Bushmaster's XM-15 Quick Response Carbine

I have the flu, so I am not quite sure in what direction this article will tack. It is difficult to concentrate with watery eyes, dribbling nose and a hacking cough and I have clearly run through my flu per incident allocation of sympathy. Somewhere around the third whining, moaning and groaning request for soup, I heard the front door close… apparently behind my wife, and I have not seen her since. Making my way into work, others are wearing hazmat suits and making the international sign for “I can’t hear you. Go away!”. So I guess you are all stuck with me.

In addition to the typical quality present in all Bushmaster brand products, this version of the Bushmaster XM-15 offer two unique attributes; light weight, under 6 lbs with aluminum receivers and it is clean, no accumulation of gadgetry. In fact, this version does not have metallic sights, relying rather on a red dot sight that is included in the package. For utility, the  Bushmaster XM-15 Quick Response Carbine only requires cleaning off the new gun gunk, pulling the insulator tab out from under the sight’s battery and its ready to go. For those who need much, much more, the XM-15 is a spec gun so changes can be made and any popular accessories added when and to the degree desired.

While the XM15’s rear Picatinny rail can accommodate any compatible rear sights, there is no mounting location for a front sight. If the included or aftermarket optical/electronic sight doesn’t get it done for you, the factory gas block can be replaced with another 0.625″ gas block with integral Picatinny rail to facilitate front sight mounting. As and example, this one sold through Brownells.

The red dot sight included with this XM-15 package is made in China and can be found selling under a variety of brand names. Bushmaster specs the RT5 as having a 3.5 MOA dot. It is advertised elsewhere as having a 4.0 DOT, probably the effects of rounding.

The RT5 is a non-magnifying and has a 20mm objective lens. Parallax is adjusted to 50 yards, range of adjustment, both windage and elevation, is 36 MOA @100 yards. Increment of click adjustment is 1 MOA. The sight is compact; 2.65″ long and 1.60″ from rail top to center of optics, and it weighs just 6.6 Oz. The sight is secured to the 1913 standard Picatinny rail with a cam lever for quick install/removal. There are 11 levels of dot illumination and an off position. There is no auto off battery saver function.

Does the sight work? Sure. For recreational paper punching or plinking it works just fine. For more critical target work or for self defense it might be a little light. Personally, as it is the sole aiming device on the carbine, I would change out the gas block for one with a stub rail and install a better grade of red dot. But that’s just me.

By no means a gutted AR

While this XM-15 is a basic configuration, it is not a low end firearm. The fit and finish of parts and assemblies are of excellent quality. The XM-15 does have a forward assist function and an ejection port cover. Actuation of controls is smooth and positive; no gritty feel, no sticking springs or detents.

Safety positions are engraved on both sides of the receiver and the safety can easily be swapped side to side. The grip and trigger guard are replaceable for folks who like grips with palm swells and secret compartments and oversized trigger guards to accommodate winter gloved shooting. Again, all are terrific as is, but there are always folks who need to tinker.

The left side is more of the same with standard placement of safety and bolt release. The trigger is single stage and actually pretty clean, although 8 Lbs 3 Oz is a little on the heavy side. Again, all standard components that can be swapped for triple trick, high buck pieces.

The fiber filled poly stock is six position. No recoil pad as none is required. It is a good solid piece that locks of tightly in all positions. The stock includes a sling swivel that goes nicely with the swivel hung on the gas block.

The handguard is of the non-floating variety that covers a mid length gas system. Again, if the preference is a full floating Dec-O-Rail cheese grater, these pieces are easy enough to change out. Not seen in this picture, but in prior, the gas block has an integral bayonet lug. Something to get you out of a tough spot when the target of a zombie chipmunk onslaught. The bolt and lower receiver are spec parts, no double ejectors or steel insert feed ramps, but nice fit and finish on standard assemblies.

Does it make noise at any point in time? Sure…

Shooting to ascertain the mechanical accuracy of the Bushmaster, I swapped a Leupold scope for the red dot and selected three common types of reasonably priced ammunition and blasted away, at targets and over a chronograph.

Shooting from a steady rest, multiple sets of groups were shot, some opened or closed slightly, neither tracking to changes in temperature, so I think what appears on the table is representative of the carbine’s accuracy. The Bushmaster cycled reliably with all ammunition and always concluded on empty with the slide locked open.

Wrap it up, Joe. You nose is dribbling on the keyboard and you look like crap…

Even with the classic handguard, this is a carbine that is easy to like. The short barrel does little to deter the performance of the 5.56 NATO or 223 Remington cartridges. Inexpensive, well made, good warranty. The light weight makes it a standout and a useful utility firearm. Good little AR.