A short story since I don’t see much info about JD Machine Tech here…
I went down to MCRD San Diego 4 weeks ago to get some uniform items and watch recruits get screamed at by Drill Instructors, ah memories… Anyway after that I went across the “street” (Pacific Highway) to check out JD Machine Tech’s facility. They have been producing excellent lowers marked Kaiser Defense (they and JD split last year so it is exclusively JD now) and from what I’ve learned, they actually forge lowers for many AR companies out there. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=122221
I did not plan to buy anything since I am saving up and I don’t like purchasing firearms in the PRK. However, when the manager show me this motivating beauty I could not resist!
(Serial #'s blacked and whited out but lets just say it is consecutive. I got 2 fellow Devil Dogs to purchase the USMC lowers themselves after I showed them mine and their #'s are consecutive after mine…)
I made the purchase that day and during the BS 10 days I ordered a CMT/Stag receiver extension from DSG Arms since they don’t stock the Daniel Defense RE’s anymore :(. I also purchased another LPK from Grant and went to the Costa Mesa gun show to pick up another Noveske QD receiver end plate, BAD lever and Rad-lock from Riflegear. (FUCK bullet buttons :mad:) After picking up the lower and receiving the LPK in the mail I began my work.
Unfortunately the bolt catch roll pin was out-of-spec, slightly too big and would bend instead of go in as I hammer. I had to use an extra used one I got in my AR parts box. I love G&R’s LPKs but the last 2 I purchased had poorly machined bolt catches. A Colt bolt catch solved the problem I had with the PMAGs not locking back on the KD lower. I had difficulty getting the Magpul trigger guard installed but mainly because I don’t have a vice or workbench in my apartment and had to improvise alot of tools. Despite that, everything else went in fine and I staked the endplate. I took the BCM upper off the KD lower since I designated the BCM BFH to be my primary weapon. Once DSG has OD green ACS stocks that CTR will come right off! After trying the black ACS that I have now, the CTR just does not feel the same anymore!
I had my LWRC upper laying around and now that I got another lower I could finally make this one into a complete rifle. I’d like to get a LWRC lower just to make the rifle more legit but I will wait until I move to the real USA first. :rolleyes:
It took me a while before I decided to try the BAD out. After shooting about 500 rounds 2 weeks ago with no lockback issues and faster manipulation, I am sold on the BAD! I am thinking of a light and mount too but need to save up more, and one downside of LWRC’s piston is that the gas is pushed out right below the rail before the front BUIS, so anything mounted around there will get coated. 
I would also prefer a longer rail and midlength piston since I like my weak hand forward as possible. I still need to shoot with the AFG longer to get a good opinion on them but so far I like them.
Well I will stop here, just showing off my 2 completed rifles I got with me right now, don’t want to make this too long. Please let me know what you all think though! Is the Surefire too far forward on the mount (secured at the tailcap), needs to move back, I need to not be obsessed with aggressive end flash hiders, etc…
Semper Fi!