While CNC can go a ways to make better parts…when assembling, there’s a big difference between wrench monkeys churning out as many as possible, and people who actually know what they’re doing putting together a quality unit.
I've purchased several "blems" that look perfectly good from AP and other manufacturers. They become test subjects!
I've never purchased a blem intentionally but I did accidentally once on a Spikes lower where there was an obvious imperfection under the finish that I wasn't too pleased about as I try to keep all my firearms looking pristine as possible especially when I'm putting together something I don't want to abuse.
I've been binge watching a lot of SOTAR videos these past few weeks on AR rifles.It's not about price.
It's not about "tier."
And the possibilities of having something that works versus something that outright doesn't work is skewed much more in-favor than it is against, simply because of the overall tolerances of the system.
The "does it run?" or "run it" mentality really isn't the right way to go about answering this kind of question, because we've seen time and again that the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of "the adult LEGO" to do just fine.
Rather, this is simply about understanding where there may be problems, and understanding what is actually going on when those problems manifest, whether it be out-of-the-box issues or only manifest upon harsh use (or even abuse).
This is specifically why I chose to showcase those particular SOTAR videos - I specifically picked instances where Albrecht had the chance to pursue what folks would consider to be "higher-end" components, ones which are in the pricier end of the market, demanding premiums that are typically above (if not far above) "lesser" counterparts.
The reality is that we all exist as that unique n of 1 sample. As-such, it's on-us to vet our individual weapons. Look at that one Sandcutter BCG that refused to run and had a broken gas key fastener? And towards @10mmLife 's post above, I can draw a personal example - my BCM:Battle Arms Development/upper:lower (billet) combo fits with noticeable play, whereas my Aero does not; yet of the two that BCM holds noticeably tighter groups.
Understanding that there are differences in materials, build quality, QA/QC, as well as the possibility of tolerance stacking with even the best components - this isn't meant to disparage a home-build using less-costly and supposedly "lesser" components or to somehow extol supposed merits of magical unobtanium that one had to trade their firstborn for. This is about understanding how the system is supposed to work so that we can better understand how to address the problems that inevitably arise.
Look at it this way, with everything else equal, who would I pick for a partner in a class?
A shooter who brought in a cosmetically beat-to-hell self-built PSA, with SOTAR videos in his YouTube Watch History and who's breakfast table-chatter is about the difference his gun groups with one ammo versus another....
Or a shooter who is unpacking his fresh-from-the-store Knights SR15, with a phone full of sexy gun-bunny pictures and who talks only of the latest and greatest gear.....
I'm betting that when my gun goes down, that first guy is more likely to be the one who pulls a BEV Block and a portable hitch vise out of his truck.
I’m thinking I’d want to get to know both guys, if you need help with something the first guy can work on your gun and the second guy may have a gun bunny in his truck that can help you forget your problems.It's not about price.
It's not about "tier."
And the possibilities of having something that works versus something that outright doesn't work is skewed much more in-favor than it is against, simply because of the overall tolerances of the system.
The "does it run?" or "run it" mentality really isn't the right way to go about answering this kind of question, because we've seen time and again that the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of "the adult LEGO" to do just fine.
Rather, this is simply about understanding where there may be problems, and understanding what is actually going on when those problems manifest, whether it be out-of-the-box issues or only manifest upon harsh use (or even abuse).
This is specifically why I chose to showcase those particular SOTAR videos - I specifically picked instances where Albrecht had the chance to pursue what folks would consider to be "higher-end" components, ones which are in the pricier end of the market, demanding premiums that are typically above (if not far above) "lesser" counterparts.
The reality is that we all exist as that unique n of 1 sample. As-such, it's on-us to vet our individual weapons. Look at that one Sandcutter BCG that refused to run and had a broken gas key fastener? And towards @10mmLife 's post above, I can draw a personal example - my BCM:Battle Arms Development/upper:lower (billet) combo fits with noticeable play, whereas my Aero does not; yet of the two that BCM holds noticeably tighter groups.
Understanding that there are differences in materials, build quality, QA/QC, as well as the possibility of tolerance stacking with even the best components - this isn't meant to disparage a home-build using less-costly and supposedly "lesser" components or to somehow extol supposed merits of magical unobtanium that one had to trade their firstborn for. This is about understanding how the system is supposed to work so that we can better understand how to address the problems that inevitably arise.
Look at it this way, with everything else equal, who would I pick for a partner in a class?
A shooter who brought in a cosmetically beat-to-hell self-built PSA, with SOTAR videos in his YouTube Watch History and who's breakfast table-chatter is about the difference his gun groups with one ammo versus another....
Or a shooter who is unpacking his fresh-from-the-store Knights SR15, with a phone full of sexy gun-bunny pictures and who talks only of the latest and greatest gear.....
