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1/9/2015 7:15:04 PM EDT
So after some research, and a thread here that suggested the only 308 worth buying cost $5K....

I wound up buying this:

DPMS 3G1


I like the rifle, the JP handguard and trigger are nice.  Balances well, All looks good.

I brought it home, cleaned it up, and lubed everything well.  I did a quick boresight for the Vortex PST 2.5-10 x 32 FFP scope and headed to the range (my hay field)

I got all set up at about 50 yards to get the scope close but it wasn't even on a USPA target, so I moved to 25, still no love.  At 10 feet it is on paper but way low and left.  I adjust to match but when I went to look at the target I see the bullet holes are elongated.  

So that starts me to trying different bullet weights, tried 110 V-Maxs:


155 A-Maxs:

165 Game Kings:


These were all shout at 10-15 Feet.

I also noticed this when I brought it inside, apparent bullet strike on the comp:




Any suggestions here? Am I missing something or does this one need to go directly back to DPMS?
1/9/2015 7:37:58 PM EDT
[#1]
It needs to go back to DPMS.  Something is seriously awry.  Good thing DPMS has good CS.
1/9/2015 7:38:28 PM EDT
[#2]
Looks like it could be an alignment problem.  Threads are most likely canted. Try it without the comp.
1/9/2015 7:40:18 PM EDT
[#3]
My general rule is not to try and fix a factory rifle that won't shoot. Send it back and let them deal with it. If it still won't shoot, sell it and buy something that does.
1/9/2015 7:43:18 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Looks like it could be an alignment problem.  Threads are most likely canted. Try it without the comp.
View Quote


That would be the first thing I checked.  None of the pics are close enough to the barrel/brake interface to tell anything, but that would be easy enough to quickly tell removing the brake and ripping some off.  Since the OP can just go outside, it's worth eliminating quickly.  That's some serious bullet tumble there.
1/9/2015 8:49:53 PM EDT
[#5]
Pretty much what I figured.  

It won't take but a minute to shoot a few without the comp tomorrow. If that solves the problem it doesn't really change much though.  It still has to go back to DPMS.

Any precedent for DPMS just swapping for a new upper to make it a quick fix?  I'll have to call them Monday morning.
1/9/2015 9:02:42 PM EDT
[#6]
My guess is the barrel was not threaded concentric with the bore.
They flunked machine shop 101.

Thanks for sharing.  I was thinking of buying one of these...
1/9/2015 9:06:13 PM EDT
[#7]
How does a 3-port brake turn into a 4-port?
1/9/2015 9:17:14 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
How does a 3-port brake turn into a 4-port?
View Quote


Not sure I follow?

1/9/2015 9:22:29 PM EDT
[#9]
nvm -- my bad.
1/19/2015 2:08:18 PM EDT
[#10]
Quick update,

So I called DPMS and got a short "call our service center for repairs"  So I called Ahlman's who said they could not handle warranty issues and to call Remington for that.  (DPMS is owned by Freedom Group and apparently Remington does the Warranty processing?)

I called Remington who transferred me around to 4 different people until I got a little heated and someone finally figured out how to handle a return for repair.  They sent me shipping info and arrainged for UPS to come get the rifle.

This morning I check tracking and it arrived at Ahlman's and was marked "Returned to Sender" in UPS's system.  SO I called Ahlman's again and they said it is something strange in UPS system and they gun is there.

Ahlman's says 2 weeks to fix and return it...I guess we will see.
1/19/2015 9:17:05 PM EDT
[#11]
Forester, did you shoot a few rounds per your "backyard test" without the brake?...any results?
1/19/2015 9:22:58 PM EDT
[#12]

Quote History
Quoted:


It needs to go back to DPMS.  Something is seriously awry. Good thing DPMS has good CS.
View Quote


Not with me they did didn't



 
1/20/2015 2:18:39 PM EDT
[#13]
I started to, then figured it was a waste of time.  Even if having the brake off solved the problem, I still need those threads to be concentric so I can run a suppressor occasionally.
1/20/2015 5:03:56 PM EDT
[#14]
Holy cow! I hope the fix this promptly for you!
1/20/2015 11:48:23 PM EDT
[#15]
DPMS used to post here all the time. Haven't seen them in a while. They used to always show up in these types of threads.
1/21/2015 9:19:47 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
DPMS used to post here all the time. Haven't seen them in a while. They used to always show up in these types of threads.
View Quote


I wish they would, the runaround I got trying to return a clearly defective gun was absurd.  The attitude I got from whoever I talked to at DPMS was "we just make em, if you have a problem take it up with someone else"

I have followed their process but at the moment I do not have a lot of confidence I will get the gun back in a timely manner.  I will absolutely report how it goes either way though.  Anyone who makes anything will have a dud slip through now and then, how the situation is remedied shows what kind of company you really are.
1/21/2015 11:14:33 AM EDT
[#17]
You should post a link in their Industry forum, that will get you  a response.
1/21/2015 11:44:03 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Quoted:
DPMS used to post here all the time. Haven't seen them in a while. They used to always show up in these types of threads.
View Quote


You mean like this one? All of 7 days ago.
1/21/2015 12:43:26 PM EDT
[#19]
Is the muzzle brake factory installed?
Maybe the brake is drilled off center?
Was/is the muzzle brake tight?
1/21/2015 12:48:50 PM EDT
[#20]
When I bought my two AR10 Armalites last November, it was my first foray into the AR platform but not guns and rifles in general.  I had always heard of the Armalite name, along with DPMS, Bushmaster, and other $1000-or-so rifles.  I could have gone with any of those and other similarly priced big caliber AR rifles but went with the pair of Armalites...7.62 & .243...due to a good sale at CDNN in my local area.  Upon getting and shooting these rifles, in short order I joined this site, and it has been a wealth of information and knowledge.  

