AR questions - Not a Holy War ;)

[gman1868]

I'm trying to satisfy my curiosity over the variants of the AR. I was looking at Bushmasters site and they have all kinds of variants. A2 and A3, what's the difference? the pictures look the same.

How many different M4s can you find?
M4
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA3F14M4IZ.asp

M4 Patrolman
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA3F16M4.asp

They even have a gas piston model
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA3F16M4-GP.asp

Competition (A2 and A3)
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_PCWA2S20DCM8.asp

Too many choices...

[JFettig]

First one looks like a 14.5" barrel,
second is the same with a 16"
then the gas piston with 16"
then a competition model
The first 3 are more or less M4s, the last is just an AR15.
A3 has a flat top and those 3 top ones all have a carry handle attached to them making them just like an A2 but with the flexibility of being able to remove it for a different sights or optics.
A2 has a permanent carry handle, you can mount optics with adapters.


Jon

[lenny7]

When I was in the market for an AR15 I was a bit bewildered by all the options and configurations as well. I spent considerable time at the ar15.com forum to learn more.

If you're going to buy one, you first need to define what your main use of the gun will be. In my case, I was most interested in developing my skills as a marksman so accuracy was important. I ended up buying a DPMS Panther DCM model. It's an A2 variant (fixed carry handle) with free float handguard, 20" heavy barrel, match trigger and match sights at a reasonable price.

[gman1868]

Thanks for the info, I'll check out the site too. I went to Sportsmans Warehouse today and saw a few variants, an A2 with fixed handle, and an A3 with the removeable handle. They didn't have a DCM.

[David]

Once you try one, you can't stop eating, if you know what I mean...

Although, I only have three and I don't plan on getting any more. M4, AR15A2, and AR15SP1. Those pretty much cured my need for representative samples of the genre. Then it was on to HKs, FNs, SIGs, AKs, etc.

[goalie]

Once you try one, you can't stop eating, if you know what I mean...

Although, I only have three and I don't plan on getting any more. M4, AR15A2, and AR15SP1. Those pretty much cured my need for representative samples of the genre. Then it was on to HKs, FNs, SIGs, AKs, etc.

I think you need more rifles. Just my observation though......

[lenny7]

Speaking of AR-15's, Fleet Farm has American Eagle 55gr FMJ on sale for $7.49/box of 20 and Wolf 55gr. FMJ for $3.99/box of 20. These are normally $8.99 and 4.99 respectively. I bought 25 boxes of each at the Lakeville store and there was plenty left.

[farmerj]

Thanks for the info, I'll check out the site too. I went to Sportsmans Warehouse today and saw a few variants, an A2 with fixed handle, and an A3 with the removeable handle. They didn't have a DCM.

Look at most salesmen and ask for a DCM Ar15 and you will get a deer in the headlights look.

Bushmaster and DPMS typically are the biggest names that come up when looking for a DCM rifle.

You may want to look at White Oak Armament if that is what you are looking for.

[justaguy]

I was at SW this weekend looking at AR’s. I asked if they had any AK’s. The clerk tells me no. I said jokingly (with EBR in hand) why because they are too scary? The guy said Corporate doesn’t carry them probably because they are used in to many crimes. You better hope that AR’s don’t become jealous of the AK and start doing crimes. If they do I warned you.

[Spartan117]

Try CMMGINC.com. Bushmaster is a good brand, but there's a little more attention to detail at CMMG (properly staked gas key, correct front sight etc...). I'd personally stay away from DPMS, their barrels are 4140 instead of 4150 and I don't believe they offer 1/7 twist.

There are still a lot of choices, but if you tell us what you want to use it for, I'm sure we could help you figure out what you need.

[mnglocker]

I'd personally stay away from DPMS, their barrels are 4140 instead of 4150 and I don't believe they offer 1/7 twist.

Start getting the twist rate that high and you're going to have to steer clear of lighter grain practice ammo.

Just some food for though.

[Pinnacle]

Try CMMGINC.com. Bushmaster is a good brand, but there's a little more attention to detail at CMMG (properly staked gas key, correct front sight etc...). I'd personally stay away from DPMS, their barrels are 4140 instead of 4150 and I don't believe they offer 1/7 twist.

There are still a lot of choices, but if you tell us what you want to use it for, I'm sure we could help you figure out what you need.

So what is the difference in 4140 and 4150? What is the Standard MIL-Spec?

Who makes BBls for DPMS?

Who is US?

[rucker]

So what is the difference in 4140 and 4150? What is the Standard MIL-Spec?

I don't really know but I want to play too The difference between 4140 and 4150 is carbon content. Mil-Spec is either 4150 or a metal that has Vanadium added. Am I close?

Who makes BBls for DPMS?

I have no idea

[Rip Van Winkle]

Who makes BBls for DPMS?

Once upon a time they were made my Wilson, don't know if they still are or not.

[David]

Start getting the twist rate that high and you're going to have to steer clear of lighter grain practice ammo.

That's been my experience as well. I love the 1/9 twist in my M4. It eats anything.