Iron Bridge Armory (IBA)XM3 build not clone correct

[Jrb572]

Let me first off start by saying I am done with this clone building shit. Especially when the original company can not even make a correct clone.

IBA has been a complete shit show to deal with. Do not send them a XM3 clone build.
1. They tried marking the scope base incorrectly with the serial and XM3. I called them on it and they said I had no clue what I was talking about . Luckily they replaced it for free.
2. They US stamped the receiver. We discussed them tig welding up the US and making it correct. Well I guess they don’t care because it still has the US stamp on the receiver
3. I wanted the barrel to be marked like the original. Fuck they can’t even stamp the God damn barrel correct. It’s supposed to have H-IBA 308 and last four of serial other side is supposed to have P XM-3. Well the one side has P T. And the other has
IBA H 1-10 308 and my last four.
4. Clip slot thumb relief is completely incorrect
5. No weapons book like promised
6. They are very unfriendly. Told me there was no pleasing me. Well I wanted it and explained I wanted it clone correct to the original ones.

“ IBA” Iron Brigade Armory did not build a clone correct rifle for me like we discussed being done for me.
I would not be upset if it was not discussed up front I wanted an exact copy of the XM3 I even caught during the build that they US stamped the receiver and was told it would be taken care of.

I guess it’s off to @LRI to get the fucked up shit fixed

 

[onetopgun]

Have you shot it?

 

[Stevo86]

Let me first off start by saying I am done with this clone building shit. Especially when the original company can not even make a correct clone.

IBA has been a complete shit show to deal with. Do not send them a XM3 clone build.
1. They tried marking the scope base incorrectly with the serial and XM3. I called them on it and they said I had no clue what I was talking about . Luckily they replaced it for free.
2. They US stamped the receiver. We discussed them tig welding up the US and making it correct. Well I guess they don’t care because it still has the US stamp on the receiver
3. I wanted the barrel to be marked like the original. Fuck they can’t even stamp the God damn barrel correct. It’s supposed to have H-IBA 308 and last four of serial other side is supposed to have P XM-3. Well the one side has P T. And the other has
IBA H 1-10 308 and my last four.
4. Clip slot thumb relief is completely incorrect
5. No weapons book like promised

Stay away from IBA Irom Bridge Armory if you want a correct clone build

That sucks to hear. I had an IBA supermatch m1a bedded in a McMillan that was a work of art.

But that was years ago

 

[corsairpilot62]

Damn that sucks. Although i hate to ask but can you take some pics?

 

[Jrb572]

Damn that sucks. Although i hate to ask but can you take some pics?

I will but I’m trying to calm down first

 

[Jrb572]

 

[Jrb572]

Thing that really pisses me off is it took forever to find a correct serial number range for it

 

[corsairpilot62]

Looking at some reference photos looks like there is both IBA-H and H-IBA which is correct i’m not sure.

 

[Jrb572]

Have you shot it?

I really don’t give a shit how it shoots. Sorry I don’t mean to be rude to you. It was barreled by Hart. I’m sure it shoots fine

I paid for the company to build it clone correct. It is not.

 

[Jrb572]

Looking at some reference photos looks like there is both IBA-H and H-IBA which is correct i’m not sure.

 

[Jrb572]

Pictures from real XM3 on the CMP and Ryan’s XM3 has the exact same markings. All are marked this way

 

[corsairpilot62]

Ah, on one hand thank you for the clarification; on the other, now that really sucks.

I’m sure LRI can help ya. Hopefully his shop isn’t as busy as it was. I still like Mike Lau and TBA. But the wait time….

 

[Jrb572]

Pretty sure this is Ryan’s

 

[Jrb572]

I could deal with the barrel markings but the Damn US stamp is what I can not stand. I could even deal with the incorrect thumb relief. My M40A1 is incorrect also because of TMA

 

[Jrb572]

Thumb relief on real deal XM3

 

[Jrb572]

That sucks to hear. I had an IBA supermatch m1a bedded in a McMillan that was a work of art.

