The catalog of the gunmaker Bushmaster offers a whole range of variations on three basic types of rapid-fire firearms, in particular its popular AR-15 style rifle, the civilian model of the military’s M-16.
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From hunting to home defense to competition, one can choose, it seems, a variation on the AR-15 platform for any shooter’s need.
On top of that, modular parts are available from which a gun enthusiast assemble, without having to resort to a gunsmith’s specialized tools, a customized rifle to suit his or her taste.
So what’s the best Bushmaster for you, and how do you choose — or how do you pick the parts to build it?
What will you use it for?
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Do you plan to take your Bushmaster hunting? The company has seven models for hunters, with names like “Hunter,” “Predator,” and “Varminter.”
Are you a competitive shooter? Bushmaster has two models, including the DCM XR A3, which
an AR-15 aficionado’s website MenWithAR15.com notes was designed based on feedback from competitive shooters at the prestigious National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry in Ohio. The site rates the DCM, one of the heavier AR-15 style rifles with fine-tunable sights, as the best AR-15 for competition shooting.
The other competition model is called the “3-gun,” named after a type of shooting competition that has become popular in recent years: Shooters compete using an AR-type rifle, a pistol and a shotgun,
according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which says the AR-type rifle is also known as the Modern Sporting Rifle.
Do you care more about accuracy or durability? Certain Bushmaster models have chromed barrels for durability, but some competition shooters prefer non-chromed barrels, which can be made to tighter tolerances for greater shooting accuracy,
according to the gunmaker’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Like to swap parts around to make a different gun? Though AR-15 type rifles are known for that, Bushmaster claims its Adaptive Combat Rifle “redefines the term ‘modular’ with the extraordinary ability to change calibers, barrel lengths and stock.”
Do you prefer a pistol to a rifle? Some might say the
Bushmaster AR-style pistols stretch the definition of “pistol,” but the company offers four models with no stocks — the buffer tube, which is part of the semi-automatic firing system, simply extends back from the pistol — and shorter barrels with no forearm grips. Each pistol is about two feet long.
Your wallet calls the shots in many a purchase decision, and guns are no different. Bushmaster’s web site lists prices ranging from $2,799 for the Adaptive Combat Rifle to $972 for the “Patrolman’s AR pistol.” Most weapons in the XM-15 range — Bushmaster’s most common AR-15 style rifles — list for about $1,200 to $1,300.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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