I thought I would post this message here since it wasn't getting much attention in the AR Discussions forum. It probably would have been more appropriate to post here in the first place.


Original message:

Well, I decided to take the plunge and purchase a new AR. This is my first purchase of a new AR however I have a used SP1 that I purchased used about 5 yrs ago. I decided to go with LMT. I wanted a good quality, light weight, compact rifle that will be used for plinking, some rest shooting, and have available in the unlikely event the SHTF.

I purchased the lower and upper separately. The upper should arrive this Tuesday. The lower should arrive at the end of January. The lower will have the SOPMOD stock with std. trigger. The upper will be a 14.5" w/ phantom FH, LMT FA bolt group, and LMT adjustable rear sight, and CAR hand guards

Since I this is my first purchase of a new AR, I would like to be able to inspect the rifle out of the box to determine everything is in proper working order and as it should be before taking to the range. To help me with this I would like to compile a checklist of inspection points. I would appreciate any advice on what I should be looking for, particularily technical items. Here's what I have to start out with (not in order of importance):

1. Properly staked gas key
2. Reasonble fit between the upper and lower
3. Inspect finish for significant flaws that present potential for rust problems
4. Inspect finished surface for signs of rust
5. Canted FSB
6. Inspect furntiure for cracks or other significant flaws
7. Cycling of bolt to determine proper fucntioning
8. Dry fire to determine any problem with trigger
9. Bolt markings indicating mag testing
10. Proper function of bolt release
11. Proper function magazine release
12. Proper fit and drop free of magazine from magazine well
13. Proper function of the SOPMOD stock
14. Verify the bore and chamber are chrome lined by inspecting barrel markings
15. Verify sight adjustment mechanisms operating properly.
16. Proper operation of the selector lever (Safe and Semi)

What other markings should I expect to find on the rifle, for example are the LMT upper marked with a "T" for pressure testing?

Any advice would be helpful and much appreciated. I will post pics when I have the upper and lower assembled.

Thanks,
JBL

17. Take to range, load, point at target, pull trigger and listen for loud BANG.....repeat.