I'm betting that when my gun goes down, that first guy is more likely to be the one who pulls a BEV Block and a portable hitch vise out of his truck.
It's not about price.
It's not about "tier."
And the possibilities of having something that works versus something that outright doesn't work is skewed much more in-favor than it is against, simply because of the overall tolerances of the system.
The "does it run?" or "run it" mentality really isn't the right way to go about answering this kind of question, because we've seen time and again that the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of "the adult LEGO" to do just fine.
Rather, this is simply about understanding where there may be problems, and understanding what is actually going on when those problems manifest, whether it be out-of-the-box issues or only manifest upon harsh use (or even abuse).
This is specifically why I chose to showcase those particular SOTAR videos - I specifically picked instances where Albrecht had the chance to pursue what folks would consider to be "higher-end" components, ones which are in the pricier end of the market, demanding premiums that are typically above (if not far above) "lesser" counterparts.
The reality is that we all exist as that unique n of 1 sample. As-such, it's on-us to vet our individual weapons. Look at that one Sandcutter BCG that refused to run and had a broken gas key fastener? And towards @10mmLife 's post above, I can draw a personal example - my BCM:Battle Arms Development/upper:lower (billet) combo fits with noticeable play, whereas my Aero does not; yet of the two that BCM holds noticeably tighter groups.
Understanding that there are differences in materials, build quality, QA/QC, as well as the possibility of tolerance stacking with even the best components - this isn't meant to disparage a home-build using less-costly and supposedly "lesser" components or to somehow extol supposed merits of magical unobtanium that one had to trade their firstborn for. This is about understanding how the system is supposed to work so that we can better understand how to address the problems that inevitably arise.
Look at it this way, with everything else equal, who would I pick for a partner in a class?
A shooter who brought in a cosmetically beat-to-hell self-built PSA, with SOTAR videos in his YouTube Watch History and who's breakfast table-chatter is about the difference his gun groups with one ammo versus another....
Or a shooter who is unpacking his fresh-from-the-store Knights SR15, with a phone full of sexy gun-bunny pictures and who talks only of the latest and greatest gear.....
I'm betting that when my gun goes down, that first guy is more likely to be the one who pulls a BEV Block and a portable hitch vise out of his truck.
True enough. But there is middle ground. And 90% of the people here could do anything they do with whatever AR they currently have with my $500 BCA 10.5" or my $800 Witch Doctor."Running the gun hard(er)" is typically what'll expose problems with material, construct, or QA/QC. As fouling builds and lube starts to be consumed (and not replaced) - particularly if environmental dirt/debris also factors-in - we start to approach that edge where systems that are not optimized will start to exhibit problems and eventually fail.
The particulars of the ammo used as well as any other significant modifications can also drastically affect outcomes.
And there's also context - a from-the-manufacturer AR15 that's over-gassed may be horrible for someone who intends to slap a can on it for police CQB duty use, but for another shooter who may intend to use it for hobbyist plinking, with the absolute cheapest ammo that they can find, that setup can literally be ideal.
As for your specific gun, I think that with a good pairing on ammo - which I think is a crucial vetting point for *any* gun - it may surprise you as to its capabilities within the 400. I think you'll likely have an excellent day at the range with it.
Similarly, I think that as long as you kept it properly lubed, even a fast-paced, high-round-count class should not pose any issues, provided that there are no build concerns and that, materially speaking, the various components do not fall short of spec.
IMveryHO, someone who knows what they're doing and uses care in sourcing and collecting components can very well put together a budget AR15 that rivals any of the top-tier completes, even without specialized tools or gauging. But at the same time, to suggest that it's just LEGO or "parts are parts" is an oversimplification that is at-best demonstrative of a lack of knowledge, and at-worst can lead to a final assembly that is far from optimal.
Anyone have experience with that Geiselle? Saw one at my LGS and was talking to them about it the other day. Got me thinking. They’re not cheap, but one of the guys talked it up pretty good. And he’s a competition rifle shooter.
I don't have one myself but I hear they are one of the best bangs for the buck when it comes to high end AR's.
northeastmunitions.com
Looks nice!! The one at my LGS was marked up higher than that plus is has the 14.5” barrel with a pinned and welded muzzle device. Would want the 16” barrel so I could easily put a suppressor on it if I wanted that in the future.I don't have one myself but I hear they are one of the best bangs for the buck when it comes to high end AR's.
My LGS sells them pretty regularly and they don't sit on the shelf long in these parts.
They have 2 in stock currently.
Northeast Munitions, LLC
Northeast Munitions in Merrimack, New Hampshire (NH) is a gun shop unlike any other. We deal in the most elite firearms, ammunition, accessories, & NFA, while also providing the best service and pricing in the industry. Oh yeah, and as always FREE FFL Transfers