Bushmaster AR. Need experience!

[12Pump]

I'm confused.

You have changed the oil in the past?

I just changed the oil on my 2011 the other day. It seems the same as any other vehicle from any other time. Open oil fill-tube cover, place catch pan under oil pan, remove drain plug, unscrew oil filter, replace drain plug, screw in new oil filter, use funnel to pour new oil in without spilling. Done.

The hardest and most annoying part is simply putting it up on jack stands if it is a car that you can't fit under. Those of us with most of the SUVs or trucks can just slide right under though.

No, I actually haven't.

But then again, I never was much of a car person. Wasn't until I was 24 before I got a license, about 27 when I got first car. Even now, mostly bike ride over short distances.

Oh, and check this out: A few days ago when I got my oil changed after 3.5 years, I had only put 780 miles on my car during all that time).

 

[Warp]

Something to keep in mind is that motor oil has a life based on time as much as miles.

I would never run the same oil for 3.5 years. A good synthetic will probably say not to go over 12 months.

 

[12Pump]

Something to keep in mind is that motor oil has a life based on time as much as miles.

I would never run the same oil for 3.5 years. A good synthetic will probably say not to go over 12 months.

That's what the guy there told me when I asked him about the age. He told me about how moisture and fuel residue can build up in there from short trips too. But he said the oil still looked really good. Don't know if that's a very good indicator of its lifespan though.

I just don't drive very much--which brings me back to what we were talking about before.....

I don't shoot much either, and wouldn't be shooting any AR that I'd buy very much either. Maybe hardly at all. Like I was saying in post #70, I'd be getting it mostly as an investment/SHTF/America Collapses/Hostile country invades/EMP/World War 3 gun, as opposed to a range/competiton/hunting/target shooting gun.

 

[Warp]

No firearm will be of much good to you unless you are familiar with it. Familiarity gained through use.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I know, and I've pretty much decided that the Colt might be the best for me. It's just the act of driving to Walmart, writing a check for about $1160, and then coming home and wondering, "Why did I just do that when I don't even have a use for an AR except for a feared hypothetical future scenario?"

There are a lot of uses for a light, semi-auto, intermediate caliber rifle with an established track record of accuracy, reliability, and durability that even a novice can rebuild, repair or modify. They are pretty handy even if the world never ends.

I don't know what your needs are; but if you are thinking that the only place for an AR is some kind of zombie apocalypse, then I would guess you are making a poorly informed assessment.

 

[12Pump]

There are a lot of uses for a light, semi-auto, intermediate caliber rifle with an established track record of accuracy, reliability, and durability that even a novice can rebuild, repair or modify. They are pretty handy even if the world never ends.

I don't know what your needs are; but if you are thinking that the only place for an AR is some kind of zombie apocalypse, then I would guess you are making a poorly informed assessment.

I posted what my needs are in post #78

No firearm will be of much good to you unless you are familiar with it. Familiarity gained through use.

I know. But from what I've heard contrary to what my Uncle Joe said one day in front of the whole world, an AR is easy to manage, with light recoil. Like a .22, I figure it should be easy to handle well with not much experience. I'm not saying NO experience, but certainly not the "thousands of rounds per year" I keep hearing people say is necessary.

 

[swiftak]

AR snobbery?

 

[12Pump]

AR snobbery?

I don't know. Who are you asking?

 

[Hacker15E]

I think @12Pump's plan to get the Colt is a great idea, personally.

 

[Armor Snail]

I guess I was just looking for something simple; no optics or scope. I don't hunt and am not into competition or real long range stuff. I just wanted something simple for HD or as a "battle rifle" (if that's an accurate term).

High Standard HS15 20" fixed carry handle with A2 stock.
Doesn't get more basic than that. Pretty solid gun.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Black Butte]

So when is Colt introducing an AR-15 with a mid-length gas system?

 

[Warp]

So when is Colt introducing an AR-15 with a mid-length gas system?

lol

When the military wants one/they can market one to the military.

Otherwise they probably won't, is my guess.

That's one reason I got a BCM for my second AR. Colt 6920 for my first, BCM mid length for my second.

Whenever I get a third...some year down the line...it'll probably be a precision ~20" build from some other manufacturer.

 

[LebbenB]

I don't shoot much either, and wouldn't be shooting any AR that I'd buy very much either. Maybe hardly at all. Like I was saying in post #70, I'd be getting it mostly as an investment/SHTF/America Collapses/Hostile country invades/EMP/World War 3 gun, as opposed to a range/competiton/hunting/target shooting gun.

So you're going to treat the rifle the way you treat a lawn mower - leave it in the dark for months then pull it out and expect it to work.

 

[hatt]

OP get the Colt already. Sounds like you're just arguing now. Out of all you reasons to buy an AR "investment" is the only realistic one. Colt will win all day in the investment category over anything but the boutique brands.

 

[BullSlinger]

Personally I would not buy any AR as an investment. A lot of folks bought them After Obummer was elected and after the tragedy in Newtown. Gonna be a lot of ARs on the market in the near future (IMHO)
If all the OP wants is an infantry type rifle and not shoot it much after purchase I would look into an M1 carbine or an SKS/AK.
I own many military rifles including AR15s (a Bushmaster included) and all have their pluses and minuses but as an investment never crossed my mind along the way.

