Bushmaster quality control problems?

[SpeedAKL]

I was reading an interesting thread the other day on the 10-8 law enforcement forums; it started out as a typical "What AR should I/my department get" thread. However, a guy came on there and said that his department have bought 20-something Bushmaster M4s and they had all been jam-o-matics, with lots of stuff breaking. It evolved into a discussion on the quality control of various brands, particularly focusing on Bushmaster.

Several people in the thread made the claim that Bushmaster changed their QC after 2002 and that the guns produced after that are not as sturdy. My question is: does anyone have info that can back this up?

I'll share from personal experience. I have not used a post-2002 Bushmaster for any more than a few rounds. I have a Bushmaster that was manufactured in the late 1990s, which some of the "evil" stuff added back on later. Full disclosure here: I have not run the thing in a carbine class or blown off several thousand rounds in one day. In addition, I bought the gun used so I cannot verify that internals like the BCG are stock.

Having said that, the thing runs like a champ. It gets more use than any gun in my safe because quite frankly it's the most fun gun to shoot. It will not jam, even on extended rapid-fire sessions, so long as I follow my one rule (Don't Shoot Wolf). I have handled numerous ARs from most major brands (Colt, LMT, Sabre, RRA, Stag, DPMS, etc) and the quality of furnishing is right up there with the best. The gas keys on the bolt are neatly and properly staked as they should be (note again, it may not be a stock BCG). In short, I have had zero problems with the gun after a few thousand rounds.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced issues with the newer and/or the older guns, either personal or witnessed, and if anyone knows whether Bushmaster changed their quality standards in the last few years.

 

[Steve in PA]

My Bushmaster eats Wolf MC like candy.

 

[kwelz]

Bushmaster is the largest produced of ARs for civilians.
They have always had QC that was pretty lax.

I have a Bushmaster as my Go to Gun however I also went over it with a fine tooth comb before I even thought about putting a bullet downrange.

Personally I would be more comfortable with an LMT or Colt. But in this market it is hard to be picky.

 

[Runningman]

I purchased two Bushmasters in the 90s they have been excellent ARs. Having said that I have seen some issues with newer ones in the last five + years or so. It does appear that Bushmaster quality control is not what it was back in the 90s. Bushmaster produces a lot AR every year these days only Colt produces more AR/M4 rifles. Perhaps they tried to grow to big to fast.

 

[kyle1974]

a person on a forum was bashing bushmaster?

NO WAY!

 

[SpeedAKL]

It wasn't bashing, a guy was just pointing out the problems his department had and a couple other guys suggested there had been a shift in QC beginning in the early 2000s. I was just putting this out to THR to see if any other members had noticed such trends, I'm neither attacking nor endorsing Bushmaster

 

[kyle1974]

I haven't shot thousands of rounds through either of my AR's, but I have shot a lot of different ammo type without a single failure so far (knock on wood).

on my predator, my rifle shoots the hornady 55 grain ballistics really well. I've also shot soft points though my carbine, and they have always cycled....

 

[TIMC]

I own 2 Bushmasters, an AR-10 and and M-4. Both guns I have owned for several years and I can't say how well they are built now but the 2 I have have been flawless.

 

[oldFred]

From my personal experience and first experience with an AR, the XM15 jammed so bad after the first few rounds it took two people and screwdriver to remove a live round.

To best describe it, one shell was caught between the bolt face and the hollow area above the bolt and that and a second shell were trying to poke the same hole (chamber) at the same time.

This was 2006 model new in the box and had been cleaned prior to practice day.

After reading numerous (100's) of complaints from not just Bushmaster, I probably will never be interested in the Ed Stoner designed M16/M4/AR/whatever else you call it. I personally am soured on it.

 

[TIMC]

After reading numerous (100's) of complaints from not just Bushmaster, I probably will never be interested in the Ed Stoner designed M16/M4/AR/whatever else you call it. I personally am soured on it.

If you get to Texas let me know, I have a few that will change your mind!

 

[oldFred]

If you get to Texas let me know, I have a few that will change your mind!

Thanks for the invite, would love to come and punch some paper or varmints with ya TIMC!

I have a friend who was in desert storm and swears by COLT M16-A3 ? I think. Says his jammed once in 2000 rounds and fixed it in 2 seconds.

Not to sidetrack Bushmaster problems or hijack. Back to the issue, I think the weapon was too tight. He has 4 or 5 of them but said he never takes his LWRC? out of the house...

 

[Jeff White]

Bushmaster has always had QC problems. They are good about fixing them, but there isn't any need for them in the first place.

I am a member at 10-8. I have put a lot of rounds downrange usually 5K + a year personally and seen a lot of rounds put downrange at both open and LE/MIL only classes. I have taken a lot of training with high round counts and have conducted a lot of training. I would not recommend a Bushmaster for a hard use weapon. If you are going to shoot a couple hundred rounds every month or so, it's an acceptable rifle. If you are going to use it hard and then depend on it for serious use, then I'd recommend one of the higher end weapons.

All manufacturers turn out lemons. But the higher end manufacturers turn out fewer of them. A least that's been my experience. The way I look at it, you can spend your money once and get a rifle that will stand up to the rigors you intend to put it through or you can spend a little less money and get a rifle that might not...what's the aggravation worth to you?