Bushmaster questions

[scubie02]

So I'm thinking of getting a new bushmaster, which would be my first AR.
Deciding on which model however, is a dizzying proposition. Some questions...

How are the triggers on these models? Does the V match come with any better trigger than a base model? (No mention of this on their site). Is the 20" V match likely to be that much more accurate than a 16" V match? Is the 16" much better handling than the 20"? Would there be any actual advantage to a basic iron sighted version compared to a flat top which would allow easy scope mounting? I'm assuming if you got one of the A3 20" with removable carry handle and wished to put a scope on, with the high front site you'd have to mount the scope unnaturally high? Are the clamp on sights that you can get for slat topped versions pretty rugged?

Thanks for any input...

 

[BillL223]

The V-Match comes with the standard mil-spec trigger which you will want to replace eventually. The 20" will give higher velocity but the accuracy will be about the same. If using iron sights, you will get the benefit of a longer sight radius with the 20". Some feel, myself included, that the action is a little harsher with the 16. You can add a red-dot to either and not be too concerned about the front sight tower as it will just about co-witness. The 16" will be quicker to swing around especially in close quarters but I think the extra weight of the 20" give a more stable sight picture when shooting off-hand. Last year I re-barreled my 16" V-Match with a 20" cut to 18", retaining the longer gas system and handguard. If shooting with optics, one B-M option is the "shaved" sight block.

 

[ShaiVong]

If shooting with optics, one B-M option is the "shaved" sight block.

Though I would suggest getting one with a weaver rail JIC you wanted a flip up front.

 

[Engineer]

I picked up a used 20" v-match with the shaved/milled gas block and flip up front sights. The flip up front sights seem sturdy enough and have held zero pretty well. I did add an ARMS 38EXT rail with a set of half-inch risers and a pair of low Leupold QRW rings. The combination works pretty well although the scope will probably be replaced with a Leupold 4-12 in the near future.

 

[ny32182]

The first question is, what do you intend to do with the rifle?

The front sight will not interfere with your view through a magified scope.

 

[scubie02]

Well, it'd be nice to be able to use it as super accurate varmint gun, but with the option of using it w/ iron sights as well. How are the "two stage target" triggers on the vramint models? Is the trigger on the other models heavy? creepy? It sounded like from the one comment they aren't great. How si the "target" trigger on the varmint models? Are the V match ones more accurate than say the flat top A3's? How about the varmint model compared to the V match? I'd like something capable of very good accuracy. I'm assuming there are aftermarket trigger assemblies if the need arose that would be better?

 

[ny32182]

The stock trigger is a combat trigger. That means it is very durable, very reliable, and certainly heavier than a match trigger.

For your use, I'd make the following recommendations:

-20+ inch stainless steel, non chrome lined barrel.
-A3 flat top to allow for low-mounted optics or irons
-Front sight tower
-Aftermarket match trigger of some sort
-Free floated front handguard with bipod
-etc.

 

[ckyllo]

Engineer, did the bushmaster logo come from the factory in gold or did you do it your self? if you did how did you do it?

 

[scubie02]

ttbadboy--why ss non chrome lined barrel? Are the chrome lined not as accurate/durable? It sounds like you would lean towards the varmint model except for the front sight tower part?

 

[Engineer]

ckyllo - nope, it didn't come that way, but all it took was a few quick swipes with a yellow Crayola crayon.

 

[ny32182]

scubie,

Chrome lining is more durable and easier to clean, but it is said to be slightly less accurate. I can't personally comment on the exact difference (small), but people who shoot for longer range extreme accuracy tend to not use chrome lined barrels. This is why varmint and competition models don't have chrome lining.

Chrome lining is a feature that improves reliability and durability on a combat type weapon meant to be capable of being fired in a rapid fashion for defensive purposes. It sounds to be like you want a scoped, heavy barreled gun with a premium placed on long range accuracy. If this is the case, a non-chomed barrel would probably suit you better.