What I'm looking for are opinions/links in regards to a rifle I'd like to get.
I know I want something like an AR-15 or M-4 but I:
- Don't know what the differences are (if any)
- Don't know the best manuf. of such rifles
- Don't know how much to pay for what
M-4 is (basically) an AR-15 with a telescoping stock and short barrel. Unless you're an LEO you likely won't be getting one.
If you already looked at Bushmaster's site, I recommend that you pull out $750-800 and go get yourself one! IMO, they're the best you're going to get without having to rob the kid's piggy bank.
That being said, I have gotten very, very good results from my Olympic Arms PCR99. And I paid about $100 (almost a case of ammo) less than I would have for the comparable Bushmaster. Oly Arms used to have problems in the quality control department and developed a rep accordingly. From my experience, I think they've righted the ship.
Other possibilities (all more expensive than Bushy): Colt, Armalite, Rock River
A check over at http://ar15.com/ will answer many questions that you may have. You will find a die hard corps of followers that talk AR15's 24/7.
You pretty much can't go wrong with a Bushmaster. There aren't many folks who cannot strongly reccomend one as a good quality rifle. Most M4's that you see these days are what are called "Mock" M4's. They have the barrel profile of the M4 series rifle, but aren't true M4's. Rock River Arms makes a pretty good copy of the M4 in a post ban reciever. They use a collapsible stock permanently fixed in one position as well as a permanently attatched muzzle brake to achieve the look of the M4. These rate extemely high in the "coolness" factor.
Doing some surfing can narrow down what preferences you have for an AR15. They usually come in 14.5in+Brake Mock M4 (You need 16" total length to be legal for a standard rifle), 16" and 20". You also have the A1 type upper w/carry handle, A2 type with carry handle, and A3(flatop) w/o carry handle to choose from with whatever barrel length you so desire. Bushmaster also makes a dissapator model that is a 16" barrel with a full length handguard found on the 20" rifles....anyway..here are some sites.
Bushmasters are great. Own an XM15 Carbine and am very pleased.
Another site to check out is American Spirit Arms, www.gunkits.com
I took delivery a couple of months ago of one of their 9mm flattops and couldn't be happier. The fit and finish on mine is as good or better than my Bushmaster. It eats all ammo and likes the cheap Argentine mags to boot.
Good luck, be sure to tell us what you get.
Take Care
Bushmasters are great. Own an XM15 Carbine and am very pleased.
Another site to check out is American Spirit Arms, www.gunkits.com
I took delivery a couple of months ago of one of their 9mm flattops and couldn't be happier. The fit and finish on mine is as good or better than my Bushmaster. It eats all ammo an d likes the cheap Argentine mags to boot.
Good luck, be sure to tell us what you get.
Take Care
Its a great site and they have a section specifically for shooters new to the AR15 that is a pretty good summary on how to choose a rifle that meets your needs.
