AR Upper advice needed

[ElKabong]

I am assembling my first AR, have a complete lower (DoubleStar) and ACE ARFX stock on the way. Found a post-ban Bushmaster Dissipator A2 Upper at a local shop, basically it's new-old-stock, unfired. It has the pressed-on AK style brake on a 14.5" barrel for a total of 16", so it would be tough to modify. I would prefer A3 with a threaded barrel, but at $250 (no bolt,carrier,handle) is the A2 a must buy??

Anyone have experience with this kind of brake?? If so, how was the accuracy??
I have heard of some accuracy concerns from the gunshop commando squad, but always take those reccomendations with a grain (or ton) of salt.

Thanks,
ElKabong

 

[MagnumCaliber357]

When i get my evil black rifle im going dissipator too. I love the look and the added advantage it having a full lenght sight radius which is always a plus. As far as A2 goes, i STRONGLY suggest you look into finding a decent priced A3, believe me you will be kicking yourself is you get the A2 :banghead: . With the A2 you are limited to what sights you can put on confortably. As far as the AK brake goes my grandfather has one with the AK style and it is alot more managable then the A2 birgcage and doesnt affect accuracy

Just my 0.02 cents

P.S. good luck with your AR build

 

[Onmilo]

The AK brake isn't pressed on, it's welded on.
Brakes tend to divert a lot of the muzzle blast to the sides of the weapon.
This won't be distracting to you but it won't make you the most popular guy on the firing line either.

$250.00 is a decent price, a good bolt and carrier will run about $100.00 for an unassembled DPMS kit.
Better option is to buy a Bushmaster Bolt and carrier combo for $140.00 if you don't want to assemble the DPMS bolt and carrier.
Both suppliers have extremely good bolts and carriers, so choose whatever.

A standard charging handle will run about $15.00 new.
I have seen surplus dealers offering used charging handles at gun shows for as little as $5.00 assembled, but bring your upper and test the charging handle before you drop your cash.
I have seen some that are warped and bent and they will cause problems.

My next build is in the works.
It is an A1 fixed sight standard carry handle upper with a 1 in 9 Government profile 20" barrel and plain old handguards along with a chome bolt and carrier.
I'm going retro!
What I am saying is a flat top upper is nice only if you plan on mounting a scope or nifty dot optic.
Optics are not really neccessary for a 14.5" barrel, 300 meter, battle carbine.
The A2 upper has a very good, full adjustment, rear sight and that carry handle actually makes the upper more rigid and stronger than a flat top.