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Just finished my taxes, and it looks like my refund will be more than adequate to purchase an AR-15/M4-gery.

A few questions...

I found one that is spec'ed for 5.56. Should I even consider a rifle that fires 5.56, or just stick with .223?

Is "slam fire," still an issue firing .223 from a 5.56 upper?

Lastly, is this a decent rifle to buy:
http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.asp ... 3F16M4TXIO" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I understand the TxDPS went with this model.

No doubt I will have more questions on this...

As always, thanks in advance.

I have that model. I love mine. It makes a noise every time I pull the trigger. Heck they used to have a promo that would get you 4) 30 round mags when you bought an ar. I do not know if it still on going but it could not hurt to ask.

You want the 5.56 chamber the .223 chamber is a little too tight in the lede to safely shoot 5.56 spec ammo. Get a 1:9 or faster twist and chromed bore and chamber is good to have. I have never had a slam fire nor have I seen one in all the years I've been involved with the AR/M16 platform they happen but, they are not a common occurrence.

The Bushmaster is a reliable well made rifle. You might also want to look at Smith & Wesson, DPMS, and (Ulp $$$$) Colt there are a lot of really good ARs on the market.

Mando'a wrote:Lastly, is this a decent rifle to buy:
http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.asp ... 3F16M4TXIO" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I understand the TxDPS went with this model.

This is the one that is on my particular wish list for a near future purchase. Let me know how you like it. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

T.

I've got a buddy in Houston selling new AR15s for $700. M4 style flat top. PM me if you want his info.

Mando'a wrote:Is "slam fire," still an issue firing .223 from a 5.56 upper?

Firing .223 in a 5.56 rifle is a non-issue, and certainly not prone to "slam-fire." I've had slam fires from shooting .223 handloads in my 5.56 chambered Bushmaster varmint rifle, but that was because they were loaded too hot, not because of the leade.

Whatever you do, do NOT shoot 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered in .223.

The Annoyed Man wrote:

Mando'a wrote:Is "slam fire," still an issue firing .223 from a 5.56 upper?

Firing .223 in a 5.56 rifle is a non-issue, and certainly not prone to "slam-fire." I've had slam fires from shooting .223 handloads in my 5.56 chambered Bushmaster varmint rifle, but that was because they were loaded too hot, not because of the leade.

Whatever you do, do NOT shoot 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered in .223.

Understood, I did read that they are pretty much the same except, the 5.56 has thicker brass and has more powder.

I also read, that you can fire a 5.56 in a .223 barrel, but it's a really, really bad idea...

Thanks

I found this issue of "Slam fire," in a post from about two years ago on another forum.

Couldn't find much more than that on the topic.

But I had enough of a concern, to ask the good people of this forum. It's starting to sound like a non-issue, or an incredibly rare event.

As always, many thanks.

My understanding is:

5.56 is the military spec. It's a bit looser, and also a bit less accurate.
.223 is the civilian spec. If you are going to compete with the gun in organized target competition, you might want the tighter chamber.

Get 5.56 and you can shoot both. I suspect 95% or more of the ARs are chambered in 5.56.
I have yet to see one with .223 chamber, but I don't get out much

I have quite a few AR's and have spent many hours repairing others guns. Here are just a couple of thoughts:

1. The most useful chambering for an AR is called a Wylde chamber. It will allow any ammo to shoot reliably and to the best accuracy. You will have to search for this chamber, but it is available.

2. I know DPS bought the BM M4, but BM seems to have suffered from quality problems of late. Mostly related to the gun buying crunch. Older BM's are fine - this is what I have seen and heard some others report. The problems may be resolved at this point, but just so you know.

3. As you know, AR's come in a great variety of price ranges. As with many things, price does not indicate quality. I have had excellent luck with Rock River, Colt, LMT, and Noveske (in ascending order of price). You should be able to find an excellent weapon for around $1,000 to $1,300.
Good luck

Cerberus capital management owns Bushmaster who acquired Cobb, Remington(bought advanced armanent systems) and DPMS who bought Marlin. Bushmaster makes the Remington SR-15 rifles(223/5.56x45) and DPMS makes the Remington SR-25(243, 7mm-08 and 308/7.62x51). Qc suffered for all ar platform makers last year but seems to be better now.

Both companies make fine rifles but I prefer DPMS. Del-Ton also has a nice little M-forgery that can be bought for about $700. When you buy one just remember the bolt on these rifles like to run wet and the chamber clean and dry. Have fun with the new rifle and let us know how it works.

I bought my M4-gery from CMMG last year and was very pleased with it.http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/index.php?cat=161&

Slam fire results from a protruding firing pin, and/or a soft primer that is perhaps standing proud of the case. It's got nothing to do with how hot the load is, nor .223/5.56.

I've had no problems with the one I shoot, and have been able to shoot 1 moa groups with the ammo the Air Force gives us (M193?). Remember to pick up an optic, folding rear sight, and sling, preferably a 1pt sling mount and single point sling.

Thanks all for the responses.

Any suggestions for a cheap scope under $100?

TIA