I currently own a Bushy XM-15. I have had it since '06 and the gun has had 30,000 plus rounds through it and still has not missed a beat except to a crap magazine. Now i thought a Bushamster was a solid rifle and so far in my opinion it is, at least mine is. I do want to beef it up so if you got any suggestions please let me know. Anyone got experiences with the VTAC/JP rail?
I guess I am not sure what you mean by beef it up, are you just looking for a rail?
You should also replace springs, rings, and maybe barrel (completely depends on groups and condition)
Dude, your gun has 30k rounds throught it without missing a beat, as you put it. If you’re worried about Bushmaster having a bad reputation and your rifle being crap, I think you’ve more than proved its solidity and reliability. Please don’t change parts just because you heard that some other brand is better. Your gun is obviously running great!
As for replacing wear parts as insurance against failure, that’s another story. I don’t have a maintenance schedule but I’m sure an armorer here will hook you up. I would imagine at 30k, you’d want to replace springs at least, and check the bolt, carrier, gas tube, etc. for excessive wear.
and your bullets are still making circular holes?
generally by 30k you’ve replaced pretty much everything except the framework and the barrel, and sometimes twice. nobody would think you were silly if you replaced the bolt and carrier components, replaced your buffer and FCG springs, or even replaced the barrel. but if the barrel is still shooting well enough for your needs, dont bother.
Well to be honest I haven’t replaced anything yet. Ive inspected parts for problems but have not come up with any. I would just like to overhaul it before I start to see problems. Im currently a LEO and I qual just fine, any error is mere shooter induced as far as accuracy. I was looking at a BCM bolt, but would i encounter any problems as far as chambering with a different companies bolt. If that the case though would I be alright with going with a complete new upper or would a new lower be in order. Its just that Im new to the whole custom realm of ARs. I have a rail and the basics, I’m just looking for buget friendly advanced options and upgrades.
as mentioned it depends on your accuracy demands.
But a bolt should be good to go, just double-check head space with a go/no-go gauge.
Springs should be replaced, and if you were thinking of replacing upper or lower, upper would be the one to go.
A Bushmaster with 30K rounds through it is like a Chevy with 300,000 miles. A LOT of things are just waiting to go kaput.
Sell that Bushy for 500 bucks and get a new rifle from Daniel Defense, Noveske, Colt, BCM. Then you won’t have to worry about it for a while.
i dont see the need for him to pay a transfer fee, he can sell the upper and get a replacement direct to his house.
But yes, DD & BCM would be great options for the money-minded OP
I am glad to hear that your BM has lasted that long, I wish it was a more common experience. I would rather to hear that someone was using their “less than optimal” rifle and training frequently than those that buy top of the line guns and only push 1k annually.
The JP/VTAC tube might meet your needs, then again it might not, it all depends on your needs. That particular HG is a pretty good value, but is not as robust or heat-dissipating as other more recent offerings.
I personally prefer the Troy/VTAC HG or the DD RIS II. Applicatin will be the primary determining factor balanced against budget.
Generally, using a new bolt with an old barrel is ok, but a bolt with 30k on it is pretty impressive, and is probably near the end of it’s service life. Personally, I would replace the upper with one built to your preferences and budget; some good options are from BCM and G&R Tactical, or another brand of roughly equal quality and value.
If this was strictly a range gun I would say keep shooting until something broke. However I would have head space checked. If it’s an LE gun that’s a little different story. I think that rifle is living on barrowed time. At a minimum I would replace the barrel, bolt, and buffer spring. I think an even better idea is to replace upper and BCG. Bravo is having a big sale on uppers right now.
As a fellow LE I say it’s time to retire at least the upper. Keep it for training, plinking whatever, but as others have said you’re on borrowed time and as someone whose life may depend on the rifle you need something that’s going to go bang.
Thanks for all the imput guys. Yea I think the rifle is on barrowed time. I think if it wasn’t for my bi-weekly maint. regime (some may see this as excessive) my rifle would not be where it is now. All my fellow officers think I just bought it but its currently 6 years old. I don’t think I’m gonna sell it, call me sentamental I guess. Lets talk a new one then. DD lower from G&R tactical (since its a beveled magwell can i still run my BF Redi-mod?) Dunno which LPK to go with. BCM 14.5 Middy DD Lite 9 rail, BCM gunfighter, Crane Stock, Spikes T2 buffer, BCM BCG. This, just like my bushy, is going to be an LEO partol rifle. So any ideas, changes to my list, or experiences good/bad with my list let me know.
sounds like a good list, I would look at Mega for the lower, I have about 10 dif manufacturers of lowers and the forged Mega is by far the best fit and finish and for $100-115 you cant go wrong.
I think he needs to send it back to Bushamster for examination. I think this is the first I have ever heard of a BM firing over 30K rounds virtually maintenance free. Simply amazing.
BCM bolt is good as well as Daniel Defense, anything that’s made out of the proper military spec metal and is MPI. Replace all springs including the buffer spring and replace your gas tube while your at it.
Don’t forget to check head spacing before using the new bolt, do not fire until you have confirmed head spacing with any new bolt in your weapon.
Far as the barrel, if It’s still shooting great, no need to change it, but it would be wise. Your call.
Just found this old thread…
My 2 cents…
Your lower is fine, I’d just replace the action spring.
I’d go ahead and buy a whole new upper w/ BCG from BCM. Swap out BUIS and optics if applicable, zero it and run it for another 30k or so :D.
BTW, I had a Post ban Bushy HBAR that made it to 12k before the bolt broke, replaced it with a LMT upper and BCG, that one started throwing keyholes after about 7k, then I replaced that one with a BCM w BCB that’s still going strong, but I’ve only got 3k through that one so far ;)…
-dave