User Panel
Posted: 10/30/2012 4:32:52 PM EDT
Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions:
1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) |
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Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions: 1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) Answers: Don't know, don't know, don't know, and nobody can tell you with absolute certainty. Are CMT parts "good to go"? YES. |
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I'm pretty sure BCM makes their own. I could be wrong so hopefully someone rose that knows for sure chimes in.
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I do not know the answers to all your questions, but believe Stag is part of the CMT group.
I also remember a few years ago, CMT offered full auto and semi-auto carriers- no problem, both were quality. They also offered bolts that were HP/MPI tested and non-tested. There was a small upcharge for the tested bolts. This does not mean one is better than the other, many prefer HP/MPI as do I. I owned both in the past, and they served me well- I am not current on if this is still their practice. I believe most companies only list CMT in HP/MP now, should be easy to verify. CMT is big, probably do make for other companies. |
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I do not know the answers to all your questions, but believe Stag is part of the CMT group. I also remember a few years ago, CMT offered full auto and semi-auto carriers- no problem, both were quality. They also offered bolts that were HP/MPI tested and non-tested. There was a small upcharge for the tested bolts. This does not mean one is better than the other, many prefer HP/MPI as do I. I owned both in the past, and they served me well- I am not current on if this is still their practice. I believe most companies only list CMT in HP/MP now, should be easy to verify. CMT is big, probably do make for other companies. Well from what I've been able to gather, Stag is the commercial, civilian part of CMT . Not sure if this is accurate or not. The site i'm looking at doesn't specify if the bolt is HP/MPI or not, so I'll shoot them an email and see. |
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Originally Posted By member boltcatch: Top to bottom, BCG pulled from a new Sabre Defence upper, CMT M16 BCG, and RRA enhanced carrier. Ref. thread: Proper Staking of Carrier Key Screws - content link Note that this was in 2006 the CMT at the middle have a very bad carrier key staking, not sure if they are properly staked now, I had one and I bought a new BCM gas key kit and I installed it and properly side staked it. Here's some examples of properly side staked auto carriers, Colt at left the rest are LMT vintage pre-MIM gas keys. Quoted:
Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions: 1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) Answers: 1. Stag uses CMT BCG and all other AR parts. 2. CMT BCG are batch tested HPT & MPI same as other commercial type manufacturers. 3. BCM, Colt, and AR Performance BCG have the same manufacturer. |
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http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/boltcatch/carriers.jpg Originally Posted By member boltcatch: Top to bottom, BCG pulled from a new Sabre Defence upper, CMT M16 BCG, and RRA enhanced carrier. Ref. thread: Proper Staking of Carrier Key Screws - content link Note that this was in 2006 the CMT at the middle have a very bad carrier key staking, not sure if they are properly staked now, I had one and I bought a new BCM gas key kit and I installed it and properly side staked it. http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/Alpha-Romeo3/Hunting%20Tech/COLT_l_LMT_M_LMT_R-stake-L197-2-1.jpg Here's some examples of properly side staked auto carriers, Colt at left the rest are LMT vintage pre-MIM gas keys. Quoted:
Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions: 1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) Answers: 1. Stag uses CMT BCG and all other AR parts. 2. CMT BCG are batch tested HPT & MPI same as other commercial type manufacturers. 3. BCM, Colt, and AR Performance BCG have the same manufacturer. No, he makes his own bolts.....easy to verify......see AR-P super bolts. He buys his carriers. |
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My CMT gas keys were staked pretty fairly well, maybe a little light compared to some, but adequate (from somewhere in 96-97 or so).
And this is quoted from Ranier arms site, I had it somewhere else also: Product Information CMT / STAG Arms 5.56 Bolt STAG Arms replacement bolt. MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection) checks for surface cracks and defects that could not be seen by the human eye. So the parts that are most prone to failure (bolt & barrel) should be double checked by this process. Not all CMT bolts are MPI tested. You can choose between Standard or MPI tested bolts below. *MPI Bolt Pictured Edit for clarity |
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That helps a little, thanks Alpha!
