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Thread: I know my BM isn't a top tier rifle (rambling inside)......

  1. #1
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    I know my BM isn't a top tier rifle (rambling inside)......

    Long time lurker, obviously this is my first post.

    I bought my first AR in 2004, a BM XM-15 thingy. I can't say that I have buyer's remorse as I've only used it as a paper slayer at the range and I've never run it hard. As such, I've only had a couple FTE and it was due to a worn extractor spring.

    It's not hard for me to admit that my BM isn't exactly 'professional grade'. I know it's not, and I've been reading a lot on here about what build processes, quality of materials, testing procedures, etc. go into making the most reliable weapon. I've taken my time and read most of the stickies here and in the technical section.

    I'm at a bit of a crossroads, though. I know that I can "fix" parts of my BM and make it better than what it started out, or I can save my dough and drop it on a REAL firearm.

    I understand that it would be very easy to just drop the cash on a BCM/DD/Colt/LMT and call it a day. I feel morally obligated to support my local businesses/small businesses/I think you know where I'm going with that. I'll even over pay a bit if I know that it helps put the money back into a local community. If you're still reading, here's where my question is:

    What are the smaller makers that still produce a good, quality product?

    Thanks for reading my rambling, and I look forward to learning as much as I can..

    -Bely

  2. #2
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    Not sure if any local shops are going to have the kind of QC that BCM, Colt, DD, etc have.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheBelly View Post
    What are the smaller makers that still produce a good, quality product?
    Are you looking for guys who will assemble a top quality custom build for you? If so, then GandRtactical.com and ADCO can meet your requirements.

    Or are you looking for the names of smallish companies that produce top tier AR15s as their standard product? If so, then Bravo Company Machine, Daniel Defense and Noveske are where I would look.

  4. #4
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    If i were you i'd probably just buy a BCM bcg, drop it in and shoot the piss out of the rifle you have.

    And start saving to buy another (or build your own), that way you can keep your BM as a backup/loaner.
    Last edited by J-Dub; 02-15-11 at 10:07.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by J-Dub View Post
    If i were you i'd probably just buy a BCM bcg, drop it in and shoot the piss out of the rifle you have.

    And start saving to buy another, that way you can keep your BM as a backup/loaner.
    thats what I did to my shrubmaster. BCM carrier group and H buffer
    Democracy is two wolves and a sheep discussing lunch, Liberty is a well armed sheep contesting the vote.

  6. #6
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    I don't know who is in your area, but one thing you might consider is having a local shop order a rifle for you and then pay their price. That way the profit margin stays in your community. Heck you could buy from G&R and then pay your local stores transfer fee. That is still all profit for them

  7. #7
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    new upper?

    I've seen a lot of opinions that a lower is a lower as long as it is in spec... unless you wanted to sell the BM as a complete weapon, you could keep the existing lower and purchase yourself a good upper and BCG. I built my lower from a YHM stripped lower and a RRA lower parts kit, and put a BCM upper on it. Runs like a champ (disclaimer: sample size of one, blah blah blah).

  8. #8
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    http://www.usamade-ar15parts.com/

    These guys are local to me. Iv'e heard nothing but good things about them. They where at SHOT this year for this first time.

  9. #9
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    I'm unfamiliar with the shop you posted so I wont comment on it, but I do have 3 BCM's that I can comment on
    A new bolt and barrel will go a long way. I'd go BCM every day and twice on Sunday

    If you want to drop change at a local shop, buy the tools to do the barrel swap yourself from someone local and see if they have a mil-spec receiver extension cause you probably have a commercial receiver extension. Then you can spend more there if you feel so inclined on your new vast array of stock options.

    Or see if you can find an ar15 armorer in your area and have them swap your barrel for you and, again, if so inclined, your receiver extension.

    Disclaimer: I didn't look up your model # to see if you have a milspec or commercial receiver extension. The difference is dimensions. I believe the milspec is 1.14" and the commercial is 1.17"

  10. #10
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    I still have my Bushmaster M4A3 Patrolman Carbine.... but the only things and I mean ONLY things that are original bushmaster parts are the Barrel, Upper receiver and the stripped lower, and I only kept the lower because its my Form 1 SBR lower.

    Everything else has been replaced.
    BCG is now a BCM Auto BCG
    LPK is a Daniel Defense LPK
    Buffer System is Vltor's A5 System with a MOE Stock
    Rail is a MI 9.5in T-Series
    Grip is Magpul
    BattleComp 1.0


    Hell, even the barrel is only partially original... its been cut down to 10.5

    Basically I replaced all the shit parts. The barrel is still good, 68gr Match ammo shoots REAL good thru it, so there was no reason to get rid of it.

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