Posted: 12/5/2004 10:04:34 AM EDT
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Greetings all. This is my first time with a chat deal, so hopefully this goes off. I have spent the last few weeks researching AR-15 variants, and have narrowed down to Bushmaster. I'm after a shorter rifle, (M4A3) and have a few questions: 1) With or without carry handle? I like the idea of mounting a scope (Red dot) up where I am not "crouching" to aim, but is that enough benefit verses the benefit of a flat top? 2) Given a choice, which flash suppressor do I go with? And related to this, how worthy is it to go with a threaded barrel for future add-on considerations? I know BM offers a model with removable flash suppressor, so I am considering ordering that + threading, but does this barrel meet the minimal criteria for threading? (Are the removable FS's pinned on?) and finally, 3) my budget is approximately $1500. Base rifle about $1200, so that leaves me some spending money. What are your recommendations? I hope these questions don't seem too trivial. I just thought it would be a good idea to consult the experts rather than spending hours with the tranfer guy trying to hammer all this out. I appreciate any input. LOL |
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Bushmaster is a fine choice. XM15E2S flat top. You can toss on an EOTech or Red Dot, whichever you prefer and install something like a GG&G or ARMS 40 BUIS. An EOTech 550 or 512 will allow a decent co-witness with a BUIS but that's entirely up to your personal preference. Good luck and welcome to the site. 
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Weird that this went so long without being answered... I like flat tops with a carry handle for the rear sight. Keeps your options open. I had a scope mounted on the top of a carry handle once, never again. With a scope on a flat top, I am not crouching, instead, I was craning my neck uncomfortably to see through the carry handle mounted scope. A 16" threaded barrel will be long enough. The 14.5 barrel has a permanent flash hider or is meant for a SBR. 1200 sounds like a lot for a base rifle. Do not pay MSRP. ETA: Basic sentance structure and grammar appear to be beyond my grasp tonight... any questions, ask away. |
Note the time of his original post. It was "earlier."|
Go with a flattop, but get the carry handle with it. That way later down the road you can add some sort of optics after seeing what you like, not what other peeple like. As said above don't pay MSRP! My bushy was $1099 MSRP I believe. But the "real" price at the local dealers was between $799 and $899. I can't help with a Hider suggestion as I'm still figuring out what type of hider I want. My guns barrel is still naked. |
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I recently made another Bushy purchase. I bought a new complete lower for around $220. That included a collapsible stock. I then bought an M4 profile complete flat top upper for approx. $500. A BUIS under $100 and an EOTech for $125. An outstanding rifle for less than a grand.
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Missed even seeing this one  and first things first....  welcome. Now, here's some general 20/20 hindsight for ya (personal opinion of course).I chose a 16" barrel for my 1st AR because I wanted general purpose rather than any special function. Of course, you're the best judge on this. The flat-top is a much more adaptable platform and if the vendor you select will do so, I also suggest deleting the carry-handle from your purchase and used the credit toward a dedicated rear buis. I say that because I can't think of much use for the carry-handle other than as a host for the rear sight and the slot is too small to get my paw into anyway. In addition, you'll probably go to a buis and some sort of optics anyway so saving a few bucks here could help later. Then I'd coast along for a while and get acquainted with your new rifle and this board. Buy some mags, ammo, and range-time before you select your next adventure. Take some time and keep asking questions and, if we don't overlook one again by accident, you'll have a blast (pun intended). |