For the AR guys Which of these is best?

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MagnumWill

New member
900-1000 for a Bushmaster (Windham)?? They're out of their minds.

I'd recommend the Palmetto as well.

But to play the game, I would go with the FN or the Colt.
 
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kymasabe

New member
I'm with 2ndtimer on this one. I'd take the PSA over the overpriced Windham. I (sort of) like FN products but I hate the stock, handguard, and grip on the FN, I'd have to immediately replace them. For the same money as the FN, I'd be looking at a Sig M400 or a Springfield Saint instead.
 
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Bartholomew Roberts

Moderator
I’ve got a few Bushmasters back when they were owned by the same crew that runs Windham Weaponry (i.e. everyone who didn’t want to relocate after Remington bought out Bushmaster and moved the factory.) They’ve been good rifles; but not $900-1000 in today’s market good. I’m also not a fan of 1:9 twist barrels since my 1:9 Bushmaster did not shoot the heavier match loads well despite Bushmaster’s reassurances that 1:9 was plenty stable (my friend’s 1:9 Armalite would throw the same 75gr ammo like a laser - go figure).

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Given your list, I’d pick Colt or FN in a heartbeat. I certainly think you can find an LE6920 cheaper than $900-1000. I’ve got some PSA stuff as well and have helped assemble more than a few PSA kits. You can get some screaming good qualit at dirt cheap prices; but if they have kits waiting on parts to ship, PSA sure isn’t afraid to take whatever parts you can sell them cheap in order to get stuff out the door.

Having said that, the stuff PSA puts out on its worst day is probably typical of what the average non-Colt, non-boutique rifles looked like for most of the AWB and pre-AWB period. This is a golden age for ARs.
 
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Americanpatriot

New member
If it was me and the rifle was more than a range gun, my preference is Milspec or exceeding Milspec. Some will scoff at it as being unecessary or meaningless. I like to use it as a minimum base standard when considering certain gear.
 
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GarandTd

New member
I just built that 16" PSA minus the ept trigger for $400. The main advantage to rifles you listed besides branding, is the chrome lined barrels, but I'm new to this AR stuff, so I could be overlooking some other details. I don't have an optic yet to really see what accuracy my PSA is capable of. With Magpul MBUS rear and A2 front sight post, I'm getting a 4-5" group at 100yds and 2-3" @ 50 with American Eagle 55gr 5.56 ammo.
 
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kymasabe

New member
GarandTD mentioned chrome lined barrels. Personally, I'd rather have nitride/melonite/qpq. I'm one of those nuts that believe chrome lining makes the barrel less accurate.
 
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zukiphile

New member
Kymasabe said:
Personally, I'd rather have nitride/melonite/qpq. I'm one of those nuts that believe chrome lining makes the barrel less accurate.
Click to expand...

From what I read, a very good chrome lined barrel will be very good, and a crumby stainless or melonite processed barrel will still be crumby. Criterion barrels are well regarded, but also expensive.

The nitriding process is interesting because of the potential for an economically produced accurate and durable barrel. I am not a high volume shooter, so if chrome lining has benefits exclusive to fully automatic fire, I won't see them.

Nitriding is also interesting for rimfire barrels that often suffer wear and damage for different reasons. If you are shooting soot and sand down your barrel, a harder surface may have real benefits. Most barrel makers still make their 22lr product with conventional bluing, but Lothar Walther offers a surface hardening that is like the nitriding process.


I'd like to see another endurance/wear test like the Lucky Gunner one a few years ago, but will steel jacketed ammunition in a chrome lined and nitrided barrel.
 
D

dvdcrr

New member
What do you think about the 20" rifles vs. the 16.1" Colt? The 6920 looks to be thoroughly spec'd but on the 20" where are they getting their A2 stock kits? I dont know...
AR also just did an article about the FN m16 collector rifle which looks nice
 
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riffraff

New member
(not expert advice take for what it's worth but you asked..)

I couldn't imagine being real happy w/ a 20 inch, especially in this style where you are kinda locked into iron sights and have a full non adjustable stock - it's "huge" compared to a 16 inch w/ an adjustable stock...

Then basically any advantage in the muzzle velocity is going to be completely lost due to trying to steady the heavier/longer rifle for me. If I'm going to shoulder it I want a 16 inch. A 20 inch I'm going to want to rest on something most of the time.

Detachable carry handles also kinda suck, unless you wish to actually detach them. Better off w/ an integral carry handle (more clearance for your hand to actually carry it :) and of course it's not potentially gonna shift or require tightening either)..

So in short, if I was going to go w/ this style rifle I'd be looking for an integral carry handle, 16 inch, and adjustable stock. If I wanted a 20 inch at a minimum I'd be looking for something w/ a rail atop the gas block (for optional sight mounting) and a flat top (ie no carry handle) - or a free float guard, since for me 20 inch = scoped rifle for resting most of the time.
 
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imashooter

New member
1. Hands easily fit the detachable carry handle.
2. The WW weighs in at a very heavy 7.7lbs :D
3. My 8 year old grandson prefers shooting it from a standing position vs a bench. He easily nails the x at 50 meters. Which reminds me, that's with a 17.2oz scope and 7oz. mount.
4. A rail-mounted carry handle is no more susceptible to becoming loose as is a similarly mounted optic.

Summary: The 20" WW government model, as shipped, is a very easy and pleasant weapon to shoot. Well balanced, well made, more than light enough (imo), deadly accurate.
 
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riffraff

New member
Ima - I do not consider myself to have big hands but I can't actually grip a detachable handle because there is not enough clearance to curl my fingers - I only can slip just the tips of my fingers in there with my hand basically open - and this is a common complaint about detachable carry handles. There's a lot more space in there when they are part of the upper receiver.
 
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NWPilgrim

New member
Colt by a mile. The 6920 can be had for $800 and some times even $700. This is a buyers market right now, it is ridiculous to by lesser brands when top brands are selling so cheap.

Years ago when demand was so high you might make a case for a $800 PSA versus a $1,500 Colt. Now though, the differential is so small it is not worth trying to save a few bucks compared to the quality.

Shop around and find a good price on a Colt and be happy, you will never regret it. BTW, I’ve had Olympic (back in the 80s), PSA, DPMS, Stag. I now have BCM, LMT, and FN. we are so fortunate to be able to buy top quality rifles at such low prices right now.
 
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