I've been into handguns for a while now, but the only rifle I've owned is an old Brittish .303 bolt action Enfield.
Anyway I'd like to get a real "Homeland Security" rifle. It will mostly be for fun at the range.
I ran accross a new range/gunshop in my area and they are also a custom AR shop. The guy is very honest and seems to do quality work.
I shot ~60 rounds through one of his custom full-auto ARs and it performed flawlessly. I also handled a couple of his other rifles, and based on my custom 1911 experience they seemed to have very good "fit & finish."
Anyway, he uses mostly DPMS parts on all of his rifles. I've heard that DPMS parts are good quality with 2 basic complaints. The first being that they don't chrome line their barrels,which I've heard makes cleanup easier, but can make a given barrel less accurate. The second is that their lowers are cast rather than forged or milled, which some say is really a non-issue because their is little stress on the lower. Any comments on these parts?
His basic rifle (The one I would get) starts at $695 with either a pinned tele-stock or a standard fiberglass stock, 16" match grade barrel w/ Fabian muzzel brake and "neutered" bayonette lug. It looks pretty much like the rifle at upper left of the screen, over the "AR15.com" logo.
This price seems to be on par with comparable rifles with the exeption that he can customize it with whatever parts I want, some at no additional cost. Also, I'd really prefer to buy from him because he is local and I know he'd stand behind his product. The times that I've shot at his range he's always thrown in and extra box of ammo or a free range fee, etc.
Is there any reason I should look elsewhere?
Thanks,
Jeff