You can't beat an Armalite NM or Bushmaster equivalent for the price. Right out of the box, they both shoot at least Master level scores. I have several friends who have Bushmaster NM rifles, and they shoot every bit as well as my Armalite. I like the interchangeable aperatures on the BMaster rear site, a feature lacking on the Armalite.
I own an Armalite NM rifle, having purchased it in July 1998. At that time, dealer rice was $999, with retail going for $1499. If you have a friend/connection with an FFL, you can order direct from Armalite, get dealer price and avoid sales tax. I paid with a credit card. Armalite was very good about not charging my credit card until they called me first to tell me the rifle was ready to ship. In 1998, I waited 3 months for a NM rifle. I can say it is very accurate, easily capable of Master level scores in NRA Highpower. A previous post mentioned the loose upper-to-lower fit on the Armalites. Mine was loose too, but shot 3/4" groups at 100 yards over iron sights. I installed a $3.00 Accuwedge to tighten the rifle up like a rock. Made no difference whatsoever in accuracy!!
On the down side, after I put 2600 rounds (all moly) through the rifle, I checked my throat erosion with a Stoney Point OAL gauge, and discovered throat erosion of .060" from baseline with 52/69/77 gr Sierras and 0.030" from baseline with 80gr. Sierras. I consider that a little too much erosion for the number of rounds fired. With the 80gr bullets, I can chase the throat and accuracy has remained good. With the others, magazine length is as far as I can go and I have noticed some loss of accuracy. Still, the rifle is shooting well at 600 yards, but I notice a lower x-count at 200/300 and a few 10's becoming 9's. For the price, I have no complaints about the barrel life. The Army Marksmanship Unit changes barrels at around 2500 rounds. I have heard of some $450 Kriegers going 3500-4000 rounds. So, getting almost 3000 rounds from a $200 Wilson (Armalite's OEM barrel)is nothing to cry about.
Figuring it was time for a new upper, I planned on getting a second Armalite NM upper to shoot while I had a Krieger barrel put on the existing upper. I called Armalite in early Jan. 2000. They told me 6-month wait for a complete NM rifle, and an 8-month wait for a NM upper. I opted to shoot the fading barrel out of the Armalite while awaiting completion of a complete upper w/ Krieger (6 month wait for that.....). AR match-quality rifles are hot right now. Be prepared to wait.
Conclusion: Buy a Bushmaster or Armalite NM rifle, whichever you can get soonest and/or for the best price.
[This message has been edited by Keystone (edited February 02, 2000).]
