Re: AR-15 or somthing else?
For what is costs to buy a DPMS, Bushmaster, or other second/third tier carbine and fix the issues so you do not have problems you can buy a BCM, DD, LMT, Colt, etc.
Comparison Chart of Commercial M4-Pattern Carbines
From the thread "Be an Informed Consumer" on the same site:
Here are some cold hard facts:
1. The only way to get a TRULY Mil-Spec weapon is to be issued it by the US Military.
2. The current two companies with the OFFICIAL TDP (Technical Data Package) are Colt and FN.
3. Mil-Spec means the LOWEST acceptable quality the US Govt will accept for a fighting gun.
4. If a company cannot meet the lowest of standards (Mil-Spec/TDP), then what standards are they following (if any)?
Barrel's:
Per MIL-B-11595E, barrels have to be made out of the following in order to comply with this standard AND have the correct chemical compounds. IF the barrel’s do not meet this standard, they will not meet the mil-standard MPI acceptance criteria!
Then the barrels have to meet the following things:
• Chrome Lined Bore and Chamber
• Manganese Phosphate Barrel Finish on entire barrel
• HPT (High Pressure Test, per Milspec) barrel’s
• MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected, per Milspec) barrel’s
• USGI 5.56mm NATO Chamber
Bolt's:
Per the TDP, bolts are to comply with the following:
• Bolt machined from Mil-Spec Carpenter No. 158® steel
• HPT Bolt (High Pressure Tested/ Proof)
• MPI Bolt (Magnetic Particle Inspected)
• Shot Peened Bolt (per Mil-S-13165)
• Heat Treated
And finally a
LINK to the ever popular, "On No! I bought an off-brand carbine before I knew better." thread.