Why I Don’t Really Like Retro AR-15s (But This One's OK I Guess)
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.
««« GUN AND GEAR GIVEAWAYS »»»
PLEASE check out our Patreon and Subscribe Star pages if you enjoy our program, and consider helping us at TFBTV out! We give away hundreds of dollars of gear a month to our supporters!
NOTE: These giveaways are not affiliated with, associated with, or in any way endorsed by YouTube and TFBTV is solely responsible for the giveaways mentioned in this video and this description. No purchase required for gear worth over $250.
««« FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA »»»
https://www.facebook.com/TheFirearmBlogTV/
https://www.instagram.com/TFBTV/
https://www.reddit.com/r/tfbtv/
««« SPONSORS »»»
Please Support Them! They help make our videos possible.
- Ventura Munitions - www.venturamunitions.com
- Blue Alpha Gear - www.bluealphabelts.com
- Top Gun Supply - www.topgunsupply.com
««« TFB CHAT ROOM »»»
Want to join the TFBTV chat room? Use our Discord Invite: discord.gg/tfbtv
#TFBTV
Owner, Neutral Ground Gun Co. NRA/Louisiana State Police certified concealed weapons instructor, 2012-present Maxim Magazine's MAXIMum Warrior, 2011 TFBTV Executive Producer Champion, Key West Cinco De Mayo Taco Eating Competition Lawyer Instagram: gunshorts Twitter: @jjreeves
More by James Reeves
![[SHOT 2025] Jacob Grey TWC Hex](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2025/01/26/00051/shot-2025-jacob-grey-twc-hex.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2025] Savage Arms Gets Serious About 7mm Backcountry](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2025/01/21/14231/shot-2025-savage-arms-gets-serious-about-7mm-backcountry.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2025] HK USA Displays MR A4 Family, New Pistols](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2025/01/23/02571/shot-2025-hk-usa-displays-mr-a4-family-new-pistols.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2025] Ammo Updates From Winchester, Browning](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2025/01/22/17191/shot-2025-ammo-updates-from-winchester-browning.jpg?size=350x220)
Comments
Join the conversation
I concur.
Actually all the average person really needs to throw bullets across the front yard to repel boarders.