I want a 16" Bushmaster M-4A3 with telescopic stock. However, when I look, there are about three or four different models to choose from and I really cannot tell the differences after reading Bushmaster's catalog. There is the 16" M-4, the 16" Patrolman's, and maybe one or two others. What is the difference between the M-4s and which do you recommend? Please do not turn this thread into an argument over what brand of AR is best. I am getting a Bushmaster and you will not convince me otherwise. Thank you.
Which Bushmaster?
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Mr. Chitlin
Member
The 16" Patrolman's carbine has a 16" barrel with the removable flash hider. The Izzy Model has a 14.5 inch barrel with a permanently attached flash hider to bring the total barrel length to 16" (minimum without a SBR license). Personally, I prefer the removable FH so I can change it if I want, and also if the front sight base has to be removed, it is a lot easier.
Bottom Gun
Member
I prefer the 16" over the 14.5" because it gives you slightly more velocity and the overall lengths are the same.
I prefer the A3 flattop because it is much more versatile, but if you want an A2, I would go with the Dissipator because the longer sight radius will give you better accuracy.
If you plan to mount optics, you may want the heavy barrel to balance it.
I prefer the A3 flattop because it is much more versatile, but if you want an A2, I would go with the Dissipator because the longer sight radius will give you better accuracy.
If you plan to mount optics, you may want the heavy barrel to balance it.
But unless its registered as a SBR, the 14.5" needs to have a permanently attached brake, flash suppressor, or other devive to bring the total length up to 16", so that 2" difference is illusory.
Personally, I'd go with the 16" patrolman's carbine. The M4 has the stepped down barrel for the M203, but unless you're planning on getting a 203 or registering the gun as an SBR, I'd pass on the 14.5" M4 to avoid having a permanently attached muzzle device as Mr. Chitlin mentioned. The threads are nice if you ever want to change from a flash suppressor to a brake, or possibly add a sound supporssor/silencer later.
Don't Tread On Me
Member
I'd go with the Bushmaster Superlight A3. If not, then the M4 16" with removable flash hider. You don't want one of those 14.5" permanent attached ones. You don't really save much length, and if you need to take off the front sight base or do anything to the rifle like add a free-float front end or whatnot, it will cost a lot more because they will have to cut the FH off, then to use the same barrel, they'll need to re-attach it permanently, which means blind pinning and silver soldering. Forget that. Unless you're committed to leaving it as-is.
A threaded muzzle is an "evil-feature", they don't want you having it, taht means you should get it.
Find the Bushmaster M4 barrel that is LIGHT under the handguards. I know they make one like that. They also have an M4 style barrel that is Hbar (heavy) underneath the handguards. Avoid that. It will make the rifle uneccessarily heavy.
I've handled the Bushmaster "m4" with ligher profile barrel and it was quite nice. Should be a winner.
A threaded muzzle is an "evil-feature", they don't want you having it, taht means you should get it.
Find the Bushmaster M4 barrel that is LIGHT under the handguards. I know they make one like that. They also have an M4 style barrel that is Hbar (heavy) underneath the handguards. Avoid that. It will make the rifle uneccessarily heavy.
I've handled the Bushmaster "m4" with ligher profile barrel and it was quite nice. Should be a winner.
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Bushmaster offers several carbine style options similar to an M4. The main differences will be the type of receiver (flattop or carry handle) and the type of barrel (14.5" or 16" and lightweight, M4 profile, or heavy barrel (HBAR)).
If you want something close to an M4, you would want the M4 profile which is light under the handguards, heavier out front and has the step for the grenade launcher. A 14.5" requires either an SBR or a permanently attached muzzle device. The permanently attached device can be a pain if you later want to add things to the rifle (like railed handguards, a different muzzle device or a new front sight base).
Bobarino
member
the differences have all been mentioned and since you asked for opinions, i'd recommend the 16" HBAR flat top. yes, its a little heavier than the M4 profile or superlight but are you going to be carrying it around all day in combat? the HBAR provides more resistance to POI shift as barrel temps get higher and is also a bit more resistant to barrel whip providing slightly better accuracy. i'd stick with a 16" so you can remove the muzzle gizmo to change it or the front sight at will. 14.5" is a pain involving drills and grinders and such. i'm very happy with my Bushy. you won't regret it.
Bobby
Bobby
ruckus3008
Member
which is better. the superlight or the carbon 15?
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