I picked one of these up about a month ago. I loved the initial fit and feel. I opted for the 20" 308 billet version. I already had an ASR muzzle device, scope and mount waiting for this thing before it shipped. Once received I felt really impressed with the controls and look. I immediately took the 3 prong flash hider off and clocked the brake. I mounted up a Bushnell LRTSi 3-12 and was ready to go. After a good cleaning and lube, I set out for initial shots.
I loaded up some 152gr controlled chaos loads and proceeded to try a few out of each mag, making note of election and hold open. It was sporadic and I ended up running the gas system wide open to get function, even suppressed. I would consistently get good shots until about 4 left in the metal mags. Little depressed.
I emailed PSA with a claim and they got right back with a return label. I asked if they would mind sending over what they would like me to do as I do machine work up here in Maine. They were comfortable with sending me parts as I sent them pictures and descriptions. They had me hone the chamber lightly with 800 grit to remove any burrs, inspect the bolt and send close up photos. Measure the barrel and gas port as well as show the side of the magazines empty as the springs have been installed backwards.
I found the barrel port to be .098" and the gas block to be 0.120". They had me open up the barrel port to 0.100" in which I ended up at 0.101" due to it being the closest numerical bit I had.
This upon reassembly put my gas settings perfect. I was nearly closed off running my form 1 10" baffle type can and about 2 more clicks open for no can.
I told them I'm still getting failure to feed routinely on the last couple rounds and insisted that the mags are the cause. They sent a new extractor spring and o ring. I told them I would buy the mags if they had tan PMAGs in stock.
Well, they send me 3 for free. Problem totally fixed.
I did my first long range day today with this gun and upon sighting in, I found the groups to be approx 1 moa. This was routinely validated over greater distances as the day progressed.
I shot at 100, 300, 418 yards with great effect and 100 percent reliability. From there I moved out to 495, 770 and 846 yards. All were easily 100% hit rate with a 2-5 mph variable wind in a 168DA.
We then went to a 1046 yard target with 14.8 mils of elevation and were getting roughly 50 percent (4 out of 7 hits as I observed my friend taking shots to try it) hit rate on ipsc 18x30 steel. We were impressed as the wind was picking up and the gun was piping hot with over 80 rounds through it in approx 35 minutes.
I brought the rifle home and completely lost that buyer's remorse and am proud we worked through it. Continued to shoot with my brother for two hours.
In review, it was under gassed - now is perfect, the metal mags are paper weights, PSA made it right, PMAGs work, 168fgmm is consistently good and the 165 fusion hunting loads aren't much over 1moa, the trigger is completely fine, however, quite light and will double without a good shoulder weld and if you elbow is resting stationary (think bump fire). Stock grip is grippy like a m&p9, ambi bolt release is very nice, controls are crisp, nice pins and good internal parts, 100 percent reliability across 4 shooters and hundreds of rounds with no extra cleaning or lubing cycles.
PSA did good, and is now incorporating these findings that I reported into the new orders and any returns. Glad to have helped and learned this thing inside and out in the process. Oh and the bipod catches a lot of hate but it worked, it's light and it came with it. It was fine past the rifles capable distance with proper preload and technique. The lockup on the rotation and tilt is a little weak but usable with a small rear bag shoring up the rear. It is what it is, but I am happy with the money I spent and what I received. Thanks guys.
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