Bushmaster M4 Type

[avodah]

I've kind of come full circle on this ... mulled over AK variants, then thought I settled on the M-14, now am back to square one with an AR. After watching State of the Union I'm convinced I need to make a move.

Found subj rifle & that I'm eligible for LEO discount, so $960 w/ A3. Good deal? I've also looked into RRA, Stag, DPMS, and saw good things PapaJohn had to say about the S&W. Always interested in MO counsel.

[Charlie98]

...stick with the M14!

I have both and, believe me, you won't regret it!

[Eli Chaps]

A Bushmaster in M4 configuration would be very nice. At least the Bushmasters I shot in the past and I love the M4.

In the USAF we called them GAU's (Gov't Assault Units). I'd take a GAU over a full 16 any day. In fact, at the time I begged and pleaded with the Security Forces brass to eliminate the standard rifle in favor of the GAU. I was resoundly shut down and quite unquestionably chastised. So many things a young squad leader doesn't understand ya know? Like budgets and such. And who was I to question such a thing as the standard issue rifle?! Oh, turns out, the GAU has pretty much become the standard issue now. Imagine that...

Anyway, I will never understand all the folks who just hate the AR and 5.56mm platform. I'm not going to get drug into that debate here as there are plenty of threads on this board already discussing it.

If I had the cash, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

I haven't kept up with prices since the skyrocket so I can't comment on the "deal." Truth is it makes me nuts to think they run more than $300-400. But that's the way it is. I do believe BM was pulled under the Cerebus umbrella if that has any bearing on your manufacturer choice.

[miatakix]

It's really not that big of a deal, avodah, they're all fine rifles. Just get one and buy plenty of mags and ammo, then go get good at using it

From your list I'd say, just go grab a Bushy or RRA, and be done with it. I like the 20" barrels best, myself, but 16" is just fine, too (I have and plan on keeping both).

Quick, while the gettin's good, chop-chop.

[avodah]

Roger - appreciate the feedback. I've gathered that brands don't seem to matter much, at least among the ones I've mentioned. The sticker shock is bothersome ... part of me would rather get 3 used 336's But I'm thinking this is a tool that I want while they're still avail - I personally see nothing glamorous in them, but they're a great utility weapon. If demand keeps outstripping supply we'll see these things keep going up.

Thanks guys.

[miatakix]

They are commodities, but I don't see them as being overpriced right now at all. I purchased my second only a month ago or so, with almost identical components to the first AR I built well before the election (except for barrel/gas-system length and buttstock type), and it actually cost me less. Mags and ammo are also running less than when I started looking at them. All that and our dollar is certainly worth a little less today than it was then.

You might also consider some sort of AK-74, as they will cost you a little less and shoot cheaper ammo. From a design standpoint I actually like the AK-74 over the AKM/AK-47, as it has a much more rigid barrel due to the smaller caliber, and the bullet exits the barrel in less time than the 7.62X39 due to velocity differences, so that barrel flex due to the gas system has much less impact on accuracy. Also, the ammo is lighter than the 7.62X39. That said, I bought the AKM because they are more ubiquitous and cheaper

Here is my favorite (Russian original, Izhevsk/Izmash)
http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct809.aspx

More decent options:

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct843.aspx

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...2RR&groupid=11

Or you could save even more and get an AKM. Those Hungarian FEGs on the market right now look pretty cool. A Romanian WASR is very cheap and will be a functioning, reliable EBR.

I've heard good things about the Czechpoint vz 58, too:

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct624.aspx

Problem I have with the commbloc EBRs is that you do not support the domestic firearms industry both when you purchase the weapon and purchase the ammo, aside from what goes into the compliance parts for the rifle.

Some low cost ARs:

$670 Delton AR-15:

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...NA3&groupid=11

$600 Olympic arms carbine:

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct347.aspx

Figure adding about $100 to those last two to get some kind of rear sight. They also don't have chrome lined bores, and probably aren't as high quality as a RRA or Bushy or Smith, so you probably get what you pay for.

I bet I'm just making things worse

[avodah]

Nope - I like options Especially when I can't seem to go wrong when I finally plonk my money down I'll have a solid reliable weapon.

I hear you on the dollar. Been following it closely. I sound very "fringe" to many when I start going off on my concern over hyper-inflation & the Fed being evil. I don't even want to save dollars too much these days ... would rather have them in hard, relatively durable goods. Hence my desire to buy a new gun ... particularly since these might not be available when my kids are grown

Other things that need to be bought - a welder, some additional hand & power tools, seeds, etc - and some pre-64 silver coins ... but then this belongs on the SHTF thread

[miatakix]

Yep, I'm with you there. I'm just about done buying guns for now along that line of thinking, and am starting to look at other things.

Still, some day God willing I will have an 1894, an 1895, a Ruger No.1, a Blackhawk or two, and a few other guns to play around with But I'm more than happy with what I have, and have more than I need.

[Eli Chaps]

Oly is still kicking? I'd heard they went under. If not, it's good to hear.

Not the tricked out high end stuff but generally reliable and reasonable.

[Charlie98]

If demand keeps outstripping supply we'll see these things keep going up.

Thanks guys.

Not from what I have seen. I went to the Dallas GS at Thanksgiving, there were AR's fairly heaped on the tables. They were everywhere. And the prices seem to have come down quite a bit since the last GS I went to... hmmm... Thanksgiving weekend 2008. So the supply has caught up with demand, I believe.

PJ bought 4 S&W's from Sportsman's (I think...) at 'clearance' prices, so I think this verifies what I have seen.

While I would choose an M14 over the AR, I have an AR and love it. It is a fine utility weapon, that is for sure and you can't go wrong with one of the name brand variants. I think the M4 is the epitome of a modern-day carbine.