Home AR-15 Why I Don’t Really Like Retro AR-15s (But This One's OK I...

Why I Don’t Really Like Retro AR-15s (But This One's OK I Guess)

403
39

Retro AR-15s are back—from clone builds to factory throwbacks like the Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman’s Carbine. I put over 1,000 rounds through this classic-style rifle at a Thunder Ranch Urban Rifle Course to find out if old-school cool is actually worth it in 2025. Spoiler: I didn’t love it. But not for the reasons you think.

This is a deep dive into the retro AR-15 trend, a full review of the Bushmaster M4A2, and a look at how this throwback stacks up against modern kit. We talk performance, nostalgia, and why sometimes drip really does beat data.

Note to readers: Please click the share buttons above or below. Forward this article to your email lists. Crosspost on your blog site, social media, internet forums. etc.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

39 COMMENTS

  1. Choose a side:
    "You don't need a bunch of shit on your AR-15 unless you're an operator" Fudd
    OR
    "Optics and accessories are essential force multipliers even for civilians" Larper
    ?

  3. For the close range engagements that appear to have been practiced in this video, there is another method of aiming in which the shooter only uses the top edge of the rear aperture and "blades" the base of the front sight post. This helps mitigate the mechanical offset of the sights to the bore for close range engagements, while also being much faster and having greater field of view during firing. That said, there is a learning curve to that and requires a lot of time on the range to figure out where to blade along the front sight post according to range (ie 10, 15, 25 yds, etc.). Sure, in low-light or use in conjunctions with NVGs, a dot is the way to go….but all of my "high-speed" rifles still have KAC irons on them. So, I wouldn't discount this type of rifle for new or experienced shooters simply because of the iron sights, but would actively encourage all shooters to train on irons because because being good on irons makes you even better with a T2, Eotech, etc.

  6. I have one of those old bushmasters found it at a pawnshop like 4 years ago! Its a really nice looking ar!! Love that fixed carry handle look!! That is what it drew my attention when i saw it at that pawnshop! 🤤🤤🤤 had a colt A2 20” and sold that heavy thing! Only kept the bushmaster! Fine ancient firearm tech that still does the job! Will forever keep that thing! Love it!

  13. The first AR I built after I retired from the military was an M4 and I did it just for fun. It's a great range gun. My first qualification was on the ancient M16A2 which is by far the shittiest rifle I have ever fired in my life!

  16. I don’t understand tricked out AR platforms. I’ve owned expensive and cheap AR platforms and what I’ve ended up with is a sub $400 build with no quad rail and a $200 vortex optic. It’s super light and has literally never had a single issue. It’s shoots more accurately than I do under non bench rest conditions.

    In my three decades of Army service I carried an M16A1, M16A2 and an M4 including during combat. I like the platform in general I don’t care for having a ton of crap hanging off it. Just my $.02

  18. I would be absolutely happy to have this thing in Ukraine, Gaza, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Mexico, wherever. You can't make it better. It has everything you need, nothing you don't, except the sling swivel (ours were removed to avoid metal on metal noise) and the drum on the rear sight.

    Well, other than the stock… But you can replace it with anything. And, umm, I wish they kept the charging handle where it belongs…

    You can geek out with your rails and red dots and whatnot but if you have a solid platform like this there's very little else you need other than people who know how to use it.

  22. My fingers must suck because I really can't tell a difference between a broken in USGI trigger and a "nice" trigger. But 1000+ dollars for a "retro" rifle is a rip. These things are not that complex.

  23. As a US Marine who carried an M16a2 his entire time, piss those rifles. I personally hated mine. It was a piece of crap that had been rebuilt and refurbished almost a dozen times before it got to me.

    Every time i hear someone cream their pants over "military grade", just tells me, you never had to deal with REAL military grade. 99% of the time, it was pure junk.

    I would take an M27 IAR ANY DAY over my old M16.

  26. I almost always take my scoped and red dot sighted AR's out because I spent more on them. When I take my retro's out, I have just as much fun. My 6920 is light and accurate. Handles well. I have a 20" CHF Palmetto build that is also fairly light and shoots well. Rifle length gas system is nice and smooth. Doesn't dirty the gun up as much as the shorter barreled ones that I have. You get a noticeable increase in velocity. Both have removable carry handles. They're just pure, simple, reliable, accurate, fun and beautiful. They are what every woman should strive to be.

Leave a Reply