Bootwaffle.com
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Colt VS. Bushmaster
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Lone_Gunman
Member
The Colt doesn't have a flash hider, bayonet lug, or collapsible stock. They think these features are too scarey for simple civilians to have, I guess.
The Bushmaster has all those features.
The average shooter would be well served by either. Anyone who dogmatically claims one is clearly superior has an agenda.
I think the Bushmaster is the best value, but the Colt will have a better resale value later.
The Bushmaster has all those features.
The average shooter would be well served by either. Anyone who dogmatically claims one is clearly superior has an agenda.
I think the Bushmaster is the best value, but the Colt will have a better resale value later.
I've Fired Both
I have fired both and found no difference. In my experience it comes down to two considerations, cost and name. Since there was not difference in performance, I would go with saving the money. One last point though, many people (if funds are no concern) would choose the Colt, simply for the name-sake. Both Colt and Bushmaster are excellent.
Do you live somewhere close to a rental shooting range? If you do, and if they rent both, try them. Let me know what you think and what you buy.
Doc2005
I have fired both and found no difference. In my experience it comes down to two considerations, cost and name. Since there was not difference in performance, I would go with saving the money. One last point though, many people (if funds are no concern) would choose the Colt, simply for the name-sake. Both Colt and Bushmaster are excellent.
Do you live somewhere close to a rental shooting range? If you do, and if they rent both, try them. Let me know what you think and what you buy.
Doc2005
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Colt does sell to civilians, that is just the wrong model. The LE6920 is about as close as you can get to an M4 Carbine without paying the NFA tax or joining the military.
Between the two rifles you have linked to here are the major differences:
1) Bushmaster has 14.5" barrel with permanently attached flash hider. Colt has 16" barrel with permanently attached muzzle brake.
2) The Colt has M4 feed ramps. The Bushmaster does not.
3) The Colt has magnetic particle inspected bolt and the barrel is MP tested and proof-fired. Bushmaster MP tests some barrels; but not all. The bolt and barrel are not proof-fired.
4) The Colt has a front side sling swivel. The Bushmaster has the normal front sling swivel.
5) The Colt has a detachable carry handle and is a flattop. The Bushmaster you linked to has a fixed carry handle.
6) The Bushmaster has a collapsible telestock. The Colt has a pinned stock that does not collapse.
Between the two rifles you have linked to here are the major differences:
1) Bushmaster has 14.5" barrel with permanently attached flash hider. Colt has 16" barrel with permanently attached muzzle brake.
2) The Colt has M4 feed ramps. The Bushmaster does not.
3) The Colt has magnetic particle inspected bolt and the barrel is MP tested and proof-fired. Bushmaster MP tests some barrels; but not all. The bolt and barrel are not proof-fired.
4) The Colt has a front side sling swivel. The Bushmaster has the normal front sling swivel.
5) The Colt has a detachable carry handle and is a flattop. The Bushmaster you linked to has a fixed carry handle.
6) The Bushmaster has a collapsible telestock. The Colt has a pinned stock that does not collapse.
LoadAmmo
Member
Do yourself a favor and browse AR15.com for 2 weeks before you make a purchase, you'll learn a ton about that particular weapon.
www.cmmginc.com makes a COLT 6920 but it's only $1,000.00 but you don't have a Colt Logo.
www.cmmginc.com makes a COLT 6920 but it's only $1,000.00 but you don't have a Colt Logo.
chakup
Member
get the bushy, but an A4. save your money for ammo and other goodies.
possum
Member
The bushmaster that you are looking at is just like the one i bought but i got the flat top. i personally think that when you buy a Colt you are paying for the name. i use a Colt in the Army, and I have owned a Bushmaster in the past and recently picked up another i see no reason that the colt should be considered over the less expensive Bushmaster. save the money buy the Bushmaster, and use the money you saved on ammo, it is outrageous right now! I love Bushmaster and i know you will be happy with it!
Don't Tread On Me
Member
This statement is blatantly false. The Colt rifles are superior in a number of areas, some of which, but not all, are listed by Bartholomew.
Will this higher quality be reflected in practical experience? Maybe, maybe not. So the "difference" between the two rifles isn't so big. But the Colt IS the superior rifle if you have to examine all the details regardless of whether or not they might come into play. This is undeniable, and not up for debate. It is a matter of fact.
I have no agenda, nor do I hate either rifle, nor love either rifle. Either will serve one well.
