Question as to what to get. . . .AR upper

O

Orion_VTOL

New member
I finally got an AR lower, and now would like to get an upper. Here is what I'd like to eventually do. I'd like a short range upper in 16" (such as a Bushy Dissapator), and a longer range 20" upper with a stainless steel, which I hear is supposed to be more accurate. As far as the 16", I'm pretty set as to what I want. But for the 20", any suggestions?
Also, which one should I get first? I already have an AK for short range, so that would lean me more towards the 20".

Thanks for the advise. :)
 
Colt being too expensive (in most cases). I would buy a Bushmaster upper.

[This message has been edited by FireForged (edited September 07, 2000).]
 
I just now found this, since it was moved here.

Thanks for your reply, FireForged!

I would consider a Bushy upper, but I've heard that the chrome lined barrel isn't as accurate as a stainless steel barrel. And accuracy will be what I'm after. Now, if the accuracy of a stainless steel barrel is only marginally better (at best) than a chrome lined barrel, I may consider the Bushy then. What do you say? Say you take a 20" Bushmaster HBar and a 20" S.S. barrel (from like M&A Parts). How would their accuracy differ?



[This message has been edited by Orion_VTOL (edited September 07, 2000).]
 
Sounds like you are doing about what I did. My first AR was a Bushmaster Dissipator (complete rifle). It works great and I'm very happy with it (although I wish a fluted barrel had been available to cut a little weight).

Next, I built a kit on a Busmaster stripped lower. I got a 20" stainless bull barrel on a flattop reciever with a free-float aluminum tube handguard. I assume the second rifle is more accurate, although I've only shot it with cheap South African ammo. I get groups of about 1"-3" at 100 yards. I'm sure if I added a better trigger, used better ammo, and WERE A BETTER SHOT, the groups would shrink. The rifle sure LOOKS accurate :) I originally ordered the 20" thinking that it wouldn't be too different from a standard AR-15 rifle to carry around, but it is heavy.

I can't really compare the Dissipator, since I don't have a scope on it, and my eyesight and ability don't allow for such precise shooting at that range with iron sights.

If you have a complete lower, I'd probably order an upper from JT or Sherluk to put on it. If your lower is stripped, get the whole kit. If you want real accuracy, get a match-grade trigger. I did have some problems getting mine to work - even had to send it back, but now it seems fine. I'm sure a Bushmaster upper would be fine (and probably less risky), but if you like the stainless, and/or want to save some money, try the other suppliers.

Check http://www.ar15.com for lots more info and opinions.

Doug
 
DougB, you said,
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>"...but if you like the stainless, and/or want to save some money, try the other suppliers."[/quote]

I'm not sure WHAT I like as far as barrels. What I DO like is the relative ease of cleaning, and strength of the chrome lined barrel. I am just wanting to get good accuracy. Like I said, if a S.S. barrel can only boast a small advantage in accuracy over what Bushmaster puts in their uppers, I'd rather just go with the Bushmaster. Yes, I'm sure the Bushmaster WILL be more expensive though. Oh well. :)
 
I'm wishywashy. Now, I'm thinking I'd rather have an 'urban setup', some sort of light weight 16" upper and get some sort of bolt gun for longer ranges.

If I did that, is there any advantage of a Bushmaster over a FN upper with Wilson barrel.

FN w/wilson barrel - $395
Bushmaster - $535

That's quite a difference!
 
If you are building a pre-ban, I'd suggest a telestock and a 16" flattop upper assembly as your first setup. Then a flattop upper w/ a 20" or 24" stainless match barrel for your #2 setup. If you are building a post-ban, then I guess I'd go for a flattop 20" stainless HBAR first.

I guess a stainless barrel on average will be more accurate, but there are some plain old chrome-lined barrels that are really accurate; as with all things, its the luck of the draw. I expect the manufacturers to do a better job on stainless HBAR barrels because they figure customer expectations will be much higher.

The main thing is that, unless you are going to shoot service rifle, go with the flattop. Then you can have whatever irons and optics you want. The two components for accuracy on the AR are the barrel and the trigger.
 
Let me just share my satisfaction with my Bushy, and maybe it'll help, maybe it won't. Here goes...

I have a pre-ban BM that originally had the 11.5/5.5 A1 shorty. On Saturday, 9/2, I ordered a 14.5" fluted heavy barrel with A3 upper and Phantom supressor to make it legal. It arrived the following friday.

Oh my! It's too KOOL! I haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but my wife had to put her foot down about me wanting to SLEEP with it that first night!

If I had a post-ban, I would feel no less satisfied with a 14.5" fluted with AK brake on it, and all the same goodies. I am told repeatedly that the 20" barrel will only perform better than the 14.5" or 16" BEYOND 300 meters! I can't even SEE beyond 300 meters!

Whatever you choose, my personal opinion is that Bushmaster is THE best. The customer service is INCREDIBLE, and turn-around for my upper was literally DAYS! I also really like the fluted barrel for the weight decrease. It's only a little, but it's enough to notice.

Good luck!
 
One more thing...

Bushmaster is NOT more expensive, it's LESS! My 14.5" fluted A3 was $465!

I have great accuracy with my chrome lined bore. I have been told that there is truly only a marginal difference in the two, and I have no desire to have a non-lined one.

Check the FAQ page on www.bushmaster.com for information on just that subject, as well as others.

Hope this helps!
 
Orion, you have not told us what level of accuracy you desire. The answer to that question will dictate what barrel we suggest.

So, please let us know at what distance you wish to shoot and what level of accuracy you want at that distance (MOA).

Will you be shooting at 200 yards? 300? 500?...

CMOS

------------------
NRA? Good. Now join the GOA!

The NRA is our shield, the GOA will be our sword.
 
Thank you Onslaught and all who have (and continue to) given great advise! :)

CMOS, I'm thinking that I'll be keeping it under 300 meters. I'll probably just get an A2 upper, so I'll be iron sighting it. Unless I get one of those small 'range finding' scopes that fit on the carry handle, I don't think that long distance accuracy will be in the program much. I'm thinking that I may just want an 'urban warefare' type setup. I have an AK, but it is too heavy for prolonged use. So, and AR that is fairly light would be what I'm after. Rugedness is a plus. Right now, I'm leaning towards the postban M4 upper from Bushmaster. Unless someone has some better idea. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top