The problem with cheap AR parts kits.

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by wideym, Mar 14, 2019.


  1. wideym

    wideym Monkey+++

    In the past few months I've had customers bring in "part kit" AR-15s that do not function correctly. So far there have been two main problems, the dust cover not closing or warping, and defective hammers.

    The dust covers have been made of flimsy metal or the detent not positioned correctly, although one had a bent pin which didn't allow the cover to freely open. The problem with the hammer is that the portion which catches to the sear chips off enough that it won't engage the sear properly. This doesn't lead to full auto as the parts are semi auto in design. It does however let the hammer follow the carrier and not engage the sear to re-cock. The only course is to replace the hammer with a quality one.

    Customers are getting upset due to the fact they are spending way more money than they thought "building their own" rifle, expecially when I point out other issues like carrier keys not staked down or barrels that are not even marked. When you add a bench fee, parts cost, and test fire ammo costs, there is practically no savings. If a company made quality parts and barrels, they would put their name on it.
     
    Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  2. aardbewoner

    aardbewoner judge a human on how he act,not on look and talk.

    Made in china ?
     
    Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  3. wideym

    wideym Monkey+++

    Probably. If the chicoms can make a buck making knockoff out of spec parts for anything, they will.
     
    Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  4. T. Riley

    T. Riley Monkey+++

    How many assemble issues do you see compared to defective parts?
     
    Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  5. 3M-TA3

    3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

    I bet backwards trigger springs is at the top of assembly issues
     
    Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  6. Ura-Ki

    Ura-Ki Grampa Monkey

    I used to see issues with out of spec buffer assembles, usually the wrong spring and buffer weight plunger for barrel length, but never the issues in the O.P.
    I always advise folks to buy quality parts from known suppliers, follow the instructions to the letter and take their time!
    Only other issues I see are on the 80% builds, no one has managed to drill the pin holes correctly ( or rather drilled then out undersize and then reamed to final size) and they are always loosing their pins.
    I see a captured pin set with dog bone, but this is a bandaid for an incorrectly built part by the builder! Other then that, the legos gun is awesome!
     
    oldman11, 3M-TA3 and Gator 45/70 like this.
  7. wideym

    wideym Monkey+++

    I have run into a parts kit carbine buffer spring that the coils were too thick and kept the bolt carrier from retracting far enough to chamber a round. Replacing the buffer spring fixed the problem, although the customer tried shaving down the plastic buffer to make it work before coming in. I suggested he replace the plastic buffer (if he could find only the plastic buffer) but he didn't seem to care as long as it worked.
     
    oldman11 and Gator 45/70 like this.
  8. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Those dremel tools work wonders on a fellows pride.........lol
     
    oldman11, VisuTrac and Ura-Ki like this.
  9. oil pan 4

    oil pan 4 Monkey+++

    I got one that functions flawlessly but vomits ammo at like 6 moa.
     
    oldman11, Ura-Ki and Gator 45/70 like this.
  10. RouteClearance

    RouteClearance Monkey+++

    Has anyone had any problems with the kits that come from PSA. The trouble that I am seeing comes from those that go to gun shows and buys the cheapest parts money can buy. Parts that are made in China.
     
  11. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Seems PSA has stepped up on the quality control,I know of NO recant postings of people whining about PSA other than be prepared to wait as long as 2 weeks for your goods.
     
    oldman11, oldawg and Ura-Ki like this.
  12. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Under gassed or over-gassed?
     
    oldman11 and Ura-Ki like this.
  13. RouteClearance

    RouteClearance Monkey+++

    I believe he is saying it shoots 6" moa.
     
    oldman11, Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  14. Salted Weapon

    Salted Weapon Monkey+++

    I do not think junk parts are just AR's, as EBAY has been flooded with crappy SKS parts for along time.
    Allot of junk being made and then wont function. I think its a sign of the times there is so much junk nothing is built right, so you have to pay to find quality.
     
    oldman11, Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  15. 3M-TA3

    3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

    PSA is the primary supplier of parts to FN for their half of the M4 contract. Just stay away from their cheapest line (Freedom) and you should be OK.

    I get my parts locally from a brick and mortar shop that also builds and stands behind their own work. The one time I lost a spring from one of their kits they gave me two for free.
     
    oldman11, Gator 45/70 and Ura-Ki like this.
  16. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Oh Okay, Probably needs a heaver projectile or a new upper?
     
    oldman11 and Ura-Ki like this.
  17. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    He did say that. Gas could contribute, but my bux are on a crappy barrel or some other factor related to chamber. IF it functions, odds are the upper is fine.
     
  18. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Hell, Just send it down here and a 1000 rds,I'll check it out good and proper!
     
    oldman11 and VisuTrac like this.
  19. OldDude49

    OldDude49 Just n old guy

    Now there ya go... such dedication to the well being of others... refreshing... :D:D:D
     
    Gator 45/70 likes this.
  20. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Shoot half the 1000, send the rest to me with the gun. We have ways of shaking out troubles.
     
    oldman11 and Gator 45/70 like this.
survivalmonkey SSL seal        survivalmonkey.com warrant canary
17282WuJHksJ9798f34razfKbPATqTq9E7