AR Recommendation: Off the shelf - Bush or Colt?

[Norcalkid]

[NHP1127]

Hard to fault a Colt. Reality is Colt has built more M-16's then anyone else. A major provider for many world militaries aswell as law enforcement. Damn good track record in real world settings. I used Colt's in the USMC and we shot more rounds than most due to being part of a training battalion whose role was to train rotating infantry units in desert warfare. Lots of good choices out there... if I was looking for another AR, for the money and quality, the FN barreled PSA is probably the value leader.

[Donk310]

I guess what this all comes down to is how much hype you want to buy into whether true or false, and your budget. The same guys that want Colt to be as "close to the military as possible" will sport Glock and not an M9 Baretta. "Whatever", Is what I say. Funny thing for me is, my AR's include Daniel Defense, LMT, and Palmetto. I do have a Stag varmint hiding somewhere too. When I bought my first AR, I just wanted an AR. I never really considered my choices to be any better than any other ones. To be honest, I just liked the design on the lower. LOL! I had never even heard of LMT at the time. Anyhow, I am glad I accidentally picked topped notched brands. Just knowing that makes me "feel good". So… if buying a Colt will make you "feel good", then go for it. Because in the end… that's all it is.

[Donk310]

I did a manufacture suggested retail price comparison just a couple weeks ago.....

Wait for it......

Colt costs less than bushmaster for a 6920 type rifle. of course, street prices have other influences and which features you chose etc, etc could affect final price. BUT at a purely manufacture suggested retail price list level. A basic 6920 costs less than the equivalent BM.

I wouldn't buy a Bushmaster for any price these days. I used to be a fan and used recommend them. there was also a time they were a VERY close second place choice to Colt...NOT anymore ... at least at this time. This opinion is based on actually owning BM products, not internet "lore".

At this time, both due to costs concerns, factoring in quality, IF I was to buy a new AR these days my first choice would be a Colt if I could get one, second would be a Bravo company. there are at least a half dozen other options that could replace Bravo as a second choice in my opinion. But the likes of BM, DPMS, CMMG, spikes, stage, etc are brands I personally choose to avoid.

Bushmaster is not my thing either, I'm just trying to help the op use his current circumstances in making a decision. Given the two choices, he and we already knows he is going with Colt. But I like playing the game a bit.

[1859sharps]

There are lots of us in this boat. BM in the past (key word there PAST) has turned out some decent guns. There was a time that you could say "if you don't get a colt, get a BM."

BUT what is coming off the BM line today (actually post 2000 forward) isn't nearly as nice as times past.

[dls]

My Dad has had his Bushmaster since the 80s,He's shot thousands of rounds through it, I shoot it often, it works great.
Don't know if it's any different then the new ones,?? except for the mag release.

If it was in my budget, I personally would buy Colt.

[jazzyjey]

Given the two choices, he and we already knows he is going with Colt. But I like playing the game a bit.

I was actually thinking of the m&p sport 15 as several of the guys suggested. Midd $600's with plenty of extra cash for some ammo and training. I plan to own more ARs in the future, but the m&p will give me more than I need for a long time.

I really appreciate everyone's input. I had no idea this would go onto 3 pages of debates and suggestions, but I think its great for the forum either way.

I will definitely look into some of the other brands and builds you all have suggested. This is great! I'm excited to get into the world of ARs!

[TNP'R]

There are lots of us in this boat. BM in the past (key word there PAST) has turned out some decent guns. There was a time that you could say "if you don't get a colt, get a BM."

BUT what is coming off the BM line today (actually post 2000 forward) isn't nearly as nice as times past.

Really? My Bushmaster circa January 2012 had a nice finish and shot perfectly with the stock parts in it.