Bushmaster XM-15 Standard -16” A2 Patrolman’s Carbine

Published on September 24, 2019
Duration: 14:31

Chris Bartocci provides an in-depth review of the Bushmaster XM-15 Standard 16-inch A2 Patrolman's Carbine, detailing its historical context, technical specifications, and performance. He highlights its return to basic, reliable design, comparing it to the XM-4 and M4 carbines, and discusses Bushmaster's manufacturing evolution and quality control.

Quick Summary

The Bushmaster XM-15 Standard 16-inch A2 Patrolman's Carbine is a reliable, basic rifle featuring a 16-inch M4 profile barrel with a 1:9 twist, fixed A2 carry handle, and forged aluminum receivers. It demonstrated zero malfunctions over 300 rounds and achieved a 2.34-inch group at 100 yards with iron sights, making it a solid choice for patrol or home defense at its $895 MSRP.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Bushmaster XM-15
  2. 00:41Bushmaster's Historical Context
  3. 02:44Technical Differences: Barrel Twist
  4. 04:03Quality Fluctuations and Ownership Changes
  5. 05:06Anecdote on Quality Control Issues
  6. 08:08Technical Walkthrough: Lower and Upper Receivers
  7. 09:19Barrel and Gas System Specs
  8. 10:42Internal Components and Feed Ramps
  9. 12:59Range Testing and Accuracy
  10. 13:54Final Assessment and Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Bushmaster XM-15 Standard A2 Patrolman's Carbine?

This carbine features a 16-inch M4 profile barrel with a 1:9 twist, a fixed A2 carry handle with adjustable iron sights, forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers, a commercial-spec 6-position stock, and a 7.5-pound trigger pull. It uses a carbine-length gas system.

How did Bushmaster historically position itself in the AR-15 market?

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bushmaster rose by offering consumers exact semi-automatic replicas of the M16A2, including military-style features and proper small-pin receivers, filling a gap left by Colt's reduced focus on the commercial market.

What was the barrel twist rate difference between early Bushmaster and Colt AR-15s?

Early Bushmaster rifles often featured a 1:9 inch barrel twist rate, which was considered optimal for common 62-grain and 69-grain projectiles, whereas Colt typically used a 1:7 twist rate.

What was the range testing performance of the Bushmaster XM-15?

During range testing with 300 rounds of Geco 55-grain FMJ, the Bushmaster XM-15 experienced zero malfunctions. The best group achieved with iron sights at 100 yards was 2.34 inches.

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