Gun Review: Bushmaster AR-15

UPDATE: This post was written in great haste, leading to an unacceptable number of mistakes. The Posse is pleased to present a revised, expanded and edited version for your reading pleasure.

The Posse would like to commemorate the end of the "Assault Weapons Ban" by offering a gun review of the humble AR-15, the civilian version of the M-16.

The one we own is made by Bushmaster and it is the no-frills standard model.

For people who don't have much experience with ARs, they come in a variety of flavors, sizes and calibres. Indeed, the great number one can choose from may be a little intimidating to the first-time buyer.

We went with the closest one could get to a military issue rifle.

Contrary to popular myth, AR-15s are not super-powered killing machines. Indeed, many gun enthusiasts consider the .223 cartridge they use (5.56 NATO in military nomenclature) to be underpowered. Compared with the trusty old .30-06 that it replaced, it is a fairly weak round.

But it does that job it was meant to: it is lightweight, easy to use and shoots quite straight.

If you haven't fired an AR-15, you should. Bushmaster is one of many companies that make them (others include Colt, Armalite and DPMS.

(Readers should be advised that the DPMS site has audio of a rifle shooting when you open it. Kind of annoying, if you ask us.)

The AR-15 is particularly well-suited for target shooting. There are frequent contests using extremely high-end ARs specially modified for outstanding accuracy.

It is worth pointing out that the AR-15 is not the only military-grade weapon civilians can own. Indeed, there's a government program to promote ownership of its predecessor, the M1 Garand.

The M1 packs far more punch than the humble AR, both in recoil and killing power. Many rifle enthusiasts still lament the adoption of the M-16 by the military for that reason.

The military went with the M-16 because it was lighter, used smaller bullets (meaning you could carry more of them), and was easier to shoot. It's low recoil makes it easy to train new people.

The M1 Garand, on the other hand, is a lot more intimidating and requires much practice to use effectively.

Thus the AR-15 is neither uniquely dangerous nor particularly amenable to perpetrating massacres.

This ruins the talking points of the anti-gun lobby, but they never had much to go one besides scare tactics, anyway.

Our only complaint about the AR-15 and the expiration of the AWB is that it ruined our investment.

We purchased our Bushmaster in July 2000, when Al Gore was ahead in the polls and most electoral models showed he would win the White House. A year later, the market value of the very same model had dropped by $200. We expect it will go down even more with the AWB sunset.

Guns are normally a good investment. They keep their value and if you maintain them, they can be valuable heirlooms.

The AWB acted as an artificial price support for "pre-ban" weapons (the ones with bayonet mounts, flash suppressors and other cosmetic features).

So while we're glad to see it go, we feel bad for people who paid top-dollar for for "pre-ban" that is now worth a lot less.

In terms of shooting, the AR is quite handy. It is somewhat loud because its high-velocity bullet makes a very sharp CRACK! as it leave the barrel (breaking the sound barrier and all). Hearing protection (which is always a good idea) is mandatory with an AR.

One curious thing about shooting it is that the butt has a spring in it to help dampen recoil. When one shoots, this spring can be heard loudly clanging away as the bolt carrier goes back and is then pushed forward.

Thus instead of a crisp report, the shooter will hear something very similar to a cash register opening and closing. Professional shooters have ways to dampen or eliminate this noise. It is a little off-putting at first, but easy to adjust to. Note that people nearby, can't hear anything but the crack of the shot.

Another nice feature of the AR is its size. Women often find full-sized rifles heavy and awkward. The AR, by contract, is nice and lightweight. The cut-down versions are even easier for them to use.

Again, far from being brutal killing machines, the AR is actually a very accessible firearm for inexperienced shooters. The large magazing capacity allows a shooter to get good and comfortable and then fire off a long series of shots without disturbing his steady position.

As all should know by now, the AR is a semi-automatic weapon. Each pull of the trigger will fire only one shot. It is therefore no more dangerous than any other semi-automatic rifle.

The Bushmaster that we own has been incredibly reliable and is very well-made. The Posse is pleased to recommend it to anyone with an interest in rifle shooting. With the AWB gone, prices should be quite low, especially for the old "post-ban" models.

