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Posted: 4/22/2007 9:32:21 AM EDT
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OK guys, I am either going to get an armalite or a bushmaster 20in (A2 or A3, undecided...no plan for optics now but not an impossibility). What are the differences? My local fun-shop has an armalite A2. Instead of the A2 birdcage its got what looks more like a compensator (looks sorta like a Miculek brake). Also I know that bushmaster has the non-milspec FSB. I think armalites come with an O-ring on the extractor spring. Any other notable differences in parts and/or quality? Any input would be appreciated. I am looking for a KISS 20in rifle here, for 900-1000 $. In two or three months I am going to be getting a 6920 (unless I can find another carbine with M-4 feed-ramps and h-buffer). Any help or input is appreciated. -EV |
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Sounds like it might be a "post-ban" Armalite with a permanently attached muzzle brake. I personally prefer the standard A2 flash supressor, but if that's not a big deal to you, then don't worry about it. I'd say the quality of Armalite and Bushmaster are comparable. I have both, and have not had any problems with either. You'll be happy with either one. However, my experiences with Bushmaster customer service and sales have always been extremely good, and they have bent over backwards to make me happy. My customer service and sales experiences with Armalite have not been good, and I have had several bad experiences - nothing major or hugely problematic, mind you, just incompetence. |
Stupid question. Whats the easy and quick way to tell by looking if its permananetly attached? I've never had one that was. Also, advantages disadvantages of the brake versus A2 flash supressor? Thanks for the help guys. |
The obvious smart-ass answer is to grab a wrench and see if you can get it off  I'm not 100% sure how Armalite attached their muzzle brakes, but usually they'd be pinned and welded, which means that if you look closely on the underside of the brake, you'd see a small round area, where the pin was inserted and welded over, and was then smoothed over and reblued/parked.
There are lots of reasons people don't like permanently attached brakes. If you're only ever going to use the rifle for shooting at a range, it will likely not ever make a difference. On a 20" AR, I can honestly not think of a lot of advantages to a muzzle brake. Especially on a 20" rifle, the rifle itself is heavy enough that the recoil of a .223 is not particularly strong, so a muzzle brake that might otherwise reduce felt recoil is somewhat pointless. On the other hand, a flash supressor really desn't accomplish too much either, unless you are planning on doing a lot of shooting at night, and want to preserve your night vision. Many people don't like the permenently attached brakes, simply because it limits them in their ability to switch out muzzle attachments - AND it will prevent you from removing the front sight base, if you ever decide to put on a free-float tube (unless the front sight base is clamped on, which Armalite occasionally uses). Other people just prefer the "look" of a traditional A2 flash supressor on an AR rifle. |
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I purchased an Armalite M-15 Carbine 3 or 4 months ago and it is truely an amazing rifle. The fit, finish, trigger pull and overall accuracy are superb, not to leave out you get a lifetime warranty as well. Unfortunately, instead of purchasing a 20" barrel Armalite recently, I jumped at a Bushmaster A3 Target Model so I could save about $75-$100. Even though I like the utility of this set-up, the finish was uneven, the handguards looked like they were dug up out of the bottom of a barrel somewhere and the trigger is horrible at best!  I haven't made it to the range yet, but after spending almost $1,000 on this rifle, I have an overwhelming case of buyers remorse. Don't do what I did, get the Armalite and you'll never be let down!
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This is how mine came off,Pinned and welded.  |
| My first choice between the two would be the Armalite. My Bushy rifles have been less than I expected out of the box. After Bushmaster repaired them, they have been fine, but I am less than trusting of them in general. Armalite has has better quality control in my experience. The Armalite you are asking about was likely built during the ban or your dealer may have accidentally ordered a rifle that was configured for a ban state. |
Yes, but you should also be able to talk them down for a ban configured Armalite. They are usually cheaper than Bushmasters etc anyway |
They want $900. There is also about an inch, inch and a half crack in the handgaurds (shop owner cursed UPS, LoL). not a big deal though. Any other differences besides the brake between this post ban armalite and a new one that I should be aware of? $900 a fair price? (taking into account that a store-front has to be a little higher then, say, the EE) eta: thanks for all the help |
| If you would like to know when the Armalite was made you have to do two things. First go back to the gun shop and look at it again, but this time take note of the serial number and the letters just before it. Second, call Armalite and inquire about, I did and they give me the actual day it was made in like less than 30 seconds, computers can be handy. Just ask the CS rep that you are looking at a new Armalite and that it appears to be a post-ban and if he could help you varify the born date as they call it. My Armalite has been very good to me. |
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