Before we go getting spun up here, there's a few points to consider I think.
1. "your buddy." I'd be curious to know his name and if he bought the action from me. If so, there's a very simple explanation for this. The very first batch of LH Mausingfields went to ME because I had a standing order almost 2 years old for them in quantity. So, if your friend bought it from LRI, it would explain very easily how he got his and you haven't yet.
2. This can be easily verified. What color was the action? If its cerakoted or in the white, then it's not from this year. ALL 2017 built ARC actions are DLC coated. I'd almost bet a nice meal over it because to my knowledge, there haven't been any LH actions sent out yet this year from ARC.