Could the Aftermarket Save Bushmaster’s ACR?
Before I dig into why Bushmaster’s Adaptive Combat Rifle might be experiencing a rebirth, I have to confess that it pains me to headline an article with a question. This is the first time in over two years that I’ve done so, and I don’t plan to make a habit of it.
With that out of the way, I want to talk about the ACR. Looking back over the last decade, it’s difficult to think of a new rifle, or firearm for that matter, that has been more disappointing. Sure, the gun works well, but when Bushmaster failed to deliver on the modularity and customization options that were promised by Magpul before they sold the design, enthusiasts understandably felt burned. Bushmaster’s sister company, Remington, went on to tweak the rifle after its release but has refused to sell the upgraded parts to the general public.
If there’s a saving grace for the ACR, it’s the rifle’s loyal following. ACR owners, generally feeling spurned by Bushmaster and Remington, have taken it upon themselves to push for the aftermarket accessories and development that the rifle’s makers won’t pursue. Now, some six years after the ACR first hit the market, we’re starting to see progress on the aftermarket front that could save the gun in the long run.
The ACR’s aftermarket starts with folks like Marvin Pitts at Nefarious Arms and ADCO. For some reason, Bushmaster opted for an M4 profile barrel on the ACR, and after they failed to deliver the promised replacement barrels in different lengths and calibers, Marvin and ADCO began to offer modification services for AR-15 barrels to adapt them to the ACR. Nefarious Arms also developed a lighter gas piston assembly so shooters could make full use of the rifle’s quick-change barrel system and to cut down on the ACR’s heavy front end. Marvin also offers lightening cuts on factory ACR bolt carriers, which also have a reputation for being very heavy.
In addition to the heavy bolt carrier and piston, the ACR’s railed handguard is an absolute pig. Look around at any of the firearms forums, and you’ll find that few ACR owners choose the heavy railed forearm over the polymer, MOE-compatible one. Remington defense developed a lighter handguard for their version of the ACR, but like the other Remington upgrades, the product has never found its way to the commercial rifle. This is another space where the aftermarket seems to be stepping in. Nexus Tactical offers carbon fiber handguards that weigh just 4 ounces but also sport $450+ price tags. Meanwhile, there is an outside chance that Geissele could produce an ACR rail (they already make an ACR-specific trigger), and Manticore Arms is now giving the rifle a look for a number of different upgrade possibilities. I’ve also heard that a few other shops are poking around with the concept of an ACR handguard, but nothing is official as of yet.
Beyond the front half of the gun, the rest of the package is actually quite good. A fair number of users would like to see a lower receiver that accepts AK magazines, as was originally promised by Bushmaster/Magpul. I am confident that we will never see anything of the type from Bushmaster, but some people have successfully converted Magpul PTS airsoft lowers to fit the real ACR. It takes some reinforcement work but is doable. Lowers are also a space in which Manticore has expressed some (early) interest.
Now here’s the issue: these aftermarket parts are expensive. The 10.5″ barrel and piston assemblies from Nefarious Arms (shown above) cost $810. Nexus Tactical’s handguards start at $450 and go up from there. Simply reprofiling the barrel and lightening the carrier will probably cost most people at least $250, making the $1,500 ACR a $1,750 rifle or more. So the real question will be whether or not more aftermarket competition will bring prices to more reasonable levels. There are limitations here, specifically the fact that smaller runs for ACR parts don’t benefit from economies of scale in the same way that your typical AR parts do.
I’ll be the first to admit that this article is loaded with speculation. Typically, that isn’t my style, but I can’t help but notice that Bushmaster ACRs, despite the controversy/disappointment that has followed them since release, continue to sell. Heck, even I find myself looking at them from time to time. Perhaps the market is nearing the critical mass needed to encourage popular aftermarket brands to jump on the wagon. What say, readers? Is it too little, too late? What would you like to see for this rifle?
An information security professional by day and gun blogger by night, Nathan started his firearms journey at 16 years old as a collector of C&R rifles. These days, you’re likely to find him shooting something a bit more modern – and usually equipped with a suppressor – but his passion for firearms with military heritage has never waned. Over the last five years, Nathan has written about a variety of firearms topics, including Second Amendment politics and gun and gear reviews. When he isn’t shooting or writing, Nathan nerds out over computers, 3D printing, and Star Wars.