Problem sighting in new Bushmaster

R

Ronaldo

Inactive
I got a new Bushmaster Dissipator this week and went to do the preliminary sight-in at out local indoor range. The range is limited to 25 yards so had to use the short-range protocol for sighting in; small aperture, one click up from 3/8 elevation etc.

Had no problem bringing in the elevation but noted that this rifle shoots to the right about 2" at 25 yd. as it came from the box. I was able to crank it over to the left and center it up but had to adjust the windage one full division (as inscribed on the rear of the sight) to bring it in.

Is this typical of Bushmasters, or AR's in general? The last AR I owned was a Colt, and that was back in the mid 80's. I don't recall having any particular problems in obtaining a zero on it.

Or is it something inherent to 'new' AR shooters, something like the propensity for shooting to the left for new Glock owners?

The groups were tight, as tight as I can get them with my old eyes, so the rifle itself seems inherently accurate. All shooting was from bench rest.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks....
Ron
 
A 2" windage correction @ 25 yards is a lot. I doubt that it's shooter's error. I think that maybe your whole front sight assembly was pushed a little to one side (or assembled carelessly).

Most gunsmiths that work on AR's will remove the 2 pins that affix the front sight assembly to the barrel, and replace them with 4 torque screws that apply pressure to the barrel. It's a $30. or $40. modification that allows you move the front sight left or right.

You could also try hitting the front sight with a mallet or something, but I would think that it would be a "hit or miss" kind of thing - you'd have to get lucky.
 
I purchased a dissiptor a couple of months ago, windage was right on but had to adjust front sight for elevation. Sight in was done at 100 yds from a bench. I have noticed that some people do not hold their AR level (tilts to side), this can cause significant windage errors. If you are holding the rifle without tilting I would look at the front sight.

If your shooting form is good and/or your front sight is not straight, I would contact bushmaster. I have never had to use their warranty service but it does have a good reputation around here. I wouldn't bang on my new rifle with a mallet until I exhausted all other options;).

Hope you enjoy your new rifle.
 
adjusting the windage far left to hit the bull is a symptom of an improperly over torqued barrel

the mallet method works
so does remounting the barrel assembly
Bushampster had this problem pre Y2k when they were cranking out the inventory

in severe cases the index pin can get bent or the slot it keys into can get wallowed out
QP/BM will make it good for you
 
My Bushmaster was sent back to the factory by the previous owner for this exact problem. The rear sight is dead center now. I would recommend you do the same. As DZ said, it is/was a common problem with Bushmasters, that has been discussed at length at AR15.com.

bkm...
 
Thanks for the good info.

I removed the handguard and took a good long look down the axis of the carry handle to the front sight and sure enough, it was slightly skewed to the left.

Took my trusty plastic mallet and gave it a couple of taps on the front sight assembly, and sure enough, it appeares to be straight now. I'll take it down and re-zero the windage. If there are still any problems, then Bushmaster will get a call from me.

Appreciate the advice...

Ron
;)
 
If you still have to call Bushmaster, you might not want to say anything about that pastic mallet, just in case.
 
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