Comments

[Jerry Klemm]

I have a Bushmaster Bullpup and the trigger is atrocious.
I bought the rifle for easy access in and out of my pickup on the farm.
Any ideas on how to lighten the trigger or a legal rifle (26-30) inches long with a decent trigger.
Thanks in advancew for your help.

[Posse Incitatus]

Hmmm. The trigger on ours is fine. Not match-grade to be sure, but quite functional for what we need it to do.

For trigger jobs we always try the local gunsmith. Our own skills aren't yet up to the task.

[Steve S]

Let's hope that a lot of people purchase a new firearm from Bushmaster and thus help them defray some of the cost associated with having just been extorted by the liberal gun-grabbers and their lot!

[rebelmedic69]

you could try a bushmaster M4 clone, mine is quite reliable and pretty compact. shoots great too.

[Glen York]

I concur with most of you article "Gun Review: Bushmaster AR-15" The .223/5.56mm did not replace the 30'06 (30 cal. adopted in the year 1906). The .223 cal/5.56mm M16 replaced the M14 in cal. 308 (7.62mm) - in reality the 308 is just a sawed off 30'06 round. The 308 and 30'06 fire the same projectile with the difference being the size of the cartridge (powder charge) so; the 308/7.62mm is lighter than the 30'06 and kicks a hell of a lot less.

Now go to the M16 and the .223/5.56mm cartridge it is both high velocity and small (essentially 22 cal. projectile - the original round traveled at about 3250 fps) therefore it is much lighter and has a lot less kick in a much lighter rifle...try shooting a rifle chambered in cal 30'06 or 308 that weighs the same as the M16...Ouch! One hope was too create more casualties (not deaths) resulting from the smaller bullet size and this would use up the enemies med supplies and resourses...some one has to carry wounded out and some one has to care for them. Another plus would be that the decreased weight of the rifle and ammo allows US troops to carry more bullets with less weight.

I'm not saying I buy into all this, I like the bigger bullet theory myself...knock'em down and put'em away!

Anyway, your points are valid...

The first one I fired was the issued M16 A-1 at USMC bootcamp in 1981. It is not the thing of beauty as with those made of wood and steel (M1 Garrand and M14)...the plastic parts make a rattling sound and when fired there is a very irritation spring sound and feeling because you rest your cheek right where the buffer spring is in the stock .... Blah...but I own a Bushmaster and it's as good as any on the market or better and carries a reasonable price. It shoots better than the original M16 A-1 I was issued.

Anyway good article but you skipped one very important and much loved rifle, the M14 in 7.62mm...still preferred by many...

Out here,

Doc York

[Greg]

I am considering buying an AR15. My local pawn shop has a near new Colt Match Grade AR15 for $830.00. Are the Colts a good gun compared to the Bushmaster?

[Posse Incitatus]

Colts are generally regarded as great firearms.

The only complaint the Posse has ever heard regarding Colts is that they are overpriced. However, the same complaint can be levelled against almost any premium product - and let there be no doubt, Colt is considered top of the line.

We haven't shopped around for ARs in a while so we can't tell you if that's a good deal or not. Gunbroker.com may be a good place to see what other rifles are going for.

[Ken]

"the shooter will hear something very similar to a cash register opening and closing. Professional shooters have ways to dampen or eliminate this noise."

Do you know where I can get info on how to do this?

[Posse Incitatus]

The Internet is your servant.

We know a chap who has had this done and we'll see if we can get in touch with him. Otherwise we suspect a search for "Custom AR" or such will yield the results you desire.

[Ken]

Well it seems the general consciences on the web to quiet it, is to wipe the spring with white grease. What a dirt collector, and what a pain that would be to clean.

[Tim Tran]

i'm buying the Bushmaster A3M4 14.5" with Issy flasher? Why this cost more than same BushmasterA3M4 16" with birdcage ? Please help

[Tim Tran]

I was thinking to get the Bushmaster A3M4 14.5" Izzy flaser or A3M4 16" with the birdcage.. my question is why the 14.5" cost about $30 more?
Please help

[Posse Incitatus]

Smaller doesn't always mean cheaper. One thought is that while the shorter barrel length may use less materials, the production run is smaller, meaning the per unit cost is still greater.

