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My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

bm11

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 18, 2010
2,562
13
41
Maine
I know that there has been a lot of negative attention towards Mark Larue lately, but I want everyone to know that while he MAY be a douche on the forums (I don't personally know, I never checked out the AR-15 thread) the quality control and customer service remain to be top notch. Keep in mind- I am not a "fanboy" because it certainly isn't the cool thing around here to be a LT owner, and this is the only place I post. Here is my story:

I bought a Larue OBR 7.62 on gunbroker at the end of October. I couldn't find a bad review on the rifle, especially concerning the accuracy, and the deal was right. The gun had been bought new and never was shot, and included a ton of extras, so it really made sense to me. However, it was setup with the A2 stock, so when I used the OBR mount (included in the auction) to mount my US Optics 1.8-10x37 on it, the cheek height was way too low- an issue caused by the 20moa top rail. So I got a hold of a well respected AR parts dealer who set me up with everything I needed to convert it to a collapsible stock setup:
LMT 6-pos milspec buffer tube
LMT back plate
LMT castle nut
LMT h1 carbine buffer
Magpul CTR stock
Magpul .5 inch CTR riser
Magpul .7 inch butt pad

It came in a few days later, so I installed it all, and took it to the range the next day. Everything went fine, but the mag catch wasn't working. The next range session, the feed reliability went way downhill, along with the mag catch not working.

I called Larue Tactical the next day, and explained the situation, thinking I just needed a new mag catch. The guy I talked to was adamant I ship the rifle back, he promptly emailed me a UPS 2 day shipping label (no cost) because they wanted to make sure it was right.

It got there 2 days later and I promptly got a call. "Hey, this is Alfred at Larue Tactical, and we figured out the problem: you have an AR-15 buffer tube on here, and you need an AR-10 tube. Also, you should have a different spring and an H2 buffer."

So I got a hold of my AR parts guy, he's a good guy on here so I won't name his name, and let him know. Apparently, LMT told him that it is the same tube for AR-15 or AR-10, but upon measuring his own MWS, he confirmed that the tube was actually longer.

So I called LT back, told them what was up, and they say "no problem, we've got you all fixed up, we're going to function test it a bit more, and get it back to you."

A few days later, I got shipping confirmation, and my rifle came back 3 days after that, with my wrong parts bagged up.

My total bill for this: <span style="font-weight: bold">$0</span>. I didn't buy the gun new from them, I was the one who screwed it up, and they fixed it on their coin, and WERE HAPPY TO DO IT! They sounded cheerful on the phone and glad to help me out. I offered to pay but they said that I didn't have a bill.

In this day and age, this is truly exceptional customer service, and I didn't feel it was fair to them NOT to share it, especially in the negative light they have been portrayed in. Keep in mind, I am not a LT fanboy, but this is really how you make a good customer for life.

-Bob

Edit- I have not had it to the range since being fixed, but I am pretty confident based on the whole experience that it will now cycle. The bolt catch does work now- what was happening was this: the bolt carrier travel was limited by the short tube, it couldn't go back far enough for the mag catch to engage the bolt face. I thought the mag catch was slipping on the bolt carrier, not realizing it is supposed to grab the bolt itself.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

That is one of the reasons I like buying from LT- assuming their products fit my needs (which as far as I'm concerned, is limited to AR type firearms).

I won't sit here and tell anyone they make the absolute best products- I"m sure there are plenty which are comparable and a few that may actually be better... but their customer service certainly sells.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

I don't think I posted it, but the most impressive thing to me was that door to door, it took 1.5 weeks. And to say again- they gave me free parts to replace the wrong ones that I installed, and gave me back my wrong parts.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

Huh, I didn't realize that Larue have fallen out of favor among the AR-15 crowd. While I don't own anything from them, I have only heard that their stuff is top notch. That's a great story, especially considering the times we live in.

