Just got back from the range. I didn't have a camera, but I will do my best to put up a detailed writeup.
Fit and finish of the rifle: The external finish is even, and looks well applied. There are no machine marks visible on any of the parts in the upper receiver. The bolt assembly looks to be parkerized. The gas key is well staked, and the fit of all the parts in the bolt group are tight. The lower receiver has no visible machine marks, but a few of the parts do. There is a very tiny amount of play between the upper and lower receivers, but it is minimal, and iv been told thats normal.
furniture: the front hand guards are solid and tightly fitted. The pistol grip also feels very solid. The butt stock on the other hand feels a bit chinsey, but it functions as expected.
Lets get on to how it shot:
My only previous experience with an AR-15 was with a S&W free-floated target model. I borrowed it at one of those in-house demos where a S&W sales rep brings in all of their top-tier guns and rents them out for free, you provide the ammo. It blew hot gas in my face, and the free-floated barrel vibrated for a full second after each shot. I found it to be weird and annoying. I also caused some user error malfunctions, because i didn't get the first magazine seated completely. Once the magazine was properly seated, i experienced no malfunctions.
At the time i took the burning gas to the face to be a normal byproduct of direct gas impingement. I was pleasantly surprised today. I sighted in my Millet DMS by shooting 5 shout groups at 25 yards (its too cold to go to the outdoor range).
The first thing i noticed was the trigger pull. It was heavy. There was a little bit of creep but not very much. the pull was definitely heavier than i was expecting, but its not terrible.
Then the shot broke. There was NO stinging cloud of gas! I like that. the shot hit a little low and left, so i adjusted. shot again, and it was still left. adjusted again, and it was right on. At 25 yards i printed a 5 shot group under an inch, from a standing position. I know thats not stellar at such a short range, but that pretty good shooting for me!
So how did it function? well, i didn't put a ton of ammo down range (im poor) but i fired 100 rounds of WWB, American eagle, and PMC ammo, all 55gr FMJ. There were no failures of any kind.
Before i took it in i re-lubed it. I took off all of the light factory oil, and greased up the bolt with chain hoist grease. i use this for all of my guns because its a long lasting high use grease, and it has graphite mixed in. In my experience, Semi-automatics get very hot and oils tend to cook off. I use this grease on my AK-47, Glock, and Ruger MKIII as well, and it works.
Overall, I am very happy with my new gun. The little nuisances like the cheesy stock and trigger can, and probably will be, fixed at a later date when funds allow.
