Bushmaster response to Bushmaster ACR

[Desert Scorpion]

Thank you for inquiring about the new Bushmaster ACR rifle!



At this point in time we are in the testing stage of the rifle. We are hoping to have pricing by the middle of May, delivery currently scheduled in the late 2nd or early 3rd quarter this year. Final initial versions have not been determined at this point, it will be offered in 5.56mm with black coloration in the beginning. We have not determined other colors or other calibers at this point.

 

[Coronach]

Maaaaaan...c'mon. This needs to get out and not suck. C'mon!

Mike

 

[ny32182]

Two weeks!

 

[iamkris]

No doubt. They need to get this thing out, then quickly follow it with a barrel, bolt and mags in 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel...or both

Oh, and it can't suck, either.

 

[Coronach]

Two weeks!

No, no, no. This is not Robarm's rollout of the XCR.

Mike

 

[Coronach]

Yet.

 

[ny32182]

We shall see.

 

[iamkris]

The best thing this rifle has going for it as it pertains to production is that Bushmaster will be manufacturing it. They have experience with this basic type of rifle and won't have to go through as long of a learning curve as another company would...such as Robinson Arms, Ares, KelTec (with the RFB they'll have a learning curve moving to a "big" rifle platform...lots different than producing the Sub2000), so their estimates of production ramp / timeline are slightly more believeable.

But in the end...we shall see.

 

[Desert Scorpion]

I want one NOW!!!!!!

 

[Wes Janson]

I predict August.

 

[NickEllis]

put me down for one in dark earth, with long- and mid-sized fore-ends, and the folding and the SPR stock. Oh, and as SOON as they start cranking out the AK lowers.... yeah one of those too.


That should just give me enough time to start saving for a Massoud!

 

[Coronach]

*grumble*

Masada...Massoud...

So many guns, so little money. Hopefully there's not a lack of time, too.

Mike

 

[LoadedDrum]

With Bushmaster making these things, will we still be able send in a barrel to have it converted for use with the ACR? Or will we be stuck with the barrels Bushmaster makes?

 

[Coronach]

My guess is that if the ACR takes off, barrel makers will start churning out barrels in multiple configurations. The real question is whether or not there is a patent on the barrel or just on the attachment mechanism. IIRC, the barrel was just a standard AR barrel with a ring pressed on. I'm not sure, though.

Mike

 

[taliv]

or alternate barrels will be as available as alternate stocks for the M93b

heard this song before...

 

[Soybomb]

My current prediction is that the folding stock is not going to be made availabel out of the box and we'll have to buy that as an add on. If that turns out to the base the case there will be one less buyer out of principle...as long as my will power holds up at least

 

[Feanaro]

Principles be durned, I'm gettin' one if it's bright pink.

 

[Click Click Boom]

I have a feeling that Bushmaster will "Screw the pooch" on this one. What you are going to get is Massada Lite and watered down.

The LMT gas piston gun does everything the masada does and is available now.(Well I have seen internet claims of taking delivery but have yet to see one in person)

 

[Coronach]

Really? You can fold the stock?

 

[Feanaro]

The LMT gas piston gun does everything the masada does

Besides having a charging handle that I like. And fully ambi controls. And a bolt release/hold within reach of your right finger. And being lighter. And lacking the buffer tube that prevents the use of a folding stock. And...

Not trying to sound like a Magpul fanboy here but the improvements, if they are delivered and don't suck, go beyond adding a gas piston. Now, some of the improvements are available as options for the AR-15, which makes the ACR less attractive to those who already own an AR. But there are still lots of people who don't have an AR.

 

[ny32182]

XCR does everything the Masada does...

...plus one *key* advantage: You can actually buy it. Lets see the Masada top that, eh??

 

[ny32182]

Also, I've really wanted an LMT piston upper ever since the rumors of them started, but last I heard, they were "being delivered" with a ~20 week wait starting at the shot show in February...? I guess that would put them mid summer sometime unless something delays them.

Has any actual customer seen one yet?

 

[Coronach]

The LMT gas piston gun does everything the masada does

Really? You can fold the stock?

Besides having a charging handle that I like. And fully ambi controls. And a bolt release/hold within reach of your right finger. And being lighter. And lacking the buffer tube that prevents the use of a folding stock. And...

...and allow multi-caliber usage. And tool-less quick change barrels.

I'm really not seeing much similarity.

Now, this assumes that we'll get the Masada that Magpul intended and that it will function properly. I would agree that an AR-15 of any flavor in the hand would beat vaporware or unfulfilled promises in the bush. But if this thing performs as advertised, the only things close will be the SCAR and the XCR.

Not, mind you, that I'll be selling my ARs anytime soon, even if it does work as advertised. They'll still work just fine.

Mike

 

[Coronach]

XCR does everything the Masada does...

...plus one *key* advantage: You can actually buy it. Lets see the Masada top that, eh??

IIRC, you need a tool to change the barrels, the XCR is supposed to be heavier, and the ergonomics of the Masada are supposed to be marginally better.

None of those are huge differences. However, they're enough to at least make me pause until the Masada comes out before I decide which one to buy. The XCR could be better. Or it may not be. I dunno. We have to wait and see.

 

[NickEllis]

What I want to know, is whether there is anyone (distributor, FFL, etc.) on THR who can put together a good group buy, so that we can try and avoid the massive price gouging that's almost bound to happen over the first year of sales. I don't think I want to drop 2k on this rifle if its MSRPing for 1.2k-1.5k.