Maybe I'll cruise over to their site and see if I can convince myself there's something I "need".
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

Mark is a great American. He has helped us without asking for anything in return many times. From SPOTR systems for our spotting scopes or foots to attach our weapons to tripods he has consistently come through. I can't recall a single time that we have asked for something that he hasn't provided. It always shows up within a day or two. And he produces a great product. I was proud to shoot an OBR at the int snip comp this year. I love my LT AR and can't wait to get my own OBR.
I hope our schedule allows me to shoot the Larue 3 gun this year. We'll see.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had great customer service from them as well. I have spoken to Mark on the phone before.

I feel the same as DP425. If they have a product that suits my needs, I will buy it with confidence.</div></div>
+1
I've had some good conversations with them.
And the Dillo Dust dry rub they sent me is really tasty on top sirloin steak.
smile.gif
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

That is going above and beyond. I am very impressed. A side note , having shot this rifle and shooting next to it they do shoot very good. The fit and finish is #1 also. Im not much for gas guns but my next one will be a Larue.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

The OBRs I've shot have outshot my personal M24. And it (when I'm not screwing it up) will shoot 3.5" groups at 500 meters. I just don't know if I'll carry a bolt gun 7.62 or below again. An AR that accurate is the best of both worlds. I can't say enough about it. There are a lot of good guns out there but this one suits me and I can shoot it with confidance.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

Nothing in return, you have to be kidding me... he throws the poor some change from his pocket and is paid back 10 fold,

J.J you really can't think he is not banking on your achievements with the favors he's provided you ? You're his sales and marketing effort.. look at the last few days you have been on here, you lobby for him every chance you get. It's cheap labor for him, and with his money it is exactly the same as you giving the change in your pocket to the Salvation Army for Christmas, the investment is the same when you consider his contracts, I believe at least 5.

It's smart business, good on him and he absolutely is selling based off what you have done with is products. There is a reason all these guys, or one guy especially is hanging around Range 37 offering up goods and services. It is instantly in demand. You guys use it, they exploit it for profit, let's face Range 37 is a fast track to success if you use it.

A great American, who with a few bumper stickers and steak rub is cashing in... Capitalism at its finest, yet this same great American will personally attack my service with speed and voracity because I dared to say in public I liked the GDI RCO mount better than his... very telling and why I say, <span style="font-style: italic">God Bless our Troops and Especially our Snipers</span> -- but only if they agree with Mark Larue. He doesn't actually believe it, but because it sells his product its a simple way to make money. He'll post on AR15 about me making money off this site... but at least I served my country, not exploited servicemen by offering up a few tax deductible favors for, "quote" nothing in return.

I have my share of Larue products, but I am not fooled by his bullshit, as I have seen it from every angle. The good side and the bad, just look at his sales force here and in other places, all paid off with dillo dust, a bumper stickers and a can opener. If that is not American nothing is.

So many "not fanboys" who jump at the opportunity to relive stories of greatness from a great man and his feats of generosity. Wait, I am getting a psychic thought as I a see a Veterans charity in his future. Once you cross into the millions it only makes sense.

I think I have officially read it all...
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">making money off this site</div></div>

I don't get the heartburn with this concept. Why would you <span style="text-decoration: underline">not</span> make money off a site that you own and operate. Does he not make money from <span style="text-decoration: underline">his</span> business

...strange critique

By the way, I remember well the dust up between you and him. I think you did the right thing by taken that whole thread down. But if he is keeping the angst alive on another site, I guess he gets whatever's coming. He's a big boy, he can take it
wink.gif
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

That is pretty good customer service. The other thing is that Larue offers a military discount on their products... for someone thats supposedly making their money on the backs of service men they at least reduce what we pay them with our meager salaries that have been recommended to stay frozen for the next three years. I wish I could see the thread when ML blew his top simply because you state your opinion that another product was superior.

It just seems like a jekyll and hyde case...
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shane45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the Buffer tube... if Im not mistaken an AR15 and AR10 buffer tube ARE the same. There are comercial and mil spec versions however. The MWS buffer tube is unqiue. </div></div>Not on this rifle. It made perfect sense after he explained it, my tube wasn't long enough to let the bolt go back far enough to let the catch catch. And looking at them, the AR-10 tube is longer.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

I have been satisfied with LTs customer service.

