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2/13/2008 12:01:43 AM EDT
[#1]

Originally Posted By Aimless:

Originally Posted By M4builder:
Has anyone ever noted problems with the CMMG barrels during a class? FTF or FTE? Just wondering if I should get the R0921HB to replace my 14.7" M4A1 barrel on my Colt. It hasn't ever given me any problems so far, and made it fine through a high round count 3-day course, but wouldn't want any surprises down the road.


has anyone ever found out where their barrels come from? Some guy used to post here that he started to supply the barrels after they stopped using DPMS, but my memory fades as the years go by (I think that was CMMG anyway)


I think it was Steve Adco.....Shhhhh, don't tell anybody
90% of all stats are made up.

Peter_Sam:
If I'm going to spend 50K on a shoulder fired weapon, it better be capable of vaporizing a dump truck without leaving a trace.
2/13/2008 2:28:48 AM EDT
[#2]
Now that would be ironic, since somebody at ADCO mentioned in another thread that CMMG barrels have a high rate of out-of-spec (30%) and they turn like a jump rope when put on a lathe.  
2/13/2008 3:12:53 PM EDT
[#3]
Anyone ever have, or see, a charging handle break during a course?
90% of all stats are made up.

Peter_Sam:
If I'm going to spend 50K on a shoulder fired weapon, it better be capable of vaporizing a dump truck without leaving a trace.
2/13/2008 3:42:59 PM EDT
[#4]
height=8
Originally Posted By M4builder:
Anyone ever have, or see, a charging handle break during a course?


That's a good question - I paid the extra $5 for a forged charging handle, but wondered what the difference was as opposed to the 'extruded' one.  I understand the metallurgy, but wonder how many rifles have come with extruded ones.
2/13/2008 5:37:03 PM EDT
[#5]
M4 Builder- i have seen several hobby gun CH bend. I believe that the reason for this was leaving the CH back and then releasing the bolt on multiple occasions.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/13/2008 7:36:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ar_mcadams][Edited] [#6]
I bent a c/h once.  Before I knew about how big of a diff there is in parts I had a gunshow special charging handle in my gun.  I  bent it getting a defective case out that got jammed in the chamber.  The case neck was bent, gun jammed and I had to pull really hard on the c/h and it bent where the gas tube hole is.  After  I compared the c/h to one out of a Colt I have and man what a diff in thickness.  I only use good quality forged ones now.
2/14/2008 10:52:33 AM EDT
[#7]
Pat,

Ever had a SIG 556 go through the hoops? How did she fare?

Also, I take it you are a 1:7 twist proponent since you like Colts, right?

Thanks,
Falafull
2/14/2008 11:41:53 AM EDT
[Last Edit: mvintx][Edited] [#8]
I'm signed up for a carbine course in March and the "keep your carbine running" article was just what I needed. He mentions that some items should be replaced at certain intervals. I thought I'd seen some posts about service life but can'e find them Does anyone know where that info is? Thanks.
2/14/2008 2:22:48 PM EDT
[#9]

Originally Posted By mvintx:
I'm signed up for a carbine course in March and the "keep your carbine running" article was just what I needed. He mentions that some items should be replaced at certain intervals. I thought I'd seen some posts about service life but can'e find them Does anyone know where that info is? Thanks.


It's on the bottom of page one of this thread.

ZM
Get your life back!

Boycott GD

2/14/2008 2:54:23 PM EDT
[#10]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
M4 Builder- i have seen several hobby gun CH bend. I believe that the reason for this was leaving the CH back and then releasing the bolt on multiple occasions.


OK. I don't do that, but I got a 4140 steel CH just in case....probably overkill.
90% of all stats are made up.

Peter_Sam:
If I'm going to spend 50K on a shoulder fired weapon, it better be capable of vaporizing a dump truck without leaving a trace.
2/14/2008 4:01:19 PM EDT
[#11]
I saw DPMS offers a steel one, but PK, CMMG and others have forged CHs.  I assumed this would make them more like PRI's Gas Buster in durability...is steel the better choice?
2/14/2008 9:27:05 PM EDT
[#12]
I saw someone's break at the range this last year.  They just bought it from somebody.  I believe it was an Oly.  

