AR-15: Bushmaster, Olympic Arms combo

M

mjsherman

Inactive
Hey all;

I'm thinking of getting a stripped lower from Bushmaster, and a PCR kit from Alympic Arms. Together, I should have everything I need.

Can anyone comment specifically on these three things:

1) The Bushmaster XM15 E2S stripped lower receiver.

2) The Olympic Arms PCR/AR kit. Quality? Instructions? I'm planning on buying the USMC field manual.

3) The general proposition of putting it all together. Is this a good combo?

I want to put a kit together myself for the educational experience and the cost savings.

Any reply would be greatly appreciated!
-Mike
 
Just built one myself........

I used the Bushmaster lower. I am very impressed with the quality of their lower. Finish was flawless and the fit was perfect. I bought the upper from Bushy also so I can't say for sure about the degree of fit with other manufacturer's uppers, but I would have to assume it would be the same (or near) as the Bushy.

Assembling an AR is not that big of a deal. The only issue I had was a spring launching itself across the room. The most helpful thing you can do is make a detent spring installation tool. The sketch is in the back of the Marine Corp. technical manual. (a good investment) This simple tool makes the installation of the spring and detent a snap. That will be the most difficult step of your project. Everything else will be very easy.


A couple more things concerning tools. Buy an armorer's wrench so you can torque down the buffer tube that threads into the lower. Also, you will want to invest in two different styles punches for driving in the roll pins. One style is a "pin holder" used to start the pins (they have a drilled out hole in the end of the punch to accept the pin making it very easy to get the pin started). The other style has a small tit on the end of each punch that will engage the hole in the roll pin so the punch "centers" itself and will stay centered while you drive the pin home. Both sets of punches can be purchased from Brownell's.
http://www.brownells.com/Index.html

Best of luck to you! I think you will find it a fun little project.

kgs.
 
Thanks for the info; I just ordered the USMC manual to start looking over that before I get everything else in line.

I only own a semi-auto handgun now, so this is pretty exciting. I have a Kimber Compact .45, and I love it. Great carry weapon.

-Mike
 
Couple of points

--The Bushmaster lower will NOT accept Orlite or Thermold mags. USGI are fine, but the Orlite/Thermolds are usually cheaper. I'd go with an Oly lower.

--Oly has a stellar reputation with regard to their barrels. They make thier own versus buying the Wilson blanks and, as noted, are unlined. Not a big deal really unless you're going to abuse it. Make sure you get a mil-spec chamber as Oly produces both "match" and mil-spec.

--Go to AR15.com and download the Army/Air Force manuals here:

http://www.ar15.com/books/

(TM 9-1005-319-23 and TM 9-1005-319-10)

I liked these better than the USMC manual, FWIW. And they're free.

--You might try a search on the AR15 boards as to the compatability of Bushmaster lower/Oly upper. There's no guarantees of course, but you might find out if this combo produces consistent "slop". My Eagle (AKA Armalite) lower and FN upper fit together great.

--Buy the punches. Brass is best, but cheapo steel ones will do. About $4 for both at any gunshow and well worth it. You'll also need the Barrel Nut and Buffer Tube tool. A 5/8 Foot Wrench will do the trick, but there's a potential for disaster. Mine is a cheap chinese deal I got for around $8 at a gunshow, mil surplus ones run $15 or so. It's a must for torqueing the buffer tube to spec.

--Consider a trigger job or trigger kit. Again, consult AR15.com. My trigger is awful (getting better with time, however).

My AR is a hodge-podge of FN, Eagle, Bushmaster and DPMS parts put together over a years' time. I put everything together with the exception of torqueing the barrel on the upper (I let Bushmaster do that for me). Other than some mag-related problems it shoots great. No jams or failures to extract.
 
I have a factory Oly and factory Bushamster, and I have tried every combination of upper and lower just to be sure that should something happened to one rifle, I had options, the Oly upper is tight on the bush lower. Tighter than the BM factory lower.
 
I've never tried Orlite's, but I own a bunch of 30-rd. Thermolds that work perfectly in my Bushy Shorty. I'd hate for anybody to think that a Thermold won't work with a Bushmaster.
 
Orlites, I have a bunch that don't work with any of my ARs but I know why they don't work and will rectify the situation as soon as I have time . there is a plastic rib that protrudes from teh magazine where the mag well ends. it is a fraction of an inch to high i will take me dremel and remove the plastic rrib and it should be ok
 
Thermold mags will work.

I have to disagree with Payette Jack's statement, "The Bushmaster lower will NOT accept Orlite or Thermold mags."

Thermold mags absolutely work in my Bushmaster. Moreover, Bushmaster sells Thermold magazines so I can't imagine them selling a product that wouldn't function with theirs.

kgs.
 
there was a post on the AR list that recommended only shaving the rib corners of Orlites to make them seat in Bushies
 
I'd suggest a search on AR15.com

If the Thermold/Orlite question is the deciding purchase factor. It's pretty well covered ground over there.
 
Go with the Bushmaster lower. It's the best out there in my opinion. Finish, quality, fit, and funtion are all triple A. However, I wouldn't go with the olympic upper, you want a chrome-lined barrel for long-term wear and barrel life. The advantages of a chrome-lined barrel far out-weigh the 1 disadvantage I can think of and that's only important if you're worried about the chrome lining affecting the accuracy.(1/2" moa vs. 3/8" moa) I recommend a bushmaster upper. All bushmaster barrels are chrome-lined and heavy profile which is good for accuracy and excess heat build-up, but not good if you like lighter guns. There's also more chance of a better fit with the bushy upper because they're designed for one another. No matter which upper you go with, make sure it fits before you buy it.
 
One more little item concerning Oly vs. Bushy. Oly manufactures their barrels using 4140 steel. Bushy uses 4150 ordnance steel. From anything that I have read, 4150 ordnance steel is definitely superior to 4140. (I believe all small arms used in the military have barrels made from 4150.)

Just my .02


kgs.
 
I have built up a few Ars and only use BushMaster components. They work well and I have had no problems due to their product.

Yes, they use/offer chrome-lined barrels and to be honest they aren't that great. If you don't need match accuracy the chrome-lined barrel will do. Not slamming them at all, but, if you aren't planning on participating in WWIII a chrome-lined barrel is unneccessary and will degrade your accuracy. You have other barrel options available to you from BM and I would suggest you explore them.

Also, I would suggest you explore a float tube and 2 stage trigger.

If what I am saying is creating more questions in your mind, then ask some more questions and we can answer them.

Building an AR is fun and you get exactly what you want. My personal preference is to stick with BM on all the components for a basic AR. If you want exotic, we can talk some more.
 
Thermold's will work in your Bushmaster lower. Orlite's will also work but they need to be below or above a certain model number(don't remember which)to be accepted by a Bushmaster. I originally thought Orlite's would not work but a Magazine dealer should me the difference. I have a couple of Orlites which fit fine but they tend to be more brittle and crack at the back of the feed lips. USGI's are most likely the best but the Thermold's are also good and you should not have any problems.
 
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