And what makes me think something is a little off with the AR world is that Colt, BCM, and AR performance BCG's are $180, $160, and $125, from each of their respective websites... So if what you say is true, which seems legit from what I've learned about actual "manufacturers" recently, then why pay more for the SAME EXACT THING?! |
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My CMT gas keys were staked pretty well, maybe a little light compared to some, but adequate (from somewhere in 96-97 or so). And this is quoted from Ranier arms site, I had it somewhere else also: Product Information CMT / STAG Arms 5.56 Bolt STAG Arms replacement bolt. MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection) checks for surface cracks and defects that could not be seen by the human eye. So the parts that are most prone to failure (bolt & barrel) should be double checked by this process. Not all CMT bolts are MPI tested. You can choose between Standard or MPI tested bolts below. *MPI Bolt Pictured I just saw that while doing some google searching |
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I'm pretty sure BCM makes their own. I could be wrong so hopefully someone rose that knows for sure chimes in. BCM DOES NOT manufacture their own bcg's. |
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I'm pretty sure BCM makes their own. I could be wrong so hopefully someone rose that knows for sure chimes in. BCM DOES NOT manufacture their own bcg's. Thanks sir, do you happen to know which company makes them? |
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I'm pretty sure BCM makes their own. I could be wrong so hopefully someone rose that knows for sure chimes in. BCM DOES NOT manufacture their own bcg's. Thanks sir, do you happen to know which company makes them? A few years ago (non-BCM laser etched logo) they were CMT bcg's manufactured to BCM specs. I have no idea who makes the current examples for them. Semper Fi! |
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I'm pretty sure BCM makes their own. I could be wrong so hopefully someone rose that knows for sure chimes in. BCM DOES NOT manufacture their own bcg's. Thanks sir, do you happen to know which company makes them? A few years ago (non-BCM laser etched logo) they were CMT bcg's manufactured to BCM specs. I have no idea who makes the current examples for them. Semper Fi! That's interesting to know Semper Fi! |
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I'm pretty sure BCM makes their own. I could be wrong so hopefully someone rose that knows for sure chimes in. BCM DOES NOT manufacture their own bcg's. Like I said. I could be wrong. |
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It doesn't matter if they make parts for other companies or not. Those companies tell CMT how they want those parts made. What steel, what tolerances, what hardness, everything else. They could make 7 different types of bolts for 5 companies. It's what they spec for themselves that's important.
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There are three USGI bcg manufacturers, CMT ,FN, Larue. USGI are all MP,HP tested.
CMT commecial bolts are only batch tested, some vendors may order theirs tested or test themselves. The manufacturing ,material and process is the same as USGI. RRA used to be all CMT commercial, now I don't know. But I would buy RRA simply because I trust their quality rigor. Bcgs are not hard to make, many small machine shop do it. To what quality, consistency is unknowable. |
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There are three USGI bcg manufacturers, CMT ,FN, Larue. USGI are all MP,HP tested. CMT commecial bolts are only batch tested, some vendors may order theirs tested or test themselves. The manufacturing ,material and process is the same as USGI. RRA used to be all CMT commercial, now I don't know. But I would buy RRA simply because I trust their quality rigor. Bcgs are not hard to make, many small machine shop do it. To what quality, consistency is unknowable. Well that sums that up I guess |
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There are three USGI bcg manufacturers, CMT ,FN, Larue. USGI are all MP,HP tested. CMT commecial bolts are only batch tested, some vendors may order theirs tested or test themselves. The manufacturing ,material and process is the same as USGI. RRA used to be all CMT commercial, now I don't know. But I would buy RRA simply because I trust their quality rigor. Bcgs are not hard to make, many small machine shop do it. To what quality, consistency is unknowable. Huh? RRA is your choice? OP, get a BCM and call it a day. They were in stock last night. |
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OP, get a BCM and call it a day. They were in stock last night. As opposed to CMT for what reason? Just because? Or is there a legit reason? |
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OP, get a BCM and call it a day. They were in stock last night. As opposed to CMT for what reason? Just because? Or is there a legit reason? Buy once, cry once, quality, and a proven performer. |
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Buy once, cry once, quality, and a proven performer. But apparently CMT makes BCM's BCG's.... |