But that was years ago

I will say that the bedding looks phenomenal. I will say that.

 

[Jrb572]

I got an email back from them saying they told me it could not be removed. But I saved our entire email chain where it says no problem we can get it removed it was their fault and no problem it would be gone when I received it back.

I want money back. I did not receive what was agreed upon. I am so tired of companies thinking that they can do whatever they want and not be responsible . Anyone think I’m out of line?

I’m done complaining for now. Sorry had to vent and wanted to make everyone aware thinking of building an XM3 clone to go elsewhere. There is several trusted companies here on the hide.

Oh and sorry @onetopgun i was in a real pissed of mood earlier did not mean to take it out on you.

 

[corsairpilot62]

Yall got any need for the surefire flash hider? Joking.

Sorry that was in poor taste. But im off duty now so i’m having a few beers watching Apcolopyse Now.

Did you contact iba about a refund?

 

[Jrb572]

View attachment 8635789
Yall got any need for the surefire flash hider? Joking.

Sorry that was in poor taste. But im off duty now so i’m having a few beers watching Apcolopyse Now.

Did you contact iba about a refund?

I do already have the flash hider.

Yes I have. They say they want to purchase it back for $1,300 the barreled receiver. I got $3100 in it from them. Told them hell no. Give me a $1000 and I’ll get it taken care of.

Bad thing is when I found out it had the US stamp I contacted a company and they said hell yeah as long as it’s not super close to the serial number we got you. IBA said no we can do it no problem. So I reminded them they had the option of me having it shipped to another company to be fixed and finished.

Sad thing is I was never contacted or given the chance to once they decided they did not or could not do the job.

 

[corsairpilot62]

I do already have the flash hider.

Yes I have. They say they want to purchase it back for $1,300 the barreled receiver. I got $3100 in it from them. Told them hell no. Give me a $1000 and I’ll get it taken care of.

Bad thing is when I found out it had the US stamp I contacted a company and they said hell yeah as long as it’s not super close to the serial number we got you. IBA said no we can do it no problem. So I reminded them they had the option of me having it shipped to another company to be fixed and finished.

Sad thing is I was never contacted or given the chance to once they decided they did not or could not do the job.

Damn. Although i would be curious how it groups. I talked to IBA a few months ago he said he had hart cut the chamber and headspaced on looser side for “dirt and grime” so i would be curious it groups well.

 

[Jrb572]

Damn. Although i would be curious how it groups. I talked to IBA a few months ago he said he had hart cut the chamber and headspaced on looser side for “dirt and grime” so i would be curious it groups well.

If I got time tomorrow I’m going to run to the range and see.

I am not letting them have shit for $1,300. They can literally come to my house and kiss my ass.

 

[idiot face]

I got an email back from them saying they told me it could not be removed. But I saved our entire email chain where it says no problem we can get it removed it was their fault and no problem it would be gone when I received it back.

I want money back. I did not receive what was agreed upon. I am so tired of companies thinking that they can do whatever they want and not be responsible . Anyone think I’m out of line?

I’m done complaining for now. Sorry had to vent and wanted to make everyone aware thinking of building an XM3 clone to go elsewhere. There is several trusted companies here on the hide.

Oh and sorry @onetopgun i was in a real pissed of mood earlier did not mean to take it out on you.

