Lads,

I recently did some horse trading and obtained a new Bushmaster in 223. Now, I need to do some customizing to have it fit my gnomish-like body. Some questions for you.

1. I see in several catalogues (Midway in particular), accessories for the general catagory of AR-15. How many of these will directly fit the Bushmaster? Does it require only it's "brand" name parts?
2. Magazines in particular - it came w/a 30rnd and I'd like to get a 10 and some 20's. Which brands would be suitable?? Which are of poor quality??
3. It came w/an adjustable butt stock which just feels "loose". Can you recommend a good replacement - simple is best - nice and solid, don't need tons of storage. Do you need a special tool for removal/installation?
4. I'm thinking of changing out the pistol grip and forend as well. I'm looking at the Hogue overmolded carbine forend and grip. Anyone have any experience specifically w/the Bushmaster and this setup???

I have a new Pentax variable w/bdc reticle on it (came as a "flat top" w/out irons), and from a shaky rest using milsurp ammo I'm getting 2" on the 100yd stump. I'll try my special potients and hope for better groups, but encouraged by out-of-box accuracy.

How many special tools, abilities must I have to do the above conversions? I tend to draw blood just winding my watch, so any tips on gunsmithing are definitely appreciated.

Lads, your thoughts.

Mike

Any aftermarket AR15 part should fit your Bushmaster-sometimes minor fitting is required but not usually. As far as mags are concerned, I wouldn't waste your time with 10 round magazines (that is, unless you're going afield with your AR and there are capacity restrictions), 20's are ideal. 30 round magazines are problematic in that they sometimes drag on the bench or on the ground when shooting off bags or shooting prone. I've had good luck with Colt, DPMS, and GI magazines.

Thanks Lad,

Another thought comes to mind (they seem to come slower all the time). Are recoil buffers, etc. of any value? Are there any "must-have" accessories that you can think of??

Thanks again,

Mike

The recoil buffer that is in it is fine. Personally, if you think you have recoil problem, I prefer an adjustable gas valve. Now for things you have to have, in my opinion, is a quality trigger. This is true especially if you're going to use the free float forearm tube. Both that match trigger and free float forearm will enhance the accuracy. For the scope mounts get yourself the extra high rings and forgot the risers, I see those, in most cases, as something you don't need. Quite a few manufacturers are making extra high rings.

Quite a few places have excellent help on replacing the forearm. AR15.COM forum is one, Brownells has help and DVD's I believe. You have to have an action block to hold the action when removing the barrel nut and also putting it back on and you should have a set of jaws to use in a vise to hold the barrel to remove the flash hider, but you can get away with pieces of lead between the jaws. You will have to have a barrel nut wrench. Those places I mentioned tell you how to torque the barrel nut, what torque range, and how to align it for the gas tube to pass through. Sounds slightly complicated, but it's not really.

Joe

Anybody got any recommendations on a 4 rail front hand guard. I'm just interested in 4 rails.

Thanks Joe, et.al.

Solid info. I have a Brownell's cat. I can look at.

Interesting that for the 45+ yrs I've been playing w/guns, this is the first "black" one I've owned. Oddly enough, I still don't own a 270cal!!!

Looking forward to playing w/this one.

Thanks all and keep the suggestions coming... I'm sure they'll help someone else as well.

Mike

Try www.44mag.com... for good magazines at a great price. I recommend NHTMG's or Magpuls....


And www.ar15.com...can answer ALL questions about AR's,...careful though, that site and those rifles are very addictive.

Try Brownell's for AR mags. They have great quality, and their price is $17.95 apiece for 20 or 30 rd mags. Great springs and green mag followers.

Lads,

Just heard that Brownell's secured a contract for several MILLION mags for the government - I know they go low bid, but I'm sure Brownell's will make a good mag for our soldiers!!!

Mike