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driver8 wrote:I know someone that has a Bushmaster with a chrome lined barrel and I remember it had a pretty involved break in. Seems like Bushmaster wanted him to shoot a bunch of rounds through it without cleaning.

Someone gave him a bum steer.

From the Bushmaster website:

Question / Issue

What is the proper "break-in" procedure for a chrome lined AR barrel?

Answer / Solution

After firing a couple hundred rounds, the chrome lining will "polish out" from its light, flat gray, factory-new look to a brightly reflective, polished appearance. During this break-in period, excessive cleaning with solvent or brush should be avoided as that will only prolong the time (and number of rounds) it takes to achieve the final "bullet polishing" of the barrel

See for yourself: http://www.bushmaster.com/faqs/?f=23" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As far as ARs are concerned . . . I have a Bushmaster XM15E2S that I added a Jewell trigger to. Excellent rifle, the only stoppage I ever had was traced to a bad (refinished) magazine i bought during the AWB. From what I've seen, RRA, Armalite, and Colt rifles seem to work well . . . though past experience says that Colt warranties have been pretty much worthless. Maybe they've improved . . .

The few rifles I've seen from boutique makers seem to run well, too . . . and so far, my latest build (DoubleStar lower, RRA internals, CMMG upper) has been flawless. But seriously, the only rifles I've seen that have been problematic have been Frankenrifles assembled out of no-name gun show parts.

IF I were looking for a new rifle right now, I'd consider holding out for the Sig 516 . . . an article in the January 2010 American Rifleman made it sound like a possible Ruger-beater. (Piston driven, flat top, free floated 4-rail forend, LMT SOPMOD stock, Magpul MIAD grip, 2 stage, 3-lb trigger . . . and a list price of $1300.)

Yeah, I think you're right, that's been a pretty good while back and I remember the part about running 200 rds through it but I thought something came after that, Maybe not.

glbedd53 wrote:Or you could just get the real thing, it says COLT on it.

My dept just had a huge shipment come in and everyone is having problems with a pin wearing down after less than 100 rounds. Colt has been fixing them, but a whole batch?? Meh...For the price point RRA or SW is where I'd be looking.

I was half kidding. My Colt is about 15 yrs old so I'm sure it was made differently somehow. There are so many different ways to go with all the choices out there now I wouldn't know which way to go.

Well guys and gals, I ended up with the S&W M&P15 MOE with the a picatanny gas block.. I love the look, the price was right, and I get 6 PMAGS total with their rebate! I will get pictures up this weekend when I have it all decked out. Thanks for the input guys. In case your wondering, it was $1,025 (or close to it). Still have plenty left over for tacti-cool accessories.

kalipsocs wrote:Well guys and gals, I ended up with the S&W M&P15 MOE with the a picatanny gas block.. I love the look, the price was right, and I get 6 PMAGS total with their rebate! I will get pictures up this weekend when I have it all decked out. Thanks for the input guys. In case your wondering, it was $1,025 (or close to it). Still have plenty left over for tacti-cool accessories.

Great choice. Before I got LMT Piston fever this was going to be my selection for work use - that PMAGS promo is sick...it almost tipped the scales for me a few months back.

If you need a mount for an aimpoint I've got an extra one for sale ;)

I have a S&W M&P15 with MOE hand guards, miad grip, and ctr. Its a nice setup. Great choice on rifles. Spend the rest on ammo and have a blast

Dad sent me some gun porn today. Take some better pics when it is: a.) done up proper with accessories b.) it is in my hands! There is about 4 hrs. between us but he will be down Saturday.

Do you know what brand gas block that is? I have the MOE furniture on mine too and am wanting to take down my fixed sight to replace with a low profile block that fits the MOE.

karl wrote:Do you know what brand gas block that is? I have the MOE furniture on mine too and am wanting to take down my fixed sight to replace with a low profile block that fits the MOE.

I let you know if I can find a brand when I get it in my hot little hands this weekend!

The gas block on my M&P15 is actually mounted crooked. It came like that from the factory. It doesn't hurt anything Its just not perfectly straight.

Since it's already got mostly Magpul stuff, you might as well finish it out with Magpul garb. The MVG (MOE Vertical Grip) is just now hitting the market if you're into them.

Tell your dad that the dust cover will clip to the bottom of the Pmag. That way you don't lose it.

Any idea on optics?

jeeperbryan wrote:Since it's already got mostly Magpul stuff, you might as well finish it out with Magpul garb. The MVG (MOE Vertical Grip) is just now hitting the market if you're into them.

Tell your dad that the dust cover will clip to the bottom of the Pmag. That way you don't lose it.

Any idea on optics?

Yup familiar with the PMAGs, I just posted that pic cause best closeup of the receiver. Optics are going to be Aimpoint T-1. I figured that since this AR is so light anyway, might as well keep on that theme. Planned additions as as MS2 sling, the ASAP plate, irons (not quite sure on this setup just yet), MVG, B.A.D. lever. Have a XTI Procyon that usually sits on my CZ P-01 thank God for picatinny rail standards

kalipsocs wrote:

jeeperbryan wrote:Since it's already got mostly Magpul stuff, you might as well finish it out with Magpul garb. The MVG (MOE Vertical Grip) is just now hitting the market if you're into them.

Tell your dad that the dust cover will clip to the bottom of the Pmag. That way you don't lose it.

Any idea on optics?

Yup familiar with the PMAGs, I just posted that pic cause best closeup of the receiver. Optics are going to be Aimpoint T-1. I figured that since this AR is so light anyway, might as well keep on that theme. Planned additions as as MS2 sling, the ASAP plate, irons (not quite sure on this setup just yet), MVG, B.A.D. level. Have a XTI Procyon that usually sits on my CZ P-01 thank God for picatinny rail standards

Can't go wrong with Aimpoint.

As far as the Magpul stuff you listed....I love the MS2. I think its the most versatile sling on the market right now. As far as the ASAP, I'm not quite sure on it yet. Something to consider is the "jingle" that the ASAP has because of the metal ring. I'm contemplating switching to the ikickhippies end plate which is cheaper and would get rid of the noise. Instead of iron sights, you might try out the MBUS. I have the rear one and it's pretty tough. You'll probably never use the backup sights once you get the Aimpoint.

Don't put an MBUIS on the gas block, for one its not the same height, for two its plastic and will melt over time. I also like the angled for grip magpul is offering right now. I think it is more comfortable than a vertical grip and keeps me tucked in better and my elbows down.