Windham Weaponry: Owners Opinions

[meanmrmustard]

I'm in the process of buying, yet again, another AR15. I've not given the platform a very fair shake as of late (due in no small part to the design, and some bad marketing by a certain "top tier" manufacturer) and would like one rifle to buy and not accessorize. The only carbine I've been impressed with over the last two years (think value and quality vs. price) has been the S&W M&P Sport. But I still found it in the corner collecting dust when it came range time. It's gone now, along with others before it. It is missed. I want more now.

I'm humbly asking owners of Windham products their opinions. The rifle I'm interested in is the MPC model, and after having looked at the build sheet for it, it looks quite solid...on paper. It's a $1000 rifle no matter how far I drive, and I swore I'd never spend that coin on an AR. This one may make a liar out of me. This purchase will most likely not happen till February (research and funding have to align) and I can wait. Barrel twist rate is 1/9; fine by me, I shoot primarily 55-69 gr anyway.

So, how bout it guys? Owners of Windham rifles, you thoughts ?

 

[mshootnit]

$799 at wal mart and only like 35 down for layaway.

 

[meanmrmustard]

$799 at wal mart and only like 35 down for layaway.

My Walmart doesn't have layaway on firearms.

The MPC closest to me is $999, everywhere in driving distance. The model I speak of is the M4A4 with Carry Handle.

I'll add also, this early in the game, it's really between the WW or Sig M400. But, for now, I want to hear mini reviews from any Windham owners. The Sig, I'll save for another thread or setup a poll later.

 

[SSN Vet]

Same owner, same plant and same crew as Bushmaster b4 they were sold to the Freedom Group and the Windham plant was shut down...

My brother just bought one of their M4orgeries...

Build quality looked good... but I didn't get to shoot it.

 

[back40]

i know you are asking for windham owner's opinions, but for $1k, i would suggest you do more research and include a few other makers in your selection process.

also very few people are objective enough to openly admit that they don't like their rifle, no matter what it is. just food for thought.

 

[mshootnit]

I've read two reviews, both concluded a great basic AR but accuracy tables showed decent but not great accuracy.

 

[mshootnit]

My Walmart doesn't have layaway on firearms.

The MPC closest to me is $999, everywhere in driving distance. The model I speak of is the M4A4 with Carry Handle.

I'll add also, this early in the game, it's really between the WW or Sig M400. But, for now, I want to hear mini reviews from any Windham owners. The Sig, I'll save for another thread or setup a poll later.

... Mine didn't either till last week. When was the last time you checked?

 

[Cluster Bomb]

Awesome guns . Reliable. Durrable. They are def making a name for them selves

 

[mshootnit]

I can't speak directly as an owner but I have handled one and owned the bushmaster xm15e2s made by the same folks. I think they are decent. Bushy's are like bell bottoms. Everybody has one in the closet but nobody wants to admit it.

 

[meanmrmustard]

... Mine didn't either till last week. When was the last time you checked?

3 days ago. Walmarts are independently owned, leaving the choice of layaway to them. Electronics, toys, garments. No guns...

As for the specs on the WW, I wouldn't exactly call it "basic". Lot of qualities in it I like. However, what is "decent" accuracy? I'm aware of what's expected from a chrome lined bore, but do these reviews give you group sizes? I'm all ears.

 

[meanmrmustard]

i know you are asking for windham owner's opinions, but for $1k, i would suggest you do more research and include a few other makers in your selection process.

also very few people are objective enough to openly admit that they don't like their rifle, no matter what it is. just food for thought.

This is THR. More often than not, I get mixed reviews from owners when I ask for this information. It's what I do with that info that reflects what I listen to or not. Or, what I may or may not purchase.

Also, I have owned builds and box rifles. I know quality, and what I'd like to get for my money. Hence the choice mainly between the Windham and the Sig. I'm not overly worried about barrel steel, but more so with coating and what the bolt is made of. In that department, the WW would more than suffice. But, is it accurate? Does it require babying, like other ARs do on occasion. There are really nothing of exceptional quality in my area that warrant $1K. This thread is about WW and those who own them or have some experience with them, and secondly, the Sig.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I own one, but I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have had it for several months and still haven't taken it to the range. I would suggest that shopping around online and having it shipped to a local FFL will probably save you $100 or more; mine was just over $800 total including shipping and transfer fees.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Awesome guns . Reliable. Durrable. They are def making a name for them selves

Do you own one? If so, what's your current round count? What kind of accuracy are you getting? Does it hiccup, or is it trouble free? If it runs like my last Sport, and is close to it in accuracy, I'd be impressed.

 

[back40]

your call. but most people would argue that there are better options for 1k.

also, i would agree, you are likely to find a better deal online even factoing shipping and transfer. problem is you can't inspect it prior to purchasing. buying from a mfr with a proven track record and customer service makes that inspection less important.

If it runs like my last Sport, and is close to it in accuracy, I'd be impressed.

why not another s&w?

 

[meanmrmustard]

your call. but most people would argue that there are better options for 1k.

also, i would agree, you are likely to find a better deal online even factoing shipping and transfer. problem is you can't inspect it prior to purchasing.



why not another s&w?

