AR Parts Quality?

[aplinker]

That's just not true. I can put together a perfect looking AR from reasonably priced components 65% of the time. But 35% of components have a questionable fit and finish that wouldn't pass muster with any other civilian firearm. That's a huge aesthetic defect rate. Your logic would be reasonable if AR's were only mil-spec rifles being issued to soldiers. But the AR is also a sporting platform with dozens of producers that don't even supply the military. Parts and rifles should look good from the get-go. And if you read this thread, price has little to do with it. People are complaining that their very pricy components have aesthetic defects. They aren't old junk being sold in surplus stores. Now AK's on the other hand........

Did you not read my post? Are you not understanding what I'm saying?

What I said is, if you want to be CERTAIN about aesthetics, buy from companies who put aesthetic perfection as high as functional.

I've had tons of parts pass through my hands, so what I'm relaying is my personal experience about what I've seen - if you want it to look perfect, buy from the people who do it right, every time.

The rest of your post is just wishful thinking - that because standard parts are for sporter/civilian rifles they SHOULD be aesthetically 100%. I'm telling you that's just not the case. Right now manufacturers are struggling with the FUNCTION QC, so how do you think the aesthetic is doing?

SOME manufacturers may have done what you said. Others have not. Both kinds are still in business. From what I understand, LaRue products are top drawer, always have been, even through huge demands. There are others as well. I, and perhaps others, will remember those who chose quantity over quality, with resultant decline in quality, and will make our future vendor choices accordingly. - Phil

Some of that has to do with how they choose to do business from the start. Setting up techniques and processes that are inherently better at reducing flaws.

In addition, while I'm quite certain LaRue experienced increased demand, they are not a standard parts manufacturer. Life changes dramatically as you move from boutique to commodity.

[k1dude]

Did you not read my post? Are you not understanding what I'm saying?

What I said is, if you want to be CERTAIN about aesthetics, buy from companies who put aesthetic perfection as high as functional.

Yes I read and understood your post. And what I'm saying is even the high priced companies that are known for aesthetics seem to be putting out their share of poorly finished product. That was the premise of this whole thread and I happen to agree with the OP.

[WeekendWarrior]

I cant believe nobody has said this yet:

If you are unhappy with the look of the rifle, just dura coat that hog until she looks like you want her to. Same idea as your girlfriend, if you don't like the milky look, send her to the tanning beds!

[aplinker]

Yes I read and understood your post. And what I'm saying is even the high priced companies that are known for aesthetics seem to be putting out their share of poorly finished product. That was the premise of this whole thread and I happen to agree with the OP.

Then perhaps our lists of who does and does not put out an aesthetically good product do not correspond.

I'll note that Noveske, Colt, LMT and all of the other common makers are not on my aesthetic list.

[Phil3]

Yes I read and understood your post. And what I'm saying is even the high priced companies that are known for aesthetics seem to be putting out their share of poorly finished product. That was the premise of this whole thread and I happen to agree with the OP.

I am the OP, and the assumed premise is correct. And yes, some of the high priced companies, with a premier status, are not turning out products worthy of that reputation. Over time, if this continues, they may lose that reputation, but only if people call them on it.

I contacted the manufacturers of some of the parts with problems. So far, one has been quite responsive and has done all possible to make it right. Two more are pending and will advise on the outcome.

- Phil

[Phil3]

I am the OP and sent back to the manufacturers three parts due to unacceptable quality. These are the outcomes.

Barrel: Scratched. Many might say it was OK. Maker thought part of the scratches might have been due to blasting grit on the barrel or gas block when they slid the block on. Still, it had scratches on the receiver end of the barrel. They polished it, called me to tell me it was a bit shinier than before, and as good as they could make it. Got the barrel back in good time, in bullet proof packaging, and the barrel damn near looks flawless. Well done. Grade: A

Trigger: Casting flaw on face of trigger. Maker wanted the trigger back and said I would get a new trigger (complete). They sent me just the trigger casting. This was not supposed to happen, so sent me yet another trigger, this time with hammer. Sent me a postage paid envelope to send trigger parts back. Complete trigger arrived, with matching serial numbers, and looks good. Seems to be a disconnect between management and shop. Grade: B-

Lower Receiver: Trigger and hammer pin holes too large. Maker wanted it back, so sent it. No response for some weeks. Called and said they were looking at tonight. Nothing heard for another week. Called and told holes were too big, and sending me another receiver. But, could not tell me when it would leave, as the anodizer had it, and they had no control over that. Receiver showed up about a month after sending it in. Holes no different than original receiver based on initial inspection and pin fitment. Receiver has some marks on anodizing I can not remove. Minor, but first receiver had a flawless finish. Maker installed part of my lower parts kit that was installed in the original receiver I sent back, despite me stating in a letter they not reinstall the kit parts. Grade: F

The makers respond to complaints, but except for the barrel, struggle to adequately satisfy customer complaints. The lesson learned here is that ordering parts mail order presents a large risk. You can't see for sure what YOUR part looks like and its condition.

- Phil

[IW378]

LOL. How does it shoot ?

[technique]

I feel bad for n00bs.....there is a spike in lack of QC.....





















oh well.....glad I got mine before the spike.

[Phil3]

LOL. How does it shoot ?

I could have answered that a month ago, but due to poor quality parts, will have to wait until assembled.

[RECCE556]

I do believe there should be SOME care in the cosmetics and final finish of the product but I would take a "beaten up looking" quality AR over a "perfectly finished" low-end AR. What I care more about is if the machining of the parts is done to spec and if it's assembled correctly.

I've seen a lot of nicely finished Stag's that had other, more serious problems (loose barrel nuts, undersized magwells, crooked gas tubes, crooked FSB's, etc.)

[JandJArmory]

manufactures are scrambling. But quality should not diminish. I hate stag. They cant seem to get the M4 feed ramps on their upper recievers. and keep using M4 extensions. They are a great entry priced rifle with cool gear. But at the end of the day you end up with problems. Being a manufacture I sent back boxes of parts that I couldnt even believe they tried send out. But they did because they knew the next guy would take them regardless. I dont make lower parts thats why I only use Colt parts in my guns. Because Colt parts are the best.

[aplinker]

CMT can't meet spec, let alone keep things "pretty."