Which AR to buy

B

Bigdog29

Inactive
I think I have finally narrowed it down to either a Colt 6601 or a Bushmaster XM15 E2S A2 both 20 inch barrel. I plan on using the rifle for protection and plinking. Is there any benefit for getting a Bushmaster A3 instead of an A2? I might get a scope in the future, but like the look of the handle. Is the detachable handle on the A3 durable? Is the Colt or Bushmaster more accurate? Finally, if I can't find any persuasive arguments to push me one way or the other, I think I will go with a Bushmaster since it's cheaper and I'm told they have better customer service. Any information and opinions are welcomed. I think I could get the Bushmaster A2 for about $750 and the Colt for $840. Are these reasonably prices? Thanks
 
Bigdog,

Build one from a kit....

Lower Receiver.. less than $100.00
A2 or A3 kit from M&A or Model 1 Sales $400.00
Duncan Long's book "Build an AR-15" $15.00

Approx. total expenditure.... $515.00 (+ S&H)

I have 2, built from the kits above on ASA lowers. One is a 20" A2, the other a 16" CAR A4. Both are reliable and VERY accurate. Both will shoot less than 1 MOA with the right ammo. Just got my NRA highpower "EXPERT" classification card. Used the A2 rifle to get it.

Why spend the extra money for a "brand name" if you don't have to???

My $.02,
Swampy
 
Go with the Bushmaster. It's milspec unlike the Colt and you don't have to have a screwdriver to take the upper off like the Colt at least the last I knew of the Colt. The Bushmaster uses the two large pin system like the military.

As far as the A2 or A3, if you plan on scoping it then go with the A3. it will give you a better cheek weld. I don't really know how durable the A3 detachable handle is. Maybe someone else can chime in on that. As far as accuracy, every bushmaster I've seen have been very accurate including my own and it's only a shorty with a 16" barrel. $750 isn't a bad price for the Bushmaster you are looking at. The Bushmaster AR will serve you well. If you want to spend more just for the name then go ahead but I think you are leaning in the right direction.
 
Having owned several of both brands in various configurations I would buy Bushmaster even if they cost a few hundred more than the Colt. Out of the 3 Colts I owned all had to be sent back to the factory before they were right. The Bushmasters always ran 100% out of the box and were very accurate. Some people like the Colt name on their weapons as do I but I like it being reliable and well built even more. I think those prices are reasonable. I like the A3 if you are going to throw a scope on it, if you are going to put a red dot on it an A2 is fine with the forward mount. Look them both over and pick the one you like the best, like Rob01 says the Bushmaster is milspec and the Colt is not. Look at the little things like the Colt trapdoor being a plastic hinge and the Bushmaster being a metal one and the cheap access to triggers , springs and pins for the milspec version versus special order Colt sized parts. Good luck , Mike...
 
I've got 4 AR's, each one a different brand. My Bushmaster is my highest quality rifle. All my other rifles have Bushmaster parts, bolts,barrels etc. You don't want a Colt anymore. They just look like AR's now.
 
I'm happy with my Rock River Arms LAR15 (16in.barrel).Bought it in August,have fired 1000+ RELOADS NO FTF's.Good price gun&scope mount $601.00.:)
 
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