Budget 20" A4

AR/M4 AR General Discussion
1

I am interested in building or buying an affordable full size A4 AR. My current candidates are a used Colt Match Target, a complete BCM A4 rifle, or a build starting with one of the BCM 20" uppers.

Does the Colt Match Target series have different sized lower pin holes? Are they well-constructed like the LE carbines? I have a 6920 that I like a lot. Are the BCM rifles or parts hard to get or can you back order?

Any experience or advice on what direction is best would be appreciated. I am a novice rifle shooter, but I would like an accurate, reliable rifle at the end of the day.

Thanks for your input.

2

FWIW, I had a Match Target about 2 years ago that I sold to fund a car purchase. It was hardly used and I got it for a song. I shot 2" groups with it at 100 yards all day long at the local indoor range. It’s a robust rifle with awesome accuracy for an AR.

3

I cant speak for the BCM, as Ive not held or shot one, but from all accounts I have read, they make fine stuff.

The colt on the other hand, Ive had a few, and they are damn fine rifles.

4

First - sorry to the mods for originally posting in the wrong forum!

Thanks for the inputs. I am looking at a pretty inexpensive Colt Match Target - it is a bit beat up, but I like it, as long as it wasn’t abused.

I am leaning towards the Colt, but if I were to find a nice new 20" in the same price range (BCM, RRA, others?), maybe that’s the way to go.

5

I had a Colt Hbar A2 for a while. I believe yours would be the same but with a flat top. Very accurate rifle but also pretty front heavy with the Hbar.

BCM has A4 rifles for sale.

6

I have never owned nor shot a Colt A4, but I do have an A4 BCM upper on a stripped lower I built up.

A complete BCM A4 upper, without sights will run you $520 + ~13 shipping.

You can build up a lower for <$200 without the transfer fee using an A2 stock, with the stock FCG.

About $120 gets you a good A4 carry handle sight, and another $20 gets you a set of handguards.

So your all-in cost would be ~$873 before the transfer fee on a complete A4 with a BCM upper.

I’ve only shot mine for groups a handful of times so far, and with a SSA trigger, my best 10-shot group (rested, iron sights @ 100 yards) is 1.12". My average 10-shot group is ~2", using my own handloads (with bulk Hornady 55 gr FMJ bullets). Much of this may be the shooter, however. I feel it’s a very good rifle for what I have into it so far.

I would say go with the Colt if you can get it anywhere close to $900 though, if it’s in good condition. Resale will likely be higher and accuracy will be on par with the BCM, I’d assume.

7

Thanks - I like your concept on building up a BCM rifle. Great price for a new rifle. I am going to investigate that route, too.

8

I agree with just trolling gunbroker and the local shop/shows for a Colt market is down right now and you cannot hardly give a 20" rifle away

I work part time at a gunshop had used trade in bushmaster A2 and armalite A4 both 20"
both sat for over a year finally just dumped on gun broker for a penny and let um go

you should be able to find a match target or a sporter for decent $$

9

Did you say “budget”?