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Posted: 11/16/2005 4:32:19 PM EDT
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I’ve been reading posts on this forum for about 4 months now. Everyday I get on AR15.com to check and read new post by members. I am very close to having enough funds pulled together to purchases an AR. I have been doing a lot of research on RRA rifles, particularly the Tactical CAR A4. However, all of the gun shops in my area have very little knowledge about RRA firearms, stocking only Bushmaster. I have posted several questions on this forum and have never felt more like a noob in my life. Usually I am a very impulsive shopper, but I have been struggling to make this purchase until I am absolutely 100% sure in what I want. My dilemma is which gun to get as my first AR. It seems RRA hasn’t been around long enough to have the reputation of Bushmaster. So please any insight would be greatly appreciated. RRA Tactical CAR A4 Bushmaster Super Light with Telestock Bushmaster M4 Type 16” I plan on using this gun for paper targeting, and plinking. I am planning on getting an Eotech also. My other question is, I have read a lot about BUIS and im curious to see recommendations for my possible setup. I don’t like a busy sight, so would I want to get a flip-up BUIS then so that when using the Eotech, im not seeing the BUIS, Eotech, and the front sight? Sorry for the length and for the total noob questions but living out here in BFE, I really have little help. Please help me! |
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Bushmaster makes a great weapon, so you might want to keep that door open. The 16" Bushmaster M4 is a carbine that has made a lot of people pretty happy. The only thing about the Bushie is that it comes with the carry handle, and can't be ordered without it. This adds an extra $100 on the price tag, which doesn't help much when you want to buy an Eotech and BUIS. You may want to contact Teknic www.rainierarms.com as he is in WA, and can probably talk you through any questions you may have on the phone. He is a good guy, and can probably put you into the weapon that wil make you happy. |
Are you sure about this? I ordered a flat top Patrolman's carbine upper from them directly. I also ordered the CH separately, but it wasn't a mandatory purchase. Now that model has carbine HGs, not M4 profile, but it does have a M4 profile cut out and is thin under the handguards. You might want to purchase a lower from a dealer and then go direct to BM for whichever upper you're interested in. |
I was in your exact same spot up until about 2 months ago. I have a store in my area that has RRA, Bushmaster, Armalite, and even Colt. I Made the decision, after reading alot and talking to alot of people, that the RRA's are the best rifles on the market. I picked up an Elite CAR A4. I also have an EOTech. Mine is mounted on the RRA Dominator mount. As far as not wanting that "busy" site picture: I dont even notice that they are there. Honestly. I read alot of posts where people were saying the same thing: "You wont see the sights..." and what not. I realy didnt beleive them,but I tried the dominator mount anyway. I honestly dont notice them. They are out of focus and not obtrucive in any way. Get the RRA! You wont be sorry. And you will be a proud owner! Trust me, You'll tell all of you freinds that you have one and say: "You know, the one that the DEA uses..the bad ass one" 
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| If it means anything to you, the US goverment recently picked RRA for one of it's alphabet agencies. They are a newer company, but they are producing quality rifles according to many here. I don't have one, but if I were going to purchase a complete rifle, RRA would be getting my $. Not saying that Bushmaster, etc are bad companies at all, I just believe that RRA is currently producing equal or better rifles, for less $. |
Yep. They are all good ones If I were to recommend one of those it would be the Colt LE 6920 or 6721. No wait........... that wasn't one of your options, was it? then go with the Bushmaster M4 A3. Solid performer, good customer service, better resale value, and next best thing to the real thing Good luck with whatever you get, BlackLex!! |
I like my RRA Elite CAR A4 As far as BUIS I use a A.R.M.S. #40 L Low Profile Rear Sight with my EOTech. |
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If just punching paper, anyone would do just fine. Don't get the BUIS and save the money for ammo unless you have needs such as defending yourself in a distance of 50+ yards. At home, unless you are a rich person, 20 feet or so distance, just point and shoot. Sights are unless - by the time you find your sight, the bad guy would have stabbed you 5 times. I have a Colt LE6920. Sweet gun, but that's just me. I like big names and nice warranty. Oh, EOTech is cool thing, get it with night vision option. I was stupid not buying a NV model just to save 30 bucks or so. Regret it now. |
It was, perhaps something as changed. It could have been the dealer I was going through also.... I'll have to look into that, thankyou. |
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For the guys that all have mentioned the DEA contract that RRA has obtained, i take this into account but not enough to make a decision. Having experinence in marketing, i know that just because a big deal is made doesnt mean that it is the best product. I look at the fact that RRA is a small company that not a whole lot of people are familiar with in contrast to Bushmaster or Colt. Thus, they may have submitted a low bid and got the contract getting their name out to the public and creating a nice marketing scheme. I know most will probably bring up the "Testing" but i have yet to see the actual manufacters that were involved nor the complete details. Im not trying to talk myself out of the RRA because that has been my #1 pick. But the fact that every gun shop i've gone to in the area doesnt carry them nor has much information on them. Overall i think 80% of people on here have Bushmaster so they are a proven firearm. Also it is not my intentions to get an AR so i can tell my friends "look this is the rifle the DEA has" seems kinda lame to me to say that. As for the BUIS....If im just using the rifle for paper and plinking is this something i should invest in. In a home defense situation im pretty sure im going to be able to handle it with/without a sight. I know with the Tactical CAR A4 from RRA you have the option of switching the Tactical carry handle for the Dominator...Is this something i should consider doing since i know im getting an Eotech. If i understand right the BUIS is in fact a BACK UP...Since the Eotech is proven quality and im just using the gun for fun, is it nesecary for me to have a back up..... Thank you all for your comments and opinions....I really appreciate it..and i know one day i will be able to help someone out like you have helped me....keep posting |
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Never owned a Bushie but I hear they are fine weapons. All mine are RRA's, I am quite satisfied with them, I see no reason to buy anything else. Thats just me, you have to pick whatever you want, make up your own mind. Just look at a few of each and pick whatever turns your crank. Cheers, Phil |
| I own two Bushmasters and one built on a RRA lower. I have fired a RRA quite a bit and very impressed with their built rifles and their parts and plan to purchase a complete carbine or rifle from them. Either would be a great weapon and would be around for a long long time. I understand the problem of finding something other than Bushmaster, that is most common here also except for one shop that had a couple Armalites and one Colt. Buy from either that has the model you like and go shoot the hell out of it. |
The only I bought an AR is because Jack Bauer looked really cool shooting one in an episode of 24.
