Steyr AUG A3 v Bushmaster ACR

[300blk-nvr-go-back]

Looking for a new assault rifle for pig/varmint hunting. Narrowed it down to either the Steyr AUG A3 or the Bushmaster ACR (both are around $1,600), opinions?

[Firefly]

AUG. ACR is an interesting concept but meh.

AUG is a bit more handy

[artoter]

Looking for a new assault rifle for pig/varmint hunting. Narrowed it down to either the Steyr AUG A3 or the Bushmaster ACR (both are around $1,600), opinions?

AUG all the way. That is the only bullpup I would ever buy.

[SteyrAUG]

Having a hard time thinking of a gun I wouldn't buy instead of a Bushmaster ACR.

It's not the Magpul Masada we were promised, it's not even the Remington ACR, and problems with the BM ACR are too many to dismiss off hand. The ACR is the gun that could have been, but never was...sadly.

If you have it down to that or an AUG, get the AUG and don't look back.

[Hkbeltfed]

Yes, the ACR could be better, but Magpul's decade old optimism about the msrp, Remington's unobtainium, and Bushmaster's lack of caliber conversions aren't the issue in my opinion. Some people are mad for what it's not, but it's great for what it is (5.56). My only issue is it's front heavy largely due to the barrel profile. If you like SBRs, it's definitely worth a close look. My thread... https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...jects-and-pics

FWIW, I also have an AUG A2 with a pinned factory 14" barrel and A3 upgrades.

[halmbarte]

AUG. Spare barrels and other parts are available, you get SBR size and rifle ballistics along with great ergonomics.

H

[SteyrAUG]

Yes, the ACR could be better, but Magpul's decade old optimism about the msrp, Remington's unobtainium, and Bushmaster's lack of caliber conversions aren't the issue in my opinion. Some people are mad for what it's not, but it's great for what it is (5.56). My only issue is it's front heavy largely due to the barrel profile. If you like SBRs, it's definitely worth a close look. My thread... https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...jects-and-pics

FWIW, I also have an AUG A2 with a pinned factory 14" barrel and A3 upgrades.

The problem with Bushmaster isn't lack of caliber conversions, it's quality control and the fact that they make mostly hobby rifles.

[Hkbeltfed]

The problem with Bushmaster isn't lack of caliber conversions, it's quality control and the fact that they make mostly hobby rifles.

Other than a firing pin recall when they were introduced, what quality control issues is the ACR known for? Or do you mean Bushmaster in general?

Personally speaking, the rest of their lineup doesn't matter to me. Most of it is farmed out anyway, so it's just a name to me, but I see your point about their brand.

[Auto426]

I tend to agree with the others that you are getting a better rifle for your money when you go with an AUG. There is a small aftermarket for the guns as well as pretty decent factory support.

However I also agree with HKbeltfed in that while the ACR does have a lot of wasted potential it isn't necessarily a complete turd in it's current form. It has a few design choices that should be revisited, but from everything I've seen the guns appear to have most of the kinks worked out at this point and seem to work pretty well.

The biggest thing you need to ask yourself is do want a Bullpup or do you want a traditional rifle? I believe that's more important to consider than the ACR's squandered potential vs other platforms.

[mic2377]

I had looked at the ACR as well before I picked up an AUG. I think it a great choice for a bullpup.

If I was going to get a folding stock 5.56 carbine it would be a Bren 805 hands down. I still think my collection has an empty spot waiting for one of these.