Simple AR Questions

[BBsteel]

Okay, so I've been searching and reading a lot of threads on here as of late about AR-15's. These EBR's are quite fascinating to me and I must have one. I'm leaning towards a Bushmaster but I have some really simple questions and yes, I have a lot more research to do yet.

What constitutes an EBR to be an AR-15?? When looking at the Bushmaster website or DPMS catalog they are all sold by model numbers. For example, Bushmaster has Carbine-15's and XM-15's or something like that. I can't double check here at work due to restrictions on firearms sites. What's the difference between the AR-15 and an M4A3 model in the Bushmaster??? Is the M4A3 not an AR-15?? I'm somewhat confused. I've also heard mention of the AR-10?

I know I want a 18"+ barrel and a flat top or removable handle in a .223 but that's all I know right now. I've heard mention of AR15.com and I will check that out tonight as they may be able to answer my basic questions here.

Thanks for reading from an AR rookie!

 

[Quiet]

Each maufacturer names their version of the AR-15 differently.

Bushmaster names their version of the "AR-15A2" the XM15 E2S (part # PCWA2S 20) and DPMS names it the Panther Classic (part # RFA2-C).

The main difference between the Bushmaster Carbon-15 and XM15 is that the Carbon-15 uses a polymer reciever and the XM15 uses a metal reciever.

The Bushmaster M-4A3 is not an AR-15, it is Bushmaster's version of the Colt M-4A1 Carbine. Both Bushmaster and Colt versions are not available for civilian sale due to the rifle being classified as a machinegun restricted to LE/military.

There are a plethora of manufacturers that make AR-15 varients with a 18+" barrel, chambered in the 5.56x45mm/.223 Remington with a flat top.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

AR-15 is a name owned by Colt, so Bushmaster can't name their rifles AR-15 rifles... without getting sued...

But most people just refer to anything that is based off of the first AR-15 type design or similar as an "AR-15"... even though it may technically just an AR-15 clone.

As for M4's... an M4 is just a specific type of AR-15 style (in civilian terms, usually a 14.5" barrel w/ perm flash hider or 16" barrel, collapsable stock, M4 contoured barrel, etc...)

An M4 is an AR-15 but an AR-15 isn't always an M4...

The "A1", "A2", "A3", or "A4" after M4 (in civivilian terms) usually refers to the upper receiver, whether it's a flat top upper ("A3" and "A4") or whether it's a fixed carry handle ("A1" for the older style, "A2" for the adjustable sights).

An AR-10 is typically chambered in .308 or another larger caliber that requires a larger mag well and receiver than your typical AR-15 receiver...

 

[docgary]

BB
The AR - designation is based on a platform developed by Stoner (late 50s early 60s?)

This design was successful since it allowed 'less than tight' tolerances maintaining decent accuracy
(in war, no need to hit the 10 zone-the 8 zone is good enough) allowed continued use in spite of
debris, sand etc and a relatively simple design for take down, fixes and interchangability.

In the civilian market, the rifle is successful in that parts are plentiful and interchangable,
after market parts can upgrade precision to equal bolt action rifles and an array of
diiferent size barrels, configuraration and caliber.

The AR 15 represents all of the rifles built on the Stoner platform.
Differences lie in barrel contour(the M4 has the notch for grenade
launcher -M203?)length of barell, muzzle brakes, flash hiders, comps etc.

All the AR manufacturers parts are interchangeable in that they adhere to
miliatary specs. Therefore, parts are aplenty. Mostly all parts are
forged with a few companies producing recievers from billet and CDC'd
(LaRue, Vtlor,JP etc) The .223 rem are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
Because of this, building your own from parts is doable for any one!

Another reason for the popularity is they are exact replicas of their miliatary/police parents.

All the popular names -Bushmaster, Rock River arms, stag etc- are all basically the same rifle.
The differences are in anecdotal reports of accuracy, quality of parts, failure rates, customer service
and numbers of govt contracts.

All you have to decide on is what are your plans with it..
Shooting up to 100yds, plinking etc - a carbine will do the trick(light, accurate)
Shooting over 100yds, target - longer barrel
Hunting, trekking - weight plays role -consider carbon, medium brl length

good luck
docgary

 

[DogBonz]

Great info on the AR15 so far

So I'll just add that the AR10 is basically an AR15 on steroids. It was originally made in 308 win. The AR10 family now includes 260 Rem, 243, and some of the WSM calibers. I think DMPS calles these the "LR308". More AR10 info (work friendly):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR10

AR15 info from work friendly site:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR15

 

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Your questions have been answered but...

I'd just like to add that most of the major manufacturers all put out a quality product or they wouldn't be major manufacturers. So I decided to go with the company that had the most appealing logo applied to the lowers. One Bushmaster, and one Rock River. No complaints, and no worries. My next purchase will be another Bushmaster though !

 

[BBsteel]

Thanks

Those are great response guys, thanks. That really clears up some things I was unaware of. I can't wait to get one of these guys. I'm looking at something I can shoot over 100 yards and be fairly accurate with. DPS has a nice varmit type AR that I was interested in. Plus their mfging sight is in my home state!

 

[DogBonz]

BB

I have a DPMS and have had really good luck with it. My only tip with DPMS is to check the mag well. The DPMS lower that I have one of my Grendel uppers on has a tight mag well and magazines sometimes have to be coaxed out. Other than that, DPMS puts out a great rifle at an affordable price.