I bought one of the Bushmaster plain-Jane A2 HBAR’s (20 inch barrel) to use purely for range plinking and general target practice.
I know that rifle-length weapons are a bit softer-shooting and thus put somewhat less stress on the works than a carbine.
I’m familiar with the recommended upgrades for carbines, but for rifle-length weapons would there be any recommended modifications to insure better reliability (other than staking, etc)?
Pretty much just correct extractor upgrades (buffer and spring), no o-ring. You might want to have the chamber reamed to ensure that it is a “true” 5.56. Upgraded action spring (buffer spring) will provide even softer shooting and improved bolt return. IIRC, BMs come with an S/A BC, upgrading to the F/A is usually advised.
As usual, run it wet.
Clean & inspect it every time you shoot it . Then lube it .
If you are worried , get some spare parts and perhaps a broken shell extractor ?
I use a one piece steel cleaning rod coated with some sort of red plastic . Get a good brass jag & a supply of patches .
I use Shooters choice copper remover , followed by Hoppies # 9 to kill the ammonia . Finish up with CLP .
God bless
Wyr