Bushmaster ACR Torture Test

[Maverick223]

Sure, do both, driving over it and having a goat walking on it - why not?

Sounds like a plan...or a party.

 

[GunsBeerFreedom]

This is an awesome test, but you must be braver (or MUCH better off) than I. Nearly 3K gun and you're trying to break it.

Gotta admit, I'd do it too if I could.

 

[LHRGunslinger]

For extended fire tests get EZ Mags they're practically unstoppable and easy to load

 

[RattleDogUSA]

RattleDog -
A VERY hearty kudos to you for ponying up your own weapon to do the test(s)! Great attitude, great methodology, and I appreciate your donation to the gun-owning endeavor!

Thank you, sir! I love doing it. So many people spend $$$$ on a tactical/combat rifle and never let it see so much as a speck of lint. Not me...I want to know that my weapon could stick with me through anything (you know, like zombie attacks and such haha). I love POF rifles, however, I have a 6.8 SPC of theirs that I would reach past to grab a .22 Ruger pistol if it came down to it. I can't trust a rifle that jams...

I'd like to see how it does with a mag (previously tested to be a good mag) that was dropped in the mud.

I'd also like to see how it does with a really fine (talcum powder like) sand.

Muddy mag test should not be a problem. I will incorporate that into my desert test. The fine sand test will be part of my third test, which is to run it BONE DRY. This is important to me as I know how prevalent fine dust/sand was during my time in Iraq, and its amazing how it can stop some weapons dead in their tracks.

How testing any shifts in zero/changes in group size after removing and replacing the barrel?

I am interested in this one also. I also want to see how much I affect accuracy by running all these tests I will head to the range tomorrow to document my 100 yd zero.

 

[Darthbauer]

How did you get a basic ACR with the folding stock?

 

[RattleDogUSA]

How did you get a basic ACR with the folding stock?

Ah, the million dollar question! How do you know that I don't have the Enhanced model with a basic hand guard? I am sorry, but my contact at Bushy asked to me not to tell.

I would put the rails on there, but I only need a top and bottom rail. The nice thing is you can add Magpul rails to the basic hand guard. I only needed the Magpul AFG so the basic one is more practical/durable/comfortable.

 

[Darthbauer]

Just asking cause that is the same set up I want with the folding stock and the afg but in tan.

 

[Tim the student]

Muddy mag test should not be a problem. I will incorporate that into my desert test.

Good stuff, thanks. I can see mud getting into mags easier than I can see mud getting into action of a rifle.

The fine sand test will be part of my third test, which is to run it BONE DRY. This is important to me as I know how prevalent fine dust/sand was during my time in Iraq, and its amazing how it can stop some weapons dead in their tracks.

Yep, that stuff can create some bad days if you're not aware of how to deal with it. It really is like moon dust, isn't it?

 

[Kingofthehill]

I appreciate the concept and energy but it kinda seemed a little flat?

Ive done that with my Bargin Bin AR-15 in snow/mud/water... i sure hope the ACR could handle that.

Please don't take it the wrong way but that didn't scream "Torture" to me. That was more like "help, my gun got muddy"

 

[RattleDogUSA]

I appreciate the concept and energy but it kinda seemed a little flat?

Ive done that with my Bargin Bin AR-15 in snow/mud/water... i sure hope the ACR could handle that.

Please don't take it the wrong way but that didn't scream "Torture" to me. That was more like "help, my gun got muddy"

Thats ok. My next test will be much more methodical and will really push the weapon. What is your definition of torture? I can BREAK anything, I'm trying to see if the weapon can make it through WORST CASE scenarios that might actually happen...like being full of mud, firing coming right out of the water (which will destroy almost every AR), being full of sand, running without lube and having dirty mags.

I've played around with ALOT of M16/AR-15 family of weapons thorough conditions most outside combat arm branches of the military ever see, and I can bet a case of beer the ACR can handle more mud and sand than just about any AR-15. Try running yours WITHOUT LUBE through 1200 rounds... I did, not a single FTF. I'll have to make a video

I hope you enjoy my next tests. Tell me what else you would like to see that I haven't mentioned in other posts.

P.S.> And its more like "WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!! Muddy ACR!!!!!" , not a plea for help.

 

[Maverick223]

RattleDog, I have to ask a question, one that I am sure others have as well...in your opinion, what makes the ACR superior to its primary competition, the SCAR-L?

 

[RattleDogUSA]

RattleDog, I have to ask a question, one that I am sure others have as well...in your opinion, what makes the ACR superior to its primary competition, the SCAR-L?

I have never said it was superior, as that would assume there was a set criteria that all weapons hope to achieve. For example, if somebody was looking at modularity, ACR would probably win. If weight was an issue, well, I held a SCAR and the ACR doesn't feel close (I know its not, on paper or in the hands). I would think the Robinson Arms XCR would be a competitor on PAPER, however, in the real world I don't think the quality or reliabilty is anywhere near the former two.

BUT, for ME (this type of thing normally creates flame wars or ignorant boobtube comments) the ACR seems like a better system.

