Between the sunset of the ban and the election, I placed an order with my local dealer for a Bushmaster M4 copy - telescoping stock, 14.5" barrel w/2.25" flash suppressor and A3 upper receiver. I thought this was going to be my one and only AR for home defense, plinking and occasionally more serious target shooting. There was a waiting list and the wait for one of these was expected to be 4-5 weeks.
Just after I placed the order my dealer got in an M4 like I wanted, EXCEPT it had the A2 upper. I thought if the election went badly, there would be increased demand and it might be difficult to get exactly what I wanted. I bought the one with the A2 upper and told my dealer to keep me on the list for the one with the A3 (to keep my options open).
I like the AR with the A2. It's a good "pickup and go" rifle for home or vehicle defense and it's a fun plinker. I haven't had any malfunctions but I haven't been able to get great groups with it, 5"-6" groups at 100 yards with Q3131A, M193 or Wolf. Part of my problem is seeing the front sight post clearly with my bifocals. I also tried an inexpensive red dot with a rail that mounts on the handle and the groups tightened up a little, maybe to 4"-5".
Today (after almost 4 weeks) he told me the A3 M4 clone came in, BUT I saw he also has another Bushmaster in that has a fixed stock, full 20" barrel + (removable) flash suppressor and A3 upper. I'm thnking this would be a better second AR for me (if I really "need" a second AR) at this point. My thinking is that this would fit the "more serious target shooting" use I had in mind (plus it's $50 cheaper than the one I had on order.) Actually this is probably a better "all around" AR than my first one. The first one is cool and I have no intention of giving it up but the 20" A3 seems like a good idea too. (I guess Black Rifle Disease has thoroughly infected me.)
Any comments or suggestions on my thinking (or rationalization)?
Alan
Just after I placed the order my dealer got in an M4 like I wanted, EXCEPT it had the A2 upper. I thought if the election went badly, there would be increased demand and it might be difficult to get exactly what I wanted. I bought the one with the A2 upper and told my dealer to keep me on the list for the one with the A3 (to keep my options open).
I like the AR with the A2. It's a good "pickup and go" rifle for home or vehicle defense and it's a fun plinker. I haven't had any malfunctions but I haven't been able to get great groups with it, 5"-6" groups at 100 yards with Q3131A, M193 or Wolf. Part of my problem is seeing the front sight post clearly with my bifocals. I also tried an inexpensive red dot with a rail that mounts on the handle and the groups tightened up a little, maybe to 4"-5".
Today (after almost 4 weeks) he told me the A3 M4 clone came in, BUT I saw he also has another Bushmaster in that has a fixed stock, full 20" barrel + (removable) flash suppressor and A3 upper. I'm thnking this would be a better second AR for me (if I really "need" a second AR) at this point. My thinking is that this would fit the "more serious target shooting" use I had in mind (plus it's $50 cheaper than the one I had on order.) Actually this is probably a better "all around" AR than my first one. The first one is cool and I have no intention of giving it up but the 20" A3 seems like a good idea too. (I guess Black Rifle Disease has thoroughly infected me.)
Any comments or suggestions on my thinking (or rationalization)?
Alan