type carbine a few years later. It too is a fine weapon and well made. Then, shortly after the ban ended, I bought two Bushmaster telescoping stock complete lowers, just in case. They are of similar quality to the previous purchases.

I don't get quite as anal as some AR shooters but I am totally comfortable and satisfied with Bushmaster AR's. I know there are other good brands but the Bushmaster products are used by many LE agencies. Solid rifles and carbines IMO.
 
MGshaggy said:
I have a number of Bushmasters, and have shot them quite a bit in full auto (with Wolf ammo, no less). No problems, they hold up just fine. In fact, under constant full auto fire, the gas tube will be the first part to fail in any Ar15/M16. And in my experience, Bushmaster gas tubes hold up better than some others I've seen.
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Do you fire them (full auto) as often as a soldier in battle in the sandbox?
I'm glad to know Bushies have some fans. I bought a Bushie M4orgery in Nov. '06 when the Democrats took over congress. I was a little chagrined to find the "problem" with the gas key nut staking. I have changed out the buffer in mine for an H buffer and replaced the blue extractor insert for a black one and added a Crane O-ring.
The guy who sold me mine told me not to use Wolf ammo. I've used it in .30 Carbine and 9mm. but never purchased it in 5.56mm.
It's good to know that you've had good experiences with Bushmaster; thanks for posting that!;)
 
The Prancing Pony~!

Well, I'm not hunting with mine- just got one for home D' and occassional
plinking; so I got a 16" A3 style Match Target Colt , with telescoping stock
and detachable carry handle. The lower is marked .223; but the barrel has
inscribed 5.56 NATO. It shoots good, but unlike AR's made by Rock River-
it has a crappy trigger~! :scrutiny: ;) :D
 
what AR-15 style rifle is best
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best for what....

these rifles are infinitely customizeable (hold on to your wallet) to any particular taste or purpose....

to plink and nail a yute?

take your pick...any one will do just fine.

whether they cut some corners and make a lower quality rifle.
Click to expand...

lower quality as compared to what? A $2000 Colt or LMT? Yup, they're lower quality.

How much 'quality' do you need? Going into combat with it? Going to patrol the Mexican border with it?

Stay away from Hesse and any of the brands you named will do just fine.
 
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