Pat,

This is sort of off topic but related.  What kind of pistol do you use at your carbine classes?  And do you have any recommendations on what you think is a wise choice for a carbine class.  Also meaning one that is a good choice for a defensive weapon, obviously.
2/14/2008 10:13:33 PM EDT
[#13]
Negative on the SiG 556. We never had one in class.

I prefer 1/7 but not because of Colt's (i also have other than Colt's guns).
I like the 1/7 because of the option of using MK262 or 75 gr TAP ammo.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/14/2008 10:18:33 PM EDT
[#14]
JJRea- I use either a 1911, an M9 or a M&P 45- depending on who i am training.

I don't restrict types of pistol at a carbine class. I only require that it be serviceable.
That being said, most guys bring what they carry/ are issued.

There are a lot of good pistols that are viable, and it is way out of my paygrade to recommend a pistol for defensive use without knowing who, why, how etc.
Sorry!
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/14/2008 10:24:28 PM EDT
[#15]

Originally Posted By M4builder:
Anyone ever have, or see, a charging handle break during a course?


Yes. Kit build with an extended charging latch.
American by chance, Southern by the grace of God.



2/15/2008 7:03:47 AM EDT
[#16]
Great info Mr. Rogers.    As always, I continue to enjoy S.W.A.T. magazine cover to last page.

You know, a spare CH is a great idea - although I've never broken one.

But I was looking through the Brownell's catalog, and a complete Colt CH is 70-some dollars.

That kinda shocked me - never imagined it would be that much.  Oh well, that's the price, so I'll order one next week.

Yeah, it's gonna hurt like that until you pass out. Shouldn't be much longer though.
2/15/2008 10:24:12 AM EDT
[#17]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
Negative on the SiG 556. We never had one in class.

I prefer 1/7 but not because of Colt's (i also have other than Colt's guns).
I like the 1/7 because of the option of using MK262 or 75 gr TAP ammo.


Thanks,

-Falafull
2/15/2008 11:42:23 AM EDT
[#18]
I want to echo the sentiment of some others in this thread.

Thank you to the people in the know, the ones that have BTDT that have replied in this thread.

This is one of the most informative threads I have ever read on AR15.com



Thank you very much!
2/15/2008 12:00:39 PM EDT
[#19]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
JJRea- I use either a 1911, an M9 or a M&P 45- depending on who i am training.

I don't restrict types of pistol at a carbine class. I only require that it be serviceable.
That being said, most guys bring what they carry/ are issued.

There are a lot of good pistols that are viable, and it is way out of my paygrade to recommend a pistol for defensive use without knowing who, why, how etc.
Sorry!


I appreciate your input.  Some seem to think there is only one choice and I'm just trying decide if they are correct or not.  
2/15/2008 5:55:12 PM EDT
[#20]
Next class I'm using a Desert Eagle .44 in a Shoulder holster....

1911s
Glocks
Beretta's

They all go bang when you press the trigger...Most guys suck with a pistol so the choice is not that important...

The flip side is those that are good with a pistol, can  shoot them all with very good results.. cause they apply the same basic fundamentals to shooting the pistol.... Sight picture and trigger press...
2/16/2008 9:12:38 PM EDT
[#21]
TAG for reference later.
We Build, We Fight!
2/17/2008 2:11:05 AM EDT
[#22]
Great Post !!!!  Thx Pat for the great info ...

On a side note pointing to irony ...

My first AR Build was a 7.5" SBR I did with "ok" parts less then 2 years ago.  Dam thing has been beat to shit with 15,000 + rounds down the pipe and a bunch of carbine courses under its belt.  It has never given me an issue and I have never replaced a part on it.  I don't run it wet and it goes months without cleaning.  It is a true workhorse proven to be a reliable and irreplaceable part of my equipment.

I just built a top quality 10.5" AR topped with a LMT 10.5 upper (MPI LMT BCG too).  Dam thing is short stroking like crazy.