CrazyIrishman
Member
Bootwaffle,
Check out this site, It has alot of info available. On the LH side go to AR BRANDS and click on it.
http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/_homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us
Regarding the Colt 6920 "Law Enforcement carbine" which is almost identical to the 6400, has a "working" stock instead of pinned, a bayonet lug, flattop receiver w/ detachable handle and a flash hider. The 6920 has LEO markings for those that want them(different from the 6400) and the barrel is 16" and the twist is 1/7 instead of 1/9 like the Bushy. The M4 feedramps have already been mentioned and the barrel is chrome lined like Bushy.
One thing discussed on AR15.com frequently about these two brands is that Colt barrels are parkerized before installing the front sight base while Bushy installs the front sight base first. Some believe this is important and worth mentioning.
On the AR15 EE forum(equipment exchange) I have seen several 6920's selling for decent prices with the cheapest being around $1050.00 or $1100.00 for a NIB carbine. Most of them don't last long on the EE forum.
HTH
CI
Check out this site, It has alot of info available. On the LH side go to AR BRANDS and click on it.
http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/_homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us
Regarding the Colt 6920 "Law Enforcement carbine" which is almost identical to the 6400, has a "working" stock instead of pinned, a bayonet lug, flattop receiver w/ detachable handle and a flash hider. The 6920 has LEO markings for those that want them(different from the 6400) and the barrel is 16" and the twist is 1/7 instead of 1/9 like the Bushy. The M4 feedramps have already been mentioned and the barrel is chrome lined like Bushy.
One thing discussed on AR15.com frequently about these two brands is that Colt barrels are parkerized before installing the front sight base while Bushy installs the front sight base first. Some believe this is important and worth mentioning.
On the AR15 EE forum(equipment exchange) I have seen several 6920's selling for decent prices with the cheapest being around $1050.00 or $1100.00 for a NIB carbine. Most of them don't last long on the EE forum.
HTH
CI
MagnumCaliber357
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- Jul 20, 2004
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- 305
Does anyone know what is exactly involved int the "magnetic particle inspection". It sounds like extra money and nothing else to my ears? Educate me, tell me its importaince
Bootwaffle.com
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- 25
Thanks guys. This is helping me out. I don't plan on buying that soon, but this will at least give me an idea of what to go with.
Every Bushmaster Goverment type barrel I have ever seen is magnetic partical inspected and so stamped.
They are all chrome lined bore and chamber too.
I believe the stainless and match barrels are also MP inspected and cyro stabalized, they just don't stamp them to prevent the possibility of disruption in the barrel bore.
The feed ramp modification is only useful on a full auto weapon.
If you shoot a semi-auto the modification is going to do you no good but it is a nice sales pitch.
Typical of Colt.
Bushmaster offers all variations with a flat top at no extra charge for the base weapon but they do charge you for the detachable carry handle assembly.
Colt usually includes the carry handle at the time of sale.
This is one of the reasons a Colt costs a little more.
You want a side sling swivel on a Bushmaster, no problem, it can be added at additional cost.
Another reason the Colt is priced higher is because this is factory added whether you want it or not.
They are all chrome lined bore and chamber too.
I believe the stainless and match barrels are also MP inspected and cyro stabalized, they just don't stamp them to prevent the possibility of disruption in the barrel bore.
The feed ramp modification is only useful on a full auto weapon.
If you shoot a semi-auto the modification is going to do you no good but it is a nice sales pitch.
Typical of Colt.
Bushmaster offers all variations with a flat top at no extra charge for the base weapon but they do charge you for the detachable carry handle assembly.
Colt usually includes the carry handle at the time of sale.
This is one of the reasons a Colt costs a little more.
You want a side sling swivel on a Bushmaster, no problem, it can be added at additional cost.
Another reason the Colt is priced higher is because this is factory added whether you want it or not.
I bought the bushy A3 (flat top w/ carry handle included) 16" for $800 at AIM.
Thouroughly happy with it. The thing that bothers me about colt is the price and their attitude towards civies..I can't really see where the extra several $100 for a similar colt is justified.
Thouroughly happy with it. The thing that bothers me about colt is the price and their attitude towards civies..I can't really see where the extra several $100 for a similar colt is justified.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Don't Tread on Me, you have kind of taken my comment out of context.
The complete paragraph that my statement was taken from is:
My point was that the average shooter who owns an AR will be able to tell no difference in the performance between the Bushmaster and Colt. I realize that there are some mainly theoretical advantages of the Colt, but I don't think they translate into much that the average shooter will appreciate. I own Colts and Bushmasters, but don't really have a preference.
I would like to hear what you think the Colt advantages are, and how they would affect performance in a perceptible fashion to the average shooter. I am not talking about use in the military or even police force.
