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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hey everyone, I decided it is time to buy some semi autos...I am going to splurge (thanks american express)! I have decided that with the possibility of some pretty depressing legislation in our future, it is time for me to buy the things that I really want while I still can!

Anyway, I need a semi auto rifle...I stopped by the store today to start shopping around and when i picked up the bushmaster a3 (and a few other bushys) it seemed to be loose. I have never handled an ar before so i did not know if this was normal. The forend had some play in it as well as the buttstock...can anyone tell me if this is normal, If i am going to spend 800-1500 on a rifle i want it to feel rock solid!

Any imput...or recomendations on a good rifle?!? ...after handling the ar I am leaning much more towards the SA M1A...I KNOW that i love that gun.
 
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Discussion Starter · #2 ·
Check out the Rock River Arms Site...

They have the contract with the FBI and DEA for the next 5 years for rifles :) and theyre prett sweet lookin, and Rock solid from the one that i've fondled
 
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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
Thanks guys...I have heard good things about RRA! Unfortunatley, Nobody here carries them in stock, so I would have to order one...and that would mean spending $1,000 on something that I have never seen in person! However, your opinions due carry alot of weight...I have recieved nothing but great advice from everyone on this forum!

What are your thought on the M1A? Here in NY I am limited to a 10 rd mag and a fixed stock (unless I misunderstood what I read) So I am beginning to lean toward the M1 because it is a 1 solid frame instead of a cheasy fake collapsable stock like the bushy that i handled...and it comes standard with a 10 rd mag...and it fires a .308. I dont know if the .308 is a better round though...I am a complete rifle noob! Up untill now shotguns and pistols have been my only experiences!
 
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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Colt, Stag, RRA, S&W, Bushmaster...in that order. (Stag makes the rifles for S&W). The AR's should not have any play in them if they are new. The colapsable stock will wiggle a little, but should be mainly solid. After 1000 rounds or so the upper and lower will loosen and have a shake that can be fixed with a 10 cent piece of rubber. The AR should be well balanced and rest nicely in your hands. If there is a shake on the front handgaurd, check to make sure it is seated right. Someone could have taken them off and replaced them incorectly. They are a pain to get on and off when new. If you hold the rifle and twist it there should be no movement. If it shakes, go find another one or better brand. Go over to www.ar15.com to ask your specific questions in reguards to the AR. We welcome all newbies and you will learn a lot in our posts. Sorry to hear about the 10rd only law, but at least you get to own one....
 
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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
I just checked out the stag...looks good (same as the SW MP apparantly)...but they are all pre-ban! I am almost positive that I need the non collapsable stock/10rd mag here in my favorite state:roll: the RRA look like a good but though!
 
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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
I just bought a Bushmaster A3 for a few reasons.

I have shot one before.

They have a good reputation.

I bought it locally and didn't pay shipping and FFL costs.

It's listed as a tier 4 AR. The following is from a site that is frequently quoted.
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TIER ONE manufacturers and are the ONLY two that build to the spec and are independently verified. They are:

1. COLT (only the military/LE rifles – the civy “Target” models are not built to the spec)
2. FN

Then next category is “Tier Two” - those manufactures that build to the exact spec – but aren’t verified by US gov inspectors:

1. LMT (Lewis Machine and Tool)
2. BMC (Bravo Machine Company)

Tier Three are companies that build to the spec – but don’t shoot a “proof” round through each barrel before it is MagParticle inspected – they MagPart inspect a percentage of barrels from each lot.

1. CMMG

Tier Four companies build close to the spec – but don’t have 1x7” barrel twist – don’t shoot a proof load through each barrel (they – like CMMG above – inspect a percentage of barrels from each lot) and don’t Manganese Phosphate coat the barrel under the front sight base:

1. Bushmaster

These other manufacturers use sub-standard barrel material (4140) – chambers that may or may not be 5.56 – in short – they are rifles that are build under the standard. Having said that – these “Tier Five” companies do build some quality rifles – just understand – that according the “Spec” – which is how we must judge AR’s – these are further “sub-par” than any of the Tier Four and up. The following companies are not listed in any particular order:

1. Armalite
2. Stag Arms
3. Smith and Wesson (Stag)
4. CMT (which makes Stag and S&W)
5. Rock River Arms (RRA)
6. DPMS
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Everyone has their own opinion.

I was looking at the RRA Entry Tactical but there are none that are local.

I like the folding stock as I don't use it fully extended due to my arm length and it allows me to collapse it and stuff more gear in the hardcase that it came with.
 
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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
I just bought an A3 Gas Piston upper, and its awesome, the cleaning portion i hated about normal DI rifles is almost gone. its a tad heavier(haven't weighed it) but its mostly front-end weight, and it keeps the muzzle down some. just my 2c
 
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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
manr0e said:
I just checked out the stag...looks good (same as the SW MP apparantly)...but they are all pre-ban! I am almost positive that I need the non collapsable stock/10rd mag here in my favorite state:roll: the RRA look like a good but though!
Just get a SA M1A if that's what you love. Shooting a .308 is a real joy I tell ya.:cool: I've always wanted a M1A meself.
 
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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
I love my Bush A3, but it sits at home alot because my Bush AR pistol is more for tactical fun.

Seriously, I love my M1A.


 
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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
hellagerms said:
I love my Bush A3, but it sits at home alot because my Bush AR pistol is more for tactical fun.

Seriously, I love my M1A.


Now seriously, that's showing off..., but daddy like!!:mrgreen: :mrgreen:
 
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Discussion Starter · #16 ·
scalce said:
I just bought a Bushmaster A3 for a few reasons.

I have shot one before.

They have a good reputation.

I bought it locally and didn't pay shipping and FFL costs.

It's listed as a tier 4 AR. The following is from a site that is frequently quoted.
you forgot to include the part of the article where it says, "for civilians, the only real, reasonable choice is a bushy." also, i have been told by more than one knowledgable person that bushy does not magphos coat the barrel before installing the gas block for two reasons. one, you get a better fit without the coating in the way. two, the coating would be scratched/worn off by installing the gas block...but i'm no gun smith...
 
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Discussion Starter · #19 ·
amishclark said:
also, i have been told by more than one knowledgable person that bushy does not magphos coat the barrel before installing the gas block for two reasons. one, you get a better fit without the coating in the way. two, the coating would be scratched/worn off by installing the gas block...but i'm no gun smith...
Some actually argue it's better to have the gas block installed without coating the barrel, then have the entire assembly coated. That way the coat will seal off any seam between the gas block and barrel.

That's why I am not convinced by any of these "tier" systems.
 
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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
Okay well I am no closer to a decision...but thats ok i have enjoyed reading the posts! I have been doing alot of reading obout Patriot Ordinace Factory guns and their piston system. They seem to be real quality products! Anybody have one!?!?
 
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