(We verified our relative accuracy results with the iron sights, but did not record those results.) We used Russian, Malaysian, and Winchester ammunition. While not a target scope, it gave a sound basis for accuracy comparison. We used the Colt 3×20 scope on all three rifles. (The Colt bolt carrier did have the forward-assist serrations.) About the only obvious differences among the three were in the muzzle treatments, the trigger pulls, the color (green plastic ArmaLite), and the lack of a forward assist on the Colt. The combination might have incorrect headspace, and that would result in a dangerous situation. Be aware, however, that you must never fire your rifle with the wrong bolt in place. In fact, the bolts and charging handles were completely interchangeable among the three.
Takedown and manipulation were identical on all three units. Also note that we are aware there are other makers of AR-type rifles, and we plan to test some more of them for you in the near future.
These rifles have bayonet lugs, flash hiders, and if desired, telescoping stocks. Please note that Colt’s, Bushmaster, and ArmaLite still offer pre-ban configurations of these rifles to bona fide law enforcement personnel. All three had 20-inch chrome-lined barrels. All of the exterior surfaces of the other two rifles were matte finished. The Colt’s forend was shiny black, but its buttstock and metalwork were matte finished. The ArmaLite had dark green plastic, but the others were all black. These three rifles were very similar in overall appearance, all of them having the carry handle, adjustable iron sights, pistol-grip stocks with traps in the butt, and tapered forends. We also acquired a new ArmaLite M15A2 and a new Bushmaster XM15-E2S. We had the loan of a personally owned pre-ban Colt AR-15 A2 Sporter II in near-new condition with flash hider, 20-round magazine, bayonet lug (whoopee), and Colt scope. They are as close as we could get them to the same configuration.
In response to many requests by readers, we address here black rifles by three makers. A2-type “Weaver” bases are available to fit these handles from numerous sources, including Bushmaster, and sell for $40 to $60. There are also military-specific mounts available for attaching scopes and other items such as night-vision devices or high-intensity lights to the carrying handle of your AR15. However, we prefer having an integral handle, so we don’t have to go looking for it when we want it.Īttaching a scope to the carry handle is easy if you’ve got one of the now-discontinued Colt units, which has an integral single-lever mount. Several makers offer detachable handles that have the same configuration as the original design, adjustable sights and all, and we’d surely have one if we had a flat-top rifle. This, however, is at the cost of the carrying handle, and that handle can be mighty useful. The most common target configuration of this military-look rifle has a flat-top receiver to make it easy to mount a suitable scope. Common versions are accurate enough for most purposes. Moreover, these AR-15/M16 clones can be set up to be absolute tack drivers, and in that guise have made a serious name for themselves at Camp Perry, location of the annual National Match competition. They work, last a long time, are easily maintained, and are in many ways delightful. 308, but ammo for them is lighter and cheaper. The design, which some consider fragile, is instead war-proven and more than adequate for its purpose. Let’s first clear the air by stating they are certainly not useless junk. Black rifles, mouse guns, great machines, useless junk - these are a few of the names given to our country’s current military rifle and its semi-automatic civilian clones, which are commonly called AR-15 types.