Is a Bushmaster a good AR? - Page 2

coyota1 · December 16, 2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

After the tragedy in CN, you better grab any AR fast. The thunder is coming down on the AR.

I was thinking the same thing and it may be here to stay. I would like the option of scope mounting, and not on top of the handle. Way too high profile for me. I see no reason for the handle unless you are a lugged down infantry man dragging it through a swamp.

**4V50 Gary** · December 16, 2012, 01:55 PM

I've never had any trouble with Bushmaster, but the ones I used are over ten years old. The one brand I would shy away from is Hesse.

Johnxuga · December 16, 2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyota1

I was thinking the same thing and it may be here to stay. I would like the option of scope mounting, and not on top of the handle. Way too high profile for me. I see no reason for the handle unless you are a lugged down infantry man dragging it through a swamp.

Any infantry man will tell you "that's not a carrying handle - it's a mounting rail for an AN- PVS4 night vision scope or similar optic device."

HungryHunter · December 16, 2012, 10:17 PM

My yote hunting buddy has used one for the last couple years, and its never let him down. He recently put the luepold mark ar on it , and loves it.I personally don't own one but he has never complained about his(that I know of). I know he is looking into a RRA though.

jolly roger · December 16, 2012, 10:20 PM

My Bushy A3 has been going great for about 10 years. Love it.

mach1.3 · December 17, 2012, 10:34 AM

I have had a Bushmaster X15 for probably 5 yrs. It's the A3/M4 version with detachable handle. The trigger initially was kinda gritty but has smoothed out with use. I've put probably 2000+ rounds through mine and it's shooting better than ever. The mods I've done are: 1. remove sight post and replaced the gas port for a flatter top. 2. Added EoTech sight 3. forward handle/bipod
4. also have riser with scope mount for Leupold 3-9x when hog hunting. 5. sling for carrying when hunting. It will shoot 5.56mm or .223 ammo without a problem. I usually shoot X193 55gr. 5.56 bu have used 62gr.green tip X855 and some Sierra 77gr. ammo.

It's a great gun--haven't shot anything else and am happy with it.

dgludwig · December 17, 2012, 03:37 PM

Quote:

I see no reason for the handle unless you are a lugged down infantry man dragging it through a swamp.

The "handle" is a requirement for AR-15 rifles competing in Service Rifle matches. Removeable "handles" are approved and that's the route I'd go for a rifle being used for other purposes (i.e., using it scoped during the "off' season for varmints) when not shooting in a sanctioned Service Rifle match.

coyota1 · December 17, 2012, 03:48 PM

Well, I thought it was a "handle".

Quentin2 · December 17, 2012, 06:48 PM

Well we often actually used them as carry handles in Vietnam. No matter what the captain said!

Infrequently I still do today.

coyota1 · December 17, 2012, 06:52 PM

If the handle was actually designed for optics, then why is it shaped like one?

Quentin2 · December 17, 2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

If the handle was actually designed for optics, then why is it shaped like one?

You should look for pictures of very early AR-10 prototypes. In the mid-1950s ArmaLite actually had the bolt charging handle inside the carry handle. It looked like an upside down trigger and the "handle" part of the carry handle shielded it. From the pictures it's obvious why the carry handle is shaped the way it is. Then later AR-10 designs went to the standard charging handle. As did the AR-15 when it was introduced later. The shape of the carry handle remained about the same but it lost the "upside down trigger". And made a nice handle for carrying.

coyota1 · December 17, 2012, 07:06 PM

It never made much sense for a gun to have a handle since it doesn't seem like a safe way to tote a gun.

baddarryl · December 17, 2012, 07:21 PM

Quote:

I know there is lots of discussion about 223 vs 5.56.

Interchangable?? or not?

.223 will fire in a 5.56 chamber, but not the other way around. In other words, do not fire 5.56 in a .223 chamber. They are not exactly alike.

edfrompa · December 17, 2012, 07:50 PM

Bushmaster's are very good, I have a 223 for about six years. Very accurate firearm up to 200yds.

**4V50 Gary** · December 17, 2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Well we often actually used them as carry handles in Vietnam. No matter what the captain said!

Infrequently I still do today.

Trail Arms. Infantry have been carrying their firelocks that way for centuries. One captain isn't going to change what comes natural and military tradition overnight.

December 16, 2012, 01:55 PM	#27
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	I've never had any trouble with Bushmaster, but the ones I used are over ten years old. The one brand I would shy away from is Hesse. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

December 16, 2012, 10:17 PM	#29
HungryHunter Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 164	My yote hunting buddy has used one for the last couple years, and its never let him down. He recently put the luepold mark ar on it , and loves it.I personally don't own one but he has never complained about his(that I know of). I know he is looking into a RRA though.

December 16, 2012, 10:20 PM	#30
jolly roger Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 179	My Bushy A3 has been going great for about 10 years. Love it.

December 17, 2012, 10:34 AM	#31
mach1.3 Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 94	I have had a Bushmaster X15 for probably 5 yrs. It's the A3/M4 version with detachable handle. The trigger initially was kinda gritty but has smoothed out with use. I've put probably 2000+ rounds through mine and it's shooting better than ever. The mods I've done are: 1. remove sight post and replaced the gas port for a flatter top. 2. Added EoTech sight 3. forward handle/bipod 4. also have riser with scope mount for Leupold 3-9x when hog hunting. 5. sling for carrying when hunting. It will shoot 5.56mm or .223 ammo without a problem. I usually shoot X193 55gr. 5.56 bu have used 62gr.green tip X855 and some Sierra 77gr. ammo. It's a great gun--haven't shot anything else and am happy with it.

December 17, 2012, 03:48 PM	#33
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	Well, I thought it was a "handle".

December 17, 2012, 06:48 PM	#34
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	Well we often actually used them as carry handles in Vietnam. No matter what the captain said! Infrequently I still do today.

December 17, 2012, 06:52 PM	#35
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	If the handle was actually designed for optics, then why is it shaped like one?

December 17, 2012, 07:06 PM	#37
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	It never made much sense for a gun to have a handle since it doesn't seem like a safe way to tote a gun.

December 17, 2012, 07:50 PM	#39
edfrompa Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 1999 Posts: 335	Bushmaster's are very good, I have a 223 for about six years. Very accurate firearm up to 200yds.