Bought this rifle from Clyde Armory and picked it up from my FFL yesterday. Started cleaning the upper, bolt carrier group, and barrel of any preservative grease, test firing residue, etc with GI bore cleaner this morning. When I got to the exterior of the bolt carrier I noticed that the exterior phosphate surface looked gummier and rough. No problem, I thought; just rub a little harder. I did, and nothing changed. Took a closer look with the 2X Opti-Visor and what I thought was just some gummy grease and residue is pitting under the phosphate. It’s patchy, and probably amounts to about 1/4 of the exterior surface of the carrier to include the bearing surfaces. All the interior surfaces look fine. I would venture to say that in practical terms the gun should work just fine anyway–but for Pete’s sake, (I thought I was paying for top QC here. I wonder if it would have passed inspection if it had been put in a military contract weapon?:mad:
There is a one year warranty; but neither the bother of sending it back to Colt or learning to live with a pre-pitted weapon appeals to me. Naturally, the dished area visible when the port is open is one of the biggest areas affected. I suppose that in some circles I could claim that it got that way from all the time I was in the inflatable…
(Somewhere around here I’ve got a spare BC assembly From Bravo. I’m half tempted to pull it out, check the headspace, and run that.)
Not saying this is the case with yours, but I have seen a number of new Colt carriers with a rougher finish, almost textured. My most recent one is like this. Works well, so I just assumed it was fine since I’ve seen it on a number of others, but only this past year.
You were. F&F isn’t what you paid for. Yes, it would have gone into a .Mil gun with no issues.
There is a one year warranty; but neither the bother of sending it back to Colt or learning to live with a pre-pitted weapon appeals to me. Naturally, the dished area visible when the port is open is one of the biggest areas affected. I suppose that in some circles I could claim that it got that way from all the time I was in the inflatable…
(Somewhere around here I’ve got a spare BC assembly From Bravo. I’m half tempted to pull it out, check the headspace, and run that.)
Just so we are clear, you think it should be fixed by Colt, but don’t won’t send it back? So you aren’t going to give them a chance to fix the “error”, but did think it was a good idea to complain on the internet about it???
The truth is, (And we all know it) Colt could and should do a better job then they do. I am not talking about meeting the TDP. (They do that better then anybody) I’m talking overall, company wide. And…that’s on all their products.
I think that the problem over the last 30 or so years has always been Union related.
Not to speak for him, but I might have a similar sentiment in his position. Kind of the idea that they messed this up already, so what’s gonna happen when they try and fix it.
Also, while I respect Colt, a dinged receiver and a pitted bolt are two different things. This is NOT acceptable, though I’m more than sure Colt will make everything right.
While I understand your frustration after spending big coin on a top quality rifle, I think in Colt’s eyes these kind of things don’t matter. I would personally send it back for replacement just because I want to be the one to put dings and fuck-ups all over my carbine. But, even if I couldn’t, then it really wouldn’t be any sweat off my nuts.
Look at military issue M4/AR’s – they are beat to crap, all the finish wearing off, etc. Seems like Colt considers that the norm and don’t realize that some people like to baby their carbine and keep it in immaculate condition.
Colt obviously makes extremely high quality products but it does seem like they let some cosmetic flaws slip by here and there, just because… well… it’s a Colt.
Does this “defect” impede performance or cause malfunctions?
After spending the morning shooting with a friend who brought along a RRA “Operator” (his duty weapon from an el cheapo state agency and zero mods allowed; even to the unstaked gas key & receiver extension), with a perfect “finish” but several reliability issues; I can tell you that he would trade you his right nut for your “defective” Colt as a duty carbine as long as it was reliable.
As the gun gets used, the finish will get worn anyway. I guess I don’t see a run of the mill Colt 6920 as a collectible. It’s a tool meant to be used.
I’m still not sure if he’s talking about pitting or just a textured finish. If its like mine, which as I mentioned, has a texture to it, then who cares? The spots that need to will wear from use, like any carrier. If it works, and the finish is not missing, then I wouldn’t be concerned.
I’ll get a pic of mine so the OP can say whether it’s similar or not.
Edit - here’s a pic. Notice the front half is rough and the back half is smooth. It works and that’s all that matters to me.
I’ve got 6 different Colt BCGs. 2 of which look exactly like the one you posted. 4 of the other ones are all different in regards to the phosphate finish. One of the 4 is more of a metallic grey type phosphate finish (Think new Glock greyish finish).
I actually agree with you. Colt pays zero attention to F&F as their their main customer doesn’t care about it.
If Colt wants to FULLY own the commercial market, they must realize that Civy’s pay (generally speaking) too much attention to F&F. Right or wrong, this the truth.
The union is also a big problem with Colt and hopefully they will get away from them in the future (with a move to FL).
Love all of this “its a colt, its fine” stuff…frikkin hilarious, because if it was any other rifle, it would be “POS weapon, trade it for something better” CLASSIC!! :suicide: Anyway, If I buy something as expensive as a rifle, ya damn right it better be in mint shape or its going back!
