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5/3/2006 10:00:24 AM EDT
All,
I am interested in purchasing my first AR rifle, and I have run into a problem.  Everywhere I turn I keep hearing different things on what to buy.  I am looking for the closest civilian rifle I can get to the military M-16, considering my newfound respct for the M-16 gained in basic training.  Basically it has come down to two manufacturers, Colt or Bushmaster.  I know this question has probably been asked a lot, but I'm really looking for some help here. Thanks.

V/R





...there are many like it, but this one is mine...
5/3/2006 10:02:11 AM EDT
[#1]
colt

5/3/2006 10:03:57 AM EDT
[#2]
I'd honestly go for whichever you can find the easiest for a decent price.  They're both great rifles.

That is if you can put up with Colt's larger trigger and hammer pins ;)  And the different handguards.

Colt is probably as close as you'll get to military though.
5/3/2006 10:08:02 AM EDT
[#3]
If you want something closest to an M4 then the Colt 6920 is it.

If you want something close to a M16A2 or M16A4 then you'll have to buy Bushmaster if you want new.
5/3/2006 10:24:23 AM EDT
[#4]
Doesn't Colt have the contract for the M16A4 primarily used by the Corps?

...there are many like it, but this one is mine...
5/3/2006 10:28:17 AM EDT
[#5]
FN builds the M16A4, but cannot sell them to civilians due to contractual issues.
5/3/2006 10:28:40 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
Doesn't Colt have the contract for the M16A4 primarily used by the Corps?




...there are many like it, but this one is mine...



I'm not sure about the contract. FNC is making most of the M16A4's these days. There arent many Colt A4's, but there are quite a few.
5/3/2006 10:33:37 AM EDT
[#7]
Both are OUSTANDING

Like FOREST said the COLT 6920 are very nice if ya can find one!


I have a A1 shorty Bushy wich has fired almost every type of 5.56mm and 223rem without a single problem
and a Bushy A1 HBAR wich shot some Real tight groups with 69smk wich I sold?

I also have a LMT 14.5 M4 wich I only shot 790rds ? so far so good
5/3/2006 10:33:52 AM EDT
[#8]
FN builds many or most M16A4s. You cannot buy an FN on the civilian market.
5/3/2006 10:34:37 AM EDT
[#9]
What particular model rifle (either Colt or BM) should I be looking for based on the info given above? Thanks all.

...there are many like it, but this one is mine...
5/3/2006 10:34:53 AM EDT
[#10]
Colt
5/3/2006 10:45:04 AM EDT
[#11]
I guess its the Colt then.  Does anyone have any good websites with good prices where I can get started looking for one?  Thanks for all the help.  

...there are many like it, but this one is mine...
5/3/2006 10:54:08 AM EDT
[#12]

Quoted:
Doesn't Colt have the contract for the M16A4 primarily used by the Corps?


Colt does produce a M16A4, it's just not in their civilian or LEO line.

The civilian Colt 20" Match Targets lack bayonet lug, flash supressor, and Govt Profile barrel (they are all HBARs).

Best bet is to go to your FFL order a Bushmaster lower with A2 stock.  Then call Bushmaster up and ask for a 20" upper (Either A2 or flattop) with their Govt Profile 1:7 twist barrel (you must call and ask for this - it's not always listed in their catalog).  Once you get the upper plop it on the lower and you have an excellent copy of the M16A2 or M16A4 with the proper weight & balance.

Now if you're willing to look elsewhere CMMGinc.com  and BravoCompanyUSA.com have 20" M16A4 type uppers (proper profile, twist rate and it includes the proper 'F' front sight base - something the Bushmaster won't have).
5/3/2006 10:56:28 AM EDT
[#13]

Quoted:
I guess its the Colt then.



Not if you want a real copy of an M16A4.

Of course you could try to find a Colt HBAR Match Target, then send it out to ADCO for a FSB with bayonet  lug($80), thread the barrel$30), then reprofile the barrel ($60).
5/3/2006 11:14:30 AM EDT
[#14]
Colt 6920... $1150

knesekguns.com/price.php#







5/3/2006 11:17:37 AM EDT
[#15]
COLT LE6920!!!
5/3/2006 11:21:36 AM EDT
[#16]
I can't believe no one gave the standard answer:
Buy one of each!
5/3/2006 11:41:55 AM EDT
[#17]
What Logo do you like better????


Both guns are top Quality & will serve you well, you can't go wrong with either brand
5/3/2006 12:15:29 PM EDT
[#18]
I say Bushmaster!
Try PKfireams for the upper, they offer a Bushmaster 20" Gov't profile barrel, 5.56 NATO, 1/9 twist or 1/7 twist rate, chrome-lined chamber and bore, A2 or flat top. I would suggest that you not buy there Bolt Carrier Assembly, I would instead get a Colt,Bushmaster,CMT(Stag Arms) or a RRA Bolt Carrier Assembly

http://www.pkfirearms.com/store/get_item.aspx?id=687&action=display
5/3/2006 1:12:21 PM EDT
[#19]
get a coin and flip it
heads colt
tails BM

there ya go
5/3/2006 1:19:53 PM EDT
[#20]
Nice looking Colt ssom003!!
5/3/2006 1:32:27 PM EDT
[#21]
If you can afford it go Colt!

24 Pages before it dies.
5/3/2006 1:41:08 PM EDT
[#22]
Colt 6920

plus it has the M16 carrier

Just my .02
5/3/2006 1:55:33 PM EDT
[#23]
Colt if you have the extra $.
5/3/2006 2:07:03 PM EDT
[#24]
Neither buy a RRA
5/3/2006 2:19:19 PM EDT
[#25]
I'd get a Stag or CMT/BCM parts gun before I wasted my money on a Bushmaster.
5/3/2006 2:24:57 PM EDT
[#26]

Quoted:
I'd get a Stag or CMT/BCM parts gun before I wasted my money on a Bushmaster.



Werd!!!
5/3/2006 7:14:41 PM EDT
[#27]
Colt.

5/3/2006 7:30:39 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
Doesn't Colt have the contract for the M16A4 primarily used by the Corps?

Yes Colt has the contract for all the branches.  Colt would be the closest... duhhhh.
5/3/2006 8:51:03 PM EDT
[#29]

You want the "closest" - start saving up for a RDIAS or registered lower receiver.  Once you've got about $10,000, you should be good to go.  If you're not going to get the "real thing" then don't get hung up on irrelevant brand issues.  All major AR brands are functionally practically identical (and you certainly wouldn't be able to tell a difference without physically LOOKING at the name on the receiver).

I'd recommend Bravo Company, CMMG, RRA or Bushmaster - or a Colt if you can get one at a comparable price to the other brands.


Either way - good luck!  Hope you find one that's exactly what you want.    

5/4/2006 4:13:01 AM EDT
[#30]

Quoted:
I can't believe no one gave the standard answer:
Buy one of each!



+1

You people are slipping......At what point does the argument for one over the other begin ???
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