I would not take an AR to a "local smith" to have them start hacking on metal. YMMV.
No! I would first try a bunch of different mags (if using PMAG's, switch to a different color and or manufacturing date).
If this does not get your a different result, I would THEN contact the manufacturer and tell them what you have tried.
Most "manufacturers" (or companies that have their lowers made by someone else) USUALLY have a gauge or at least a KNOWN in spec magazine that they insert into the magwell to make sure it is in spec.
When you call them, ask them how they check magwells before shipping. Also find out if they do every lower or batches.
C4
I don't think you can contact them on this forum, as they are Banned:suicide2:Code:Contact them first as per forum rules.
Just wanted to update that Spike's got back to me and are sending a new lower my way with a call tag to return the old one to them. Despite the fact that I bought a Gen 1.5 model from AIM, they are sending me their newest RM model lower. My overall experience with their CS department has been very positive.
I know that when all of this started back in March or so, many people were anxiously awaiting the "results" of my visit to Spike's and the T&E rifle that they loaned me. As I finally finished my review (over 1200 rounds fired, FWIW) and submitted my article over the weekend I thought I'd open up the floor to questions about my experience with Spike's . I won't be posting any pictures that may appear in the article until after it's published, and I won't be scooping myself in terms of content of the article with regards to things like malfunctions or accuracy. I know that doesn't leave much, but if you have other questions for me you can ask them here instead of the PMs I've been getting regarding this topic since the subject first came up.
Ya, I got a question. Is your article going to be better than the one currently in SWAT magazine??? That one is nothing more than an advertising ad for Spikes. The best part is when the author says that Spikes is basically equal to BCM and Colt. Really? :rolleyes:
C4
I think that would be hard to do because the scale would be skewed to my frame of reference.
I think Spike's Tactical's intentions are to offer as many of the features and specs as possible for the lowest price possible. I think that, taking Spike's claims re: specs at face value, they offer a lot of rifle for a little money. I think that, ignoring the fact that you may be able to get a "better" rifle than Spike's for just a little bit more money, they are the best buy I'm aware of at the $800 price they charge.
There's been a lot of hay made over HPT and barrel certs. Spike's doesn't HPT bolts at this time but claims to be gearing up to do so, and until we hear otherwise one way or another we have to take them at their word that their barrels meet the requirements. Up until recently we have accepted everyone else's word. However, even without the HPT and without the certs, (so "worst case" so to speak), they are selling the damn guns at $800. Looking at the Chart, even at worst case, they would land somewhere between S&W and LMT in terms of placement, but they're friggin' $800 for crying out loud. To get to that kind of price with any other maker you have to go all the way down the list to Oly and DPMS for Chrissakes. and no matter what else people may say about Spike's I do believe that they are a damn sight better than those two.