I threw out the stickers, but I'm defiantly keeping the gun. I bought it because of LTs return policy. I was thinking I'd try the REPR next. MWS after that. No need. Point is that I am not stuck with my OBR, but genuinely blown away by its accuracy.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nothing in return, you have to be kidding me... he throws the poor some change from his pocket and is paid back 10 fold,

J.J you really can't think he is not banking on your achievements with the favors he's provided you ? You're his sales and marketing effort.. look at the last few days you have been on here, you lobby for him every chance you get. It's cheap labor for him, and with his money it is exactly the same as you giving the change in your pocket to the Salvation Army for Christmas, the investment is the same when you consider his contracts, I believe at least 5.

It's smart business, good on him and he absolutely is selling based off what you have done with is products. There is a reason all these guys, or one guy especially is hanging around Range 37 offering up goods and services. It is instantly in demand. You guys use it, they exploit it for profit, let's face Range 37 is a fast track to success if you use it.

A great American, who with a few bumper stickers and steak rub is cashing in... Capitalism at its finest, yet this same great American will personally attack my service with speed and voracity because I dared to say in public I liked the GDI RCO mount better than his... very telling and why I say, <span style="font-style: italic">God Bless our Troops and Especially our Snipers</span> -- but only if they agree with Mark Larue. He doesn't actually believe it, but because it sells his product its a simple way to make money. He'll post on AR15 about me making money off this site... but at least I served my country, not exploited servicemen by offering up a few tax deductible favors for, "quote" nothing in return.

I have my share of Larue products, but I am not fooled by his bullshit, as I have seen it from every angle. The good side and the bad, just look at his sales force here and in other places, all paid off with dillo dust, a bumper stickers and a can opener. If that is not American nothing is.

So many "not fanboys" who jump at the opportunity to relive stories of greatness from a great man and his feats of generosity. Wait, I am getting a psychic thought as I a see a Veterans charity in his future. Once you cross into the millions it only makes sense.

I think I have officially read it all... </div></div>

Lowlight,

I take it you and Mark have your differences. And that is between you two. I'm a 38 year old Green Beret. I'm not really interested in what happened between you and Mark. What I am interested in is the best equipment to send precision fire downrange.
I understand capitalism. I don't expect anyone to get something for nothing. I don't believe Chance and I are better snipers than the rest of the competitors, we just happened to be the ones to make the fewest mistakes. And the truth is the competition was still up for grabs at the beginning of the final shot. But we did pull it out and Mark should bank off our win with his guns, so should HorusVision, and Todd Hodnett of Accuracy 1st.
I will call Mark a great American, because whatever we need he gets it to us in a timely manner. Without question. Whatever the reason is I don't really care. That equipment allows us to train our students to a higher standard and produce a better sniper. This in turn saves American lives down range and helps deplete the ranks of our enemies.
I don't promote Mark's products because he has given us kit to help with the course. I promote the OBR and his mounts because I believe, in my opinion, they are the best at this time. The OBR out shoots my M24. I like LT mounts. I have yet to have one fail me, and I am hard on kit. I also am impressed with SureFire cans and lights. Once again a product that I believe in. The Atrag ballistic software? It is army issue now, we teach it in our course and some of us there have been using it for years. And I am a big believer in the Horus reticle. I believe it allows rapid, multiple, tgt engagement at various ranges in changing wind conditions. I will be the first to say that there have been problem with the 5-20 falcon. Even when it is working to it's max potential the parallax adj sucks and it doesn't track accurately. I probably wouldn't say that if I was a sell out.
I speak my mind here because this is an open forum. My techniques and opinions are different than a lot of the other people here. If everyone said the same thing and applauded the same products than this would merely become a fan club.
If I have a problem with a product I will say specifically what it is I don't like. But I won't say so and so's product sucks because I like this better. Now taking a jab at someone for humor is fun, if it's said in a good natured way.
I will call Mark Larue a friend. We've been down to Texas stayed at his place, was introduced to his family, and we were treated with all around hospitality. This was well before the sniper comp. I have nothing against him.
Just the same as I have nothing against you. In fact I don't know you. And that's ok. I'm on this site to learn and exchange ideas, and to see how everyone else collects data, calls winds, builds guns, zeros scopes, etc. in order to be a more informed, and knowledgeable sniper.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shane45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the Buffer tube... if Im not mistaken an AR15 and AR10 buffer tube ARE the same. There are comercial and mil spec versions however. The MWS buffer tube is unqiue. </div></div>Not on this rifle. It made perfect sense after he explained it, my tube wasn't long enough to let the bolt go back far enough to let the catch catch. And looking at them, the AR-10 tube is longer. </div></div>On Armalite type rifles, there is an AR10 specific buffer tube which is longer than an AR15 version. Being that it is longer, the stock isn't able to collapse as far as an AR15 would. Many people rectify this problem by using a Slash buffer and shortened buffer spring. I know that you've already been taken care of by Larue, but I'm just giving you a FYI.

