My first range session for my new Bushmaster-suggestions

G

geegee

New member
Well, it looks like Saturday will be the day I break that beauty out and head to the range...I can't wait!

Since most of my firearms experience has been with handguns, I could use a few tips from those of you who are experienced with the AR 15. I haven't shot rifles really for about 20 years. Thanks in advance. geegee
 
Bushmaster reccomends 200 or so rounds before cleaining it the first time, to polish the chrome bore.

I don't like to rapid fire much, keep it slow and steady for the first session, sort of a modified break in by babying it.

I usually load 5-10 in the first mag and fire for function before screwing around with the sights.

Start on paper at 25 yards, get it centered, then to 100 and zero it in earnest.

When zeoring, keep the same point of aim for 3-5 shots, then check the group, adjusting the sights accordingly.

Your front sight controls elevation, windage is at the rear.

Need a tool to spin that front sight, you can use a cartridge tip, but that is awkward and gets copper all over the sight (it comes off) so I prefer the front sight tool.

Good luck, have fun and post your review.

I love my Bushy.

Edited to add: Use a sandbag or something similar to rest the rifle on while sighting in, it takes the shooter out of the equation and is just easier.
 
Keep bolt carrier well lubed with gun oil. This will help keep it from failing to feed.
Use only USGI mags. The 10 rounder from BM always seem to have feeding problems.
 
When I first shoot a new pistol, I break it down and give it a light lube before the range session-do you recommend the same for my rifle? geegee
 
if you have not dissassembled yer AR
15 times before you go to the range
it's not going to respect you

;)
 
I disassembled my Bushy before going to the range the first time a couple of weeks ago, mostly for fun. I did blame the factory warning to make sure the cam pin was in place, to prevent the receiver exploding, but I really just wanted to see what made it work.

No expert advice here, but the folks who know say that if your elbows aren't covered with lubricant, it's too dry. Still, I haven't cleaned the barrel yet, since I only have 120 rounds through it. I have disassembled and wiped it out with CLP after both range sessions.

I keep a log: rounds bought, lot numbers, rounds fired, stoppages, etc.

I bought a thousand rounds of Lake City M193 and five USGI magazines from the Ammoman. http://www.ammoman.com/ He's the standard in fair dealing. If you have a Galyans nearby, the Winchester Q3131A is a good deal at $3.49 for a box of 20.

Standard safety stuff: shooting glasses, double-plug your ear protection.

Jaywalker
 
geegee,

Break it down and give it a light lube. I'd recommend Break Free CLP or the CLP made by Royco. Put a light coat on the bolt and carrier. And put a drop down the carrier key. Assemble the rifle and get ready to head to the range. Before you go go to the Maryland AR15 Shooters site and download a 25 meter zero traget. You'll also find instructions there on Chuck Santose's battlesight zero method. If you have access to a 50 meter range that's a better way to zero.

Shot some grouping exercises first. Mil-spec calls for a 4 cm 5 shot group at 25 meters. Every Ar I've seen will shoot better then that. Shoot a couple good five shot groups then start zeroing. Once you're zeroed, place some targets at whatever distance you choose and have fun.

Which model Bushmaster did you get? What kind of shooting do you plan to do with it?

Jeff
 
Jeff: I picked up a 16" Carbine. I originally put a down payment on a Colt, then saw the dealer at a gun show where he had the Bushmasters. After reading reviews here at TFL and a couple of other websites, I figured I had better get the Bushy. He was agreeable to it, and off I went. It was bought strictly for self defense and plinking. This will be a whole new experience for me and am I pumped!:D geegee

PS: You guys are giving me some great info-it's much appreciated.
 
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