Either that or they're simply charging what the market will bear. With the success of the M-4 in Iraq and elsewhere, demand for them seems to have gone up. Full-sized (especially no-frills mil-spec versions) probably are falling in value.

[tim tran]

Please Help! I need comment on New Kimber Desert Warrior.. good/bad ???
Thank you

[Eddie Sworl]

I'm having a hard time finding the costs of different makes of used AR15, particularly the Colt and DPMS. Anyone know a reliable guide?

[Edward Teach]

I bought the Bushmaster AR15 A2M4 but was very disappointed because it jammed the very first time I fired it. The first case did not eject and the second round tried to feed. Jams, jams, jams, and more jams. I am not a novice with an AR15/M16 and know my way around the weapon having used one in combat in Viet Nam. I also own a Colt Match Target Heavy Barrel with which I have never had a jam or a problem.

I cannot express my disappointment with the Bushmaster I bought especially with the high expectations I had due to Bushmaster's reputation. That rifle should never have left the factory and the quality control given the weapon was not worth a Tinker's damn.

I am waiting to see how Bushmaster will handle this problem. The dealer sent the rifle back ASAP. I can find no fault with the dealer and their handling of the problem, Sportsman's Warehouse was very considerate. Frankly, I think Bushmaster not only should fix the AR15 A2M4 but should offer me an upgrade at no extra expense. But...I shall keep everyone posted on how Bushmaster handles the problem.

[Posse Incitatus]

It seems that for every great manufacturer there is at least one horror story of shoddy work.

Certainly we will be looking forward to hearing how this situation is resolved.

[Sgt. Daughtry]

I have two Bushmaster A2s with approx. 2000 rounds fired through each guns and never had a jam or misfire. Both guns shoot 3/4 m.o.a. with any good ammo.

[sol]

i went to a local gunshop, and i saw an AR15 with a bunch of stuff done to it. it was 1300$. it seems a bit expensive to me, but i dont know anything about these. i just plan on getting one soon.

[sol]

is that too much?

[Posse Incitatus]

Depends on the condition. A match-grade rifle can run that much. Is it a pre-ban, post-ban or no-ban? If it is post-ban, that seems quite steep as those have lost a lot of their value.

[Cesar Q]

I purchased a used Bushmaster AR15, The previous owner told me he hadn't fired it much. The second time i fired it, it jammed on me, but i would be willing to attribute that to my inexperience with it. I have to say that overall i am very satisfied with it due to its light weight and low recoil. But my question is, do i need to somehow transfer the paper work on it into my name, as you do on a car? Or register it somehow? I live in Texas if that makes a difference. Thank you, Great site.

[Jeff Johnson]

I've been looking at purchasing my first AR-15. I'm a U.S.M.C. Veteran & always loved my rifle, with the exception of one out of nine I was issued in the reserves.

I too always desired more power. I've owned a Ruger Mini-30 for several years... What a piece of.... Well you know.

I'm now looking at the Barrett M-468 civilian model. Preferably I would like to purchase a quality AR & then the M-468 upper receiver... Is the Bushmaster compatable?? Is Bushmaster the highest initial quality AR you guys have seen? If not, Which is??

[Bob G]

I am looking to purchase a new AR...I owned a Colt HBAR many years ago and had zero problems...now the choices are bwildering to say the least...but I have been told to stick with the ABC's....Armalite,Bushmaster and Colt///I hear so much about all of them on both sides....what's tha truth in any of it??..the price for me is not a consideration...I just want the best....just got a Bushmaster catalog and was amazed at all the coices and options..but like any of them....is it any good.....??????

[Posse Incitatus]

You sound like an experienced shooter, so I'm not sure what advice I can give. The Bushmaster I owned was a no-frills model, basically post-ban milspec and it was fine.

Were I to buy another one, I would pretty much go the same way: look at what the military uses and buy the closest thing I can find to that. Bushmaster makes a fine product, so it seems to me that you can't really go wrong.