Rob,
Since I found several inaccuracies (and without detailed explanations, misleading information) in your chart as it currently exists, it will be nice to have Olympic Arms properly represented. While I am happy to answer directly these question, I find that it often causes more confusion than it helps, based primarily on the gross misperception of “mil-spec”, and an even ubergrosse (I really am German/Swiss!!) overemphasis and misdirection of the implied applications of “mil-spec”. Remember, “mil-spec” can be a quality specification, or a contract derivative based on individual contract requirements set forth by contract and mission demands. Without lengthy caveats for almost each answer, the facts and causes for Oly decisions to manufacture items the way that we do is lost in the incomplete translation of these “yes and no” answers.
Here is Oly’s response:
· MPI Bolt
o Yes.
o All Oly material used to produce bolts (as well as barrels and bolt carriers) is magna-fluxed as bar stock before the machining process. Magna-flux is the predecessor to and an acceptable alternative to the named process of MPI. The results are the same.
o A better question might be, “what material is used to manufacturer the bolt?”
o Olympic uses a proprietary material alternative for the bolt. This material (the same material used to produce tail-hooks for the F-18) is far superior to the standard material used throughout the industry. In the SOPMOD tests discussed in more detail below, the Olympic bolt out performed all others 10-to-1, lasting 10 times longer than the second longest lasting bolt in the same tests. This same material that was used for that test, is now used to produce all Olympic bolts, truly, the best AR15 bolt available.
o Or perhaps even better yet, “Who physically manufactures the bolt used in that particular m4?” What you’ll find is that the same manufacturers bolts are used in most of the “brand names” (as they are not true manufacturers in that they do not physically manufacture the majority of subcomponent parts for the products they sell. Olympic on the other hand physically manufactures EVERY major component part to meet or exceed various mil-spec requirements IN HOUSE.
o You’ll find I frequently use the term “brand name” as I just cannot bring myself to call some of our competitors manufacturers, as they do not physically manufacture what they sell.
· Pressure Test (HPT) Bolt
o Yes.
o Bolts are tested in acceptable lots.
o Some contracts require more testing based on the deliver requirements.
o Bolts are tested using SAAMI “blue pills’ i.e. high pressure loads made specifically for pressure testing by a SAAMI manufacturer according to SAAMI specs.
· Shot Peened Bolt
o In a word, no.
o Instead Olympic Arms bolts (which by the way were the only manufacturers bolts to SURPASS the requirements set forth by SOPMOD for the SOPMOD M4 upgrade tests performed by NAVSURWAR at Crane back in 2001) are tumbled in shot and stone mix, producing an acceptable “mil-spec” alternative as proven in this testing.
· Black Extractor Spring Insert
o Yes, and No.
o Oly’s extractor assist ring, the EXRING® is an approved alternative to the mil-spec insert.
o The EXRING® is in fact black poly, but it not an insert, but rather around the outside of the extractor spring itself.
§ BTW, the extractor spring Oly uses is a high-tension spring as well.
· Properly Staked Gas Key
o Yes.
o If you will examine TM 05538C-23&P/2 (page 3-20) it clearly shows 3 acceptable methods for the staking of the carrier key. Olympic Always uses one of these methods on its factory assembled carrier assemblies.
· M16 Bolt Carrier
o In civilian models, no.
o But Oly produces and supplies all civilian models (semi-auto) with the most complete carrier in the industry. The lower webbing or “tang” is only cut back ¼” to make the carrier semi-only, thereby providing as full weight (which is critical to reliable cycling) and as full strength as possible without providing a full-auto carrier.
· M4 Feedramps
o Yes.
· 4150 Barrel Steel
o No.
o 416 Stainless steel
o Again, this barrel exceeded mil-spec requirements, and was the best performing barrel tested at the above mentioned SOPMOD tests.
o 416 also provides faster heat dissipation than carbon steel.
* MPI Barrel
o Magna-fluxed.
o See Bolt above.
* Pressure Test (HPT) Barrel
o Yes
o A mentioned with regards to bolts.
· Chrome Chamber & Bore
o Absolutely not.
o Chrome lining has proven to reduce the accuracy of barrels when tested side by side with the same barrels that have not been chrome lined.
o Additionally, chrome linings have continued to show repeated failures in as little as 600 rounds of sustained full auto fire.
o This is why NAVSURWAR preferred the Olympic barrel
· 5.56 Chamber
o Yes.
· 1:7 Rifling Twist
o Negative for the civilian guns
o Yes, if required per contract
o Remember, a milspec contract may not require 1x7.
· F Front Sight Base (FSB)
o No. Cast.
· Taper Pins at FSB
o Yes
· Parkerize Under FSB
o No.
· Milspec Receiver Extension
o No. Commercial.
· Staked Castle Nut
o No.
o Too many customers are choosing to change out their stocks.
· "H" Buffer
o Yes, If required for contract.
o Otherwise, no.
· Double Shield Handguards
o Standard, No
· Lifetime Warranty
o Yes
· Milspec Dia. Lower Rec. Pins
o Yes.
By the way, were you aware that when Bushmaster got started, that Olympic manufactured their receievers for them, and supplied most of their parts kits?
That Oly provided DPMS with much of the same.
That Oly broached the magwells for Rock River Arms lowers?
They Oly had been contacted to supply barrels for Smith & Wesson?
That Colt’s manufacturing once requested partnership with Olympic Arms for their “innovative mind” and to set Olympic Arms up as the “long distance model shop and R&D facility” for Colt???
That Colt’s still has not been able to overcome their inability to produce a 40 S&W model of which they sought to do with earnest in 1991?
That Colt’s contacted Olympic to purchase both fire control components and barrels?
That Armalite is STILL buyong fire control parts from Olympic Arms?
The main difference that I feel you need to be aware of is that Olympic Arms differs from these other brand names because Oly is a TRUE MANAUFACTURER. Oly makes every major component for both the AR15 and the M16 right here in our factory. While Oly does not mold their own plastics, we designed and own the molds to make these parts. Olympic is also the only manufacturer to own their own casting house, and thereby has complete QC from molten steel to finished product? NO OTHER “brand name” can make such a claim. Olympic is the only one.
Allow me to close with this caveat: In no way shape or form does Oly wish to downgrade the partnerships they have with other AR brand names. Nor does Olympic Arms negate in any way the very important role that each and every major brand name plays in the AR15 industry. The AR industry is unique from so many other industries. Even thought there is always friendly competition, we all work together (with the only exception being Colt’s) to provide this nation, its civilians and military and LE groups with the product they need to do their jobs. Every part, however small or large each manufacturer plays in this role is hugely important to the continued existence and security of the United States. We may simply be firearms manufacturers, but the role that we all together play in the history of this nation is critical. My role here at Olympic is primarily this: make sure the buying public is aware of the critical differences, so that the buyer can make an informed decision. While at the same time, providing solid factual evidence for these differences and ensuring that commonly held theories and misconceptions about Olympic Arms, its product, and the role it plays in this industry are correct and true, based on fact, and not opinion, innuendo and false perceptions. Nothing hinders the firearms industry more than the continued spread (and in the case of some other “forums” and web sites support) of misinformation as fact. Olympic Arms wishes to express her support and encouragement to all other AR15 manufacturers. TOGETHER, we work to keep America safe and free, and this role, especially in today’s day and age, cannot be understated.
Hope this helps. Good luck wth your forums!
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