Go figure
Omi R.
NRA Certified Instructor
http://www.cwlmiami.com/
2/18/2008 11:56:43 AM EDT
[#23]

Originally Posted By Mds238:
What a great thread.  I am new to AR's, got my FIRST one recently.  Thanks to all for the info I've picked up here, especially Pat_Rogers.  While reading the article on cleaning and lubing I was moved to go get my RRA Elite CAR out of the safe and revisit its lubrication.  It may have been a bit dry but its wet now Anyone know how to get BF CLP out of light colored carpet? Wife is p-----d off
Anyhow, the questions raised in my mind are;

Saw a few references to D-fender or extractor O rings, what are they and how beneficial are they?

Why put oil in the gas key? I've read NOT to put anything into gas system.

Thanks again for all the great info,
Mds238


Dude, sounds like the perfect spot for an end table, or better yet a nice cabinet to display your AR when company comes around.

Or try the renuzite (sp?) carpet cleaner. We have four stinkhounds in the house, and I am getting pretty good at scrubing stuff off the carpet. The carpet cleaner comes in a bottle with two different nozzles, one side has one type of cleaner and the other side another. It has oxyclean in it, and foams up nice on poop and urine, not sure about breakfree CLP though.
Being an asshole has a reward all its own

My ignorance amuses me greatly

Remember kids, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people who ask questions.
2/18/2008 7:06:01 PM EDT
[#24]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
Comments in BOLD

Okay, give your top five choices of main manufcaturers.
Colt; LMT: Noveske: Sully: new S&W; also any of those lowers with Larue Uppers; BCM uppers


I'm surprised to see S&W on your list.  (Not arguing.  I like mine)  Whenever they are brought up in discussions they are called low rent Stags or said to be not worth the money they are bought for.  
2/18/2008 9:54:26 PM EDT
[#25]
Hi Danny,
The operative word being "new" S&W.
I ran 3 for several months and put 24,460 rds downrange. Some QC and assembly issues on two, the third was GTG for the whole run. Smith learned their lessons.
The newer ones are not Stag and look to be a viable alternative.
Look for an upcoming SWAT article- "A Tale of Three Smith's".
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/19/2008 10:55:56 AM EDT
[#26]
How do the Armalite rifles run in the classes?
2/19/2008 12:50:10 PM EDT
[#27]
Strange you should ask..
Generally, we don't see them. They are a non issue in my classes (along with Oly, and to a lesser extent DPMS).
I did have one in class this past week in NC.
It was brand new and didn't run right from the start. It was sluggish and had several failures to extract.
We broke it down and found the cation spring 1.5" too short.
The extractor was smooth, and while the extractor insert was black, it had the older 4 coil spring.
We replaced all of the above and it ran well for the rest of the class.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/19/2008 3:28:51 PM EDT
[#28]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
Hi Danny,
The operative word being "new" S&W.
I ran 3 for several months and put 24,460 rds downrange. Some QC and assembly issues on two, the third was GTG for the whole run. Smith learned their lessons.
The newer ones are not Stag and look to be a viable alternative.
Look for an upcoming SWAT article- "A Tale of Three Smith's".


Thanks for the reply.  I'll keep an eye out for the article.  Do you have a serial # for what you consider to be new?  50,000 has been the number thrown out in most of the threads regarding this point.  I always wondered if that was accurate.
2/19/2008 3:40:27 PM EDT
[#29]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
Strange you should ask..
Generally, we don't see them. They are a non issue in my classes (along with Oly, and to a lesser extent DPMS).
I did have one in class this past week in NC.
It was brand new and didn't run right from the start. It was sluggish and had several failures to extract.
We broke it down and found the cation spring 1.5" too short.
The extractor was smooth, and while the extractor insert was black, it had the older 4 coil spring.
We replaced all of the above and it ran well for the rest of the class.


Pat, what is a cation spring???
90% of all stats are made up.

