After having kicked around the idea of getting an AR for several years, I got swept up in the hype and paranoia a year ago and bought a gun that came along a good price without making sure it was really what I wanted.
Since then I've gotten serious about it (yes, I know... cart before horse, etc. lecture me later) and have spent a fair amount of time shooting, even taking a LEO tactical carbine class.
Here's the issue... the gun I bought was a Bushmaster patrolman. Since buying it, I've read enough and seen enough raised eyebrows among serious shooters (law enforcement/military guys) at the range that I'm questioning the decision. I haven't had serious problems with the Bushie yet, but I'm wondering if they're inevitable.
I think gun owners are a lot like golfers. There are some serious brand loyalist nuts out there, and there are some people who will spend a lot of money just for a name or just because they assume if you spend more that means you got something better. Nevertheless, reputations do build up for a reason, generally (Just as Chesterton said... all generalizations are more or less accurate). So I'm worried about the Bushmaster.
So with that background, here's the question:
If I sold the Bushmaster at a slight loss and reinvested, what's the best way to spend $1,000 to $1,250? I will eventually spend more than that on a red dot optic, a light/mount and maybe just a couple more add-ons, but for right now, I want to get the best gun for the money that can later be upgraded.
Purpose? Home defense/WORL defense. From my AR, I want tactical reliability at engagements of less than 100 yards. I want to be able to easily, incrementally upgrade it down the line as my budget allows.
I'm leaning Colt 6920. I'm giving consideration to RRA. I'm open to anything and I'm not in a serious rush (this time.)
Thanks to anyone who gives input. I haven't posted much on this site yet, but I've read a lot and I've learned a lot.
Since then I've gotten serious about it (yes, I know... cart before horse, etc. lecture me later) and have spent a fair amount of time shooting, even taking a LEO tactical carbine class.
Here's the issue... the gun I bought was a Bushmaster patrolman. Since buying it, I've read enough and seen enough raised eyebrows among serious shooters (law enforcement/military guys) at the range that I'm questioning the decision. I haven't had serious problems with the Bushie yet, but I'm wondering if they're inevitable.
I think gun owners are a lot like golfers. There are some serious brand loyalist nuts out there, and there are some people who will spend a lot of money just for a name or just because they assume if you spend more that means you got something better. Nevertheless, reputations do build up for a reason, generally (Just as Chesterton said... all generalizations are more or less accurate). So I'm worried about the Bushmaster.
So with that background, here's the question:
If I sold the Bushmaster at a slight loss and reinvested, what's the best way to spend $1,000 to $1,250? I will eventually spend more than that on a red dot optic, a light/mount and maybe just a couple more add-ons, but for right now, I want to get the best gun for the money that can later be upgraded.
Purpose? Home defense/WORL defense. From my AR, I want tactical reliability at engagements of less than 100 yards. I want to be able to easily, incrementally upgrade it down the line as my budget allows.
I'm leaning Colt 6920. I'm giving consideration to RRA. I'm open to anything and I'm not in a serious rush (this time.)
Thanks to anyone who gives input. I haven't posted much on this site yet, but I've read a lot and I've learned a lot.