The biggest reason Armalite gets hammered is because for awhile, they offered only a 1/.9 twist because they felt it was the most versatile. I don’t know if they HPT/MPI their bolts. In my opinion, HPT (High Pressure Testing) isn’t needed if the bolts are made from the right material using consistent and proven manufacturing processes. HPT reduces the life of the bolt by one proof load. Shot peening for stress relieving is much more important.
Well you got a good deal at $350, I’d probably hang on to it if you want an A2 or retro style AR. I had ArmaLite’s M15A4C (flat top upper) and traded off the upper since most deficiencies are in the upper (barrel, BCG, gas block, front sight height, etc.)
I kept the lower since I like the rollmark and there’s nothing really wrong with the lower. Put a BCM upper on an ArmaLite lower and you have a fine rifle. (ArmaLite’s receiver extension is milspec diameter not comspec like Bushmaster and it’s kind.)
why ask our OPINION when you have your own EXPERIENCE to lean on
600 trouble free rounds is nothing to sniff at. most folks who dont even have that on thier gun, yet pontificate about it’s greatness based on a name brand and internet cred.
If you really want my opinion, I would buy an armalite in a second at two and a half times what you paid (if I wanted an AR). I dont recall any squared away owners ever bitching about them… quite the opposite actually. But they didnt spend much time reading forums to form an opinion of their rifle tho… they just shot it.
If you know you ARE going to sell it eventually, then now is definitely the time to do it. Turn that $350.00 purchase into a $700.00 sale (or maybe more). I for one wouldn’t frown on your good fortune.
My research has found that they do use the correct materials for their bolts. As I understand it they are not HPT, but they are MP/Shot peened.
I know that in the case of Armalite’s .308 BCG it comes from the same source as Noveske. I got confirmation from Noveske on this.
I suspect that they have the same source for their AR15 bolts as they carry the same specs. 158 carpenter/ MP/Shot peened, but this is pure speculation on my part.