CMMG LPK and imported parts - Why you probably shouldn't worry...
So I've been doing some research... It seems as though many people down CMMG LPKs for their alleged outsourcing of some parts from LinTon in Taiwan... and while it is true that I would rather have a 100% made in the USA rifle, I would like to share some first-hand info for fellow M4carbiners that I believe needs to be addressed.
I have personally visited the LinTon facility in Taipei and had a chance to tour their factory a few years back. I have also owned a few LinTon knives. The quality of their knives is on par with most "high-end" production US knife manufacturers including Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw. The factory was very clean and modern.
People need to realize that Taiwan is NOT China (all the greatest intellectuals, scientists, etc fled China and communism during WWII and avoided the Cultural Revolution)... Taiwan has much stricter manufacturing laws and is probably the world leader in quality/$ machining and manufacturing.
Ask anyone who collects Spyderco knives where the nicest Spydercos are coming from these days - they won't tell you Golden, Colorado - they'll almost all universally agree that the Taiwanese Spydercos are best - fit, finish, everything.
That being said... I'm not defending CMMG for their use of outsourced parts - I'm just sharing some personal experience and stating some facts and opinions on why you probably shouldn't worry about a CMMG LPK.
Like I mentioned earlier, I've actually toured the LinTon factory and it was probably the most modern CNC/machining facility that I've ever seen. After learning that many of their parts may indeed be produced by LinTon, I felt the need to share...
Flame me if you want... Just sharing info...
EDIT: Just wanted to add, that Taiwan is an ally of the US and their army had been using M16s/ARs for almost as long as we have. Linton was probably a spare parts supplier for their armed forces. Now they're apparently using the T91... which is a pretty interesting weapon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T91_assault_rifle
Re: CMMG LPK and imported parts - Why you probably shouldn't worry...
I always wanted to support CMMG since they were local to me. I have a good friend who has one of their very, very early rifles. Its built very well, has a chrome lined bore and all the standard goodies that can be proven (is proper fsb, gas port, staking, etc) and it is quite the shooter. This rifle was obviously built by someone who gave a damn. Unfortunately as they got bigger, the slop began to outshine anything they were doing right. One day I would love to own a Missouri made AR, but not today. And yes, there customer service went downhill too. The last complete lower I played with from them reminded me of a DPMS. The tolerances were just not there. CMMG may just be buying the sloppy parts from Taiwan.
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