unhappy,
Geez, this sounds like dejavu. Bob, the owner of ASA, is a total butthole. Why he is still in business is a mystery to me. Every person I speak to (as you will too) about ARs is warned about doing business with them.
Yeah, their reciever is nice quality, but nothing else about the company is worth the trouble or risk. I also returned a defective rifle (round trip rides get old don't they) 9 times. And so long as you play their game of take the new junk they give you and don't ask for a refund no problems. But hey, at a certain point you expect a rifle that cycles reliably. It isn't like they are cutrate in price.
After Butthole Bob threw my rifle back into the showroom, I took my rifle to a quality gunsmith and had the problems sorted out. Amazingly enough - first time. My problem was only a gas port that needed opening. Regardless, Butthole Bob treated me as a fool, a liar, and rudely. I have and will continue for life to warn people not to do business with him - he is lower than pond scum. I know for certain I have cost him easily 10-15 rifle sales. It feels good.
Unhappy, I hope you get your problems sorted out. It sucks being played by people like American Spirit Arms.
James