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There are three USGI bcg manufacturers, CMT ,FN, Larue. USGI are all MP,HP tested. CMT commecial bolts are only batch tested, some vendors may order theirs tested or test themselves. The manufacturing ,material and process is the same as USGI. RRA used to be all CMT commercial, now I don't know. But I would buy RRA simply because I trust their quality rigor. Bcgs are not hard to make, many small machine shop do it. To what quality, consistency is unknowable. Microbest and Toolcraft. |
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Buy once, cry once, quality, and a proven performer. But apparently CMT makes BCM's BCG's.... They made them at one point. None of my most recent BCM bcgs appear to be CMT. |
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They made them at one point. None of my most recent BCM bcgs appear to be CMT. How can you tell? |
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They made them at one point. None of my most recent BCM bcgs appear to be CMT. How can you tell? My bolts aren't marked "CM" anymore. The last several that I've purchased in the last year or two haven't been. |
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Buy once, cry once, quality, and a proven performer. But apparently CMT makes BCM's BCG's.... Could be a Toolcraft carrier and an FN bolt. Could be a Toolcraft carrier and a CMT bolt. Could be all FN. Could be all CMT. The important thing is the BCM BCG has been built to BCM specs, has passed BCM QC and is backed by BCM. Vendors are not keen on revealing sources 100% of the time because it can be intel that they don't care to share with their competitors. |
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so who makes PSA m-16 BCGs? CMT, FN? See above post. PSA is physically close to FN so maybe they're all FN. I think Toolcraft is close as well. But they only make carriers........ |
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PSA is physically close to FN so maybe they're all FN. I think Toolcraft is close as well. But they only make carriers........ I've heard that Toolcraft makes the carrier groups for FN, who then sells them to PSA. I heard this from a couple people, but it's nothing more than speculation until confirmed |
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It doesn't matter if they make parts for other companies or not. Those companies tell CMT how they want those parts made. What steel, what tolerances, what hardness, everything else. They could make 7 different types of bolts for 5 companies. It's what they spec for themselves that's important. Ding ding ding! Seriously. CMT would make me a bolt out of recycled coat hangers if I spec'ed them and paid enough money for them to make them. ~Augee |
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Ding ding ding! Seriously. CMT would make me a bolt out of recycled coat hangers if I spec'ed them and paid enough money for them to make them. ~Augee |
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Ding ding ding! Seriously. CMT would make me a bolt out of recycled coat hangers if I spec'ed them and paid enough money for them to make them. ~Augee There's the answer to all these questions. Just when an end user somewhere reports an "identifying mark" on a private labeled BCG component, that vendor then has to switch manufacturers for whatever reason...price, availability, etc etc. So then the Secret Squirrel detective work has to start all over again. Not worth it. Just buy what's been working. |
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Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions: 1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) Answers: 1. Stag uses CMT BCG and all other AR parts. 2. CMT BCG are batch tested HPT & MPI same as other commercial type manufacturers. 3. BCM, Colt, and AR Performance BCG have the same manufacturer. No, he makes his own bolts.....easy to verify......see AR-P super bolts. He buys his carriers. I'm not talking about AR Performance's 9310 steel superbolts, my reply is about their M16 complete mil-spec bolt carrier group BCG (ref. $125) which is the topic of this thread. |
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Bolt carrier on lathe at the Colt factory Ref: Behind the Scenes at Colt - Guns & Ammo article link Quoted:
That helps a little, thanks Alpha! And what makes me think something is a little off with the AR world is that Colt, BCM, and AR performance BCG's are $180, $160, and $125, from each of their respective websites... So if what you say is true, which seems legit from what I've learned about actual "manufacturers" recently, then why pay more for the SAME EXACT THING?! I would also add that Colt also makes their own BCG as you could see from this article's pic. I have mostly Colt brand AR, also have LMT and BCM BCG, I would not mind also getting the AR Performance std M16 BCG, Daniel Defense, Rainier Arms-GTS Thunder Bolt, LaRue, & FN. Just get the good known brand with the lowest price and that's available in stock. |