I don’t think you are out of line. When a guy says “clone correct” and is paying thousands…it goddamn better be clone correct down to the tiniest of details!! If the shop can’t offer that and/or guarantee that the people hired to do the work also understand what that means…they should not offer or state they can build clone correct. They should say “xm3-ish” or “xm3 - inspired”…or “I’mma do my best but I’m a machinist not a gunsmith”. I hate hunting down parts, doing research, being as clear as possible in a build sheet and phone call waiting two years only to have some sloppy shit returned. I’m tired of hearing the “ we can’t please you” ….bullshit! Shops charge a premium, you wait forever and when shit is wrong you get the “wow this guys super picky and weird”. NO SHIT I’m both….that is the VERY customer base these shops serve…we are totally insane to pay $5k for a rifle, but guess what, WE DO and there are thousands of us…it’s called a “niche market”….so if your going to get into the business you’d better be ready to deliver as advertised…there are a dozen shops who can spin a premium barrel on an impact or similar action—-drop in a chassis or chassis stock and in less than 1 month deliver a tack driver….the clone game is completely different….a clone correct customer is seeking a very very specific detail rich end product…because we ARE weird and picky and eccentric and broken…fuck-off, here’s $5k build me my clone so I can top it off with a $3k optic and go lose myself for a couple hours at a time a few times a month doing something that has brought me joy since age 10…no, I’m not talking about jerking it to the lingerie section of the Sears catalog….Im talking shooting my rifle!!
BTW… I’ve had similar experiences with two reputable builders. One you already mentioned….barrel fluted 3 more than I asked for. Sent a flat top stock no recoil
Pad with instructions to cut to 13.5 LOP. The damn stock was 15-3/4” long as a flat top. The shop didn’t cut to LOP and now I got a rifle with more flutes than a high-school marching band with an LOP better suited for Rob Gronkowski …and it Took nearly two years!!!!

 

[Jrb572]

I don’t think you are out of line. When a guy says “clone correct” and is paying thousands…it goddamn better be clone correct down to the tiniest of details!! If the shop can’t offer that and/or guarantee that the people hired to do the work also understand what that means…they should not offer or state they can build clone correct. They should say “xm3-ish” or “xm3 - inspired”…or “I’mma do my best but I’m a machinist not a gunsmith”. I hate hunting down parts, doing research, being as clear as possible in a build sheet and phone call waiting two years only to have some sloppy shit returned. I’m tired of hearing the “ we can’t please you” ….bullshit! Shops charge a premium, you wait forever and when shit is wrong you get the “wow this guys super picky and weird”. NO SHIT I’m both….that is the VERY customer base these shops serve…we are totally insane to pay $5k for a rifle, but guess what, WE DO and there are thousands of us…it’s called a “niche market”….so if your going to get into the business you’d better be ready to deliver as advertised…there are a dozen shops who can spin a premium barrel on an impact or similar action—-drop in a chassis or chassis stock and in less than 1 month deliver a tack driver….the clone game is completely different….a clone correct customer is seeking a very very specific detail rich end product…because we ARE weird and picky and eccentric and broken…fuck-off, here’s $5k build me my clone so I can top it off with a $3k optic and go lose myself for a couple hours at a time a few times a month doing something that has brought me joy since age 10…no, I’m not talking about jerking it to the lingerie section of the Sears catalog….Im talking shooting my rifle!!
BTW… I’ve had similar experiences with two reputable builders. One you already mentioned….barrel fluted 3 more than I asked for. Sent a flat top stock no recoil
Pad with instructions to cut to 13.5 LOP. The damn stock was 15-3/4” long as a flat top. The shop didn’t cut to LOP and now I got a rifle with more flutes than a high-school marching band with an LOP better suited for Rob Gronkowski …and it Took nearly two years!!!!

Sorry to hear that. I agree I could have built a clonish rifle way cheaper and been happier than I am now.

One good thing is the internet and me going to tell people who want a clone rifle built to stay away from this company. It’s really sad when someone can not even build their own rifle correctly. I love it I do not think they do shit except take a check. They keep blaming x company for separate things. So it goes to prove you can have anyone else build it and it would be just as original as them taking a check to have separate companies do things to it and calling it theirs.

Bad thing it’s the second time I’ve called a company out for building a shit clone and the second time they refuse to do shit to correct their poor work. That is why I am completely done with the clone game.

 

[Redmanss]

I'll say this in the world of cloning, same as anything custom be it a rifle or a house.

