Need some perspective…from the many experienced enthusiasts on this forum.
Up until about 6 months ago, my deepest involvement with firearms was a 22 Ruger and 9mm handgun. I then decided to build my own AR15. This has been somewhat disappointing due to the weak quality of some products, especially higher end parts. Is what I am seeing typical of firearm products, or am I just expecting too much?
Barrel from a premier manufacturer, which had the gas block dragged along the barrel, scratching it, and then twisted on at the gas block port, leaving twisting scratches just in front of the gas block. The latter are just deep enough to catch a fingernail on. Looks like grit was on the barrel or inside the gas block, or a burr caused the marring.
Top of the line trigger, with some kind of ridge on the upper face of the trigger, that is about .035” tall, and .220” long, is off to one side and runs vertical at a bit of a slant. Looks like flashing or something dropped on it and then fused to the trigger face.
A2 stock from a reputable maker with the screw threads for affixing to the bugger tube on the verge of being stripped. Small stain on stock, plus scuffed due to poor packaging.
Top of the line bolt assembly, with a small groove cut across on the outside edge of one of the locking lugs. Maybe it is supposed to be there? Never seen another like this.
Lower receiver with oversize trigger and hammer pin holes (already discussed here in another post). That receiver has been sent back for inspection.
Many try to justify the lackluster quality by saying demand has hurt quality, or that the AR is a battle rifle, and I should be indifferent to cosmetic flaws, or that it will get banged up anyway, so why care. My stuff does not get banged up, and if I buy the best, I expect the best in every way. Is that too much to ask of firearm parts?
- Phil
Up until about 6 months ago, my deepest involvement with firearms was a 22 Ruger and 9mm handgun. I then decided to build my own AR15. This has been somewhat disappointing due to the weak quality of some products, especially higher end parts. Is what I am seeing typical of firearm products, or am I just expecting too much?
Barrel from a premier manufacturer, which had the gas block dragged along the barrel, scratching it, and then twisted on at the gas block port, leaving twisting scratches just in front of the gas block. The latter are just deep enough to catch a fingernail on. Looks like grit was on the barrel or inside the gas block, or a burr caused the marring.
Top of the line trigger, with some kind of ridge on the upper face of the trigger, that is about .035” tall, and .220” long, is off to one side and runs vertical at a bit of a slant. Looks like flashing or something dropped on it and then fused to the trigger face.
A2 stock from a reputable maker with the screw threads for affixing to the bugger tube on the verge of being stripped. Small stain on stock, plus scuffed due to poor packaging.
Top of the line bolt assembly, with a small groove cut across on the outside edge of one of the locking lugs. Maybe it is supposed to be there? Never seen another like this.
Lower receiver with oversize trigger and hammer pin holes (already discussed here in another post). That receiver has been sent back for inspection.
Many try to justify the lackluster quality by saying demand has hurt quality, or that the AR is a battle rifle, and I should be indifferent to cosmetic flaws, or that it will get banged up anyway, so why care. My stuff does not get banged up, and if I buy the best, I expect the best in every way. Is that too much to ask of firearm parts?
- Phil
