My first AR.. help!

[Hyprlite2007]

I recently purchased a Bushmaster M4A1 and several accessories to make it aesthetically pleasing but know nothing else about the rifle, did I make the right choice or should I have gone with a different model? Id like to add that Im not planning on going to competitions and such, I just shoot for fun when I can, so this rifle isnt going to be taking too much abuse. Im debating what to do because I prefer the flat top A3 and its too late to exchange and a new upper would cost me around $400, needless to say that doesnt please me. Its a brand new rifle so I could still sell it and not loose much on my investment. I know many people prefer the Colt 6920 but thats a whole different price range for me. Any info about what I can do with optics that mount on the carry handle would be great and very appreciated. I plan on getting an Aimpoint red dot from a buddy in the Army. Im hoping if I do have to sell I can find something that my accessories will still fit on so I dont loose even more on this investment.

Thanks

Also any info on things I might need to know about my rifle would be appreciated as well, Im new to this and would love to learn as much as possible.

[citizensoldier16]

Don't let the hardcore guys chide you...BM makes a good gun. There are a few things that need to be addressed to use it heavily. Out of the box, they're a great deal. I have a BM (moderately modified) and it's not failed me yet. If you're only going to use it for recreational shooting, the things I would do first are:

Properly stake the gas key and castle nut Click here for comparisons by brand (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6993)
Obtain a black ejector spring insert and O-ring

If you are unsatisfied with your A1 purchase, look around. If the gun is in "new unfired" condition, you may be able to straight up trade a gun store for the flat top model, provided you have the original box, paperwork, etc available. A friend of mine purchased an A1...saw my A2...and had to have one. He took his unfired A1 back and traded it evenly for an A2.

Welcome to the site, and I'm sure you'll find a plethora of good information here!

Addendum: If you're looking for optics, decide if you're going to get an A2 or keep your A1. A mount for the carry handle is available from multiple manufacturers, but honestly it puts the optic too high above the barrel to be of much use. If you really want an optic attached to your carry handle, get one that attaches to the carry handle, but places the optic in front of the handle itself. Thus, the optic will be lower and more usable.

[Hyprlite2007]

Good point, BM apparently doesnt stake the nut very well. I also found the black extractor spring and O-ring, thanks for the tip.

I think Ill keep the rifle and use a mount that drops over the carry handle towards the delta ring (Z mount?) and mount my sight there or would I be able to just mount it on the new quad rail forearm I bought for it? Too far forward?

[Hyprlite2007]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/LilCNooga/DSCN2458-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/LilCNooga/DSCN2459.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/LilCNooga/DSCN2460.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/LilCNooga/DSCN2461.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/LilCNooga/DSCN2462.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/LilCNooga/DSCN2463.jpg


any tips?

[sdcromer]

Load magazines; fire; clean; repeat......

Nice carbine you have there.