Thoughts on AR-15 type rifles

[NorthTechsan]

Due to a recent event in the D/FW area several agencies have decided to allow all of their officers to carry AR-15's, if they currently have them or wish to purchase their own. My Dept is one of those agencies.
Does any one have any thoughts on a good brand of AR-15 type rifles, preferably I would like a flattop w/detachable handle. The Brands that they guys(and gals) have been looking at are Armorlite, Bushmaster, DPMS, and Rock River.

[kennethm3]

I am going to assume that you'll be purchasing a semi-auto rifle. I have posted here before my thoughts on this. Avoid Colt! Their upper and lower receivers WILL NOT mate to another brand product. I know the full auto and select fire models will, as will older Colt receivers but those made since a couple of years ago will not. This is important if you want to have a couple of different barrel lengths set up. For instance you may want a 16 inch M-4 style set up for your duty use but want a 20 inch barrel set up for varmint shooting (prairie dogging with an AR is a lot of fun!) or target shooting. Of all the "clones" I have shot or owned I liked my Bushmaster the best. It is as close to a military fit and finish as you'll get. They are well built and the Bushmaster/Quality Parts custom shop people in Maine will go to great lengths to make sure you're happy.

[gaboy]

This has been brought up befor so I won't get in to all the reasons why but my vote goes to the Bushmaster. Very nice rifle.

[jnc36rcpd]

I carry a Colt which was the only brand authorized for use when we started the rifle program. Given my druthers, I'd have preferred Rock River. For what it's worth, Rock River was recently awarded the DEA rifle contract.

Good luck and be safe.

[Lupey]

Wilson Combat ($$$), Rock River, Bushmaster, Armalite, and I have also heard some good things about Olympic Arms.

[Joe Friday]

See my post here: http://www.911jobforums.com/vB/showthread.php3?t=32998

[Lupey]

Forgot to add that the Bushy I had would not run smooth with anything but surplus GI mags. Got new mags from Bushy when I bought mine and it would only run 1 round and then jam.

[kels]

My vote goes to the Bushy.
I got a politically correct 16 inch A2
a couple of years ago.
(when I get the time and money,
it will have a collapseable stock and
a flash hider put on it)

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/pcwa2s16.asp

If I was buying one now, I would get the M4

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/weapons/bcwa3f14m4iz.asp

One other thought, IF you work in the middle of nowhere like some of
us, a 20 inch model with a collapseable stock might be an option.
Gives you a longer sight radius.

There is a lot of BS at ar15.com, but there is also a lot of good information to sort thru

Be safe

[little_cyclone]

Definitely go with the Bushmaster. I have one, love it, never had any problems with it.

[snpusmc]

Bushmaster can mate with a colt. I had a 10inch Bushmaster upper that after a few phone calls and some T&E I mated with a fullauto Colt lower. Depending what your needs are will be a major factor with what size upper you need. I used a Bushmaster for many months is very harsh areas and never had a problem. Getting a flat top would be #1 on my list also.

[kennethm3]

snpusmc,

You either didn't read my post thoroughly or I didn't state the facts clear enough. Select-fire colts use different uppers and lowers than those sold to the public. You cannot mate a "newer" Colt civilian lower to another brand upper. The pin positions are offset and of different sizes. It is Colt's way of being politically correct.

Ken

[snpusmc]

Your right about the civ model colts, I was speaking about the LE/Govt (auto)models.

[JSavage]

I agree with the majority, Bushmaster all the way. They will make you happy, period. I bought a type 97 C-15 and had an imediate issue with the quick detach muzzle break. They took it back and refitted it with a miniY compensated break/supressor and didn't even charge me freight.

Good Luck

Jim