Parts shifting

[rickt300]

I recently came into a PSA 6.8 complete upper, some brass, bullets and dies. I shot it as a 6.8 and was pleased with it's accuracy but I wanted 2 Grendels not one of each. So I had the BCA barrel and the group buy bolt head installed on the PSA upper and kept the Mlok handgaurd. Well accuracy has been so so but shooting conditions have been rough with cold temps and high winds so that may not really be the rifles fault. What I don't like is the Mlok handguard's weight, it is 15 inches long and certainly weighs more than the barrel itself. I hope to replace the front handguard with a M4 military style version simply for the weight reduction. Maybe in the end this upper will shoot as well as the Complete upper from BCA I bought a while back.

[just_john]

rickt300, there are numerous handguard alternatives in M-Lok and keymod that are significantly lighter than what you have. And, these are still freefloating as opposed to maintaining barrel contact with the M4 ( not desirable ). If you are going to change handguards, be sure to verify that the barrel is solidly installed ( thermo-fit or glued or ... ).
What part of the world are you in, there may be some of us who can help you thru this process.

[rickt300]

I live near Burleson. Seems the wind is easing up so I might get to shoot without being moved around as I shoot. However I just checked the barrel for play and it easily wiggles around! Taking it back monday. I only have this work done because I don't want to buy the tools and the guy works cheap. Hmmmm

[Tex Nomex]

Play in a barrel is BAD. VERY BAD. I respectfully suggest you borrow/buy the tools or go to a real gunsmith who at least owns a torque wrench.

[Randy99CL]

and the guy works cheap. Hmmmm

There are a few things any gunsmith should consider a priority. No matter what else happens, the barrel shouldn't be loose. What else has he forgotten/not checked?
A real gunsmith would know that if your gun blew up and killed you your relatives would sue him for millions. I bet you had the work done by a buddy who's "put a few of these together and nothing bad has happened."

The tools don't cost that much and pay for themselves quickly.

[rickt300]

No I took it to a nearby shop that does build Ar's regularly. Not going to say who they are until I see if they are going to make it right. All I want is a reliable accurate rifle not a spat with the closest place that does work I need done.

[Tex Nomex]

An outside chance it's the barrel extension. Remove the upper receiver from the lower and see if the barrel extension turns with the barrel. Hmmmm... Or maybe not?

[NugginFutz]

An outside chance it's the barrel extension. Remove the upper receiver from the lower and see if the barrel extension turns with the barrel. Hmmmm... Or maybe not?

Tex - he's likely to be at the mercy of the gun shop for that determination, as he's already mentioned his lack of the tools needed to install or remove the barrel.

OP - please keep us updated on how the shop treats you in this matter. As some have mentioned, there's a world of difference between a gun shop and a gun smith.

[ClutchAutomatic]

Ive got a vice, torque wrench, aeroshell, punch, Allen keys, bev block, and magpul armors tool. Located in north Benbrook if you need to come by and tear it apart. I don't do the lapping or locktite in the barrel though.

[Tex Nomex]

Kinda torn on this.
Do you give the guy who screwed it up a do-over and probably get a BS-infused excuse or do you have someone else give you a diagnosis first? I think I'd go with a non-invasive second opinion and then take it back to gunsmith 1 to see what he says...

[v1911]

Rick, when you say you’re near Burleson, are you referring to Burleson, TX?

If so, make the drive up to Winchester Gun Gallery. They’re still under repair from a fire that occurred last year but their Smith is still working. He does good work. I’ve had him assemble and work on 3 different AR with zero issues and a quick turnaround. In March or April I’ll be having him assemble my newest upper.

[just_john]

Rick, ( presuming you mean Burleson, TX ) if you don't mind a drive to central Collin County - up 75 - then we can fix it. Got all the tools and some time.