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http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/boltcatch/carriers.jpg Originally Posted By member boltcatch: Top to bottom, BCG pulled from a new Sabre Defence upper, CMT M16 BCG, and RRA enhanced carrier. Ref. thread: Proper Staking of Carrier Key Screws - content link Note that this was in 2006 the CMT at the middle have a very bad carrier key staking, not sure if they are properly staked now, I had one and I bought a new BCM gas key kit and I installed it and properly side staked it. http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/Alpha-Romeo3/Hunting%20Tech/COLT_l_LMT_M_LMT_R-stake-L197-2-1.jpg Here's some examples of properly side staked auto carriers, Colt at left the rest are LMT vintage pre-MIM gas keys. Quoted:
Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions: 1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) Answers: 1. Stag uses CMT BCG and all other AR parts. 2. CMT BCG are batch tested HPT & MPI same as other commercial type manufacturers. 3. BCM, Colt, and AR Performance BCG have the same manufacturer. From Stag website ,"Individually MP & HP tested and marked Bolt & Barrel ". |
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http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/boltcatch/carriers.jpg Originally Posted By member boltcatch: Top to bottom, BCG pulled from a new Sabre Defence upper, CMT M16 BCG, and RRA enhanced carrier. Ref. thread: Proper Staking of Carrier Key Screws - content link Note that this was in 2006 the CMT at the middle have a very bad carrier key staking, not sure if they are properly staked now, I had one and I bought a new BCM gas key kit and I installed it and properly side staked it. http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/Alpha-Romeo3/Hunting%20Tech/COLT_l_LMT_M_LMT_R-stake-L197-2-1.jpg Here's some examples of properly side staked auto carriers, Colt at left the rest are LMT vintage pre-MIM gas keys. Quoted:
Are these good to go? I've heard that CMT supplies parts to Colt, Noveske, LMT and other top notch brands, but that doesn't necessarily mean their BCG's are something to write home about. So, three questions: 1. What companies use CMT BCG's? (if any) 2. Where does CMT rank in the broad scheme of top notch BCG's, like BCM? 3. Who makes BCM's BCG's? (if known) Answers: 1. Stag uses CMT BCG and all other AR parts. 2. CMT BCG are batch tested HPT & MPI same as other commercial type manufacturers. 3. BCM, Colt, and AR Performance BCG have the same manufacturer. From Stag website ,"Individually MP & HP tested and marked Bolt & Barrel ". Stag sells two kinds of bolts, the standard batch tested and the Plus Package which are individually HPT & MPI tested. The extra cost of the Plus Package for a rifle if purchased with a rifle: $100, when package purchased with an upper half: $75.00. Quoted from the Stag website: In addition to our standard features listed above the Plus Package includes: - 4150 CMV barrel steel chrome lined - 1/7 Twist rifling - Individually MP & HP tested and marked Bolt & Barrel - M-16 Bolt Carrier - Heavy (H) buffer assembly - One extra 30rd USGI Magazine (two total)* |
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I would also add that Colt also makes their own BCG as you could see from this article's pic. I have mostly Colt brand AR, also have LMT and BCM BCG, I would not mind also getting the AR Performance std M16 BCG, Daniel Defense, Rainier Arms-GTS Thunder Bolt, LaRue, & FN. Just get the good known brand with the lowest price and that's available in stock. Would CMT not be considered in the good known brand? |
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I would also add that Colt also makes their own BCG as you could see from this article's pic. I have mostly Colt brand AR, also have LMT and BCM BCG, I would not mind also getting the AR Performance std M16 BCG, Daniel Defense, Rainier Arms-GTS Thunder Bolt, LaRue, & FN. Just get the good known brand with the lowest price and that's available in stock. Would CMT not be considered in the good known brand? CMT is one of the good known brand except for the gas key staking issue, from the last 7 years that I had seen here in these AR forums I had not noticed any serious problems reported by other members. I bought one in 2005 with the bad staking job that I posted earlier and I repaired and sold it, would I buy another one, sure I would buy it if they have proper staking now, but without HPT and MPI testing I would only use it for my sporting AR, however I would not use it for my home defense/ SHTF carbines. I would consider Stag's Plus Package BCG for my defensive use but per their site they're only available with the purchase of a complete rifle or a complete upper half. |
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Well the site that I planned on buying from increased the price since I checked this morning by $10 for no apparent reason. Now $10 is no big deal, but that's another $10 closer to a BCM BCG, plus, if it's price gauging then I don't want to support them anyway. So i'm passing
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Just because it's from the same contractor, it's NOT the same exact thing.
