Used AR-15

[dcphoto]

I am considering purchasing a used Bushmaster AR-15. I don't remember the exact model, I have it written down at work, but it was a 16 inch bull barrel with some sort of flash suppressor or muzzle brake, not sure which. To put things in perspective: All I know about the AR-15 is that it launches a small projectile at a high velocity in a relatively straight line, much like any other firearm, and I have no idea what to look for in a used one. What are the common problems I should look for, how can I tell if this is a good gun? Price they are asking is $895. Please help!

[dukalmighty]

895.00 for a used Bushmaster without knowing exact model etc.,but IMHO price seems high.I just looked at their website and seemed like MSRP was around 1150 to 1300 for most models.You can build an AR15 for about 1/2 that price

[Lodge2004]

Academy sells the A2M4 for about that price new. The A3 is about $100 more.

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=c ... centerfire

[melkor41]

Unless your planning on rebuilding it with a new barrel and bolt i would suggest a set of go, no-go, field headspace gagues . you can get them from pretty much anywhere that sells gunsmithing tools (midway, brownelles, etc).

You should also find out if the muzzle brake is screwed on or welded/pinned on as this would limit you to upgrade choices.

Other than that, pretty much any used gun buying tips apply.

I am sure there are more ar specifics, those are just the two off the top of my head.

[Lumberjack98]

Good advice thus far. Also, the bull bbl is HEAVY and probably not advantageous on a 16" AR.

[shootthesheet]

I would get a new one. You have no idea what the person that owned or built that rifle did to it. You may have no problem or you may get a lemon that gives you more trouble than it is worth.

Like was said, the pin on/welded on breaks will limit your ability to configure the rifle how you want. As well, if you want to sell the upper or barrel, you will have less interest in anyone wanting it unless you take a hit in how much you get for it. I personally wouldn't give a dime for one....well maybe a dime. Anyway, you can get a new gun for the price of this used one and you can get what you want in the same general configuration for that price. If you don't get a Bushmaster be aware of .223 only barrels. You cannot fire 5.56mm rounds thru them, not recommended anyway, so surplus type ammo us out and any "battlefield" pickup ammo is out. If that matters.

If you want a hunting rifle, get a 20 or 24 inch. If you don't want to hunt with it then it doesn't really matter for 100 or so yard ranges. I have taken hogs out to around 300 yards with my 16 inch barrel but beyond that they lose accuracy fast. 20 should be more than enough and I haven't seen where there are advantages with a 24 inch in .223/5.56. There are other calibers available from .243 to .308 to 6.8mm to .204 Ruger and others if you are serious about hunting larger game. .223/5.56 will take most deer in Texas if you can hit where you aim. This is my opinion and I like Academy for their selection.

[dcphoto]

I would get a new one. You have no idea what the person that owned or built that rifle did to it. You may have no problem or you may get a lemon that gives you more trouble than it is worth.

Like was said, the pin on/welded on breaks will limit your ability to configure the rifle how you want. As well, if you want to sell the upper or barrel, you will have less interest in anyone wanting it unless you take a hit in how much you get for it. I personally wouldn't give a dime for one....well maybe a dime. Anyway, you can get a new gun for the price of this used one and you can get what you want in the same general configuration for that price. If you don't get a Bushmaster be aware of .223 only barrels. You cannot fire 5.56mm rounds thru them, not recommended anyway, so surplus type ammo us out and any "battlefield" pickup ammo is out. If that matters.

If you want a hunting rifle, get a 20 or 24 inch. If you don't want to hunt with it then it doesn't really matter for 100 or so yard ranges. I have taken hogs out to around 300 yards with my 16 inch barrel but beyond that they lose accuracy fast. 20 should be more than enough and I haven't seen where there are advantages with a 24 inch in .223/5.56. There are other calibers available from .243 to .308 to 6.8mm to .204 Ruger and others if you are serious about hunting larger game. .223/5.56 will take most deer in Texas if you can hit where you aim. This is my opinion and I like Academy for their selection.

Forgive my ignorance, but I thought 5.56 and .223 were the same(well, 5.56mm is actually smaller than .223 inches). Why wouldn't you be able to fire the 5.56 out of a .223 barrel?

[Mike1951]

Firing 5.56 in a .223 chamber can be dangerous.