Does your CTR collapse all the way? If it does then I guess this doesn't apply to you, but if it doesn't, then this is the solution if you want it to collapse all the way. Here is the link for Slash's AR10 buffer. CAR10 buffer

Also, you mentioned the mag catch wasn't working. Did you mean bolt catch?
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

J. J,

You don't know me, but I am very familiar with the others you meantioned, people did teach the Horus system before Todd. That said, you can see the conflict of interest when someone like yourself is tied to manufacturer, you tend to overlook the other products out there. You can search the quotes from sinister going back to 2002 when SSG Shaffer did the same thing, the 1/2 minute accuracy with an AR10 system from GAP, the only difference now is the person behind it, along with the chorus line.

I do have an issue with Mark, he came here and attacked me over my opinion of a single better product. Now before you tell me you don't know anything about that, i tell you I don't expect you too. But let me say this "great" american on 2 occasions now has tried to suppress my opinion by calling my employer because I dared to say the GDI was a better mount. He filled 3 pages on here ranting against this opinion. Pretty unAmerican when you can't handle the truth.

I suppose the solution to this has been right in front of me, and I have been accused of editing opinion about his products, so it really should be simple. To this point I have let anything stand regarding this subject when really there is no need to even have to address it. Why let anyone promote his name or product on here when he continues to attack me on AR15 and call my work as recently as 2 weeks ago.

It was once said never get in an argument with someone who buys ink by the barrel, well Mark decided to attack the guy who owns these particular electrons.

I respect, you and your accomplishments, as well as your reply.

Regards,
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

I don't know anything about larue service but I do know that their sales service could be better. I tried contacting them on several occasions with no luck. They totally ignored my emails. I finally stopped emailing. They obviously feel they don't need the extra business. I figured if that is how their sales dept is, then that must be how all their depts are
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nihonjin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Armalite type rifles, there is an AR10 specific buffer tube which is longer than an AR15 version. Being that it is longer, the stock isn't able to collapse as far as an AR15 would. Many people rectify this problem by using a Slash buffer and shortened buffer spring. I know that you've already been taken care of by Larue, but I'm just giving you a FYI.

Does your CTR collapse all the way? If it does then I guess this doesn't apply to you, but if it doesn't, then this is the solution if you want it to collapse all the way. Here is the link for Slash's AR10 buffer. CAR10 buffer

Also, you mentioned the mag catch wasn't working. Did you mean bolt catch? </div></div>It does't quite collapse all the way with the longer tube, no. And yes, I was referring to the BOLT catch, not the mag catch.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stellite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know anything about larue service but I do know that their sales service could be better. I tried contacting them on several occasions with no luck. They totally ignored my emails. I finally stopped emailing. They obviously feel they don't need the extra business. I figured if that is how their sales dept is, then that must be how all their depts are </div></div>They are behind the curve in the email department. So-so at best. But you can always get someone on the phone, and your assumption about the other departments was incorrect based on my experiences.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shane45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the Buffer tube... if Im not mistaken an AR15 and AR10 buffer tube ARE the same. There are comercial and mil spec versions however. The MWS buffer tube is unqiue. </div></div>

