I recently had a discussion with someone about my first AR purchase being an LMT upper/lower as opposed to Rock River. This person shared with me how he had just received his new LMT upper/lower with a worn appearance (some dings, scratches, dents). When he asked his dealer about it, he was told that LMT ships out their rifles/parts in a carton without adequate shipping protection, resulting in parts rubbing up against each other during transport. It was also stated, and assumed, that since these rifles will most likely be used for military purposes, they (LMT) are not as concerned about it since the rifle will be roughed up in no time.
Obviously, there are some who may not think it’s a big deal to them, but for others who are dropping serious coin and expect a product that at least looks new… it may be an issue.
Are there any LMT owners who’ve had any cosmetic issues? Do you think this dealer is “full of it”?
Most of the ones I’ve seen have been pretty damn clean. I’ve never seen one (uppers) out of the box that I thought was dinged up ‘bad’.
All the uppers I’ve got from them have been in a plastic bag surrounded by bubble wrap, so I would say they were WELL packed.
That being said, LMT’s stuff is designed to be SHOT not admired so I probably wouldn’t sweat it all that much. I do see your point thou about spending good coin and expecting a certain level of quality.
I guess I’d have to see pictures to see exactly what you are talking about.
I’m wondering if perhaps your buddy got a used rifle sold as ‘new’. Hrm…
I own 2 LMT uppers, an MRP CQB and a plain jane 16" upper, both of which have no dents, dings, scratches, etc that I didn’t put on there myself. The MRP was even the gun show display model that the store used. I’m very happy with the products I’ve received from LMT so far and I now have 2 LMT lowers on order as well. I also have a Rock River upper that arrived at my door without any additional dints, dings, etc. My Rock River was the first AR upper that I bought and I still like shooting it when I can (my girlfriend claimed it as hers).
I have two LMT MRP complete rifles and it came in its own individual box. They did not combine the rifles and it was packaged very well. Perfect condition.
I have recieved numerous LMT shipments, factory direct, w/o issue. Parts were well protected on all sides, bubble wrapped, or plastic bagged with dunnage that keeps the uppers center of the box.
Did I mention dealer had the integrity of a Democrat during election year?
I had a similar issue with my SOCOM II when it arrived at my local FFL. I told him that though it won’t affect operation of the weapon for the price that I paid I wanted another one or a full refund. I got another one.
I would contact LMT directly, get their take on it and then talk to him again. Or just let it go and be happy.
When those complaints arise, the first questions out to be requests for photos. More often than not, people are whining about minor surface abrasions, machining marks, or some minor imperfections in finishing. More often than not, the observations are combinations of normal, inconsequential, or observable only under closest scrutiny.
More often than not, it’s only of concern to those who will admire and own their gun, rather than use or shoot it. For many, the gun will look much worse after the first outing.
Further, I’m not sure I’d consider $1250.00 serious coin. I’m buying $1250 in tools, materials and functionality, not jewelry, watches, or a vehicle that I’d expect to be perfect.
Take all such reports with a hearty spoon of salt, and consider the source and their context.
“I’m not sure I’d consider $1250.00 serious coin” … With respect - nice to be You! With three of my six kids still at home (two in college) I find $1250 extremely HARD to come by. I do not mind my shit being banged up … I just want to do the banging on it. I admire it new, admire owning it, admire it’s marked up character …Let those who live with their pieces do what is right for them. Accept it as is or get a new one.
Harold H.
For a standard AR, it isn’t unreasonable to consider $1250 to be serious coin, considering the majority of brands (though lower tier brands) can be had for hundreds less. Besides, with such brand recognition and reputation comes scrutiny, which IMHO is justified. It’s not someone purchased a bargain bin rifle. Know what I mean?
In principle, we can apply this to anything new. Why shouldn’t we expect anything less, especially when there is a strong brand behind a product?
According to the person I spoke to, the blemishes were significant enough to question whether the rifle was even new. This is someone who isn’t the average poseur who would want a new rifle replaced due to a microscopic scratch.
I may try to get some photos before he sends it back.
First off, LMT is the least concerned about “fit/finish” than any other company (less Colt). Colt as well doesn’t put too much concern into “looks.”
Second, LMT ships their complete AR’s in carboards boxes filled with bubble wrap. Colt doesn’t even do this with their AR’s. I am not sure what LMT could do better other than ship them in a hard case.
What you will find is that companies with .Mil contracts are ALWAYS going to be least concerned about appearance and ALWAYS concerned about reliability. You as the consumer can choose to either buy a weapon for “looks” or for dependability. Your choice, but just remember that AR’s are tools to be used so I would not concern my self with their outside appearance (within reason).
I do beilieve that you should get a quality weapon and that it should be free of any MAJOR scratches or dings, but minor wear shouldn’t be of any concern. If it is, buy a RRA as they pride themselves on F&F.