Quality Matters - It Really Does

[Pericles]

As reported previously, I built a rifle:
http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Pericles-photo/FNA2.jpg

I normally buy only mil - spec components, and most of this rifle is surplus parts. The exception was the stock assembly and some of the lower parts, which I got back in 2009 during the Obama panic and it was considered a score to get any AR part at all. So, I tack up a target, pace off 25 meters and field zero the weapon.
http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Pericles-photo/zeroA2.jpg


So far, so good - it can be fine tuned on the bench or with a support. Then to let it rip and see if it is ready to GTW (Go To War). It is not. The stock screw stripped out of the extension and the buffer retainer broke when subjected to the "stress test". Don't let this happen to you - buy quality.
http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Pericles-photo/failure.jpg

"Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." - Stanley Marcus

[Uriel999]

if you don't mind me asking, what was the manufacturer of the parts that broke?

[Pericles]

if you don't mind me asking, what was the manufacturer of the parts that broke?

Not sure about the stock assembly - bought from Sherluk back in November 09, the lower parts are Armalite.

If you look at the history of those two suppliers, they have a generally good reputation. But now you know why I look for the prancing pony, or FN as a first choice. Good enough for the Army - good enough for me.

[AFPVet]

Bummer! I wonder how long ArmaLite parts are on back order? I have a AR-10 A2 Carbine and was thinking about getting a 20" upper sometime.

[Uriel999]

Not sure about the stock assembly - bought from Sherluk back in November 09, the lower parts are Armalite.

If you look at the history of those two suppliers, they have a generally good reputation. But now you know why I look for the prancing pony, or FN as a first choice. Good enough for the Army - good enough for me.

Problems with Armalite...I am kinda shocked there. I'd figured their LPK's would be good to go. BTW, with the AR market I kinda diagree with you. Colt and FN make great products (though FN doesn't make AR15s)but LMT and Sabre are both excellent companies contracted by the military to produce service rifles.

Also, while not contracted by the military, Noveske, Bravo Company, Daniel Defense, POF, Spikes Tactical, etc, all make top notch ar15s. I would actually take anything made by Bravo Company over Colt any day of the week. Colt may make a reliable product but even Colts do break and they don't have a lifetime warranty like Bravo Company.

[Pericles]

I was wrong about the Armalite part failure - it was probably made by DPMS or some other average maker.

Most of the Armalite lower parts I have ended up here, as you can see by the distinctive Armalite bolt catch.


http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt317/Pericles-photo/milgray.jpg

My rifles get some serious stress testing - hours of 100+ degree heat in the summer, dropped on occasion, drag them through some underbrush, and run a few hundred rounds through it in a day. I demand that my weapons be as tough as those I used in the military.

The military contractors are Colt, FN, and Sabre. Others make specific parts (bolt carriers, fire control components). Most uppers seem to be Anchor Harvey, Martin Marietta, or Cerro Forge.

[amy31416]

Impressive.

[Uriel999]

Yeah, DPMS is not so good.

You should really read up on those brands I listed. They are all top notch and I think you might be suprised on how various companies are invading the AR15 market. Their are some very high quality manufacturers.

[Pericles]

Yeah, DPMS is not so good.

You should really read up on those brands I listed. They are all top notch and I think you might be suprised on how various companies are invading the AR15 market. Their are some very high quality manufacturers.

The following chart shows the major differences between makers of "M4"s.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html

For example, the receiver extension of the Sabre is .03 of an inch different from the mil spec Colt / FN. And so forth. BCM and Daniel Defense are the closest to military standard.

Lifetime warranties have limited utility while engaged in a firefight.

[tpreitzel]

Lifetime warranties have limited utility while engaged in a firefight.

A classic line if one ever existed...