My first rifle

[Squawker]

I've wanted a rifle for a while now, purely for defensive purposes. I got into shooting last year, when I bought my first handgun, a Beretta 92FS. I really enjoyed both the gun and shooting, so I began to add handguns, and ended up getting my CCW. with the new Middle East Crisis, I was reminded that things can go south quickly, just about anytime. I do have a shotgun in addition to my 5 handguns, along with a reasonable supply of ammo (could use more 45, since I've started carrying my XD). But, I still didn't have a rifle to round things out. Today was a light day at work, with only 1 appointment, at around 11. Around noon, my boos came into my office, and suggested that I just take the afternoon off, and that they would call me if they needed me. Finding out that I would still be paid for the day, it was a no brainer. The only problem was that I didn't want to go home, as I live on the other side of the Vegas valley. After stopping by a local casino, eating, and playing a little video poker, I decided that it would be a good day just to visit some gun shops.
After stopping by one shop, which was pretty junky and had a poor selection, I went by the shop where I usually buy my guns. I found that the .223 and .308 military style ammo was flying off the shelf. In fact, flown was more like it, with only high end ammo left. After taking a look at a few guns, I figured "what the hell"-next month is my birthday, and my wife would love to just contribute to a high end item that I want, rather than buy something that I might just stuff in a drawer. While I liked the idea of a 308, the guns were more expensive, and heavy. While I eventually want a 308, I decided that a 223 would be better for me at this time. So, I took home a Bushmaster carbine, with the removable carry handle. At $925, it was lower than other Bushmasters that I had seen. So, it ended up following me home. The system had been down for a while to run background checks, but with the CCW, things went very smoothly, and I could take the gun home, and save the $25. Now, I just have to start learning it's care and feeding.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[P95Carry]

Ahah - now the Bushy - next the FAL!

The disease is progressive - be warned

[MattInFla]

Congratulations. I am having a great time with mine.

Lots of fun to shoot.

Matt

[hsuCowboy98]

The disease is spreading...Im gonna have to get another rifle if I keep reading about everyone else getting one, its been at least a week now its time....

Bushmasters are good weapons, be sure to post if you have any maintainence problems or questions.

Ohh, and have fun blasting away.

[Team American]

Well done, Squawker

Bushmaster makes a fine rifle...enjoy shooting it!

[MattInFla]

Oh, yes, and make sure you clean and lube before the first range session.

Matt

[hsuCowboy98]

Definately what Matt said, keep that bad boy lubed up really well after you clean it and before the first shoot.

[randytulsa2]

Good For You!!

I know one guy who's going to have a great weekend....

[JD]

Well allready having, 8 or 9 pistols, a BAN model m4 (now with collapsable stock )and a nice Benelli Nova Tactical model that my wife bought me, I just picked up a used Marlin .17 HMR for plinking and boy do I love that little thing. I know I'll get some looks for this but I traded my Kahr PM40 for a used .17 HMR but hey it had a brand new stock and a Swift 3-9 scope, with the left over money I had I picked up a Harris bi-pod, an extra mag and 3 boxes of ammo...GROUND HOGS BEWARE!!!! Congrats on the Bushmaster I've had many a good day at the range with mine, next on the list is a DCM.

[rocky]

check out this site for lots more info on AR's

http://www.ar15.com/forums/active.html?b=&f=

[dimmak]

Bushys are great.....
I have a v match and it has never given any probs...

[MattInFla]

check out this site for lots more info on AR's

http://www.ar15.com/forums/active.html?b=&f=

Lots of good info there, but don't expect the friendly style you get here. AR15.com is, well, a bit contentious sometimes.

Matt

[hsuCowboy98]

To say AR15.com is a bit contentous, is like saying a cell block only smells a little.....just lurk there, otherwise youll get your head bit off if you actually dare to ask anything.

It is good info though, sometimes.

[Squawker]

Thanks for the recommendations, gang. Actually, since I have no experience with rifles, I intend to do the same thing that I did when I bought my first handgun. I'm going to pay for an hour or so with an instructor, and have him show me the proper care and feeding of the gun, along with some basic shooting instruction. Before I attempt to take the gun apart, I would like to know how to put it together. And while I can be trained to do most anything, I'm not very good at learning things on my own. A few bucks spent on time with an instructor will be well worth it in the long run.

['75scout]

Sounds like you've got your head on straight. I can't wait to take some advanced handgun classes. Taking apart some guns can be tricky and in the case of my Ruger MKII doing incorrectly can reslut in a trip back to the factory before it is usable again