Peter_Sam:
If I'm going to spend 50K on a shoulder fired weapon, it better be capable of vaporizing a dump truck without leaving a trace.
2/19/2008 4:02:55 PM EDT
[#30]
A typo....(GRRRRRRR>>>>>>>>>>)

Properly, the ACTION spring, recoil spring, buffer spring.
My Bad.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/19/2008 4:13:38 PM EDT
[#31]

Originally Posted By Miami02TJ:
Great Post !!!!  Thx Pat for the great info ...

On a side note pointing to irony ...

My first AR Build was a 7.5" SBR I did with "ok" parts less then 2 years ago.  Dam thing has been beat to shit with 15,000 + rounds down the pipe and a bunch of carbine courses under its belt.  It has never given me an issue and I have never replaced a part on it.  I don't run it wet and it goes months without cleaning.  It is a true workhorse proven to be a reliable and irreplaceable part of my equipment.

I just built a top quality 10.5" AR topped with a LMT 10.5 upper (MPI LMT BCG too).  Dam thing is short stroking like crazy.

Go figure


Try using a Wolff Heavy Duty extractor spring.
American by chance, Southern by the grace of God.



2/19/2008 4:16:59 PM EDT
[#32]
Aftermarket triggers.
Nothing in this post should be considered information posted in an official capacity. It is the authors personal opinion alone.
2/19/2008 4:42:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: M4builder][Edited] [#33]

Originally Posted By AR15fan:
Aftermarket triggers.


I wouldn't run too light a trigger on a tactical weapon, too many liabilities. I just polish up the engagement surfaces, and shave down the bottom of the hammer to reduce take-up. That gets things crisp & short, without being too light.

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
I don't aspire to mediocrity, so I'll opt for stuff made to a standard.
2/19/2008 5:19:28 PM EDT
[#34]
50,000 is way too low.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/19/2008 7:08:48 PM EDT
[#35]

Originally Posted By Pat_Rogers:
Hi Danny,
The operative word being "new" S&W.
I ran 3 for several months and put 24,460 rds downrange. Some QC and assembly issues on two, the third was GTG for the whole run. Smith learned their lessons.
The newer ones are not Stag and look to be a viable alternative.
Look for an upcoming SWAT article- "A Tale of Three Smith's".


interesting.  

I saw a new S&W the other day at Gander Mountain and it had a RRA LPK in it.  Maybe they went from Stag LPK to RRA LPK.
2/19/2008 7:11:06 PM EDT
[#36]
Can you advise how you know it was a RRA LPK?
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/19/2008 8:04:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ar_mcadams][Edited] [#37]
From the outside you can tell because the safety and grip screw are different. I may be wrong but I'm assuming since these two parts are like the ones RRA uses then the LPK was RRA.  All the Stag kits I have ever seen had the stainless slotted grip screw and the proper indicator on the safety,, ejection port side.  RRA uses a allen head screw and a square notch for the indicator on the safety.  Inside the RRA parts are machined better.  
2/19/2008 8:48:40 PM EDT
[#38]
I am not aware of S&W using anything RRA, but i'll check with the LE guys.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/19/2008 9:20:48 PM EDT
[#39]
I have been lurking here for a while, and somewhere I thought I saw a comment about uneven length lugs on bolts causing fatigue and cracking due to uneven loading on each lug. Primarily the extractor lug being 'half size' and so not carrying its full share of the load,
forcing additional load onto the opposite lug.
If I remember, the solution offered was to shorten up the opposite lug, just a little, to match the extractor, and bolt life seemed to be greatly improved.
Is this just another 'urban legend' or what? I dont want to be spreading gossip, and now, I cannot find the original post. Even looking at this excellent photo, the wear on the lugs does not appear to be uniform, suggesting maybe some substance to the rumor.
As a newbie, I dont want to start a brawl, and maybe this is not the proper place to post this, but the great photo brought this to mind.
Thanks to all for some amazing info, and especially to Pat, for his wealth of 'real world' knowledge.
2/19/2008 9:27:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Miami02TJ][Edited] [#40]

Originally Posted By Bama-Shooter:
Try using a Wolff Heavy Duty extractor spring.


