$448 Bushmaster XM-15 ORC

[Joe Manco]

They are floating around online for $499 and there is a $50 mail in rebate. Why are these so cheap? When I started researching AR's a couple weeks ago I found lots of "how to build a budget AR for $500" info. Now I see complete rifles selling under $500. Well I couldn't resist and picked one up last night from Gunbuyer.com. How bad can this model be compared to a $500 DYI Franken AR?

Edit: Tile should read $449 not $448. Swollen thumbs in my phones keypad this morning I guess

[DenverGP]

I don't have an AR yet, and have been wondering the same thing. Hoping to pick up my first AR before the end of the year, and not really sure what my best bet is on a cheap but still usable AR.

Been seeing some PSA complete uppers and psa complete lowers that looked like they'd make a decent beginners AR. And I've seen S&W M&P Sport ar for close to the same price as the psa upper+lower. And then I saw the bushmaster ORC for a little less.

My budget will be around $500-600 for my first AR. I like the idea that if I buy a cheaper one to start, I could always upgrade to higher-end parts later. To start, I'll be plinking with it at the range, and up in the forest. I like the idea of having it available for SHTF stuff, but mostly it'll just be for fun.

[ChunkyMonkey]

If you havent owned one, best to buy the cheapest possible off shelve. Then, the fun begin and hope the ar bug bites ya! Options are unlimited and you will start seeing them not in $.

[buffalobo]

Just watch out, they are asexual and can multiply fast.

lobbed from my electronic ball and chain

[Great-Kazoo]

They are floating around online for $499 and there is a $50 mail in rebate. Why are these so cheap? When I started researching AR's a couple weeks ago I found lots of "how to build a budget AR for $500" info. Now I see complete rifles selling under $500. Well I couldn't resist and picked one up last night from Gunbuyer.com. How bad can this model be compared to a $500 DYI Franken AR?

Edit: Tile should read $449 not $448. Swollen thumbs in my phones keypad this morning I guess

It's a decent rifle, however i'd spend another $150 - 200 for something else YMMV

[DenverGP]

What things are you looking at that you'd get for the extra $150-200? Trying to get an idea of what I'd be trading off for the cheaper gun.

Similar when I purchased my RIA 1911. I was willing to accept a little rougher fit and finish to save $300. In the end, my $350 RIA 1911 ran nicer and has been more reliable than my father-in-law's SR1911.

[Great-Kazoo]

What things are you looking at that you'd get for the extra $150-200? Trying to get an idea of what I'd be trading off for the cheaper gun.

Similar when I purchased my RIA 1911. I was willing to accept a little rougher fit and finish to save $300. In the end, my $350 RIA 1911 ran nicer and has been more reliable than my father-in-law's SR1911.

I'd just spend it on something other than bushamster. Their QC has slacked off and CSR gets mixed reviews on other forums. YMMV

Regarding your RIA. That is one of the best deals on the market. It's also a sleeper of a hand gun. Mine shot out of box, using 200gr hand loads, dead nuts @ 21' for warm up. Very under rated gun
If it wasn't so expensive to buy a drop in threaded bbl with bushing & link, i would have kept it.

[DocMedic]

xm-15 normally go for 800 so if you can get one 450 i'd do it. Any problem that may arise are easily fixed.

[Joe Manco]

Well my $449(after rebate) Bushmaster ORC arrived today. Looks fine to me. Picked it up from fellow member and FFL Coloradohack, great guy! With a Primary Arms dot(that I got from Tim when I picked up the gun) mounted to it, it looks pretty sleek without a front site. I'll post a pic tomorrow.

[DenverGP]

Joe any updates on the Bushmaster? Looks like this deal is going again.