Bushmaster ACR Review
Time for another Out of Bounds Post and this time it’s on the revolutionary new Bushmaster ACR Rifle formerly known as the Magpul Masada. If you haven’t heard of this weapon there is a lot to cover.
The Bushmaster ACR redefines the term “Modular” with the ability to change calibers, barrel lengths and stock configurations in minutes without the use of tools. It’s hands down the most versatile and adaptive rifle ever conceived.
In my opinion it’s most amazing feature is that you can change the type of ammo it fires. Its standard .223 or NATO 5.56 but you can also swap out the barrel & magazine with no tools and in record time to shoot 6.8 SPC. It can even fire the AK’s round the 7.62!
The Bushmaster ACR has ambidextrous operator controls for magazine release, bolt catch and release, fire selector and the charging handle. Magpul pretty much designed the ACR from the ground up and Magpul is known for their heavy duty high tech polymer parts. Yup that’s right all the sickest guns coming out now days are not fully made of steel anymore.
Follow the Jump and click “Read More” to view in hand images, specifications, and to watch a Video on the worlds most advanced combat rifle…
We handled our review in several locations, The Clark County Shooting Park, American Shooters Las Vegas, and out in the Nevada Desert. Over a dozen people were able to test the ACR with us. We had range officers, Air Force guys, Army guys, and Gun experts from Citadel Gun & Safe. Everyone felt that the ACR was very accurate, more so than my heavily modified AR-15. I installed an Eotech 556 because I enjoy holographic optic systems as they are the easiest to use in close quarter combat or home defense. The only optic system I would take over Eotech would be the Trijicon ACOG’s with the fixed 4 x optics. I do plan on adding the 4x Magnifier to the Eotech setup to aid with 200+ yard shooting.
At 50 yards we were shooting groups under 1″ with ease. Anyone can simply pick up this rifle system and have an effortless time adapting to it’s controls and functions. At 100 yards in wind most in our group were able to shoot 1-1.5″ groups 5 shots at a time. We tested all types of ammo from Federal, Winchester, Black Hills also some match grade and some others with a heavier grain. We also tried the cheapest steel cased Russian ammo we can find called WOLF. My AR-15 would Jam and not be able to shoot the cheap stuff while the Bushmaster ACR spit out all types of ammo with no hiccups.
Overall we love the ACR and see its top attributes as its ambidextrous controls, ability to switch to a different caliber bullet, its Ergonomics, and flat out ease of use for anyone. The weapon system does have its flaws though like when using it with the top of the line Magpul MS2 sling, its sling mount is static and when switching from your primary hand to your reaction hand you really have to lift the stock high over the strap. My AR-15 uses the ASAP sling mount by Magpul which is dynamic and slides to both sides for an easy transition. In regards to recoil the amount was just a hair more than an AR but .223 recoil is always minimal by most standards.
Another thing I should mention is that the magazine has a little more play than one would expect. My AR has movement but the ACR has a little more. With a couple of our Magpul PMAG’s the bolt wouldn’t return following the last roundin the magazine. Our stock OEM Bushmaster magazine worked perfectly but the first generation PMAG would malfunction around 20% of the time. 2nd Gen PMAGs seemed to work fine. I don’t know if that is just my ACR or if they all have an issue with that.
The #1 complaint about the ACR is its price, You can buy the Robinson XCR and a pistol for the same price or build a really HOT AR-15 with all the bells and whistles ( including Optics) and maybe more for the same amount. The Robinson XCR isnt everything the Bushmaster ACR is but its pretty darn close in function.
Above are some images of the accessories and extra parts available from Bushmaster. Keep in mind the 10.5 inch barrel is banned in some states and that you will need an SBR license to obtain one. If you want a suppressor (silencer) that too is banned in many places but you may obtain a special license to obtain one with a clear record. Its a lengthy process I completed the application and was told it would take about 12+ weeks for a response. There is also a $200.00 tax EACH on suppressors and SBR ( short barrel rifles ) on top of the price of the product in states that allow it.
There is very little competition on the market versus the Bushmaster ACR when you take price out of the picture. The FN SCAR 16S and soon to be released 17S which are currently SOCOM approved provide the biggest challenge against the ACR. It’s a toss up on which one the U.S military will choose for it’s soldiers as their primary rifle. Luckily we have an FN SCAR 16S as well to review against the ACR. For your reference here is a chart of the features between competitors to the ACR.
The ACR has recently passed the DOD M4 carbine test including the Navy Seal Breach Test. Many rifles will explode or break during these tests. Things like throwing sand into the bolt chamber, putting the gun in water then shooting a along with a whole slew of other types of rigorous testing.
