Bushmaster Bullpup- Opinion/reviews?

D

Dakar

Inactive
I've been looking at a variety of rifles, and have finally decided on the M17S as the one to fit my needs. This is not my first rifle, it is however my first 'real' rifle (the shot-out Norinco SKS with moving rear sights doesnt count). I decided on it because it looks to have a greater potential for accuracy and reliability than a standard AR, and the HK-91 is just too big, I want a compact rifle (not a short barrel, this is important) for a possible, shall we say... 'extended urban encounter'. It needs to be capable of 'minute of blue-helmet' accuracy.

That being said, I'm looking for reviews from anyone who has used one, as well as any information you guys see as relevant to the topic, I've read the SAR article and didn't see it as terribly informative, so more links to this really aren't nescessary, as they seem to pop up in every post I have seen about the M17.

Thanks in advance,
Dakar
 
I had a Bushmaster M17 for about a year. It was a reliable quality made rifle. I fitted mine with a Trijicom Reflex sight and an Uncle Mikes slide on finger groove grip. Accuracy was ok, I think that the loooong creepy trigger was the only reason I could not achieve real fine accuracy. I think that the rifle would really come into it's own with some decent iron sights for back up and a good trigger. For a close combat weapon this rifle really sings. Handling in a vehicle is great (though my ears cringe at the thought of really firing it in a car). The reflex sight I think is made for the weapon, no need to turn anything on or off, no batteries to run down. I love tritium. If you get one shoot, it a lot, the handling qualities of the bullpup demand it. Lots of people are turned off at the shotgun type safety, I was at first but after a while it feels just right. Quality Parts is a great company, I think if you have any trouble with this rifle they will stand bebind it. Alex
 
This is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for- I had no idea about the safety, though it doesn't seem like it will be a problem. Thanks Alex, anyone else?
 
I handled one last weekend at the local shop. It's a neat little rifle, but the poor trigger really turned me off. If that were fixed, or it was about $150 - 200 cheaper, I'd consider it.

-z
 
I've heard the trigger mentioned several times, exactly what is the problem with it, and is there a way to fix, or at least lessen, the problem?
 
Your assumption that the Bullpup has more accuracy potential than does a standard Bushy AR is simply incorrect. Do a little more research and see what the realiity of that comparison is.
 
Doing more research is exactly the point of this post. I haven't seen any real comparisons of this rifle to standard ARs, the only thing I have seen on accuracy has been the SAR article where i believe the author stated he believed it to be capable of 1.5-2 inch groups (or i could be hallucinating, haven't read the article lately), what kind of accuracy would you expect from a standard AR? I was looking at a 16 inch version for size concerns...
 
Do a search on the M17S on this site. There are at least a dozen threads covering all the pros and cons including the trigger and sight issue. I have gotten just under moa with Nosler BT bullets and I like mine.
 
Dakar, the trigger is creepy because of the length of the trigger bar. (I believe, I'm not sure exactly what the mechanics of it are, having never ripped one apart). Most bullpups have this problem.

Bushmaster can be pretty helpful on the phone (depending on who you get) call them up and ask them about the mechanism. I have heard of a few people tweaking it and making it nicer but I'm not sure how.

And for "minute of helmet" accuracy, just about any decent rifle will work just fine.

This gun is also on my list of guns to buy just to play with, but I don't have one yet. They are usually around $600 around these parts.
 
Dakar,

Your references to a "possible 'extended urban encounter'" are unwise on this forum. There are many ways to interpret this comment, from a simple philosophical opposition to the extended authority of the UN (or any other pseudo-governmental agency), to a specific planned event. It is my understanding that the hosts of this site don't want discussions of the latter to be posted on TFL. Since you are a new member, I don't feel like I can tell the difference, and you should consider that other interested parties may not be able to either (if you know what I mean).


rock
 
I have never owned one but 2 guys had them at the range awhile back. The rifles appeared to be well made and were very accurate. One guy had a 3x9 on his and was hitting everything he aimed at out to 100 yards. I've seen Bushmasters ARs advertised in the Shotgun news for around $600 and would buy one before the Bullpup but they do seem like nice rifles if you get one.
 
Sorry rock_jock, that comment was intended as a joke- don't worry, I have no intentions of shooting up anything. If anything the 'minute of blue helmet' comment should tip you off that even if I was, it wouldn't have been against my fellow Americans.
 
Great gun
Fun plinker
But its iron sights suck, you must ACOG, Relfex, or Redot Dot it.

Great price
But for $100 more, you can get a Bushy Shorty and really play ball!
 
I was aware of the problems with the iron sights, and was planning to Aimpoint it. What makes the Bushy shorty a better weapon? Seems it would have lower velocity (doesn't seem, as i suppose it has been established- laws of physics and all that), and thus less power downrange.
 
I would actually hold one before thinking about buying one. They are a bulky rifle, and the front forend isn't too ergonomic. To me it just felt awkward to hold. YMMV, however, so if it feels good to you, then go for it.
 
I have looked at one of these, and my main concern was the fact that your face was right over the ejection portthis could be most unpleasant if there was a mechanical problem with the gun or ammo. I also think it would preclude lefthanders from using it.
 
I picked one up a little over a month ago and put an Aimpoint on it. The trigger does leave a little to be desired but a little light grease on the trigger bar will help make the pull more consistent. That said, the M17S is a hoot to shoot. It shoulders very fast and naturally. With the Aimpoint, target aquisition is near instantaneous. My AR (with the A2 sights) owning friends are all jealous of this. One of them busted three cans in four shots in under 3 seconds at 100 yards. This was the very first time he used the rifle. He plans on getting one shortly. You can pick up an Aimpoint at http://www.swfa.com for around $285 shipped.
 
Hard Case,

I just decided yesterday to sell my Bushmaster V Match and pick up a Bullpup. The game plan is to separately sell my GG&G cantilever mount and keep my Aimpoint to mount on the Bullpup. Anything special about mounting your Aimpoint or any problems?

Thanks.

Mike
 
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