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Shot a NIB Bushmaster last week after the owner put the first rounds through her, was a 16" M4 style detachable handle, but had smaller handguards than the Colt M4. I field stripped it to show the owner how to field strip it, what to clean, what to look out for like not dry firing it when the upper is off. I was impressed at the quality of the rifle....but I like my 6920 better  Never shot a RRA rifle. |
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my patrol rifle is RRA. I have put a lefthanded upper on it, but the lower has tons of rounds thru it with 0 problems. I shoot the dern thing all the time. I did put the RRA 2 stage trigger in it several thousand rounds ago, again with zero problems. I would buy another RRA without hesitation. The one I have isnt' for sale. |
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Don't forget not to overlook the 1/9 twist vs 1/7 twist barrel issues, as this will affect the rounds you can actually utilize. IMO I'd go w/ the Bushmaster simply because they make the 1/7 twist and most RRAs are 1/9. I would not overlook the LMT, CMMG or Stag M4 1/7 upper options either. Mike |
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My Department bought Bushmaster for the simple fact the dealer was whoring them out. As for the rest of the rifles we own, they are personally owned RRA. We had a ton of problems in the begining getting the Bushmasters to run, as did about every agency in this area. We basically found out that they used a heavier coat of park on the bolt carrier and had to be worn down. So after about 500 rounds and oil, they have run great, but kind of put a bad taste in the mouth of the Administration and patrol. As for my recommendations: Get the RRA that you want. If you are friends with a dealer, have him send a copy of his FFL off to RRA or another dealer. Tell him it's a comparison check between both brands. For a BUIS, I think it is a good idea to have one, even if your just punching holes in paper. For a long time, I never ran one on my rifle, until my batteries died. With that being said, I would get one of the ARMS BUIS. Good luck...... |
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Again i want to thank all of you who have replied. When i first thought about getting an AR i almost changed my mind because i was so overwhelmed by all the different models and had so many unanswered questions, I almost gave up on getting one. until i came across this forum. Seriously in every other forum i've been in i've never experienced that support and help that you all have been able to provide me. With that said: I have noticed a few people talking about RRA lowers with Bushmaster uppers or other manufactures. Since this will be my first rifle WARRANTY is a big concern for me. I''d rather stick to getting a complete rifle. Also. i saw someone mention Rainer Arms, and Tecknic (Sorry if i got spelling wrong). I am going to be back in the Seattle area for Thanksgiving break, and i was wondering if Rainer Arms is a actual storefront and if so if i could stop in to actually take a look at some RRA's and also continue to ask some noob questions? Thank you! |
I sell RRA rifles. Back when you could not get anything black after 9/11. RRA would step up and send me rifles. the bushies I got were the less desireable models. The RRA's were always top notch, and sent "in demand" configuration, despite the rush quality never suffered and I was never let down. I still sell ammo to the shooters who bought those rifles. never a complaint have I heard.  Now on to Bushies. I carry bushies and most have had quality control issues due to the extremely rapid rate of production. Their warranty is top notch and they stand behind their product. But for a new to the AR fun shooting machine, I would go RRA or Colt. |
Bushmaster in particular is only 1 year and most of the lifetime stuff is limited. But don't worry they're easy to work on. Once you get it and get over the "newness" and start messing with it the warranty won't mean much (for me anyway). I did send my first back due to problems with it double tapping then eventually went full auto but I had no idea what I was doing. Everyone here was helpful, now I would just repair it myself and don't even pay attention to warranties when I've bought new and now have ventured into building. |
| FYI, CDNN has Bushmaster Patrolman models for $800 w/ carry handle. Not very up to date on new AR pricing, but seemed like a decent deal. |
RRA makes a good product. I own several RRA rifles and I even put the RRA 2-stage triggers in my Armalite and Colt rifles. (Great triggers!) Regarding the DEA contract, I believe that only two rifles passed their 5,000-round torture test - the RRA and the Sig 551. Contracts were let for both rifles even though the Sig cost three times as much. I do not believe price was an issue with the DEA/FBI contract. Reliability and accuracy were their main concerns. Maybe someone here knows more about the selection process/ testing than I do. Bushmaster are also good weapons but the new company to watch is Sabre Defence. Their products and customer service are outstanding. They are my new favorite. Sorry, I don't mean to make your decision more difficult. All of them are good and I think you'd be happy with any of them. |
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