Expert advice on a Bushmaster XM15 E2S quickly needed...

[saturno_v]

I did put a hold on a used Bushmaster XM15 E2S (A3 receiver) complete with case, sling and 2 magazines.
It has the 20" barrel (I like the longer pipe), regular military front sight and flash hider/muzzle break (I enclosed the closest picture I could find on the net).
Regular non-collapsable stock, it includes the detachable handle and Picatinny rail.
The rifle seems in excellent shape.
The asking price is $715 out of the door....it is a good buy?? Fair price or excessive?? As far as I can recall, Bushmaster should be one of the recommended brands for the AR.
The receiver markings for the caliber says 5,56/223....What that means?? Can I safely fire both cartridges?? What is the twist rate?? Can it stabilize the heavier bullets??
Sorry for asking so many questions but I'm a real beginner when it comes to the various AR manufacturers and models...I'm trying to get info on the web quickly, the hold period last only couple of days after that they are going to put it back on the rack.

Thank in advance!!!

 

[PT1911]

Looks like a great deal to me even if it is in just "serviceable" shape.. I would not hesitate to buy it if I was in the market for one... so, IMO, buy it!..for a gun in good shape, it is a hell of a deal...

Yes, it can fire 556 or 223 safely, I would assume it is a 1:8 OR 1:9 twist and can handle SOME heavier bullets though someone else will have to chime in about the specifics there.. If I remember correctly, that twist rate is the most versatile and can handle Most weights...

 

[rskent]

Buy the gun.

Saturno
It seems like an OK price to me if the rifle is set up the way you like. Not a smoken hot deal, but a good price.
Most likely it has a chrome lined 1 in 9 twist barrel. Some people say they can shoot 77gr bullets out of a 1 in 9 barrel.
Mine didn’t work out that well. I can tell you, it shot the heck out of 69 grainers.
Steve

 

[docnyt]

That's a good price. I have an XM15E2S 16" A1 and it's OK. Not terribly accurate but fun range toy.

You'll likely upgrade and accessorize it if you end up buying it so be ready.

 

[saturno_v]

If I remember correctly, the 1:9 twist can stabilize the regular commercial 55 gr. bullets right??

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

On an AR, the receiver markings for caliber don't mean jack. You can have a .450 Bushmaster upper on a receiver marked .223/5.56. You need to check the barrel.

Yes, 1:9 stabilizes 55gr just fine. However, since you are new, first thing I would do is check and make sure it is actually all Bushmaster and not a kit gun built on a Bushmaster lower. One obvious place to look will be the barrel. Check it for a stamp that says "B MP 5.56 NATO 1/9"

Also, break the rifle open and examine the bolt carrier and bolt face carefully? Do you see a lot of wear there? Any pitting on the bolt face or cracks at the base of the bolt lugs?