*The ACR would be a no-brainer FOR ME simply because I would probably never want that meat-grinder of a charging handle that the SCAR utilizes.
*The easy of cleaning (not just from shooting, but from stuff like MUD) is absolutely simple with the ACR. I cant imagine how it could be improved.
*Caliber change is simple and painless. Sure, an AR can do that with a new upper, but its THE WHOLE DAMN UPPER! Sights, accessories, complete operating group. I think the cost of other calibers will be far less on the ACR in the future. The SCAR caliber change is non-existent....the .308 is another weapon.
*Bolt release is in a great spot. Can't wait for the next tactical carbine class

I could go on, but I really hate calling one weapon better over another online simply because I'm so fed up with the CONSTANT bickering and know-it-all attitude that permeates every weapon related discussion.Although this particular thread has been great so far! In addition, I do not like to voice my opinion on something unless I have educated myself by research or testing to the point where I can make well informed statements. The fact is, I need to either buy a SCAR or play around with one for a few days before I can give a definite answer.

 

[Maverick223]

Despite how it may sound, I am not trying to start anything, I just wanted to hear from someone that owns a ACR (not many of you folks out there as of yet) why that was chosen over the competition. FWIW, I don't see me buying either one (or an XCR), so I have no dog in this race.

Look forward to more testing...

 

[unit91]

I could go on, but I really hate calling one weapon better over another online simply because I'm so fed up with the CONSTANT bickering and know-it-all attitude that permeates every weapon related discussion.

I hate to say it, but I have to generally agree with you here. As an aside, Maverick223 is a pretty straight shooter (no pun intended) with a great reputation.

 

[longdayjake]

Let me just start by saying that I have shot neither the SCAR or the ACR. I did have a chance to handle and cycle both weapons while at shot show. For me, the ACR looked and felt like a better weapon though I will have to say that there was a difference in weight. Also, the ACR's that I handled were all military versions so I can't comment on the civilian model. I just liked the way it "felt" more than the SCAR. If anyone wonders what I mean just bring one up to your shoulder and you will see.

 

[RattleDogUSA]

I hate to say it, but I have to generally agree with you here. As an aside, Maverick223 is a pretty straight shooter (no pun intended) with a great reputation.

I re-read my post and realized that I may have made it seem as if I thought Maverick223 was starting something. To the contarary... Maverick, along with everyone else, so far has either had great questions or positive input. Thanks guys. Maybe I've jut read to many YouTube comments. The guys here at highroad seem to be a bit more mature.

Maverick, your question was a good one. Hope I answered it well. If you want a full ACR reveiw, I could do that.

 

[Maverick223]

Thank you, RattleDog, while I do my fair share of picking, I only aim to have a positive contribution. You answered the question well, and I believe a full review would be both interesting and informative.

 

[Ryanxia]

I was drooling over this weapon for years since Massada first designed it, but when Bushmaster DOUBLED the MSRP on it I turned my back on it..

 

[Girodin]

What would make any test much more interesting to me is to have a nice AR next to it. While it is somewhat interesting to see how the ACR performs in the test it would be nice to know if it is doing anything that a quality AR wouldn't. The real question IMHO is whether the ACR SCAR et al offer a significant advantage over a good AR?

I'd like to see side by side testing in a number of areas, accuracy, reliability, durability, etc.

These are the type of articles i wish gun magazine would run. I'm guessing that actual rankings of competing products wouldn't go over well with their advertising clients as well as their typical rave reviews for all.

In terms of things your are testing and reporting on. Taking something to a demanding carbine course is IMO always an interesting test equipment.

At any rate thanks for the tests. Even anecdotal information is interesting, particularly on a weapon system that few people have had an opportunity to shoot.

 

[Darthbauer]

Any updates on this?

 

[jbsmwd]

+1 too

 

[Evil Monkey]

There's no such thing as a torture test unless you're taking it out of the box, applying some lube, and shooting thousands and thousands of rounds until failure.

That's how you determine what design aspects were a good idea, and what were bad. It tells you at what round count you're likely to encounter a problem. It tells you what parts to have plenty of. And most importantly, whether the system is worth the price or not.

Throwing it in some mud is not a test of any kind.

 

[Girodin]

Throwing it in some mud is not a test of any kind.

Well, its a test of what that gun will do when thrown into that mud that way.

 

[krinko]

In the absence of R.dog, let me offer this photo of my own ACR Torture Test.
It's called Letting A Fly Walk On It Torture Test and as you can see the fly is vigorously stamping his feet on the magazine----




Considering I had to buy mine retail, this is all the torture you're likrly to get out of me. Still, it is very annoying to have flies all over the place and it should count for something.
-----krinko

 

[Ditch-Tiger]

RattleDogusa said - "The fact is, I need to either buy a SCAR or play around with one for a few days before I can give a definite answer."

Good luck finding somebody who's willing to let YOU play with their SCAR for a few days!!!

Bye the way, this thread is great, don't stop RD.