Author Topic: Newbie AR-15 questions. (Read 1343 times)

HappyHunter · « **on:** December 25, 2003, 05:07:41 PM »

I have a new Bushmaster Varminter with a Bushnell Elite 4200 4 x 16-40 scope. That is all I have. I need advice on additional mags, cleaning kits, needed tools, ammo (I will be reloading), soft case suggestions, and any other suggestions.

This is my Christmas present to myself this year and I will be using it to shoot targets and the occasional varmint.

Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas

Fred

Dogshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2003, 06:42:41 PM »

bought a new Varminter myself and put a B&L 4200 6X24 on it. Shot terrible. Sent it back to Bushmaster and they told me it needed to have the barrel replaced. Waiting to get it back. As for accessories, I already had several 30 round magazines but they are too long for my taste and I never shoot that much without having a chance to stop and reload. I went to a local shop and got a Colt 20 round magazine. I DON'T like the 5 round mag that came with it. Other than that, I just spend money on ammo and go shoot as often as I can.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2003, 02:21:06 AM »

I was considering a bi-pod,

I understand that the 30 round mag may get in the way and that 20 rounds will not. What bypod is recommended and what length..

Thanks,

Fred

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2003, 03:55:17 PM »

Fred
I treated myself to one of these not to long ago. Had it at the range today and shot three-three shot groups at 200 meters that averaged 1.4" with Federal XM-193 ammo. Best group was under 1".
Mine is wearing a only a 3-9X Tasco scope.
I've very pleased.
I've been picking up 20 rnd mags at gunshows. I've heard you should only load 18 rnds in a 20 rnd mag or else you'll get jams. I've not tried a 30 rnd mag yet.
A bore snake works well for cleaning.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #4 on:** December 27, 2003, 02:54:52 AM »

I have ordered two twenty round mags and a chamber brush from Brownells.

I have yet to shoot it as I am waiting for a few reloading components...I may have to bite the bullet and BUY factory ammunition! :eek:

Signiture burris rings get picked up today, won't be long and I will have to make the trip to the gun range.

Anybody got experience with bypods?

Fred

Dogshooter · « **Reply #5 on:** December 27, 2003, 12:26:47 PM »

I have a couple of Harris Bi-Pods. One is the short version for the bench and yes, the thirty round is too long for that one. The other is long enough to use in a sitting position. I use it when out calling amd I still use 20 round clips. The original colt 20 round clips work great for me with a full load.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2004, 01:31:12 PM »

Well got the new rifle to the range Saturday.

First shot with new scope not yet zeroed in was 1/4 inch above dead center.
First 5 shot group was under 1 inch.
I used cheapo factory ammo (Federal), shot 140 rounds and cleaned barrel 12 times.

I never touched the scope adjustment all shots are centered very well for now.

This was only at 50 yards, but will move out to 100 yards next trip and will have a bipod to steady my hand.

Over all I am very pleased with new rig and will be getting better with a little practice.

Question, I have two 20 round mags that do not load last cartridge, and bolt stays open as if it was empty, any thoughts?

Thanks everybody for our responses above,

Fred

Gregory · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2004, 07:18:01 AM »

Quote from: Gregory

Fred
I've heard you should only load 18 rnds in a 20 rnd mag or else you'll get jams.

ar-steve · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2004, 03:01:07 PM »

when I was in the army the di's all called the 30 round mags 20 rounders.and all the 20 rounders were called 15 rounders . The new mags with the green followers are supposed to be better. I have 2 bushmaster shortys,I have allways loaded 20 rounds in the 30 rounders and have never had a problem...good luck

Ghostrider · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:45:45 PM »

I just got my first AR and I found new 20 rd mags at www.jgsales.com for $9.95 each/5 . I bought 5 and they work fine.
LOL

Ghostrider

papajohn428 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2004, 01:34:04 PM »

I've got a new Oly Arms AR Match/Target, I've finally baptised the barrel, and have started shooting groups, when the wind isn't too bad. With the 1/9 twist I thought it would prefer the heavier bullets, but I had some W-W 45 grain varmint loads, so I tried a few. Wow! It likes them.....it really, really likes them! Half to three-quarter inch groups, with a swirling crosswind. I have yet to find a handload it likes that much, but I may well keep buying those for a coyote load. Not that I'm giving up on finding a good handload, but I may try to duplicate that one. It also liked the Hornady TAP load, the 55 grain plastic-tipped one. Not great accuracy, but plenty good enough to keep some around.
I use a Harris Bipod, very sturdy, and worth the price. Two height settings, and not too heavy. The rifle weighs nine pounds empty, it's probably close to 13 with the 8X32 scope and bipod, plus ammo. Now if the stinking Illinois winds would just die down a bit...... :roll:
PJ