Bushmaster ACR Arrives for Civilians, Then LE

Basic and enhanced versions of Bushmaster's "modular" Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR) are now available at firearms dealers for public sale with law enforcement versions scheduled to follow by May 1, according to the manufacturer.

The two law enforcement models of the Bushmaster ACR will be called Patrol and Special Purpose. A Remington-branded version will be sold to federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military.

For law enforcement, Bushmaster will offer similar versions to the civilian rifles with one key difference: a fully automatic mode. The LE versions will also offer muzzles pre-threaded for an AAC sound supressor, three 30-round PMAGs (instead of one), a single-point hook sling and nylon deployment bag instead of a hard case.

The ACR, which was introduced at SHOT Show in January, is said to be a modular rifle because it can change calibers, barrel lengths and stock configurations quickly and without tools. Once known as the Magpul Masada, it is a result of a collaboration between Bushmaster, Magpul and Remington.

The ACR platform provides a configurable rifle utilizing an adjustable gas piston operating system that supports suppressed or unsuppressed firing and the ability to quickly change calibers from 5.56mm/223 Rem to 6.8mm Rem SPC.

Other features include ambidextrous operator controls for magazine release, bolt catch and release, fire selector and non-reciprocating charging handle. The cold hammer-forged barrel system—10.5-, 14.5-, 16.5- and 18-inch barrel options with multiple calibers—and all action components feature a proprietary protective coating.

Other elements of the core platform of the rifle include a free-floating MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny top rail for optics mounting; A2 birdcage-type suppressor for muzzle blast reduction; enhanced hand guard with heat shield and rail inserts; functional lower receiver design with textured magazine well and modular grip storage; A-frame style stock with rubber butt pad and sling attachment mounts; Magpul MBUS front and rear flip sights; and 30-round PMAG. The ACR and its components arrive in a hard case with room for accessory storage.

The enhanced version features an AAC Blackout NSM flash hider for reduction of muzzle flash; three-sided aluminum hand guard with MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail; and folding, six-position telescoping composite stock with rubber butt pad, sling attachment mounts and two-point push button sling.

The basic and enhanced versions are offered in a non-reflective, black finish or Coyote Brown finish. The suggested retail price for the basic version is $2,685; the enhanced version is $3,061.

View a photo gallery of the Bushmaster ACR and a Remington video of the ACR in action.