I posted this on a different thread when Aaron asked, but that thread was about just the MPR chassis, so since I started here I'll post where I was before. If you already read that, just pass . . .
I said I would report back on my second return. The rifle came back two days ago.
On my first send-back, they replaced the action. Fast, attentive, and efficient service. Zero cost to me other than lost shooting time and trips to Fed ex. No result at all - I had the same issue with the new action.
So I sent it back a second time. Again quick, easy, friendly, and no cost to me. Got it back two days ago with oil all over it.
CA can't or won't fix it, they ran the bolt and - get this - have actually told me to I need use more grease and try holding different finger pressure on the bolt handle so it doesn't rub as much!! Which only means they have acknowledged its a problem. They said it's "normal" and will wear-in with use. I don't know whether their answer is more insulting or laughable. Maybe I need to hold my mouth right too.
This is supposed to be a premium "precision" rifle and it was not cheap. Unfinished machining passed off as complete is just unacceptable; why should I trust the chambering, extractor, or any other part of the construction? "Premium" actions are not to be "worn-in"! OK, how many rounds does an average hunter and hobby shooter and hunter shoot in a year? 200? 300? So if I put on a movie or baseball game and just sit there cycling 20 or 30 magazines through it, it will act like it was supposed to when they finished it?
If cycling is their designated finishing process, why don't they cycle it 200-300 times before they pass it off as a finished rifle?!?! What about the clearance after the CNC grooves have worn away - how sloppy will it be then? My go-to gunsmith and custom rifle maker just laughed when he inspected the action. He said if he tried to lap the CNC grooves off like they should be, it would open the clearance and then it would be rattly instead of raspy.
I can't return it, so I'm just gonna have to take a loss selling it I won't try to hide the condition. CA does say on paper that they are happy with it, so I wouldn't be selling a defective rifle. I am not going to keep a "premium" precision rifle with doubts, that I don't look forward to shooting. Maybe I can sell the chassis and barrel.
I guess I still say that CA's service procedure and timeliness was quite good, I'd even use the word impressive; unfortunately it's not enough to make up for what they should do in the first place.
I have tried two other new MPR's at gun shops, both magnums - 338 and 300, and they cycle quite nicely. Also I see lots of good comments about MPR's above. On the other hand, since buying mine, I've read several shooter forums and talked with two dealers who say CA used to be very good but has developed a hit-or-miss reputation now that they are pressured for volume sales.
I don't mean to insult any CA owners; if you got a "hit" - great for you. Not me - I got a "miss".