Its short stroking ...  Extractor wont help.  Issue was just resolved by opening up the gas port on the barrel a tiny bit more.  Rifle is now running like a champ.
Omi R.
NRA Certified Instructor
http://www.cwlmiami.com/
2/19/2008 10:31:46 PM EDT
[#41]
"...to shorten up the opposite lug, just a little, to match the extractor..."

I read about Armalite developing this modification.
2/20/2008 11:29:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: unseenSNIPER][Edited] [#42]
I'm reading about having spare bolts and bolts breaking on this thread.  However I've also read that it's not a good idea to just drop in a new bolt (headspace and all).

When is it okay to drop a new bolt into a rifle with a few thousand rounds through it and the bolt breaking?  
2/20/2008 2:51:36 PM EDT
[#43]
AR_McAdams,

They can't confirm or deny, but as many of the makers who don't have to meet the TDP may but from some of the same vendors, some parts commonality may be seen.

Hope that helps.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/20/2008 9:11:59 PM EDT
[#44]
If this has been brought up, tell me to shut my trap. (I didnt read the whole thread)

I find it odd that anything would break on a rifle during a "class". I mean you fire what maybe 750-1200rds during a class. Thats crazy if something would not sustain that amount of fire. I don't think I ever saw a M4 or A4 go down during my entire enlistment. And I feel we shot alot of rounds and were pretty rough on our weapons. Our 249s' went down all the time but not the rifles. I'm confident I could grap any rifle off the rack and put thousands of rounds down range and have no problems. I just don't get it, we all know who builds the rifles the right way. We all know what the rifles are supposed to be. Why do people even consider the off brands?
2/20/2008 9:21:25 PM EDT
[#45]
they dont know any better.
2/20/2008 10:17:32 PM EDT
[#46]
Maybe so, but Murphy still roams the earth and even a well built "brand" name can have problems.  I'm sure it does decrease your chances though.  But it seems like that is the point of this thread.  To know what should work and what might not.  
2/21/2008 5:41:13 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Pat_Rogers][Edited] [#47]

Originally Posted By southfloridaguns:
If this has been brought up, tell me to shut my trap. (I didnt read the whole thread)

I find it odd that anything would break on a rifle during a "class". I mean you fire what maybe 750-1200rds during a class. Thats crazy if something would not sustain that amount of fire. I don't think I ever saw a M4 or A4 go down during my entire enlistment. And I feel we shot alot of rounds and were pretty rough on our weapons. Our 249s' went down all the time but not the rifles. I'm confident I could grap any rifle off the rack and put thousands of rounds down range and have no problems. I just don't get it, we all know who builds the rifles the right way. We all know what the rifles are supposed to be. Why do people even consider the off brands?


Astute onservation!
Mil weapons are built to a standard, and while they will break down as they exceed their service life, they will generally function as adverised.
Aftermarket guns cut corners, possibly believing that most gun owners don't shoot much anyway and longevity is not an issue for a gun that stays in a safe.
I posted an AAR from my last class on the NC hometown and Training forums. We had two guns with problems. A brand new Armalite and a nearly new BM.

You are correct- guns that have not been shot out should not die at class.
But they do.
S/F
Pat sends
www.eagtactical.com
2/21/2008 6:51:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Aimless][Edited] [#48]
One day long class I took this summer had two "commercial" ARs and some custom build AR all cease to function. All three were purchased brand new by brand new shooters. Pretty poor introduction to shooting ARs for those guys.

(I didn't examine them, just saw them having problems, at least two could not finish the class, one student borrowed someone's ak that he had with him as a spare gun and the other student finished the class with his pistol)
My IM button is not working. Please feel free to IM with any complaints though.
2/21/2008 9:57:03 AM EDT
[#49]
I would love to study all the ones that do that and see just what the problems are.  Those poor guys probably left there saying, man ARs are junk.  Should have got a mini 14.
2/21/2008 10:04:07 AM EDT
[#50]
I would try to "break in" a new weapon with at least 1000 rounds before trusting it in a tactical class (or for anything!)

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