New Bushey DCM range report

[Droidicus]

Went to the range today with my brand new Bushmaster A2 DCM rifle with a 1 in 8" twist non-chromed heavyweight barrel (Picture here). Since it was new I went through a break in process, I did a slightly more aggressive break in then Bushmaster mandates, yet still far less aggressive then some people do. I shot the following with a thorough cleaning and de-coppering of the barrel in between each:
4x 5 shot string
4x 10 shot string
2x 20 shot string

While I was doing this I also zeroed the rifle and also learned how to shoot it since I had never shot an AR-15 type rifle before. By the time I got to the last 20-round string I had a fairly decent target full of holes. This target was shot with 20 rounds of American Eagle AE223 55gr FMJ-BT, at 100 yrds, with an improvised bench rest, and with stock "competition grade" iron sights.

This is the center of an SR-1 target cut out to make it easier to measure it for fun statistics like center of aim (the hor. and vert. lines on the target), radial standard deviation, etc. All 20 shots are on the part of the target that was cut out... feel free to count the holes . I am pretty happy with that as a newbie, I am fairly certain that half of the variation is due to my inexperience, and the ammo I was using for the break in is by no means match grade. Eventually I would like to get into NRA/CMP high-power competition, and it looks like this rifle will serve me well in that.

I was very surprised by how light and smooth the trigger feels, I wasn't sure how I would like a two-stage trigger, but I am now a believer! I was also pleasantly surprised by the "SPRUNG!" noise the recoil buffer spring makes after each shot, for some reason I found it quite humorous. The only thing that I didn't particularly like about it was the weight of the rifle, it weighs in at 18.5 LBs due to the 1" profile barrel (including under the hardguard) and the lead weight they put in the butstock compartment to balance the rifle due to the barrel. I guess I will just have to do some weightlifting until it feels lighter .

The whole process took just under 6 hours, a lot of time to be sure, but a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I am not sure how long it will be before I will be inclined to clean that barrel again though... Next step is to get some good match grade ammo, such as black hills blue box with 69 gr. Sierra Matchkings, and see what it can REALLY do.

Later,
~Droid

P.S. Why do the posts in the firearms forum disappear after such a short amount of time?

 

[USMA-82]

Very nice. That's the rifle I started Highpower with five years ago. Unfortunately, I haven't improved much, but that's not the rifle's fault!

I think you will find the Black Hills remanufactured 69gr (blue box) shoot very well. Getting better (tighter) groups is purely a function of practice. But it doesn't have to be "live" practice. Some instructors will tell you that the highest scoring shooters dry-fire ten times for every live round downrange. That's alot of time at home with a tiny target against the wall, practicing releasing the shot and calling the shot.

Most folks will also move towards handloading eventually. This allows you to fine-tune your ammo so it matches your particular rifle. Also, the enormous cost saving vs. buying commercial means you can send more rounds downrange for the same $$$.

Except for a thorough cleaning after every match, there is little I've had to do to my Bushmaster. I would still recommend picking up a spare parts kit to have with you "just in case." You'd hate to have a 50 cent spring go in the middle of a match and have to quit.

Good Luck!

 

[Cledus J. Crabb]

Put a little light grease on that buffer spring if the "BOOOOIIIINNNNGGGG" noise bothers ya!

 

[PatMcD]

18-1/2lbs!! My God, I didn't think it was possible to get them that heavy.

 

[Droidicus]

Put a little light grease on that buffer spring if the "BOOOOIIIINNNNGGGG" noise bothers ya!

On the contrary... I love it To me it sounds like in the cartoons when someone hits an old wind-up clock with a mallet, that mechanical spring noise brings back memories of watching TV on Saturday morning as a kid.

~Droid

 

[Vintovka]

The only thing that I didn't particularly like about it was the weight of the rifle, it weighs in at 18.5 LBs due to the 1" profile barrel (including under the hardguard) and the lead weight they put in the butstock compartment to balance the rifle due to the barrel. I guess I will just have to do some weightlifting until it feels lighter

My AR service rifle is around the same weight as yours -- I haven't actually weighed it, but feels like 15-20lb. I'm no expert with it by any stretch, but I've learned that the heavy weight of the rifle is managed not so much by strength, but more through correct shooting positions (or as close to correct as I can manage). Standing unsupported is certainly easier with a lighter rifle, but you really shouldn't be feeling too much fatigue in your arms/shoulders. The goal is to lean back into the stance, let the "V" of your supporting arm bear the weight, and try to keep the rifle's center of balance close to yours. I find I feel more strain in my upper back from trying to hold that position than I do from physically keeping the rifle up.

(Edit: I just noticed your location. Would you happen to be a Riverside member by any chance?)

 

[Vintovka]

P.S. Why do the posts in the firearms forum disappear after such a short amount of time?

In your forum options, bump "Default Thread Age Cut Off" up to a longer period (or disable it completely to browse back through all posts).

 

[Droidicus]

(Edit: I just noticed your location. Would you happen to be a Riverside member by any chance?)

Yes, I just joined at the last general meeting.

~Droid

 

[Vintovka]

Yes, I just joined at the last general meeting.

~Droid

Welcome! You've picked a good club. Next time I see someone breaking in a shiny new Bushy DCM, I'll stop by and say hi

 

[Droidicus]

What a difference a bullet makes!

I went out to the range again today to finish off barrel break-in and to try out some match grade ammo, and WOW the difference in the ammo was quite impressive!

This is a picture of one of my targets, 10 rounds of Black Hills Ammo blue box with 77 gr. Sierra MatchKing bullets at 100 yrds.

I'll take responsibility for the flier at 12-o'clock, and there was gusty wind that could have easily caused the side-to-side spread. Quite a difference from the American Eagle ammo. Unfortunately it is $0.70 per round, but well worth it from what I see here!

~Droid

 

[Admin]

Yes ammo for a competition service rifle is very important.

 

[dreppucci007]

Yes ammo for a competition service rifle is very important.

+1 And you can't go wrong with a box of heavy Black Hills ammo.