Gunsmithing pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

Screendoor

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Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 14, 2010
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Orem, UT
I don't know why, but the pistol grip hole is missing in this AR 308 lower (DPMS pattern, CMMG style). Do I take it to any gunsmith and ask them to drill/tap it? Are there specific things that I should request when getting it drilled? Thank you!

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Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

Why not return the defective part to get the manufacturer to fix their error? This seems a better option than you having to pay someone to fix the manufacturer's screw up? However with the difficulty getting lowers nowdays, there is some value in keeping "a bird in the hand".
 
Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

The lower is stamped Fidelis Arms out of Redmond, OR which apparently has gone out of business (phone lines out of service, lots of complaints about them on forums). I am guessing that CMMG made it, so I wonder if I can send it to them to get it properly drilled. I just don't know the most cost effective way.
 
Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is it me or does that magwel look skewed in the front? </div></div>

I put a mag in the other day and it seems a good fit all the way around. I hope it is just poor quality photo giving it the skewed look.
 
Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

send it if you like but I'd just put it in a drill press and do it myself. If I didn't have a drill press then I'd just fabricate a drill guide and do it with a hand drill. Not the best way but it will work.
 
Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

If you have a vice, hand drill seriously consider just buying the drill/tap and do it yourself...it's very simple

for the guide, brass/aluminum tube...spacers-wood(popsicle sticks)((to go between the tube and pliers/clamp-this will hold the tube to the lower))-hold in place with vicegrip, pliers with rubber band around handle..
 
Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Screendoor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The lower is stamped Fidelis Arms out of Redmond, OR which apparently has gone out of business (phone lines out of service, lots of complaints about them on forums). I am guessing that CMMG made it, so I wonder if I can send it to them to get it properly drilled. I just don't know the most cost effective way. </div></div>

Not too long before Fidelis "disappeared",they were pimping a lot of 2nds at the local gunshows in Portland.The uppers wouldn't accept charging handles without some sanding/massaging,and many of the lowers were out of spec in various ways.I learned this first hand.
Have you placed a grip on that block yet ? It may be the picture,but something just looks off,like maybe the block is not machined straight.
RK
 
Re: pistol grip hole missing in 308 lower

Maybe it is a 95% lower, lol. I have a drill press and i do a fare amount of diy gunsmithing, but i would almost rather have a smith fix that. If that is the only problem with the lower i would hate to fubar it and try to locate a replacement. Just my .02