AR

[Zerodefect]

I, too, am new to the AR platform. (Having no interest at all in owning one until my governor said I couldn't.) So I ask, how does Bushmaster rank?

Just fine. To be honest, most of the big name lower priced AR builders have upped their game. It's harder to screw up machining these things in the US, than it is to just plain build good ones now.

And US made barrels are awesome. A cheapo $200 barrel can often hang with hardcore precision barrels, lately. (SS vs SS, not chrome moly) No doubt that the precision barrels are still excellent at what they do. But I've seen RRA uppers match my expensive uppers on plenty of occasions.

I'd prefer Stag over Bushmaster. But that's only because I've had such good luck with CMT/Stag, nothing against Bushy anymore.

They're all fixable anyways.

 

[Zach S]

Dunno about the charging handle, but they do still use a commercial buffer tube. I don't mind, because the ONLY difference is diameter.

I probably will never find out about the charging handle because I just ordered a BCM Gunfighter CH with the large extended latch.

Milspec buffertubes are forged 7075. They have a smaller diameter (1.145" or so) because the threads are rolled, which doesnt remove material, which retains strength.

Commercial tubes are typically capped extrusions made out of cheaper material. They have a larger diameter (1.18x) because the threads are cut. Which removes material, and in turn, removes strength. Mine broke in the threads, right behind the castle nut.

BCM makes a beefy charging handle. I use a mod 3 on my 5.56.

If I ever biuld a 300BLK, I may take the cheap route, but I'll order the bolt, CH, and receiver extension from BCM.

 

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

For the OP and others who are looking for their first AR's, there's a lot that has changed in the past 6-10 months in the market. Principally pricing. And another 800 lb gorilla has entered the market (Ruger) to put even greater price pressure on everyone else.
If this is your first AR, and unless you have some very specific and unusual requirements, it's hard to justify paying more than $600 for one.
The Ruger, the S&W, perhaps a PSA (I'm not a fan there), perhaps pushing it another $100 for a Colt. But really, under $1200 they are all commodity items. Perhaps a feature or two differentiate them, but unless you are a very refined shooter and/or you are taking it with you where your life will regularly depend on it (and even then, it's hard to see that spending more will get you more reliability) there is no good reason for the average shooter buying their first AR to spend more.
Go out now and purchase one of the ones that I (and others) have cited and use the savings to buy a decent optic and a boatload of ammo.
Enjoy,
B

 

[sappyg]

ARs are kinda average. You can spend a lot or a little on them. Either way you go you've got yourself a good gun.

Of the ones I have experience with I've yet to have an issue that was the fault of the gun.

If I were to buy off the rack and wanted a good example, and leave it at that, I would look at the name brands that keep popping up in this thread. They are all good and you will not regret the quality.

It comes down to what you want to spend and what you want to accomplish. For me an AR needs to be a mid length. Needs a different grip than the A2 pistol grip. Should have an adjustable stock and descent sights. Pretty basic stuff. Everything else is just background noise.

 

[DashCasey0120]

Thanks yall, def a lot of good info to work from. Think I'm gonna do some looking around and see which one is the best combo of feels good VS price

 

[SleazyRider]

Thanks, Zerodefect, for your reply.

I've got to admit I'm kind of envious of those of you who live in "free" states where one can buy an AR off the rack and take advantage of the many bargains out there. (Ditto for pistols that hold more than 10 rounds.) Here in the Evil Empire State, we're only permitted to have neutered ARs, which are an embarrassment to say the least.

To the OP, I certainly would consider some of the PSA build kits that are available, which require only that the stripped lower be shipped to an FFL. What little I know about the platform I learned from building my own, with the sage advice from the membership here. It was a very rewarding experience.