AR 15 BM Varminter accuracy?

Husker98

Husker98

New member
I've always been a "bolt action" guy. I never liked the accuracy and trigger associated with semi-autos. Well, after reading enough articles and posts on this forum I'm considering joining the dark side. I now realize that not every semi auto will shoot like my dad's mini 14. I always said that if I bought an AR it would be a Les Baer. Well, of course I've never bought one since the price is $2000+ and I'd have to wait quite some time for it. I like the fact that with the Les Baer you get two five shot groups proving that it shoots 1/2 MOA or better. And after talking with a few people, they claim it would most likely be closer to 1/4 MOA.

I know the Bushmaster Varminter is a whole lot less expensive, so I don't expect that type of accuracy. But, what can I expect? Are there any factory claims about accuracy? Also, how would the trigger compare to what I'm used to (Weatherby, Volquartzen, and Sako)? Also, when will the Predator be available?

Thanks so much for the help!
 
Most AR15s need a good after market trigger.
My bushmatser V-match shoots in the 1/2" range.
Take a look at olympic arms ultra match rifles they are great stooters for money.

Gary
 
Husker98,

My Varminter shot 3/8" group with Blackhills 52 grain HP Match blue box first time it was fired. Shooting my reloads it shoots even better. The two stage trigger that comes with the Varminter works great, mine breaks at 1 pound just as Bushmaster said in their book. Don't confuse the V-Match with the Varminter as the V-Match does not come with the two stage trigger. I would not hesitate to buy another one!!! In my opinion it rates /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif up!!! Good luck.
 
After reading the article Marcus suggested and geting your responses, I feel like I'm ready to buy one. The only question left would be which one? The Varminter or the Varmint Special? They are the same price and all I can tell is that they have different barrels and an olympic style grip.
 
im also looking at buying one...they look awsome and the accuracy is great...or else im gonna build a .308 or a 300 ultra-mag on a micmillian a5 stock and some sweet glass
 
bob i'm not 100% sure but i think it has to do with case length.the case has to fit in a standard ar mag otherwise a custom lower would have to be made.
 
My Bushy Varminter is a true 1/2 inch or better rifle with H335 and the 55 Nosler BT. I don't think you will be sorry purchasing a Bushmaster Varminter and now they offer it with a 20 inch barrel and not just the 24 incher. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I love my Varminter!!! A little bit heavy sometimes, but I dont mind so much. My wife and I took it to the range the other day to try out some Black Hills ammo, here is our final groups, she shot 5 and I shot 5....seems like I could get tighter groups out of the Winchester 55gr Ballistic silver tips, but these were pretty good too...
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I too was (and still am) a bolt action guy. Like you I read a lot of good things about the Varminter. I ended up buying a barely used one off the equipment exchange forum at AR15.com. I will tell you that I am having trouble with my rest at the range. The handgrip on the Bushy hits the frame of the rest I have so therein lies some of the problems I'm having with my groups. With that in mind, these are still not bad groups for a shooter like me. These are 100 yard 5 shot groups using Black Hills (blue box) 50gr. V-Max.

These are posted so that you can see a minimum of what you can expect from a Varminter. Pictures speak louder than words.

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These groups are even better than I expected. What really surprises me is how accurate the cheap bulk ammo is. Does anyone prefer the "Special Varminter" over the "Varminter"?
 
I'm another bolt action guy just getting started with AR's I've been shooting nothing but bolt action rifles on varmints for manay, many, many....years. For some reason, called "hair up my ______", I decided to buy a Bushy M4 carbine. Originally it was to be solely for "two legged" varmints. I have had lots of fun shooting it this past month. On some of the ranches where I shoot PD's, I shoot off the back of my ATV. Got another "hair" last week that a 16" V Match Bushy with a 4-12 scope would be a great ATV PD rifle. I mounted the scope this afternoon and if it would warm up just a little I will get it out to the range.

The Coopers are still safe but I sure am trying to figure out how I can swing a new Les Baer Super Varmint in 223.
 
I too was reluctant to purchase an AR. Bolt guns were all I ever owned (except for a 10/22). I had a run of episodes while quiding a few years back that showed me the need for more firepower so to speak. After talking with the guy at the local gun shop he loaned me and AR. Withing a week I had my own on order and haven't looked back since. That was several years ago. Since that time I have owned several. Even have a couple that were custom built. None of these guns have been over 1 inch rifles. Most of which shoot 1/2 that. On top of that I have never shot anything but factory loaded amo out of any of them.

Now to the meat. For someone interested in getting into the AR's for a calling rifle. Many manufactors build suitible rifles, most are good. My favorite however has been the V-Matches until recently. With the V-matches you had to special order them with the fluted barrel and competition trigger. Both these were a must for me IMHO. The fluting cut down the weight (Bushmaster flutes are deep, thus significantly decreases the weight), and a good trigger is a must to reach the true accuracy potential of any rifle. This has all changed know. Bushmaster has recently began producing a new rifle designed specifically for the predator hunter. This rifle has all the features I prefer. 20" fluted barrel and comes standard with a competition trigger. Now there is no need to special order a V-Match to get it fluted or the trigger. Just simply order the "Predator" which is what it is called. I talked with Bushmaster today and they said the wait is only about 6 to 8 weeks. This is not bad.

I should have mine in about a week and I'll let you know what I think. I can say this already though. I have two V-matches (Chrome lined bores), and if they shoot any better than them I will be impressed.

Disclaimer. Bushmaster is a sponsor on my videos, but I chose them, they didn't choose me. Fact is, this is what I shoot and only because they shoot very well. I'm also proud of the fact that Bushmaster has been paying attention to the needs and wants of the predator hunters and has stepped up to the plate and built us a rifle. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Also for what it's worth. I believe the Varminter (24" barrel) is to long and the 16 is to short. 20" is perfect.

Byron /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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