Remember when Delton had bolts breaking a few years ago? Their contractor accidentally slipped in some bolts that were made from a weaker steel. Why do you think their contractor had those weaker bolts in the first place? Because another of their customers specced it. It does not matter who they make parts for. Let me clarify that for you... It doesn't matter who they make parts for. It might show they know how to make good parts, but it doesn't mean they are using the same specs for stuff they make under their own name. Some of those specs that make the known good companies good costs a lot of money. All that testing isn't cheap. It's why Colt, BCM, LMT, etc cost more. All that matters is how they make the parts under their own name. Hell, the company that makes the bolt groups for Hesse/Vulcan/whatever they are this week could probably make some fine bolts if they were paid to do so. Now, having said all that, CMT does in fact make a good product. No real problems that I know of. |
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Just because it's from the same contractor, it's NOT the same exact thing. Remember when Delton had bolts breaking a few years ago? Their contractor accidentally slipped in some bolts that were made from a weaker steel. Why do you think their contractor had those weaker bolts in the first place? Because another of their customers specced it. It does not matter who they make parts for. Let me clarify that for you... It doesn't matter who they make parts for. It might show they know how to make good parts, but it doesn't mean they are using the same specs for stuff they make under their own name. Some of those specs that make the known good companies good costs a lot of money. All that testing isn't cheap. It's why Colt, BCM, LMT, etc cost more. All that matters is how they make the parts under their own name. Hell, the company that makes the bolt groups for Hesse/Vulcan/whatever they are this week could probably make some fine bolts if they were paid to do so. Now, having said all that, CMT does in fact make a good product. No real problems that I know of. well if I were a manufacturer and distributor like CMT, I would want my name on the best product that I can possibly make. But then again, that's just a lonely ole simpleton talking. I'm sure their bolts are fine, but since the price increased, i'm just gonna go to BCM. |
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Hi all had to chime in I live and CT and try to get most of my stuff from Stag. Call them and they will sell just about anything they make. I have gotten there plus package parts separate from them. As for them making bcg for others they make parts for some of the so called top tier boys but they will not say who. I trust there parts and will buy from them again.
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Just because it's from the same contractor, it's NOT the same exact thing. Remember when Delton had bolts breaking a few years ago? Their contractor accidentally slipped in some bolts that were made from a weaker steel. Why do you think their contractor had those weaker bolts in the first place? Because another of their customers specced it. It does not matter who they make parts for. Let me clarify that for you... It doesn't matter who they make parts for. It might show they know how to make good parts, but it doesn't mean they are using the same specs for stuff they make under their own name. Some of those specs that make the known good companies good costs a lot of money. All that testing isn't cheap. It's why Colt, BCM, LMT, etc cost more. All that matters is how they make the parts under their own name. Hell, the company that makes the bolt groups for Hesse/Vulcan/whatever they are this week could probably make some fine bolts if they were paid to do so. Now, having said all that, CMT does in fact make a good product. No real problems that I know of. well if I were a manufacturer and distributor like CMT, I would want my name on the best product that I can possibly make. But then again, that's just a lonely ole simpleton talking. I'm sure their bolts are fine, but since the price increased, i'm just gonna go to BCM. If I were them, I'd want my name brand to be very good, since they sell to other manufacturers and manufacturers tend to only want to buy from places that make good stuff. However, there are companies that just want cheap shit no matter who makes it. They are the companies that specced 4150 steel for their bolts a few years ago, and used the same machine shop that also made the bolts for Delton when Delton had all those bolt lugs shearing off. Somehow the crap ones made it into the somewhat better quality order. |
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