First AR: Armalite M-15A4 National Match Vs Bushmaster V-Match 20"

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Highland Ranger

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First AR. Mostly for target shooting. No evil features allowed in NJ. No more than 15 rounds so it makes it more challenging.

I think I have decided on:

.223

20" floating barrel (not too big or small, better accuracy)

Flatop (allows me to experiement with iron sights and later mount a scope, hopefully easily interchange between tha two)

Looks like the above two will fit the bill although I'll have to add a carry handle and front sight to the Bushy to equate to what comes in the box with the Armalite.

Any thoughts on either of the models or suggestions for any other?

Budget is up to $2k.

Will the flatop give me what I want or should I just go for an A2 and buy a second rifle flatop for scoping later on?

I have an EOTech on a handgun I could use initially, but I will probably get glass for it at some point - what power is typically used on this kind of gun?

Thanks . . . . .

HR.
 
I've not shot the Armalite so I can't compare, but the Bushmaster is a nice rifle. It was very accurate and seemed well made. I don't know if the V-Match has the fluted chrome moly barrel or the stainless? The one I was shooting was the chrome moly fluted. I really liked the look of it.

The only thing I didn't like about it was the 2 stage trigger. It worked nice, but seemed overly complex to me. (we had a primer back out on one round and the gun locked up completely . . . .took quite awhile to get it out from under the trigger assembly)

Just my .01

Regards,
Dave
 
For pure, informal target shooting, I'd look at an Armalite M-15(T) model myself.

But between your two choices, I'll take the Armalite A4 NM. If it's the model I'm thinking of, you can rig it with a good carry-handle sight and use it in NRA and CMP matches if you want. Plus, you have the scope/optic option should you decide to do something else.

My personal Highpower rifle is an Armalite. I'm still using most of the stock parts, though I have swapped the barrel and have considered changing the rear sight assembly (it came stock with an odd 1/2-min elevation / 1/4-min windage configuration). The trigger isn't bad and the original barrel shot very, very well.
 
I have owned the bushmaster vmatch in 16 inch. The longer bbl won't give you more accuracy, just a bit more velocity. It shot very well with reloads and good quality factory ammo. The armalites are very good also, just make sure you get a match trigger, and shoot good quality brass cased ammo through it and you will be happy no matter your choice.
 
Haven't shot either of the models you mention; but the chrome-lined Armalite barrels I've seen are superior to the Bushmaster product. If they put that kind of care into their blaster barrels, I would think their match barrels would reflect it also.
 
I can't really comment on the Bushmaster, but I have an Armalite upper with a Stainless heavy barrel. Good upper, well made and reliable. It's a flattop with a railed gas block. I haven't put any iron sights on it. On my colt At4 carbine, I've ditched the carry handle and installed an MI rear sight and a Aimpoint. I would go with the A4 set up over the A2 setup.

Andrew
 
I really like my Bushy Predator....it shoots the 77grain rounds really nice so you can do some long range plinking. Ive got a Loopy VX1 3-9 40 on it and works great. With the bipod, Armalite 1 piece scope mount & scope I am into it for just under $1600
 
These are the part numbers and list prices:

Armalite M-15A4 National Match SPR II #15A4BNM (black furniture) - $1472
20" SS Barrel, NM Sights, handle, trigger, sling

Bushmaster V-Match 20" Fluted Barrel PCWVMS 20AHF $1115
BMAS Front Slip Site #YHM-9360k $106.95
A3 Handle 1/2 MOA rear site #9349063 $116.95

Based on what I see, I am leaning toward the Armalite because it is DCM legal . . . . the Bushy National Match (not listed above) is an A2 w/o the removable handle. I'm not sure the V-Match is DCM legal.

I was looking at the Olympic UM-1p Ultramatch Premium 20" - $1559
But its a flatop w/o handle and seems overpriced for what I perceive to be a tier down from Armalite and Bushmaster. Does come with a neat bipod though . . . .

Thanks for the responses!
 
To be honest for 2 grand you could get a JP and add a RRA lower with the NM trigger group. He offers the NRA High Power model, the CTR-02 or JP 15 for $1100-1500 for the complete upper, the RRA lower (or similar) with NM trigger will run about $349, that would give you a heck of an accurate rifle.

http://jprifles.com/1.2.4.php

If you must be able to shoot DCM another good option would be the RRA National Match for around $1150 complete. It's ready to go out of the box.

http://www.rockriverarms.com/item-d...ge=06nma24.gif&CFID=24781078&CFTOKEN=66838037

Good luck and let us see what you get. Unfortunately I've never shot a new Armalite, but it's hard to imagine it being $300 better than the RRA.
 
How can you guys keep up with all the restrictions? Anyway, I do feel for you. Check with some of the vendors, they would probably ship one without an evil black flash suppressor, either cap it or just a crowned muzzle.

And if you ever get a chance you should really try to shoot a JP or Les Baer upper. I don't own one (yet) but got to shoot both a while back. They are amazingly accurate, I tend to think of my DPMS bull upper as being accurate because it keeps certain loads under 1", both of those were significantly better.
 
Will Jersey let you build your own? I ended up building a target AR a lot cheaper than buying one.
 
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