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Posted: 12/17/2004 9:34:14 AM EDT
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The shop down the road has an Oly Arms M4 (collapsable stock, bayo lug, fixed A2? carry handle, birdcage FH) for $700. This is a "kit" gun, but the guy said that they simply ship him the parts and he puts them together. It's all brand new, in other words. He said the factory assembled rifles run about $100 more (Not sure why, since I didn't think there was any fitting that needed to be done). Is there any difference in warranty between the two? He is checking on the price of a Bushy for me (same setup), but I think It'll be a little under $800. The Oly doesn't come with extra mags, a case or a sling. I think the Bushy does. Which do y'all think is a better deal? |
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If I were you, I'd wait for the Bushmaster. Sure it's a little more money but it's complete, from the factory, with magazines and a warrenty. I personally don't have anything against Olympic (although some will be along shortly that do) but I'm not buying any "kit" gun that I didn't put together myself. Tell him to order you a complete, from the factory Olympic or a Bushmaster and pass on his "kit" gun. |
+1 thats not that great of a price for a put-together AR--you might as well build your own for that price |
The Bushy. Better still, get a CMMG. |
Yes. The parts gun only has a warrenty based on your gunshop. The factory built Oly has a lifetime warrenty. BIG difference
Even if the Bushy came with nothing it would be a better deal IMHO. |
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Specifically, what would be some potential issues with the kit gun, assuming that they are all new factory parts (with regard to functionality/durability.accuracy)? Is there any fitting involved that I'm not aware of? Anybody know specifics on the Oly kit gun warranty? I forgot to ask him if he does the same thing with the Bushies. I'm calling him back in a couple of hours for the price check on it, so I'll ask. |
With proper parts there is no fitting. Building an AR is like building with an Erector set if you buy quality parts. Olys are mid level rifles - you could buy the parts kit and a stripped lower and build it for less. Plus the factory guns are function tested/fired before they leave the factory - is the local guy going to do the same?
IIRC They will replace any part that breaks - but you have to install it.
Buy a Bushy Kit + Bushy Lower and it costs the same as the built rifle - but you don't get the goodies (manual, sling, magazine, case) or the warrenty. If you're going to get a Bushmaster BUY A FACTORY built model. Or at worse buy a factory built complete lower, then order whatever custom upper you want direct from Bushmaster. |
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There may not be any issues with the kit gun but the problem is you have no way of knowing if he actually used quality parts. I could buy a stripped Olympic receiver, buy a bunch of cheap-ass parts at a gun show and pass it off as an Olympic. You have no way of knowing unless it’s a factory rifle, coming in a case, plastic wrap with the accessories. I'm just naturally skeptical so I may not be the best person to listen to but when buying a complete gun I always buy factory units from a shop I trust. Do you trust this guy? Have you bought stuff in there before? If so, it may not be that big of gamble. |
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Thanks for all the quick replies. I'll have to see what he quotes me on the Bushy. One last question for now: Would you all give the same advice if I said that the rifle would see casual use (400-500 rounds/month max), and maybe a carbine class (500 rounds in one day)? Just curious, because at this point in my life, I don't get to shoot a whole lot. |
Yes! If you are spending $700 you better get a $700 rifle. If you had said $550 or something my advice might have been different. At the $700 point you might as well get a factory rifle. Like someone else said, you can build the same rifle for less than $700 so why pay this guy? At least if you build it, you'll save money and know exactly what is going in it. |
ABSOFREAKINGLOUTLY! If I knew you were gonig to a carbine classe I'd stress even stronger to drop the OLY idea and get the Bushy. Olys are nice target rifles, and fine for plinking or varmint hunting. They are definately not my choice for a 'hard use' carbine (which a carbine course definately qualifies as). BTW if you're planning on a course make sure you get a Bushy with the M4 or LW barrel (skip the HBARs). |
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Hmmm, I guess I have to decide how important the warranty and goodies are. I can do without the case, I can download all the manuals I need, and I suppose magazines aren't all that much. Plus, I would think that any parts failure would be rectified, even if I had to install the part myself. I really want (have) to go as cheap as possible. It's starting to look like a build up is in order. I guess that's also a law-away plan of sorts. I'll have to hit some websites when I get home, as the I.T. guys block most gun sites. Having said all that, given my stated uses, which parts could I afford to "skimp" on, and which parts absolutley need to be of higher quality. Re: 1. Upper (complete?) 2. Receiver (stripped or complete?) 3. Small parts kit (if needed) Feel free to add anything I might have left out. To add: $$ no object, I would get the complete, factory Bushy. |
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BARREL is Top - must be chrome lined with an M16 chamber for maximum reliability (don't skimp here). (Bushmaster is going to be your top choice - a chrome lined CMMG M4 runs a close second). Bolt & Bolt carrier are next - get good ones (Colt, LMT, Fulton Armory, Bushmaster - in that order IMHO) Trigger parts (hammer, disconnector, trigger) definately need good parts you don't want stuff to wear prematurely. Upper? You can get decent uppers fairly inexpensively here in the EE (IIRC $89 for a complete T numbered flattop upper). Lower? There are some decent $100 or less lowers around - you could get in on the Cav Arms lower deal (see the SEBR/SEAK forum in the General Forums). That includes the lower, stock, and pistol grip (as it's one molded unit). Ok you don't get a telestock but it's very cost effective. If you decide you need a telestock - the RRA ones that RBPrecision sells are high quality but lower in cost - don't go cheap and get the TAPCO/Sportsman Guide units. Having a GOOD/RELIABLE/DURABLE AR isn't going to be 'cheap'. Those of us who build 'Frankenguns' that run and run and run w/o stoppages at carbine course use good quality parts (as indicated above). |
| I'll have to look into the DPMS lower you speak of...that sounds like a good price. Is that straight from the factory (via FFL)? I can't check it right now, but I think I recall the Bushy uppers being a little cheaper, but don't quote me. I'll probably end up going with the A2 carry handle, strictly for $ savings. I'll try to order online if I can, to save tax $ too. |
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