Questions on buying an Ar15

[Tommydec02]

Ok ive been looking at a used bushmaster xr15.... Theres no paperwork and the guy isnt there original owner. So with that being said what should I be lookn for? I haven't bought many used weapons and I wasnt sure if there r certain things I should look for? Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks

[Guest nysos]

Have you ever owned an AR or disassembled one? The quick things to look at would be the BCG, inside of the upper receiver, and down the barrel. You should see some wear where the finish might be coming off, but no gouges in the metal or metal shavings obviously. Pull on the charging handle and make sure everything appears to be moving ok without any trouble. If they would let you, I would jump on the offer of being allowed to put a few rounds through it. You test drive a car before you buy it don't you?

[Guest Darthlaidher]

Check the and see if its staked properly at the gas key. Even if its not, its not a big deal you can replace the BCG with a BCM or other top quality brand.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Bushmaster will have a properly staked gas key. As far as no paperwork I would not worry about it. Bushmaster is a well established company and will repair it without question providing user error didn't screw it up.

Other than normal wear you are probably not going to see anything wrong with the gun. And even wear isn't a bad thing. Worn guns tend to be less sensitive to certain ammo. And even if there is a problem AR's are easily fixed.

Bushmaster is a great gun. Not sure how much he is wanting but Walmart sells Bushmaster Patrol Carbines for $897.

Dolomite

[Guest Darthlaidher]

Bushmaster will have a properly staked gas key. As far as no paperwork I would not worry about it. Bushmaster is a well established company and will repair it without question providing user error didn't screw it up.

Other than normal wear you are probably not going to see anything wrong with the gun. And even wear isn't a bad thing. Worn guns tend to be less sensitive to certain ammo. And even if there is a problem AR's are easily fixed.

Bushmaster is a great gun. Not sure how much he is wanting but Walmart sells Bushmaster Patrol Carbines for $897.

Dolomite

Bushmaster only has a one year warranty also gas key staking is hit and miss I noticed. Mine is properly staked but I've seen some that's not.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Early on Bushmaster had issues with properly staking the gas key but recent production guns generally do not. Not saying it doesn't happen but it is a rarer bird today than before the move. If the Bushmaster was made before the move I would look very closely at the gas key. I can't recall when they moved but I want to say it was in 2010. But evenif there is an issue you can easily replace the bolt carrier as Darth has said. And you can sell the old one to make up the lion's share of the cost for a new one.

On a side note, Windam brand AR's are being made in what was Bushmaster's old plant. The reason why they chose the name Windam is because that is where the Bushmaster plant was previously located.

A one year warranty does not mean they will leave you hanging one year and one day later. There are tons of companies out there that have little or no warranty that does the right thing.

I am not a fan of Bushmaster but they are decent "budget" rifles. If I had the money to spend on a used Bushmaster I would just buy a new M&P Sport from Smith & Wesson.

Dolomite

Dolomite

[Guest Victor9er]

Personally I'd avoid Bushmaster. But some people like them and have no problems with them, it's up to you.

I 2nd Dolomite's suggestion on the S&W M&P Sport if you're on a budget. Hell even one of their other M&P models would be a fine choice as well.

Another option would be to check out Spikes Tactical if you wanted to build your own. It all depends on how much you are looking to spend also.

[Trekbike]

Check the and see if its staked properly at the gas key.

What do you look for and how does one determine its staked properly?

[Oh Shoot]

What do you look for and how does one determine its staked properly?

Just little "dings" into the metal around the outside of the screw heads.

More pix:

https://www.google.c...iw=1658&bih=823

Edited July 20, 2012 by OhShoot

[Trekbike]

Thank you kind Sir.