I'm still holding a grudge over some things Olympicdid back then, but I'm going to be good and not stir that hornet's nest up. I guess I'll say that we and Olympic ended our business relationship on unfriendly terms and in my opinion Olympic (or one of their employees if you are an Oly apologist) did one of the few things we won't forgive and forget, at least not me, and it's not often I say that.

Quoted: You gotta admit, though, they aren't very afraid to bring a new product to market.

THAT I certainly agree with! Also I give them points for switching to forged uppers and lowers on the POS plinker. QC and customer service still seems hit and miss.

Wow, the many versions we hear.  Here's both sides, and I was involved, as a devout member here, and an FFL dealer who sold a number of Oly products--and still do on occasion.  I should say, I only have experience with ONE of their rifles--many times over--the Ultramatch (UM-1), or more recently called the "PCR-1" (Politically Correct Rifle-1).  It was the original flat-top, ultra-accurate AR-15, advertised to be capable of 1/4" 100 yard groups, with handloads.  Denny Williams set triggers (1.5# when set, 3# when not set) were available as an option, and the rifles are/were just GREAT.  I love mine--my old one is my most accurate rifle of any type.  I have another NIB--pre-ban.  My experience with every single rifle I own, or have handled for others, has been flawless--perfect rifles every time.  I have heard of customer service problems, but never needed to use the customer service, so can't comment either way on it.  My dealings with them have always been pleasant and very professional.  

Now, the story of them here on the board--

Manufacturers used to have a free forum available to them in the Industry section of the board.  They could interact  directly with us as customers, answer questions "straight from the horse's mouth" and deal with customer service issues, to a limited degree.  Olympic Arms participated, and had a gentleman named Tom Spithaler who was a bit caustic, and knew his stuff, but was a bit edgy and not real good at dealing with criticism.  Once things turned sour, there were a number of trolls who caused problems beyond what he wished to deal with--but he stuck it out.  I cannot answer whether the guys had legitimate beefs or not.  Finally, the board had grown to the point it could no longer offer free space for companies to hawk their wares.  There was a grace period given, and after a couple of months, the forums of those who chose to not enter into an advertising agreement were shut down.  Olympic Arms chose to not advertise here.  At the same time, Olympic Arms chose to start their own forum board--I can't recall the name, but I think it was "OE2" or somesuch.  I eagerly joined, as a long time Oly owner, satisfied customer, and dealer.  As is still typical, I almost never went there, as I stay busy here and don't mess around on other boards.  After a month or two, I did go there and found a nasty, scathing editorial on their home page, that really trashed the Avila's in a very personal way.  I immediately sent an e-mail asking my name to be removed from their membership list.  My name and contact information was prominently displayed on a page of the site as an FFL dealer, and I did NOT wish to be associated with them.  I received a businesslike reply asking why I wished to be removed.  I repeated I simply wished to be removed, and did not see any obligation to explain my desire.  I then received a nasty reply demanding to know why, so I shot an equally nasty reply back, with full details of my attitude regarding their highly unprofessional editorial, etc.  The guy sent me a truly nasty e-mail informing me he was a former Officer in the United States Army and his word was sterling, and he had not said anything untrue about the Avila's, blah, blah, blah.  I then told him I didn't give a <expletive deleted> if he was the <expletive deleted> Pope, I wanted my <expletive deleted> name removed from their website, and did not wish to associate myself with men of their ilk.  He then complied.  I have ordered a total of two of their PCR-1's since then, following a buddy's request for them.  IMO, they were not mistreated in any way by the Avila's, and have NO legitimate beef.  I do not know if any of the actual crap was flung by the company, or even if the guy I dealt with was directly employed by the company--but he did run a website of theirs.  Not cool, IMO.  

Quoted: They were ran off by the members here.  I can remember him crying that Goatboy allowed us to talk bad about their company.  That idiot Tom couldn't understand why everyone didn't like his "Tighter Tollerance" shit guns! I wouldn't bag on OLY so hard if it weren't for that moron from OLY having the gall to claim that OLY had tighter tollerance guns than the other manufacturers.  As if everyone else was doing it wrong, and only OLY had the formula right!   Edit to add:  I read here that those cock roaches at OLY charged their customers for the Tour of their Junk Factory!  What a real Class Act!

God bless you Mark, "Junk factory" lol

The reason they are no longer on this site is by choice.

