Originally Posted by
ForTehNguyen
IMO the upper and BCG are the most important parts
Agreed, the only things from your original list that I would also think is important are the forward assist and the receiver extention. Bravo Co. has a write up in their section explaining why the true milspec forward assists are stronger, and all milspec receiver extentions are not the same.
When some companies say their receiver extention is milspec, they are talking about the demention. Most are not constructed of the correct steel, nor do the have the receiver threads rolled in correctly, which results in a stronger extention tube. For receiver extentions, I would stay with Colt, BCM and LMT (LMT being my favorite). Both Colt and LMT are nicley polished inside which results in smoother running of the spring and buffer. I don't know about the BCM unit.
As far as the A2 flash hider, the gun works with or without it on so it is not an important part in terms of reliability/durability of the weapon. Things like the wrench flat specs don't have any effect on the function of the gun, they only let you put it on with less potential for damaging the finish.
The handgaurd cap, again the gun will shoot without it, so other than the previously mentioned fit and finish issues it is not important in my opinion (not that it's worth much).
Trigger guard, again I don't see much of an issue.
We all know that Colt is the gold standard, and I won't argue that point. But this whole milspec, TDP thing has gotten just a bit out of hand. Obviously there is nothing to be argued about the BCG, HP/MPI testing, and use of correct steel and aluminum as that stuff just makes sense. But, you can have a durable and reliable weapon if you choose to go cheap on the non-critical parts (like flash hiders).
My agency issues a mix of Bushmaster and Colt select fire carbines. The Bushmasters have the staking issues fixed, have H buffers and guess what....they run fine. They hold up to repeated full auto burst strings of fire during our qual courses and training days, and nobody has had any real trouble with them. My issue gun is a Colt, and I am happy about that, but once the issues are addressed, the Bushmasters have served my agency fine. I am not a Bushmaster lover, nor do I intend to turn this into a Bushmaster gets a bad rap thread as we all know they do have some issues. I just point it out to show that once you address some issues, they can serve you fine. (ETA...sorry I just realized you were not the OP, point still stands though).
Last edited by Dos Cylindros; 09-29-10 at 13:47.
"You have never lived until you have almost died. For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know." - Written by an unknown soldier in Vietnam.
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