Shane45:

What is unique about the MWS buffer tube?
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Prairie Dog Dundee</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shane45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the Buffer tube... if Im not mistaken an AR15 and AR10 buffer tube ARE the same. There are comercial and mil spec versions however. The MWS buffer tube is unqiue. </div></div>

Shane45:

What is unique about the MWS buffer tube? </div></div>

The MWS tube is slightly longer so you can use a standard length H3 AR buffer.The only thing you notice is a little extra tube in the collapsed position.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

I would have to say that I a whole Larue as a company is great!!! I own 2 of their rifles and wish I could afford more!!! I haven't had any issue with anything of their so haven't had a chance to deal with their customer service department. Does everyone remember when ARMS was filing a lawsuit against them because Larue's quick release cam mounts were to close to theirs. Mark Larue said that if there was anyone out there that wasn't happy with their ARMS mount you could send it back to them and they'd replace it with a Larue mount at no charge :) I was one of those lucky people who wasn't happy with my ARMS aimpoint mount. I'm more than happy with my FREE Larue mount. There's something to be said about a company that's willing to handle other companies complaints by replacing that product with one of their own!!! Mark Larue and his company are lots in my book :))))))))
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nihonjin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On Armalite type rifles, there is an AR10 specific buffer tube which is longer than an AR15 version. Being that it is longer, the stock isn't able to collapse as far as an AR15 would. Many people rectify this problem by using a Slash buffer and shortened buffer spring. I know that you've already been taken care of by Larue, but I'm just giving you a FYI.

Does your CTR collapse all the way? If it does then I guess this doesn't apply to you, but if it doesn't, then this is the solution if you want it to collapse all the way. Here is the link for Slash's AR10 buffer. CAR10 buffer

Also, you mentioned the mag catch wasn't working. Did you mean bolt catch? </div></div>It does't quite collapse all the way with the longer tube, no.</div></div>So the Slash buffer I mentioned is an option if you would like to use your LMT buffer tube and have the stock collapse all the way.
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SakoTRG FAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would have to say that I a whole Larue as a company is great!!! I own 2 of their rifles and wish I could afford more!!! I haven't had any issue with anything of their so haven't had a chance to deal with their customer service department. Does everyone remember when ARMS was filing a lawsuit against them because Larue's quick release cam mounts were to close to theirs. Mark Larue said that if there was anyone out there that wasn't happy with their ARMS mount you could send it back to them and they'd replace it with a Larue mount at no charge :) I was one of those lucky people who wasn't happy with my ARMS aimpoint mount. I'm more than happy with my FREE Larue mount. There's something to be said about a company that's willing to handle other companies complaints by replacing that product with one of their own!!! Mark Larue and his company are lots in my book :)))))))) </div></div>

So basically you destroyed a perfectly good mount to get a larue mount?
 
Re: My Larue Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stellite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know anything about larue service but I do know that their sales service could be better. I tried contacting them on several occasions with no luck. They totally ignored my emails. I finally stopped emailing. They obviously feel they don't need the extra business. I figured if that is how their sales dept is, then that must be how all their depts are </div></div>They are behind the curve in the email department. So-so at best. But you can always get someone on the phone, and your assumption about the other departments was incorrect based on my experiences. </div></div>

Good to know.
 
Re: My [censored] Tactical customer service experience....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nihonjin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So the Slash buffer I mentioned is an option if you would like to use your LMT buffer tube and have the stock collapse all the way. </div></div>Right, I don't think I need it to collapse the extra .5 inch, but if I do, I'll know what to do AND have all the parts I need except the buffer itself.