The complete paragraph that my statement was taken from is:
My point was that the average shooter who owns an AR will be able to tell no difference in the performance between the Bushmaster and Colt. I realize that there are some mainly theoretical advantages of the Colt, but I don't think they translate into much that the average shooter will appreciate. I own Colts and Bushmasters, but don't really have a preference.
I would like to hear what you think the Colt advantages are, and how they would affect performance in a perceptible fashion to the average shooter. I am not talking about use in the military or even police force.
If you decide to go with a Bushmaster, why not get a true 16in barrel instead of a 14.5 with a permanent muzzle brake? They offer an 16in M4 profile barrel that they used to call the "Patrolman's Carbine." They may have changed the name, but the weapon is still available. Also, get the flattop receiver. You won't regret it.
K
K
Red_SC
Member
I have one AR15, like the Bushmaster you posted, only a flattop with detachable carry handle. I just took a class with it on Saturday, I couldn't find any complaints at all with it. I'd definitely get a flattop- if you decide to mount optics, it will be much better. The Colt above has a pinned stock- that would have been a distinct disadvanage at the class I took. I've always shot with a fully extended stock until Saturday. They taught a different way to hold the rifle, and it worked much better with the stock shortened a couple of clicks.
i have the exact bushmaster that you linked to. i love it. i've had flat tops and 16" barrels. the 14.5" doesn't seem like much of a difference, but it is. i love the A2 handle.
personal preference is the name of the game in AR15s. that's why there are so many variations and manufacturers.
personal preference is the name of the game in AR15s. that's why there are so many variations and manufacturers.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Lone Gunman, that was my point. If you asked which is the better rifle, the Colt is clearly the better rifle. If the next question was - is it that much better that you'd likely notice, I'd probably say no to that. We agree on that.
The QC Colt does, the staking of the carrier key and the castle nut, and other things most likely won't come into play. That's your point. Some things, like F height front sights sometimes do for some people.
Some people like to know the difference, and want the rifle that is better, no matter what its better for, regardless if it will actually play a role. Some people feel the extras Colt offers are well worth the price difference. Many Colt bashers exaggerate the price difference between a Bushmaster and a Colt. I personally believe that the Bushmaster is overpriced considering what it has less than a Colt.
I think the Bushmaster is a nice rifle. I'd take one over a RRA anyday due to a chrome lined chamber and bore with 4150 steel and true 5.56 chamber (although the Wylde is a good chamber too). A chrome lined chamber and bore outweigh ANYthing RRA has to offer in my opinion. I been thinking of building a superlight using a Bushmaster barrel. I'd also use the Bushmaster LPK as I feel it is the best (after Colt's LPK which costs 2x as much, but is the best, and you can see and feel the difference).
Colt is better in all other areas. I can't find a single area where the Colt has a weakness and Bushmaster is better. Most of the anti-Colt stuff is politically oriented, and often based in unsupported rumors.
The thread's author isn't comparing apples to apples. The Colt is a neutered gun, the Bushmaster is a no-ban. If you go Colt, the choice is either a 6920 or a 6520. The first being the closest thing to a real M4, and the 2nd being a pencil barrled A2 carbine.
The QC Colt does, the staking of the carrier key and the castle nut, and other things most likely won't come into play. That's your point. Some things, like F height front sights sometimes do for some people.
Some people like to know the difference, and want the rifle that is better, no matter what its better for, regardless if it will actually play a role. Some people feel the extras Colt offers are well worth the price difference. Many Colt bashers exaggerate the price difference between a Bushmaster and a Colt. I personally believe that the Bushmaster is overpriced considering what it has less than a Colt.
I think the Bushmaster is a nice rifle. I'd take one over a RRA anyday due to a chrome lined chamber and bore with 4150 steel and true 5.56 chamber (although the Wylde is a good chamber too). A chrome lined chamber and bore outweigh ANYthing RRA has to offer in my opinion. I been thinking of building a superlight using a Bushmaster barrel. I'd also use the Bushmaster LPK as I feel it is the best (after Colt's LPK which costs 2x as much, but is the best, and you can see and feel the difference).
Colt is better in all other areas. I can't find a single area where the Colt has a weakness and Bushmaster is better. Most of the anti-Colt stuff is politically oriented, and often based in unsupported rumors.
The thread's author isn't comparing apples to apples. The Colt is a neutered gun, the Bushmaster is a no-ban. If you go Colt, the choice is either a 6920 or a 6520. The first being the closest thing to a real M4, and the 2nd being a pencil barrled A2 carbine.
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