Please note...this is not an Armalite commercial.  I bought Armalite because of circumstances, coincidence, and price.  Apparently I just got lucky...a good thing for a greenhorn to the AR rifle.  I'm posting this in this thread just to show how one company apparently can differ from another in parts, service, and communication.  I bought the .243 AR10 first.  During its initial cleaning I noticed an unidentifiable mark in the chamber throat that concerned me...very small and hard to tell if it was serious or nothing.  I don't have a bore scope.  Armalite authorized a swap for the complete upper in identical component match with no questions.  At this time I had now decided that I wanted a complete upper 7.62 to have that larger caliber that I could just quickly swap for some variety.  They cut me a good price for the upper but didn't have one assembled at the moment, but it would only take a few days to be shipped.  I even got to talk to their armorer/gunsmith directly about this.  The next day CDNN put the 7.62 AR10 on sale...apparently they had bought out a large portion or all of the "B" models...so I bought that one...identical in all ways to my .243.  I called Armalite to see if they would mind cancelling that 7.62 complete upper order, and they said "no problem".

I have called Armalite several times involving orders, service, and a couple of tech questions.  I always had someone knowledgeable answer the phone and with authority to do what I was inquiring about.  Even the lady who answers the phone knows quite a bit about their line, parts, service, and technical info...yes...somewhat sexist of me, I know, LOL!  Now, I do not doubt that some other companies provide the same level of info, contactability, parts, and service, but from some of the clearly unbiased threads here, M&P and DPMS have a way to go achieve that.  I know there are higher quality rifles from sources like KAC, Larue, and similar brands.  Yesterday I put six 20-round boxes of ammo through these two rifles, sighting them in and then just playing with them.  I'm not sure what additional performance or function I could get from a rifle costing 3-5 times more, but I'm sure the quality is there.  I held and inspected a KAC SR25 over the Christmas holidays, and it was pretty sweet.  For a customer buying a couple of big caliber AR rifles at under $1000 with this kind of support, I couldn't be happier.
1/21/2015 1:09:27 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
Is the muzzle brake factory installed? Yes
Maybe the brake is drilled off center? Good question, possible but not obvious just looking at it
Was/is the muzzle brake tight?  Yes it was
View Quote



I could have tried a different brake, but at the risk of tearing up my brake and muddying the waters from a warranty standpoint I would rather let them fix the problem they built.  Having a problem with a new gun is irritating, but it happens with anything...Guns, computers, cars, houses..all have defects occasionally.

The no one knows anything hassle in returning it was more bothersome to me.  If it all gets fixed and sent back in 2 weeks as Ahlman's quoted then this is a minor thing all in all.  I'm just doubtful based on experience so far is all.
1/21/2015 2:23:39 PM EDT
[#22]
They claim they test fire them. One i bought would not go three rounds without jamming. It is apparent they did not test fire yours. Or did not
Pay attention to how it shot.
1/21/2015 2:55:17 PM EDT
[#23]
Every rifle is test fired before it leaves the shop.  OP please email me at [email protected] with your contact info and I will get an update on your repair.
1/21/2015 3:27:22 PM EDT
[#24]
Are they test fired on a range, or into a bullet trap/snail/etc?

IOW, would the guy firing have the ability to tell if the bullets were keyholing?
1/21/2015 3:44:42 PM EDT
[#25]
Trap
1/21/2015 3:55:37 PM EDT
[#26]
Good to see DPMS chime in.

Mine works, pieced it together 5-6 years ago, looks similar to yours
Factory DPMS CrMo 16" barrel:



100yd, with can on left, without can on right.  168gr
So around 1.5 MOA repeatable shift between can/no can.  I assume that means my threads aren't too bad
1/21/2015 4:35:51 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Quoted:
My general rule is not to try and fix a factory rifle that won't shoot. Send it back and let them deal with it. If it still won't shoot, sell it and buy something that does.
View Quote


Very wise advice!!
1/21/2015 5:04:54 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:


Very wise advice!!
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
My general rule is not to try and fix a factory rifle that won't shoot. Send it back and let them deal with it. If it still won't shoot, sell it and buy something that does.


Very wise advice!!


Unless you're like me and have never bought a complete AR
1/21/2015 8:02:14 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Quoted:
Every rifle is test fired before it leaves the shop.  OP please email me at [email protected] with your contact info and I will get an update on your repair.
View Quote


Thank you very much!...And email sent.
1/21/2015 8:10:41 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:


You mean like this one? All of 7 days ago.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
DPMS used to post here all the time. Haven't seen them in a while. They used to always show up in these types of threads.


You mean like this one? All of 7 days ago.

You're right. I should check every. Single. Thread.
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