The Bushmaster ACR is available in 2 versions, the Basic version that just became available and the Enhanced version coming in a few months. The only difference is that the Enhanced model comes with a picany rail system instead of the magpul hand guard and the butt stock folds. These options can always be added later if you go with the Basic. The Basic configuration costs 2,685.00 while the Enhanced will run you 3,061.
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Say hello to my little friend.
Sorry could not help it. that’s what came to mind when reading this post.
When its gonna be available in the Pro Shop ? ;) As for home defense part personally i would never consider anything like that for home defense unless of course i had no other choice. Having assault rifle for home defense is questionable at best and also irresponsible thing to do to your family and your neighbors.
Your Message@Anton:
My neighbor has an M4 & an AK.
I’m not saying the ACR is the best home defense weapon.
What I was saying is that with the folding stock, 10″ barrel, and Eotech optics you have a great close quarters or home defense weapon. No one would want a 16″ barrel and long butt stock for close quarters would they?
I assume you would take a shot gun like many.
I have LWRC A3 and surely like to have the ACR but I was thinking “Do I really need another rifle?” about changing caliber, I believe I could do it with my LWRC, just change upper receiver which it will take a minutes. Price was a really suprissed for me but if it will go down then I might consider getting one
Your Message@Anton:
Irresponsible? Maybe, if you live in an apartment complex. Simply owning a rifle doesn’t constitute irresponsiblity. With ANY amount of training and common sense, one can avoid potentially dangerous situations with firearms. I’m tired of people and the media demonizing firearms and firearm owners alike.
In addition, if you live on about 15 acres like I do, as well as 20 minutes from town, you have to be ready to take situations into your own hands. Situations like home invasion. Under circumstances like mine, this firearm is a godsend.
Bushmaster ACR is a very nice firearm.
BUT
1# Its way overpriced. (Personally for the price id rather get the FN scar which is lighter and has a chromeline barrel)
2# Its heavier than a normal AR-15 (yes i too could not believe it at first)
3# There have been some problems with the barrel that require it to be sent in to bush master for repairs.
4# It lacks a chrome barrel. (Does have innovative coating but still isnt a chrome line barrel.)
5# The ACR has not been combat proven. ( It has gone through many tests with the magpul team. But has not been officially tested in battlefield conditions.)
Only negatives.
The Bushmaster ACR may be expensive and heavy but take it from someone who owns a ACR enhanced. The gun is amazing! It’s heavier than an AR but has little to no recoil which makes follow up shots a piece of cake. Once the gun is sighted in, it makes an AR look really un accurate. I even landed a shot from 500 yards away the first day I had it =]. Anyone interested in this gun def indulge!
Actualy the barrel is cold hammer forged nitride coated, which lasts longer and is more acurate then chrome lined barrle, Your Message@Your Name:
After spending over a year looking at AR platforms spent the money for the enhanced ACR. Just like every Taylor Made driver I have purchased I have no regrets. Yes the ACR is a little heavy and expensive, however I like the heft, and it is worth the money. No weapon is perfect but his one is close. The design is well thought out. Looked at REC7, POF, S&W, Sig, Ruger,, got tired of waiting for HK’s 556. Colt is developing a similar platform for the military but think it will not be any better than the ACR.
Your Message@Your Name:
Don´t be stupid. Nobody ever said that chrome lined is better than everything else. The nitride coating is proven to be more accurate and durable than chrome lined barrels.
And how can you expect a weapon that was released 2 months ago to be combat-proven? Thats BS. The weapon is slightly heavier than the AR because of the multi caliber bolt carrier and the short stroke gas piston. These two features add a few ozs but bring some very interesting advantages: The piston system allows for AK-similar reliability even if the weapon is covered in dirt. And the multi caliber bolt carrier… swap to a 6.8 SPC or a 7.62×39 whenever you want.
There has been a recall (not because of the barrel), the problem was fixed and all weapons where returned. Something fairly common, I´ve seen it happen with many new firearms. And one last thing: The price is now down to $1800 for the enhanced model. Less than a SCAR and in the price range of any high-end AR platform.
hk mr 556- no chrome lining, lwrc no chrome lining(is coated like acr), what is negative about no chrome if the coating improves the barrel life to the same round count, if not more, without affecting accuracy
I can’t say for myself that this is the best assault rifle as I’ve never used it, but I sure think so. It’s modular and sexy. I don’t know about durability, but it’s probably not quite AK-durable. Don’t like AKs FYI.
really you may have not done your research because lwrc m6a2 does have a nicorr coating which was created by them which makes the barrel life 4 x longer, not to bag on the acr it is a great rifle and i am going to get one myself , but please have all your fax straight 1st
just got one cant wait ti o shoot it!
me too