I am currently looking for a .223 assault rifle (military style). I want an M-4A3 type gun with a telescopic stock. I think my best bet is the Bushmaster M-4A3 16" with birdcage flash hider. This will cost arount $950ish. I also looked at the same model with the izzy flash hider, but it was like $50 dollars more. I will not buy that one because I can buy the birdcage M-4 and buy the izzy hider separately for $30 and replace it on the rifle. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the model I am looking at. Also, is there any difference, other than the stamped horse, between Bushmasters and the higher priced Colts?
Bushmaster M-4
- Thread starter kennyboy
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Bartholomew Roberts
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The Bushmaster with the Izzy flash hider installed is likely a 14.5" barrel with the flash hider permanently installed. As you noted, you can always buy a birdcage and replace it later with whatever you like on a 16" barrel.
Colt proof tests and magnetic particle inspects its bolts and barrels. Bushmaster magnetic particle tests individual barrels out of each run and does no proof testing.
A Colt M4 will use M4 feed ramps and an M4 barrel extension.
The Bushmaster will use standard AR feed ramps and barrel extension.
A Colt M4 will use an F-marked front sight base that is slightly taller to compensate for the different geometry in a carbine.
The Bushmaster will use the standard AR sight base that a 20" uses.
A Colt M4 will have a heavy buffer *H buffer"
The Bushmaster M4 will have the standard carbine buffer
The Colt M4 will use a military spec buffer tube extension.
The Bushmaster will use a buffer tube extension that is slightly smaller in outer diameter.
The Colt M4 will have double-heat shield handguards
The Bushmaster will have a single heat-shield handguard (I actually prefer this)
The Colt will have the nut on the telestock staked
The Bushmaster will not
The Colt will have the sling swivel mounted on the side of the front sight base
The Bushmaster will have the sling swivel mounted in the traditional location.
Besides these two differences, the rifles will be pretty similar. I've owned several Bushmaster rifles over the years and always been pleased with them. There are important differences in QC between Colt and Bushmaster; but I think the Bushmaster still represents a good value if you don't absolutely need those things or plan to make a lot of modifications anyway.
Colt proof tests and magnetic particle inspects its bolts and barrels. Bushmaster magnetic particle tests individual barrels out of each run and does no proof testing.
A Colt M4 will use M4 feed ramps and an M4 barrel extension.
The Bushmaster will use standard AR feed ramps and barrel extension.
A Colt M4 will use an F-marked front sight base that is slightly taller to compensate for the different geometry in a carbine.
The Bushmaster will use the standard AR sight base that a 20" uses.
A Colt M4 will have a heavy buffer *H buffer"
The Bushmaster M4 will have the standard carbine buffer
The Colt M4 will use a military spec buffer tube extension.
The Bushmaster will use a buffer tube extension that is slightly smaller in outer diameter.
The Colt M4 will have double-heat shield handguards
The Bushmaster will have a single heat-shield handguard (I actually prefer this)
The Colt will have the nut on the telestock staked
The Bushmaster will not
The Colt will have the sling swivel mounted on the side of the front sight base
The Bushmaster will have the sling swivel mounted in the traditional location.
Besides these two differences, the rifles will be pretty similar. I've owned several Bushmaster rifles over the years and always been pleased with them. There are important differences in QC between Colt and Bushmaster; but I think the Bushmaster still represents a good value if you don't absolutely need those things or plan to make a lot of modifications anyway.
I've never bought a complete AR, but I did put together my own (Cali legal, anyways) using a Mega lower and a Stag Arms M4gery upper.
The Stag upper is 16" with the standard A2 birdcage flash hider, F-marked front sight, M4 barrel extension (but not M4 feedramps). It cost less than a similar M4 upper from Bushmaster, and it came with a Rock River Arms Dominator mount!
The Stag upper is 16" with the standard A2 birdcage flash hider, F-marked front sight, M4 barrel extension (but not M4 feedramps). It cost less than a similar M4 upper from Bushmaster, and it came with a Rock River Arms Dominator mount!
pcf
Member
Bartholomew Roberts said:
I have the Bushmaster "Izzy" M4, great rifle, shoots MOA and no problems now in 3400 rounds. No way, no how would I buy another one, or any AR15 with a permanently attached flash hider.
-The izzy flash hider has three slot's one at 90, 270, and one timed at 0 degrees. Shooting at night, it can put a fireball right infront of my eyes. Poor design in IMO, since it's pinned and welded there's no simple solution.
-The permantly attached flash hider means the FSB can't be removed. You can't to any upgrades or do repairs that require complete removel of the FSB. (I can't upgrade to Larue Handguards
)The 16" superlight has about the same balance as the "izzy" with a removable flash hider and 1.5" more barrel.
MatthewVanitas
Member
Check out www.cdnninvestments.com, and go to their "Download Our Catalog" link.
On pg40, they have the Bushmaster Patrolman rifle (A3, collapsible stock, 16" barrel) for $799.
Add on maybe $10 for shipping, $20 or so for FFL transfer, and you're set.
That should save you a benjamin or so, if you want to buy a stock product. I just got my AR yesterday (A1-style upper, M4 Dissipator Barrel, ACE Shorty stock), shot it today. Tons of fun with the 16" barreled ARs. Should be a good purchase for you. Take care,
-MV
On pg40, they have the Bushmaster Patrolman rifle (A3, collapsible stock, 16" barrel) for $799.
Add on maybe $10 for shipping, $20 or so for FFL transfer, and you're set.
That should save you a benjamin or so, if you want to buy a stock product. I just got my AR yesterday (A1-style upper, M4 Dissipator Barrel, ACE Shorty stock), shot it today. Tons of fun with the 16" barreled ARs. Should be a good purchase for you. Take care,
-MV
longhorngunman
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www.aimsurplus.com usually has good deals on Bushmasters. Might look into a Rock River Arms Ar-15 type. I have one and love it and if you'll do a search you'll find few negatives. www.eaglefirearms.net usually has great deals on RRA. The only thing you'll get with the pony on the side of the gun is a lighter wallet .
.Jadecristal
Member
Be careful
I did my research heavily before buying mine. I was STILL greedy and wanted it now, so I bought the one with a pinned Izzy too (model: BCWA3F-14 M4 IZ). I wouldn't again - get the so-called "Patrolman's" model, which is the samw thing, except with a 16-in threaded barrel. Now, when I (eventually) get a suppressor, I'll have to replace at least the barrel. The model that you want, IMHO, is "BCWA3F 16 M4."
I did my research heavily before buying mine. I was STILL greedy and wanted it now, so I bought the one with a pinned Izzy too (model: BCWA3F-14 M4 IZ). I wouldn't again - get the so-called "Patrolman's" model, which is the samw thing, except with a 16-in threaded barrel. Now, when I (eventually) get a suppressor, I'll have to replace at least the barrel. The model that you want, IMHO, is "BCWA3F 16 M4."
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