Just got another lower. How's the quality of M&A Parts??

P

Payette Jack

New member
I couldn't help myself. I had to pick up a stripped Oly lower yesterday.

Decisions, decisions.

Background: The last AR I built, I primarily stuck to "name brand" parts (DPMS lower parts and buttstock, Armalite bolt carrier assembly, Bushmaster barrel, etc.) but did use a few "FN" parts ordered from JT Distributing as well (rear sight, dust cover, charging handle assembly). I built the rifle over an 18 month period and other than a couple of mag-related FTF type problems, it shoots really well.

About halfway through the project when I had bought most of the major components I went to a gunshow and met with the owners of JT Distributing and looked over their product. The parts looked great and fit/function seemed on par with the big boys. All in all, I'm not sure that "name brand" does much for you in the AR world. As a matter of fact, the best looking uppers out there seem to be from FN and I've now seen 2 AR's built from FN parts kits that make ragged holes at 100 yds. I don't know what more you can expect from a rifle.

Long story short, I'm thinking about ordering a kit but JT has gone up a bit lately. I've heard mixed reviews about M&A and was wondering if anyone had ordered from them recently. Their prices are about the lowest out there. I'm thinking along the lines of a 20" free floated barrel, upgraded trigger, flat top upper. Nothing incredibly fancy, but I would like to be able to nail prarie dogs out there at 200 yds.

All advice appreciated.
 
Built an AR15 last month using a Oly lower, Purchased an upper from a company called Model 1 Sales at a gun show. The upper receiver was forged and was told by Model 1 Sales that they are supplied by the current FN contractor. Mine is an A2 upper with a postban 20" Wilson HBAR Chromemoly barrel. Shot the rifle this past weekend (200rnds) zero problems.
 
I stick with J&T. Good people, GREAT product. I had two sets of internals for my lower, J&T stuff and Bushhackster. Guess which parts were smooth and sweet, and which weren't? By the way, I won't even WORK on anything that says bushmaster anymore, 'cause they ticked me off so bad with their customer disservice.

My reccomendation----stick with what you know is good stuff, cause the aggrevation may not be worth a few bucks.
 
Yeah, I like (and trust) JT as well.

Should probably just stick with tried and true.

Bushmaster finish is flippin' purple, I don't care what they say. I've held a Bushie up against an FN upper and those suckers are PURPLE!!
 
P. Jack,

I've got 2 AR's, both built from kits on ASA stripped lowers.

One is an A2 from a Model 1 Sales kit. Paid extra for a alum float tube & match sights.

No. 2 is a flattop CAR from an M&A Parts kit.

The A2 shoots Sierra match 52gr to 1 moa regularly. My all time best 5 shot 100 yd group from any rifle, sight, ammo, etc. was with this rifle..... .625 inch. Not bad for a kit gun with iron sights & 45 year old eyes.

I've only put a hundred rounds through the CAR, so it's not even broken in yet, but with the same ammo it's shooting into 1-1/4 moa.

Both rifles function flawlessly and are plenty accurate. Unless you are going for ultimate accuracy, I can't see spending the extra couple hundred $ for a "name" brand upper or kit......

Best regards,
Swampy
 
Swampy, you lucked out. A good friend of mine has had a lot of ASA stuff come in the door, including an upper w/bent barrel. It was shipped that way, and it took FOREVER to get something done about it. The owner of the upper eventually sold it off at a show at a loss just to get rid of it. This was not the only experience with ASA, just the most aggravating. I understand that they've improved their QC lately, but I'm still gun-shy. ;)
 
Not exactly recent but a buddy and I each put together 20" ARs from a M&A kit about 18 months ago. Got what we ordered, went together easy, shot the heck out of them and no problems. We returned the free-floated handguards we ordered because we didn't like the way they looked. M&A sent us out new GI guards and refunded the difference to our credit cards. I'd buy from them again. -- Kernel
 
I purchased a complete flat-top with 24"stainless wilson barrel from M-A for my bushy lower. I followed the armalite break-in and it has been great. It is a 1/2moa shooter. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. The only concern was initially that there was metal protruding into the bore from where the gas port was drilled. It brushed/shot out, however.

MFH
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top