Cost Saving?

[Rlandry]

This came off of a DPMS Sweet 16 upper. Barrel nut and float tube are integrated into one piece. Also found metal shavings between the tube and the face of the receiver. Guess it's a good idea to strip and clean everything when you get it.
Found a lo-pro gasblock at my local AR shop, minus set screws. Picked up set screws at a local fastener store for a nickel each and waiting for the Midwest handguard to arrive.

 

[JMURACN]

I guess they were trying to save a buck... parts like this are why i always roll my own. I dont need extra junk laying around.

 

[timesublime]

How did you get the hand guard off? I have the same upper.

 

[Rlandry]

The guy at my local AR shop removed it. The only way to get it off without damaging anything is with a strap wrench. I wanted to keep everything undamaged so maybe I can get a few bucks for it and the gas block on fleabay.
I also had to clean up the gas block dimples on the barrel, but that was pretty simply. I just hit them using my jig to steady the bit. So far the only thing from DPMS that I like are their heavy wall lo-pro uppers.
I sent DPMS a photo of the sloppy dimpling job they did and their only response was, "Thanks for the feedback".

 

[DRAM40A1]

You really should just sell it. As picky as you are, you’ll never be happy. What exactly was the problem with the dimples? Did they not serve their purpose to secure the gas block?

 

[Rlandry]

You really should just sell it. As picky as you are, you’ll never be happy. What exactly was the problem with the dimples? Did they not serve their purpose to secure the gas block?

It was just sloppy workmanship. They appeared to secure the gas block, but when I removed the set screws, there was very little tension on them, so they may or may not have eventually worked loose.

It almost seems like the rough look of the original dimples was caused by debris from the machining process that settled in the dimples and was compressed by the set screws because they cleaned up just being touched by the drill bit. The metal material that I found between the barrel nut and the receiver face would support that theory.
I realize I may be being too picky, but when I turn a job back to one of my customers, it's been double and triple checked to make sure it's right. It's just good business and a good practice.

 

[DRAM40A1]

The rough look of the original dimples was caused by the screws contacting the surface and in no way reflects poor workmanship on their part. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. The problem is you bought an entry level rifle and expect top tier workmanship and performance. How did the rifle perform before you started taking it apart to improve it?

 

[The DFC]

The opposite of buy once cry once-buy cheap constantly weep.

 

[RTH1800]

You bought a Kia and expected a Ferrari?

 

[hlee]

Hand loading will do more to improve performance than replacing parts. Of course, you have to shoot the rifle to reap that benefit.

 

[Ahogue21]

I mean less parts to deal with i can see why its integrated

 

[DRAM40A1]

You can see the seam between the barrel nut and the tube. It is NOT integral. A little heat will help separate them.