Tom felt that he should not have to support the site since they had been here for years without having been asked to pay a dime. (To this day I am confused by that logic.) He was also upset that we maintained a COLT forum when they were not directly supporting the site. We explained the reasons for the COLT forum were in honor of the use of the "AR-15" name, but he didn't seem to care. Finally, things got a bit ugly when we removed their forum from the Industry board and Tom started public arguments. Eventually he started an Olympic Arms Owners Association board and opened it with some wonderful posts bashing us and the site. To this day he, nor anyone at Olympic Arms, has apologized or made an effort to contact us.

I owned Oly rifles before this all happened and now I do not. I don't care if people enjoy them or if they come here to share their love of them because they are still a firearm company and doing some good for the community. IMHO Tom is the main problem at Olympic Arms and the company shouldn't be given a black eye for his actions. Personally, I will never purchase or recommend an Oly product while he's involved with the company.

No worries on asking about this. Like I said, when the OA2 site first went up Tom took the time to personally bash, insult and lie about us, so you may get a few upset people who recall those days in their reply.

Quoted: OA2.org is not associated with Olympic Arms. It says so right at the bottom of the web page. Hey markm, what other AR15 manufacturer is offering a tour of the manufacturing facility, a BBQ and range time with their firearms? Clot? Bushhampster? Fake-a-lite? Yea, I thought so.

Actually, outside of Colt, whom I have never ask about, all of them have offered tours and a full day of activities to members here. They also have attended all our events and take the time to answer questions, talk shop, and show off their new products. These guys are class acts everywhere you see them. I haven't seen Oly outside of the Shot Show, but they used to do a good job with their booth there and I'm sure they do so at any events they attend.

Quoted: OA2.org is not associated with Olympic Arms. It says so right at the bottom of the web page. Hey markm, what other AR15 manufacturer is offering a tour of the manufacturing facility, a BBQ and range time with their firearms? Clot? Bushhampster? Fake-a-lite? Yea, I thought so.

I've dealt with all the companies you mention.  If you believe the web site is in no way associated with Olympic Arms, then you are terribly naive.  I've only dealt with Colt to ask them to tell me the year a couple of rifles left their factory, and they did so free, quickly, and in a very professional manner.  That's IT for my experience with them, but it was very pleasant.  Bushmaster is one of the greatest companies I have had the pleasure of dealing with--EVER.  They define professionalism and class and dedication to the firearms community.  Ironically, the same holds true to Armalite.  I was able to spend time at last year's Gunstock with Jarod from BM, and Mark Westrom (and his lovely wife) also.  Mr. Westrom brought some of his rifles to the 1000-yard range and let everyone shoot them, and provided the ammo.  He was a very kind gentleman, very down-to-earth, and just a GREAT guy.  A number of others can vouch for this.  The support of both companies for this board is invaluable, their products are GREAT, and their service is above reproach.  As to BBQ's--no thanks.  I'm not willing to trash Olympic Arms, but they can't hold a candle to BM and Armalite, and while I have serious problems with many(!) corporate decisions Colt has made, no one complains about their products to 1/10th the degree guys do of the Oly rifles.  Facts are facts--though as I said, my own experience with a dozen or so of their rifles has been flawless.  Whoever runs their website can kiss my ass.  

Quoted: No worries on asking about this. Like I said, when the OA2 site first went up Tom took the time to personally bash, insult and lie about us, so you may get a few upset people who recall those days in their reply.

"Upset" is putting it mildly for me.  I'm still fuming after nearly two years.  The terms "bash, insult and lie" are EXACTLY descriptive of the editorial.  I wish I had saved it--those who know the Avila's personally should read it from time to time.  

Quoted: Quoted: IMHO Tom is the main problem at Olympic Arms and the company shouldn't be given a black eye for his actions. Personally, I will never purchase or recommend an Oly product while he's involved with the company. That is all anyone really needs to know about Olympic...

Yes, and you don't likely need me to point out the classy way GoatBoy handles this now--and did two years ago, when it was fresh.  I didn't have to think about where to cast my loyalty.  

I too bought an OLY lower and the thing had the disconnector hole off center.

I never bought an OLY product ever again.

Now, much happier with other brands.

In their defense one of my Oly's was near the top of my list. It performed above my expectations and I never had a problem with it jamming or anything! (And I put some good and some CRAP ammo through it!) It was one of my first ARs and built before the fire and changes.

Now I know why CavVet was so interested in trading me a pre-ban Oly lower!