AR15 Brands Bushmaster vs others

[sempifi99]

Hello,

I have an option to purchase a Bushmaster AR15 at a decent price but don't have much experience with the brand. How do they stack up against other brands?

Thanks,

 

[Ricnzak]

I would stay away from the newer models. Quality from everything I have read went down after they sold the name in about 06 or 07. I have a 07 model I bought before O took office. That I believe was not long after the sale. They had already started using a commercial buffer tube to save money back then. To be honest my S&W AR shoots as well as my Bushy at half the cost.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

Hello,

I have an option to purchase a Bushmaster AR15 at a decent price but don't have much experience with the brand. How do they stack up against other brands?

Thanks,

...depends on your definition of "decent price"

 

[OneBadV8]

I would stay away from the newer models. Quality from everything I have read went down after they sold the name in about 06 or 07. I have a 07 model I bought before O took office. That I believe was not long after the sale. They had already started using a commercial buffer tube to save money back then. To be honest my S&W AR shoots as well as my Bushy at half the cost.

Anything before 2006 because of what he said above. Was bought by the group that owns Remington and quality took a bit of a dive. But the "old" Bushmaster became Wyndam Weaponry and they're decent. Just depends on "decent price". There are a lot of good options these days that don't cost a ton.

 

[jd4320t]

...depends on your definition of "decent price"

I agree with this. I’d prefer an older Windham Bushmaster but I’d buy a newer one at a good price.

 

[Robert Richardson]

I agree with this. I’d prefer an older Windham Bushmaster but I’d buy a newer one at a good price.

This right here. Was the B of the ABCs. Not the one made by Remington. If it doesn't say made in Windham, I wouldn't buy it.

 

[johny5]

 

[Old Bear]

I have a couple of the older Windham Bushmaster's and they have never given me any problems. I also have one made in Lyons NY that has also been flawless. I like the 1:9 twist and chrome lined barrels. I have ran a couple of courses with one of the carbines and it has never stopped running. YMMV

 

[Devilpig]

If you're really set on a Bushmaster look for used models made in Windam, Maine, those are the good ones. Otherwise I personally have liked everything I've gotten from Aero Precision, and an Aero Precision is probably 6-800 for a complete rifle. You could always just go the route of putting together a parts list and building the lower and having a gunsmith assemble the upper if you're not comfortable with that part.

 

[Trapper Jim]

Nothing wrong with Bushingtons. Opinions on equipment are revealing of experience.

 

[Opie]

It will probably be fine, I have seen a number of high round count Bushmasters that are still running as intended. I would check staking on the carrier and make sure those are not loose. I have seen a few that were not staked well. Every Bushmaster I have inspected was made before 07, as that is about the time my Colt armorers certs expired. Go ahead and replace the extractor spring with a BCM, and stake the castle nut if it's not already done. Also, check the gas rings to make sure they are not worn.