Question about what rifle to purchase..

Frost-

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Hey I'm new to the forum and new to firearms/rifles in general so I hope I'm posting this in the right section if I'm not I apologize. I'm interested in buying a rifle for the purpose of using it at the shooting range and personal defense. Here's what I've been looking at tell me what you think of these my price range is around 1500.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...cts_id/77835/Bushmaster+3F+16M4+ML+223+BLK+30

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ts_id/76034/Bushmaster+3F+223+PATROL+ORC+QUAD

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../77746/COLT+SP6920MPB+SPRT+16.1+M4+223+MAGPUL

The ORC one seemed cool because I want to put attachments on right away. Let me know what you think and any suggestions for other rifles would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
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Welcome to the Line!
Those 3 are all so close it would come down to picking each one up and playing with it for a while. Its only a matter of personal taste in aesthetics.
Good luck with your decision.
 
The major difference between the S&W and the other two is; the Colt and Bushmasters have chrome lined bore and barrels are 4150CM steel. The S&W has non chrome lined bore and 4140CM but, it has the 5R rifling and should, theoretically be the more accurate of the 3, and the S&W has a lifetime warranty. Not sure if they would cover a shot out barrel or not but, you are likely never going to see that happen anyway. So Colt and Bushmaster, longer barrel life, which may or may not mean anything to the average shooter, and S&W probably more accurate. Also, of the ones which list the weight, the Colt has a significant weight advantage over the the others (being lighter).
 
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I agree with triggerman. You can look at various weapons and talk about specs all day long but ultimately it will come down to shooting each one. Put a bunch of rounds through each, figure out not only what is more accurate for you but also how is the fit. Being as you may be shooting quite often for practice as well as enjoyment, you may want to also look into the different ammo types and prices for each.
 
ultimately it will come down to shooting each one. Put a bunch of rounds through each, figure out not only what is more accurate for you but also how is the fit.
I have a feeling that Bud's may not approve of that method.
 
I'm not sure I will purchase from them as I'm kind of weary of online purchases in general and I don't know how reputable online gun stores are. Can anyone shed some insight on this for me?
 
Leery, you are leery of purchasing online, or possibly you are wary of making online purchases. Weary means tired, so unless you have made a bunch of purchases lately and are worn out from typing in your credit card number, I don't think that is the word you meant to use.;)

I think a lot of people have had good experiences with Buds, I haven't personally used them but I have bought guns from auction sites and had them shipped to me without a problem. Keep in mind that the gun will have to be shipped to a FFL dealer so you will have to work out those details first and factor in what the dealer will charge you to process the paperwork. Good Luck, I just bought my first AR, a S&W M&P-15 and I love it.
 
Well, my point was really that no gun shop is going to let you take a gun out and put a bunch of rounds thru it to see if you want to purchase it. As for Bud's, I have never dealt with them personally but they do have a good reputation. I am sure there are others on here that can advise you on that aspect. Just one more thought that mat or may not be of any importance to you, Colt bought the contract from Armalite in 1959 and has been making AR15, M16 and M4s for 52 years. Bushmaster came along in 1971. S&W first offered an AR in 2006. Like I said, may not matter one way or the other, just food for thought.
 
Another quick question, can anyone point out a good red dot sight and any other sensible upgrades you should make to your rifle such as a grip. If this is a stupid question again I apologize!
 
An illumination device is important for a defensive rifle, as is low light sights or optics. Nothing real fancy but cheapo lights won't hold up.

I won't answer any home defense posts without suggesting dogs.
 
I just (within the hour) ordered a Lucid HD7. It has been getting great reviews, not only on this forum but everywhere else I have read about it. I managed to pick it up for $179 through Amazon with free shipping. I will probably buy the 2x screw in magnifier for it later. The Lucid uses a single AAA battery and weighs in at 13oz. That is less than the Burris PEPR mount and Weaver 1-3x20 scope I had on it by nearly half a pound. http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/10/ryan-finn/gear-review-lucid-hd7-red-dot-sight/
 
Hey guy's I ended up going to a local FFL dealer that I bought my Glock 17 from, and ended up settling on a Bushmaster XM15 E2S M4 Type Carbine for 1100 and ended up ordering the Lucid HD7. I'm also looking at some other upgrades any suggestions would be appreciated. They told me to look at Magpul. I know I want a rail grip, I don't know if I need a sling system upgrade as I'm new to this stuff. Any help would be great! Thanks!
 
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Did you get that in a flat top version? I have the same set up except I bought it with the carry handle and later converted to flat top. It is a very well made weapon in my opinion. I am sure you will get opposing view points but, everyone has their own opinions. I have never had any problems at all with mine. It even shoots the cheap steel cased ammo with not problems. I have added Magpul MOE handguards, pistol grip and trigger guard. That is about it so far. I also added a rubber butt pad, not for recoil but I just didn't like the way the stock fit my shoulder.
 
I got it with the carry handle, small world we have the same rifle what did you pay for yours? Did you keep yours all black? Or change the color around a bit?
 
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