It looks like we are going back to pre-ban BS...

**bartp40** · 02-15-2009, 02:14 PM

If you have not already sent your post ban rifles back to the manufacturer, you can send your post band back to get a pre ban barrel with A2 bird cage.

**Bayou Blaster** · 02-16-2009, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by bartp40

If you have not already sent your post ban rifles back to the manufacturer, you can send your post band back to get a pre ban barrel with A2 bird cage.

Entered in error. Removed

**bartp40** · 02-16-2009, 12:18 PM

I had a post-ban complete XM-15 (16" with short handguard). I sent it back to Bushmaster. I bought the same barrel assembly but pre-ban. The LABOR was free. I only had to pay for the part. I sent it back in a rag tag box with papers stuffed in it. Bushmaster returned in it a plastic case.

I know the barrel head spacing is correct and the test fired it.

I am just sharing info for those who still may have the post ban configuration.

If you can do barrel head spacing and swapping out serious parts, more power to you!

**Bayou Blaster** · 02-16-2009, 01:14 PM

[quote=bartp40;14603]I had a post-ban complete XM-15 (16" with short handguard). I sent it back to Bushmaster. I bought the same barrel assembly but pre-ban. The LABOR was free. I only had to pay for the part. I sent it back in a rag tag box with papers stuffed in it. Bushmaster returned in it a plastic case.

My mistake, confused your situation. Read it wrong and thought you were going from a bayonet lug and flashhider barrel to one without the bells and whistles. Good on you!

I'm curious about the replacement barrel. Can you post a link to it or picture? Only reason I'm curious is because some of the new pre or after ban expiration barrels are not chromed lined but are 4140 chromemoly steel instead. Not a big deal really unless you intend to run your firearm hard core and under adverse conditions. Glad to here your happy with your experience.

**bartp40** · 02-16-2009, 05:54 PM

http://www.bushmaster.com/products.asp?cat=7

They sent back the old parts.

You can buy the barrels if you or somebody you know can install and get the headspacing right.

**Bayou Blaster** · 02-16-2009, 07:50 PM

Thanks for the pic.

From what I gathered from the Bushmaster website at least the barrel is chambered to accept both .223 cal and 5.56 NATO. So it should have the correct feed ramps as well. It does not appear that it is chrome lined (Non chrome lined is a plus in the accuracy department). Barrel life should be in excess of 5000 plus rounds before accuracy starts to fall off incrementally. They just require a litte bit of extra care from experience. I prefer the chrome lined/chambered barrels, as the chrome chambers help facilitate feeding and extraction. BTW I own the XM-15 E2S. She's another one of my safe queens (Sad I know). Currently I'm looking for a complete upper assembly for another project. Hopefully next weeks Gun Show won't be as lame and overpriced as the previous ones I've attended here. May have to go to the next one in East Texas. They normally have more vendors and a better selection.

**bartp40** · 02-17-2009, 08:22 AM

Check out
http://www.ar15.com/

Look through the vendors or suppliers listed across the top in the little boxes.

You will find a better deal there...

**Bayou Blaster** · 02-17-2009, 01:43 PM

Yeah I've been checking that website site out for years. Great resource of info at that site. Should probably join it as well. I'm looking at a Rock River Kit. Just haven't decided on barrel configuration yet. Every now and then you can find a deal at the shows that save you from having to use the plastic and paying for shipping. Sometimes you find people in there that are not vendors lookin to off load something. After I retired from the military, I managed a gun store for a living so I've still got a good awareness when it comes to vendors, manufacturers, quality of firearms etc... Too bad owner decided to retire/close business and go shooting with her husband full time for Smith and Wesson.