New AR-15 owner [Archive]

SKeefe

08-23-2005, 15:01

Well I'm finally a member of the AR-15 club (although not literally a member of this "Black Rifle Club"). I just picked up my new Bushmaster M4 A3 today; I ordered it from AIM Surplus. They had great service and delivery only took 2 days.

Anyone have any good advice for a new AR-15 owner? I've already done a lot of searching/browsing in this forum and I'm sure I'll be doing a lot more. ;c

RMTactical

08-23-2005, 15:28

Congrats!!

You know, if you want to become a member of the BRC, just mail me your $20 membership fee (noramlly $25, I'm doing a special), and you are required to post a picture!!

Now, let's see them pics!

SKeefe

08-23-2005, 16:53

Here are a few pics:

http://home.sc.rr.com/scottk/Gun/m4a301small.jpg

SKeefe

08-23-2005, 16:56

http://home.sc.rr.com/scottk/Gun/m4a302small.jpg

steve1911

08-24-2005, 00:43

;F to black rifle club. one thing you need is lots of ammo.

1911club#410

SKeefe

08-24-2005, 07:12

Originally posted by steve1911
;F to black rifle club. one thing you need is lots of ammo.

1911club#410
Definitely... I'm trying to find the best deals on ammo online now.

Here is a quick/stupid question for you guys. My Bushmaster is stamped something along the lines of .223 / 5.56 (I don't have it right in front of me to look at exactly how it is written, it may say .223 - 5.56). Does that mean it is chambered for .223 or 5.56?

Michigun

08-24-2005, 07:24

Originally posted by SKeefe
Does that mean it is chambered for .223 or 5.56?

Yes.

SKeefe

08-24-2005, 08:07

Originally posted by Michigun
Yes.
I'm not sure if you are being funny on purpose ;f, but I meant:

Is the gun chambered in

.223

OR

5.56?

I'm guessing by your answer you mean it is chambered for 5.56 and thus can shoot both types. ;f

Michigun

08-24-2005, 08:21

Originally posted by SKeefe
I'm not sure if you are being funny on purpose ;f, but I meant:

Is the gun chambered in

.223

OR

5.56?

I'm guessing by your answer you mean it is chambered for 5.56 and thus can shoot both types. ;f

Sorry for the confusion... I thought you said "and" instead of "or" previously. :)

Okay, a 5.56 chamber can safely fire both 5.56 ammo (given) AND .223 ammo... a true .223 chamber shouldn't fire a 5.56 round.

In general, if it's stamped on the barrel it's safe to use. ^c

SKeefe

08-24-2005, 08:47

Originally posted by Michigun
Sorry for the confusion... I thought you said "and" instead of "or" previously. :)

Okay, a 5.56 chamber can safely fire both 5.56 ammo (given) AND .223 ammo... a true .223 chamber shouldn't fire a 5.56 round.

In general, if it's stamped on the barrel it's safe to use. ^c
Ok, I see. :) I was just previously under the impression that most AR's either said .223 on them (meaning only .223 can be fired from them) or they said 5.56 on them (meaning either can be fired). I was just a bit confused when my gun actually said both, and I just wanted to check because a friend of mine in the army has a lot of 5.56 ammo laying around.

Michigun

08-24-2005, 09:05

Originally posted by SKeefe
I was just a bit confused when my gun actually said both...

Bushmaster, for one, stamps both on their barrels hoping to cause LESS confusion... I guess it didn't work this time. ;)

vote Republican

08-24-2005, 10:22

I think it's 5.56 is higher pressure, and maybe some very slight cartridge differences.

Congrats on the new rifle!!!! :cool:

ar15.com ammunition forum has a sticky about who has what ammo in stock and at what price, updated very frequently.

SKeefe

08-24-2005, 11:41

Originally posted by Michigun
Bushmaster, for one, stamps both on their barrels hoping to cause LESS confusion... I guess it didn't work this time. ;)
Somehow I managed to make it more difficult. :)

Another question... I've tried some searching and I've learned a little on this topic... supposedly this Bushmaster has an Izzy flash suppressor. I had heard of the Izzy brake that they used during the ban, but supposedly there also is an Izzy flash suppressor. Does anyone have any relatively close-up pictures of the different types of flash suppressors and brakes available?

Off the top of my head I want to say that the one on mine has maybe four holes around the top with the bottom being solid.

RMTactical

08-24-2005, 12:24

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/body.htm

SKeefe

08-24-2005, 16:59

Ok, apparently it is not the Izzy FS, it is the A2 FS.

SKeefe

08-25-2005, 13:19

Well, after looking closer, 5.56 is actually etched into the barrel of the weapon.

Also, Bushmaster's website notes that all of their barrels are chambered for 5.56.

R.TOKER

08-26-2005, 17:43

Skeefe

Love your avitar!!!!! I have a RRA Entry Tactical, what a great rifle Rock River makes!!!

wishywashy

08-26-2005, 21:22

Yes sir, all there barrels will handle 5.56 and .223, the 5.56 cartridge is longer than the .223, not much, but enough to make it malfunction in a gun only chambered for .223. The 5.56 also has higher chamber pressure as well, in turn more muzzle velocity. So your safe to shoot .223 and 5.56, blast away and welcome to the club.

RENEA

08-27-2005, 10:18

Congrats on a fine purchase and welcome! :)

get2now

08-27-2005, 11:06

Originally posted by SKeefe
Somehow I managed to make it more difficult. :)

Another question... I've tried some searching and I've learned a little on this topic... supposedly this Bushmaster has an Izzy flash suppressor. I had heard of the Izzy brake that they used during the ban, but supposedly there also is an Izzy flash suppressor. Does anyone have any relatively close-up pictures of the different types of flash suppressors and brakes available?

Off the top of my head I want to say that the one on mine has maybe four holes around the top with the bottom being solid.

Try this JP Rifles (http://www.jprifles.com/) You'll need to click on "Compensators" on the left of the page. Then click either the JP Model or the Bennie Cooley Tactical Stabalizer. I just put one of the Cooley's on my AR two weeks ago and I'm very impressed with it. I also have the JP Model and these comps are very close in performance but the JP is just a little better. Muzzle rise is almost non-existant.
Good luck.

RMTactical

08-27-2005, 15:01

Originally posted by wishywashy
Yes sir, all there barrels will handle 5.56 and .223, the 5.56 cartridge is longer than the .223, not much, but enough to make it malfunction in a gun only chambered for .223. The 5.56 also has higher chamber pressure as well, in turn more muzzle velocity. So your safe to shoot .223 and 5.56, blast away and welcome to the club.

Not true.

Dimensionally, they are identical. The brass is the exact same size, bullets may vary, but that's because of the bullet, not the caliber.