Buying used AR15- What to inspect?

shootemup

May 16, 2003 14:21

Hi guys!! I've been checking out these forums for a while now and have finally registered. I'm also over on ar15.com. What I would liek to ask you guys is I would like to know what to look for when buying a used gun, and if it makes any difference the gun I'm buying is my second Bushmaster AR15. I came accross a XM15-E2S A3 16" for $630.00 plus tax. It is from a reputable gun shop(been round for 50years). They are also giving me a lifetime pars/labor warranty with it. But I was wondering what to look for??? I have seen using a bore scope to check the bore. Anything else? Thanks for any help!!!

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  nmyers

  May 17, 2003 16:03

  A warranty is no better than the person/company behind it. Are you saying that the lifetime warranty is from Bushmaster, or are you saying that it is from the gunshop. (I would feel a lot better if the warranty is from Bushmaster.) Of course, Bushmaster is only going to stand behind it if it is all Bushmaster; if it is a Mixed Parts Mongrel, I don't have a good feeling about the deal.
  
  About the only other thing that most gunshops would be able to measure for you is headspace. But, even if they don't have gauges for you to see that it is good, if the bore looks good you are not taking a big chance.
  
  Neal

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  kingjoey

  May 17, 2003 16:56

  Also check the bolt for excessive wear/damage. There are alot of bolts floating around that aren't milspec and are generally poor quality. A bolt failure can demolish an AR15. HTH
  
  Love them Beavers
  
  
  SUPPORT THE I.N.S. , THE COUNTRY THEY SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN

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  raskil

  May 18, 2003 14:59

  Shoot-
  You say this is your second AR15, what did you look at on the first one? Chech the stock and handguards for stress cracks, barrel crown for wear and nicks, does the upper and lower fit tight, disassembly and check bolt carrier group for wear, does the rifle look well maintained or did it get put on the shelve straight from the range, does the mags lock in place and how many mags come with it. Does it come with a case and original owners manual? Get the serial # and contact Bushmaster for date of Mfg. The last time I checked, Bushmaster has only a one year warrenty so this may be a line from the seller. What did your other Bushy have for warrenty?
  Only ArmaLite has a lifetime warrenty (for original owner). For about $60=70 more, you can get one NIB w/case from a local FFL if you look around a little harder.[;)]

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  shootemup

  May 18, 2003 18:20

  Thanks for the imput guys!!! I picked it up yesterday, and am happy with it. I bought my last gun there, which was a NIB Bushmaster 20" A3. This is a 16"M4. It was the shop that gave me a lifetime warranty on it, and I feel safe that the shop isn't going anywhere since they have been in the same location for 50 years. Thanks again!!!
  
  
  John

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