Her is a fair explantion:

.223 Rem VS 5.56mm

There are a lot of questions about these two cartridges. Many people think they are identical - merely different designations for commercial and military. The truth is that, although somewhat similar, they are not the same and you should know the differences before buying either cartridge.

The cartridge casings for both calibers have basically the same length and exterior dimensions.
The 5.56 round, loaded to Military Specification, typically has higher velocity and chamber pressure than the .223 Rem.
The 5.56 cartridge case may have thicker walls, and a thicker head, for extra strength. This better contains the higher chamber pressure. However, a thicker case reduces powder capacity, which is of concern to the reloader.
The 5.56mm and .223 Rem chambers are nearly identical. The difference is in the "Leade". Leade is defined as the portion of the barrel directly in front of the chamber where the rifling has been conically removed to allow room for the seated bullet. It is also more commonly known as the throat. Leade in a .223 Rem chamber is usually .085". In a 5.56mm chamber the leade is typically .162", or almost twice as much as in the 223 Rem chamber.
You can fire .223 Rem cartridges in 5.56mm chambers with this longer leade, but you will generally have a slight loss in accuracy and velocity over firing the .223 round in the chamber with the shorter leade it was designed for.
Problems may occur when firing the higher-pressure 5.56mm cartridge in a .223 chamber with its much shorter leade. It is generally known that shortening the leade can dramatically increase chamber pressure. In some cases, this higher pressure could result in primer pocket gas leaks, blown cartridge case heads and gun functioning issues.
The 5.56mm military cartridge fired in a .223 Rem chamber is considered by SAAMI (Small Arm and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) to be an unsafe ammunition combination.

Before buying either of these two types of ammunition, always check your gun to find what caliber it is chambered for, then buy the appropriate ammunition. Most 5.56mm rounds made have full metal jacket bullets. Performance bullets - soft points, hollow points, Ballistic Silvertips, etc. - are loaded in .223 Rem cartridges. Firing a .223 Rem cartridge in a 5.56mm-chambered gun is safe and merely gives you slightly reduced velocity and accuracy. However we do not recommend, nor does SAAMI recommend, firing a 5.56mm cartridge in a gun chambered for the .223 Rem as the shorter leade can cause pressure-related problems.

Winchester Law Enforcement Ammunition East Alton Illinois

[shootthesheet]

Thank you Mike. You kept me from digging around to find the tech answer.

[Turfspanker]

My bushy fires .223 and 5.56 per specs. Bought it new on sale for a shade over $800.

http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA3F16M4.asp

TS

[stevie_d_64]

I am considering purchasing a used Bushmaster AR-15. I don't remember the exact model, I have it written down at work, but it was a 16 inch bull barrel with some sort of flash suppressor or muzzle brake, not sure which. To put things in perspective: All I know about the AR-15 is that it launches a small projectile at a high velocity in a relatively straight line, much like any other firearm, and I have no idea what to look for in a used one. What are the common problems I should look for, how can I tell if this is a good gun? Price they are asking is $895. Please help!

If thats what you want, I see nothing wrong with it, as I have the same (similar) rifle...It is an A3 (removable handle) "Shorty", with an "AK" style muzzle break, permanently mounted on a 14.5" bull barrel...The muzzle break made it legal to sell (post ban) during the AWB a few years ago...Put the barrel length over the 16" requirement from our buddies at the BATFE and your Federal government...

I'd snag it up...It shoots both the 5.56 and the Remington .223 equally well...I have had zero problems with the one I have...

I would find an competent armorer, gunsmith that is familiar with the weapon and have them go over it...Remember, the money you are saving now will be spent on many, many 30 round magazines you need to get to help feed this thing...Before the next "dark times"...

BTW, I actually like the bull barrel...It gives me a good feeling, and balances the rifle, and to me is not a hindrance to its performance in any way, shape, or form in my personal opinion...

Good luck, I hope to hear about your new purchase...And if you don't like it after that, there are a few people here that would take that off your hands in a heartbeat...

[M9FAN]

Academy sells the A2M4 for about that price new. The A3 is about $100 more.

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=c ... centerfire

Yep. Two weeks ago I bought a new Bushmaster M4A2 for $895 plus tax at Academy. Why pay that for a used one? Here's mine: