wecsoger wrote:
I have heard complaints about DPMS (doesn't pass mill-spec) but other than the one slightly-off upper, I've no complaints.
Well, I have stopped getting certain parts fem DPMS because I have experienced consistent issues with those specific parts (firing pins, for example) after the Freedom Group bought them. However, it seems to me that their rifles are generally pretty good to go.
Everyone talks about MIL-SPEC. Lots of manufacturers claim MIL-SPEC or better than MIL-SPEC, or whatever they say. Lots of guys over on the basement-dwelling commando forums think anything not MIL-SPEC is junk. But few people ever stop to think about what MIL-SPEC even means in a rifle.
First, we would
not be happy if all ARs were MIL-SPEC. We would have very few options. ARs would be much more boring.
Second, commercial AR-15s are not MIL-SPEC. No, your commercial COLT AR is not MIL-SPEC. If you spent (or could currently sell it for) approximately what you could buy a nice new car for, then it might be MIL-SPEC. otherwise, no.
The military puts a set of specifications in place in order to ensure the taxpayers don't get cheated, and the government get's what it paid for. That is all. This means that before the government buys something, certain parts have to be tested, certain materials have to be used, certain dimensions have to be gauged to ensure that everything is the right size. A certain configuration must be adhered to.
If just the testing and gauging was done to ensure commercial-market ARs met the standards they can, we would pay a lot more for our rifles. If materials and configurations were adhered to, we wouldn't have options. We would't have stainless or non-chrome-lined barrels, we wouldn't have 16" barrels, tons of muzzle device options, gas block options, magazine options, etc. So it is precisely because the commercial market does NOT build MIL-SPEC rifles that we have a weapon system that is about the most versatile in history.
I have had a reason to look closely at the specs of many commercial ARs, and I can tell you that many if not most are out of spec in different areas, yet most still work fine, and others work marginally, in other words, when all conditions are right they will always work. If there are small issues like dirt, low-powered ammo, lack of proper lube, a new magazine, etc., then it might malfunction where a rifle that was perfectly in spec would not.
I'll admit, I like a rifle that I know is really built right, like an LMT, for example, and want the best that I can afford, but I am also in favor of the $600 rifles that are more affordable, and may not be perfect, just as I am in favor of the Rossi, which is also not perfect, but is functional and affordable, and I am in favor of KEL-TECs, for the same reason. Being able to afford to buy a firearm is a good thing, and as long as you are OK with the quality you are getting, you don't have to go broke buying the firearms you want.
Most of the guys who blather on about MIL-SPEC this and SEALs are using that, and, "If Delta don't use it, I won't either," do three things with their $2,500 ARs: 1.) They fondle them while posting about them on gun forums. 2.) They post pictures of them laying on the carpet next to their fungus-filled toenails. 3.) They take them to the range and shoot a mag or two through them once a year.
wecsoger wrote:Have to replace that cheap red dot next.
I was wanting to suggest this, but I am careful about bringing up any criticism of the cheap optics because some people really get their feelings hurt. I would recommend the Mepro M21.
http://idfcarbine.com/optics/meprolight-m21/