Which Bushmaster to buy, help me please

[ArkTerry]

After much reading on this site and others, I have decided on a Bushmaster M4A3 for sure (I know RRA is a great rifle) for my first AR. Now I am trying to decide between 3 different models and need help with it. I want to buy a complete rifle (do not want to build). Use would be for home defense, plinking & target. Choices are as follows:

1. Bushmaster M4A3 type #BCWA3F 14M4IZ, which has 14.5” barrel with permanently attached Izzy comp/flash to get it to legal 16”

2. Bushmaster M4A3 type (Patrolman’s) #BCWA3F 16M4, which has a 16” barrel with birdcage flash.

3. Bushmaster M4A3 type (Superlight) #BCWA3F 16SL, which has a 16” barrel with birdcage flash.

I am leaning toward either #2 (Patrolman’s) or #3 (Superlight).

What are the pros and cons of each?

What differences are there between them other than the barrel length?

Also, any recommendations of online gun dealers where I should price them would be appreciated.

Thanks for any help.

[Skintop911]

Originally posted by ArkTerry
What differences are there between them other than the barrel length?


The differences will be in barrels only (profile, weight, length). Muzzle device different, as noted.

Bushmaster Patrolmen's Carbine review HERE (http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=469908&highlight=Bushmaster) , though all the photos aren't working for some reason.

[sphillips45]

I vote for the Superlight , I have one i like it alot..

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/glock22_40/Glock17/Picture-049.jpg

[goblue]

I wouldn't get #1 unless it had a Phantom to get to 16". I don't like comps.

#2 if you like the looks better

#3 would be nice for weight, but I haven't held one to see how it balances.

#2 and #3 look only differnet in barrel profile so difference is really in weight. I don't think BM uses M4 cuts on the barrel, but that would be worth checking into. Handguards might be slightly thicker on the M4, but i don't know that offhand.

[alphacat]

It doesn't matter which one you buy, you'll want to buy another one as soon as you can........

They are very habit forming.

[MrMurphy]

#2.


1. has a muzzle brake not a flash suppressor (very loud) and a shorter barrel (ballistics not as good even though overall length is same).

3. There's light and there's ridiculously light. Unless you're carrying this thing all day, you won't notice much difference and an over-light gun can actually be harder to shoot.

I carry a real military M4 all day, every day unless i'm carrying a light machine gun or M9 and the tiny bit of saved weight off the barrel would be unnoticeable.

[lastevolution]

Of your choices, I'd get #2.

However personally I'd probably opt for the 16" carbine that has a HBAR (heavy barrel).

[YukonGlocker]

I would get #2; that is the exact rifle I bought. I love it.
I prefer the 16" barrel; and you won't notice a difference in weight.
Here is mine.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/YukonGlocker/AR.jpg

[ArkTerry]

Thanks for all your thoughts!

I have been searching the internet for potential Bushmaster purchase (don’t have a lot of gun dealers locally) and seeing a lot of “out of stock” or “backorder” or “2 to 4 weeks”, etc., so had told myself I would just have to be patient. Well, this morning I was going across town and thought I would pull in to the main gun dealer who carries AR’s and low and behold he had just received one M4A3 Patrolman’s (item #2 on my list above), which is what many of you had recommended, and I had decided that same morning I would order this weekend on line and have to wait. Well, it seemed meant to be, so it just had to come live with me now! So I have my first AR (looks just like YukonGlocker's picture shown above this post), and am already online ordering some mags, ammo, soft carry case, grip, etc…… (It was raining so I could not go out and try it out).

I have spent many, many hours reading through the old posts here and at two other sites to narrow down what brands of supplies and accessories to order. Though it sometimes seems like the old “Chevy vs. Ford” disagreement on things, I really am thankful for all the data, thoughts, suggestions, opinions and experiences everyone shares on this board.

Thanks again!

[goblue]

Congrats! Welcome to the club.

Originally posted by ArkTerry

(It was raining so I could not go out and try it out).


and that is no excuse, my friend. AR's love rain. We got 4 inches last night and another .5 today and I ran mine today in a pretty muddy and wet range. Lots of prone shooting. Just a quick wipe down, clean up the BCG a bit, and I am ready for round 2 tomorrow.

[Skintop911]

Originally posted by ArkTerry
I have spent many, many hours reading through the old posts here and at two other sites to narrow down what brands of supplies and accessories to order. Though it sometimes seems like the old “Chevy vs. Ford” disagreement on things,

In your info travels, beware of that analogy, those who use it, and the implication that the differences are merely about label. There are a number of differences between 1/2 ton Ford and Chevy pickups, and sedans, and...but some drivers will never realize them.

All pickups will carry your wife's new couch home frpm the furniture store, just as all AR's will shoot a box of ammo at tin cans once a month.

See also: CAT vs. Komatsu, Jeep vs. Suzuki, Littman vs. Signa, Stihl vs. Homelite, et al.

Engage signal:noise filter, vet your sources, and enjoy your carbine.

[YukonGlocker]

Congratulations. Have fun!!!

[spober]

me i like your basic 20 HB rifle thanks ya very much.my next AR type will be a 9mm carbine.maby even a pistol.seems like the way to beat the SBR tax/law.

[Hooah]

The M4A3 type #BCWA3F 14M4IZ does not have a brake. It is just a flash suppressor. With a dremel, you can easily change it to a phantom. AR-15 has instructions on how to do this.