Re: Non AR .223 help
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TCB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well I know it wasn't the ammo, I was using m855, and federal tac. I just think I have a unique ability to make any AR run bad. Guessing even yours... </div></div>
Doubtful. Clubs I am associated with buy multiples of some supposed good brands of ARs for the junior and clinic programs. Very high incidence of failures/malfunctions. I was at a match 3 weeks ago where 2 brand new famous maker brand rifles would not lock back on an empty mag, a real problem for sling and coat shooters. With another club, we had SEVEN supposed top maker 2 stage triggers go bad and took 7 lowers with us back to Camp Perry to have the maker work on them.
I did have the disconnector spur break off an RRA NM 2 stage trigger at around 13,000 cycles. I sent it to them and they replaced it. Total time there, fixing, and back was 7 days. The fact that I used it a lot with a 22LR upper could have contributed to the premature failure.
I got my first AR in 12/1996. It was from a famous long time name maker. It would not consistently lock the bolt back on an empty mag. Fast forward 15 years to this fall - same famous maker, 2 rifles that the bolt would not lock back on.
Give an RRA build or complete rifle a try before you totally give up on the AR. You might be surprised. Also, don't be shy about mag selection. Used USGI mags can be a problem as the feed lips get worn and bent. Magpul mags seem to be a go-to mag for no mag related malfunctions. The fallback position for true GI spec, well made, reasonably priced 20 and 30 round new alu mags is NHMTG. Guess what brand RRA ships with their rifles...
Another 'hider and I just put another AR together last week. It used an RRA upper and lower (purchased used BTW), an RRA 2 stage trigger, BCG and buffer supplied by WOA, barrel and gas tube from WOA. We spent more time dicking around with the Troy TRX HG than we did building the rest of the rifle. After building, I gave it the same cleaning and lube routine I do my NM ARs.
First day at the range with it we ran M855 Ball and gun show bulk of unknown mfr through it to get the optics centered up, then Mk 262 Mod 0 clone through it made using my "blaster brass" - match brass fired 6 times, pickup brass, etc.
From round #1, the rifle has not had 1 malfunction.
Don't write off the AR just yet.