Been looking around and am now thinking about building one based on Bushmaster. Need to get a catalog and start studying. You guys have any advice? I am thinking about getting a complted upper for ease in construction.
Thanks,
Eric
__________________
Ah dat smell of da cosmoline is making me feel funny. I LIKE it!
Nice thing about Bushmaster - they build military contract items. The rifles are okay with both commercial .223 Rem. ammo, and the milsurp 5.56X45 - and no, they aren't the same thing! Some rifles are built for one or the other, but can't handle both. Differences in chamber specs.
Check out the gunshows. A range buddy built an AR for $500 using a complete Bushmaster lower ($250) added to an unmarked upper (maker unknown, flat-top, 24" heavy stainless barrel, $250), and it has been superb. Digests all ammo, and is very accurate.
It's a bit heavy for field carry, but a nice bench gun.
Originally posted by k8cca Been looking around and am now thinking about building one based on Bushmaster. Need to get a catalog and start studying. You guys have any advice? I am thinking about getting a complted upper for ease in construction.
Thanks,
Eric
You are probably not gping to save that much $$$ .
Originally posted by Big Dog Nice thing about Bushmaster - they build military contract items. The rifles are okay with both commercial .223 Rem. ammo, and the milsurp 5.56X45 - and no, they aren't the same thing! Some rifles are built for one or the other, but can't handle both. Differences in chamber specs.
Check out the gunshows. A range buddy built an AR for $500 using a complete Bushmaster lower ($250) added to an unmarked upper (maker unknown, flat-top, 24" heavy stainless barrel, $250), and it has been superb. Digests all ammo, and is very accurate.
It's a bit heavy for field carry, but a nice bench gun.
Did the $ 250.00 include the bolt / bolt carrier & the chargeing handle ? If so , it was a steal !
Hi Wyr! (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Yeah, he got a heck of a deal. Both upper and lower were complete. He was a bit worried about the upper being of an unknown manufacturer, but it has been excellent. It had some cosmetic blemishes, so might have been some makers early effort. I've shot .6" groups at 100 yards with it, using a 6-24X40 scope.
Shows that sometimes you can still find deals at gunshows.
Try ArmaLite. I don't think Stoner is in business as an entity. He make work for someone, though. ArmaLite makes the AR-180B. Problem is, it has a lot of stamped metal. Just not as good as forgings (ArmaLites M15A4 or AR-10).
Originally posted by k8cca Been looking around and am now thinking about building one based on Bushmaster. Need to get a catalog and start studying. You guys have any advice? I am thinking about getting a complted upper for ease in construction.
Thanks,
Eric
Buying a complete barreled upper avoids buying most of the tooling & it seems not to be any more expensive than buying parts ?
Might ask about buying a bolt at the same time that is head spaced to the barrel ?
Uou can also buy a complet lower , stock and all , already assembled , through your FFL .
Originally posted by Mike southers Try ArmaLite. I don't think Stoner is in business as an entity. He make work for someone, though. ArmaLite makes the AR-180B. Problem is, it has a lot of stamped metal. Just not as good as forgings (ArmaLites M15A4 or AR-10).
Armalite is a fine way to go. However, for a $100 or so less you can purchase an Eagle Arms made by Armalite. They are basically an Armalite with cosmetic defects. Mine is an absolute joy. And its chambered for both .223 and mil 5.56x45.
__________________
-- In Educatio Veritas est, In Veritas Lux est
(In knowledge is truth, in truth is light)
I own a S&W AR 15. After 1000 rounds, still no missfire or problems. Pricewise, I know the colt is the most expensive and then the S&W is next. Is there really a difference in the various brands?? Good to know for the novice and a potential buyer.
Stay away from all of the makers' "plinker" models, as some have been made with inferior cast recievers. I have a long history with Olympic Arms products, and have found them (with the exception of the unattractive 1911 models) to be trouble free and durable. A gunsmith friend of mine has built many custom ar's on DPMS recievers and has no customer complaints. I think if you are looking at a Colt, you're looking to pay a premium based on a name of an outfit whose glory days are 30 years gone. My OLY M-4A3 based AR will shoot circles around my pre-ban Colt Match HBAR.