 

[Warp]

Personally I would not buy any AR as an investment. A lot of folks bought them After Obummer was elected and after the tragedy in Newtown. Gonna be a lot of ARs on the market in the near future (IMHO)
If all the OP wants is an infantry type rifle and not shoot it much after purchase I would look into an M1 carbine or an SKS/AK.
I own many military rifles including AR15s (a Bushmaster included) and all have their pluses and minuses but as an investment never crossed my mind along the way.

I never saw those AR's on the market people predicted after the 2008 election buys.

I don't think it's going to happen quite like that.

 

[TimboKhan]

I fail to see anymore useful discussion coming out of this, and it seems the OP has already made his decision. Let it die, friends...

 

[12Pump]

If all the OP wants is an infantry type rifle and not shoot it much after purchase I would look into an M1 carbine or an SKS/AK.

I actually was thinking an AK would be better of an idea, but now I hardly see any around. At the shop I went to where the Bushmaster was, they actually had a WASR10 there. The grip was really, really loose! I mean it wiggled side to side badly, but forward and backward even worse--about 1" of travel forward and back, literally. I was afraid to handle the thing much because I thought it was going to fall off. Oh, and the price for this thing was $899. They also had an Arsenal AK which I've heard many good things about for $1400.

By comparison, the Bushmaster was the cheapest at $775.

OP get the Colt already. Sounds like you're just arguing now.

I'm not arguing. Just having a discussion with you guys, and we're all discussing things with each other too.

But if I do get the Colt, it will probably be around next Thursday when I have the money in my account, assuming Walmart actually has it in stock.

So you're going to treat the rifle the way you treat a lawn mower - leave it in the dark for months then pull it out and expect it to work.

I don't see why it wouldn't. Nothing happens to a rifle over time to make it stop working.

 

[Warp]

I don't see why it wouldn't. Nothing happens to a rifle over time to make it stop working.

The operator would be the main concern.

 

[12Pump]

The operator would be the main concern.

I understand your point there, but AR15 is not difficult to use. Retract charging handle, aim, pull trigger. Follow up shots: simply pull trigger again. This, along with light recoil makes it easier to use than a shotgun, despite Uncle Joe's claims.

 

[Buzznrose]

"I don't shoot much either, and wouldn't be shooting any AR that I'd buy very much either. Maybe hardly at all. Like I was saying in post #70, I'd be getting it mostly as an investment/SHTF/America Collapses/Hostile country invades/EMP/World War 3 gun, as opposed to a range/competiton/hunting/target shooting gun."

12pump, If I hear what you're saying, you are looking for a reliable rifle that you can stick in a closet, shoot minimally, and call it a prep for a possible riot/just in case event, and you want max bang for minimal buck? If so might I offer another solution?

Consider finding a new or slightly used Ruger Mini-14. Should cost less than the Bushy. Buy a few factory magazines, an optic, and call it good.

Only AR's I'd buy would be a Colt, BCM, or my current, Daniels Defense. Not because others like a Bushy don't work, but because of the reputation and resalability in relation to the price...the simply hold value better.

Same reason I prefer Glocks. I buy them for a reasonable price and they can almost always fetch 90% of what they cost me, less sales tax.

A Mini 14 would serve you extremely well in a bad situation, or fetch most of what you paid if maintained and still in good shape.

However you go, good luck to you.

 

[12Pump]

Buzznrose:
Thanks! Yeah, I've actually considered the Mini 14, and liked the idea that it's actually cheaper than the AR while still using the same round. Then I read on some threads about how they had reliability issues at some point. I even saw a youtube vid where a guy who just got his back from the factory for repairs was trying his and it jammed about 7 times out of 20 rounds. I've heard the problems have now been worked out, so I'd probably get a new one if given a chance.

 

[ugaarguy]

Here's my issue with the Ruger Mini-14. They used to cost significantly less than almost any AR-15 on the market. Now, new Mini-14's are bringing $800+ on GunBroker, and used ones are bringing $550+. Mini's are also most reliable with factory magazines. There's one source for those, and they're still bringing $25+ per mag when you can find them in stock.

Now, you can get a S&W M&P-15 Sport for $600 plus shipping, plus whatever your local FFL charges for a transfer. S&W uses better parts and performs better assembly than Bushmaster. Brownell's has their excellent house branded GI type aluminum mags for $10 each, and MagPul Gen 2 PMAGs for $11 each.

So, if you're looking for a versatile and cost effective rifle there are some AR-15 type rifles that are much better choices than a Mini-14.

On the other hand, If you like the Mini-14 better then by all means go for it. They're good firearms, and will serve quite well in the role of general utility, intermediate cartridge, 20 to 30 round standard magazine, semi-auto rifle.

 

[12Pump]

Now, you can get a S&W M&P-15 Sport for $600 plus shipping, plus whatever your local FFL charges for a transfer. S&W uses better parts and performs better assembly than Bushmaster. Brownell's has their excellent house branded GI type aluminum mags for $10 each, and MagPul Gen 2 PMAGs for $11 each.

Does Walmart sell the M&P15 in their store?

 

[Frank Ettin]

It looks like the ground's been pretty well covered.