If it needs to be specific, it needs to be specified in writing and agreed upon by both parties. I'm not talking about just an email, I'm talking about what would amount to a contract that could hold up in small claims court (or higher). Clarity is key, drawings and dimensions included where it matters, because when you're paying a premium and they're putting in the time it has a far higher likelihood to come out right when the build sheet is overly specific.

Yes, you'd assume the same company that built them back in the day would be able to turn out the same product today, but that's rarely the end result in custom built small business arena.

The buyer has the confidence they will get what they ordered and the builder will know they are bound to that agreement. That avoids the angst and time wolves of an argument for both sides, happy buyers promote good builders which brings more business.

 

[Jrb572]

I'll say this in the world of cloning, same as anything custom be it a rifle or a house.

If it needs to be specific, it needs to be specified in writing and agreed upon by both parties. I'm not talking about just an email, I'm talking about what would amount to a contract that could hold up in small claims court (or higher). Clarity is key, drawings and dimensions included where it matters, because when you're paying a premium and they're putting in the time it has a far higher likelihood to come out right when the build sheet is overly specific.

Yes, you'd assume the same company that built them back in the day would be able to turn out the same product today, but that's rarely the end result in custom built small business arena.

The buyer has the confidence they will get what they ordered and the builder will know they are bound to that agreement. That avoids the angst and time wolves of an argument for both sides, happy buyers promote good builders which brings more business.

I am sorry but I disagree with you. I told them I wanted it spec from what it was. They agreed it would be. It is still same owners. So they should have the specs and I should not have to remind them.

It is bad on them that they do not even know what or how to build their own rifle. They should have said no we do no do that anymore

But we can agree to disagree

 

[Jrb572]

Just came back from the range and I’m more disappointed with the rifle than I was yesterday.
The loads are known to shoot in three other rifles I shoot. I should have took my known shooter AXMC with me to make sure it wasn’t me. That was my fault. Maybe I have something loose so I am going to go through and double check everything before I count it completely out. I threw it together when I was extremely pissed off yesterday. So I need to check before I say I really hate it.

 

[Redmanss]

I am sorry but I disagree with you. I told them I wanted it spec from what it was. They agreed it would be. It is still same owners. So they should have the specs and I should not have to remind them.

It is bad on them that they do not even know what or how to build their own rifle. They should have said no we do no do that anymore

Be we can agree to disagree

Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing you. Any common sense person would think the original builder would be able to turn out the same as they did in the past. I'm more putting it out there for others, especially in dealing with custom builders for a clone project where the little details really do matter, and decades of time having passed means it's rare to have the same hands building now that did then.

Detailing the specifics, in writing, cannot hurt in any way for either side of the transaction. There's a thousand stories a day about work not being performed to expectation, and the majority of those are due to assumptions of understanding. Remove those assumptions and you can hold the other party to the agreement. It's only smart business and quite frankly, if a builder resisted putting a signature to a detailed spec sheet I'd consider that a huge fucking clue to find another builder.

I'm not going to step into the specifics of IBA. I'll just say I'm not a customer for my own reasons.

 

[Jrb572]

Well supposedly Tiny the guy that did the original ones did mine.

But from what I’ve found is it got sent to Hart for the barrel work then got shipped to PTG for the clip slot and the US marking. The one on their site even has the incorrect US on it.

Sounds like to me they just want to charge people for the name.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: IBA

IBA was always snarky to deal with.

Re: cloning.

I had at one time purchased an estate of a retired and deceased USMC 2112.
Had boxes of things. Scopes, mounts, photos, barrels, rifles etc. about a pick up bed full.
This stuff spanned WW1 through Vietnam.

It was immensely profitable but absolutely the worst people to deal with ever. Never again.

 

[Jrb572]

Yeah Norm said something snarky and ignorant to me in an email when I called them on their work.

OH well. I am just tired of getting took by people.

 

[D_TROS]

dam...incorrect stamps, clip, US....AND its doesnt shoot??

GL with sale!


ugh what a pain.
DT