You may be right there, another Sport wouldn't break my heart at all.

There isn't really anything worth troubling myself over with s&h and transfer that I can't get with the WW or Sig. I won't buy a Colt. Never again.

Have you shot, owned, or inspected a Sig M400?

 

[meanmrmustard]

I own one, but I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have had it for several months and still haven't taken it to the range. I would suggest that shopping around online and having it shipped to a local FFL will probably save you $100 or more; mine was just over $800 total including shipping and transfer fees.

What model?

 

[95XL883]

I bought an MPC from Cabela's for $800 a couple of months ago. The Cabela's site says it is now $819. This is my first AR so obviously I have nothing to compare it to. That said, I like it. I haven't shot it a lot yet, only a couple of hundred rounds or so. It's functioned perfectly and my old eyes have gotten 3" groups at 50 yards. I'm sure I'm the limiting factor in that. The trigger still has a new stiffness to it but I expect it will break in fairly well. The upper and lower fit together very well and tight but again I have nothing to compare it to. Still I can't imagine it being any tighter. The finish on mine is very good, at least I like it. It strikes me as better than the S&W or the Sigs I also considered.

One interesting thing is the barrel on mine is stamped 1:8, not 1:9. The salesman said that every one they have had were 1:8. It came with a sling and a plastic case. The sling is basic but works well. The plastic case is a little flimsy but it's nice to have and if I really want a good plastic case I'll get a Pelican.

Hope this helps.

 

[OilyPablo]

I would go feature by feature and compare your top contenders. Look at all the "mil-spec" type items and learn if they are important to YOU. I was in the same place as you early this year. I really was going to get the Windham and decided to keep saving. Not that there is anything wrong with the Windham. In fact, I would love more folks to evaluate them.

At the $900 mark the Sig M400 is pretty sweet.

In the end I bought the Daniel Defense M4V3 for about $1400. Really a great rifle and I have zero regret.

 

[back40]

i've handled (not shot) both the sigs and the WWs. neither really impressed me much, but both seem to be executed well. for my money at 1k i'd likely go with something else, but as i said, if that's what you want....ars are more a personal choice than most people will admit. i've seen accuracy reports on the sigs that are close to moa at 100yds.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I have an MPC.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I have an MPC.

Sweet. How's the trigger? Have you dry fired it?

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I have the Bushmaster carbine version (XM14?) that I bought about ten years ago. With a 4X scope I can shoot the small bullseye centers on a standard sighting target at 100 yds. I don't understand why anyone would not want an original Bushmaster. I am pretty proud of mine, but then I am not a gun snob, I just like to shoot things that are dependable and affordable.....

 

[Quentin]

i know you are asking for windham owner's opinions, but for $1k, i would suggest you do more research and include a few other makers in your selection process...

I agree with this. For 1K there are so many known quality ARs so why take a chance on Windham or trust a few one-of-kind reviews from people you don't know?

And though I'm someone you don't know, I have three ARs based on upper receivers from BCM, Daniel Defense and PSA which came in around $800-1100. BCM and DD of course have impecable reputations. The PSA was the $800 rifle and its specs on paper equal the BCM and DD. I can't tell any difference in operation but then we're back to one-of...

And heck, you can find Colt 6920s for $1047 at Walmart!

Sorry for the ramble but I just can't see paying that much for Windham when you could have BCM or Colt for $50+ more.

 

[meanmrmustard]

i've handled (not shot) both the sigs and the WWs. neither really impressed me much, but both seem to be executed well. for my money at 1k i'd likely go with something else, but as i said, if that's what you want....ars are more a personal choice than most people will admit. i've seen accuracy reports on the sigs that are close to moa at 100yds.

None impress me, they're ugly! But, I use my rifles as tools. I want to buy one, keep one, and stick it in a spot where it's easily reached for farm use, throwing in the truck, and killin what needs killin.

If I gave you $1k (keep dreamin) and told you to buy me any AR at or under that price (tax included) that wasn't a Colt, what are you buying?

 

[meanmrmustard]

I agree with this. For 1K there are so many known quality ARs so why take a chance on Windham or trust a few one-of-kind reviews from people you don't know?

And though I'm someone you don't know, I have three ARs based on upper receivers from BCM, Daniel Defense and PSA which came in around $800-1100. BCM and DD of course have impecable reputations. The PSA was the $800 rifle and its specs on paper equal the BCM and DD. I can't tell any difference in operation but then we're back to one-of...

And heck, you can find Colt 6920s for $1047 at Walmart!

Sorry for the ramble but I just can't see paying that much for Windham when you could have BCM or Colt for $50+ more.

$50 is $50. Maybe a BCM, I liked shooting that one. Not very accurate, which is important to me. But, this isn't a thread for suggesting that I save $50, cuz then that turns into $100 then more and so on.

Colt isn't an option. I won't own another, as specified.

I wouldn't mind another build, but PSA is back ordered constantly. Maybe they'll be freed up by February...maybe.

Do you have experience with the two rifles in my OP?