Olympic Firearms

[TimH]

Any opinions on this rifle:

Olympic PCR, .223 w/scope, 20 & 30 RD mags $650

I emailed the guy for more info. IIRC Olympic Arms rifles aren't held in high regard around here. Thanks Tim

 

[squibload]

Brand snobs....

Yeah, there are brand-name snobs who dislike Olympic Arms because they're not an ABC brand (Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt). In my mind, this is a Ford vs. Chevy debate.

What's the difference? Well, the bores on Olympic barrels are not chrome lined. This can be a large issue to some - it's not what the military specifies. (FYI The government also mandates a forward assist - which I feel is a frequently misused function of the A2 design. I have my own opinions about what the government mandates for use by our soldiers.)

I think that Olympic firearms are a good value, and are as reliable & accurate as any other AR that's out there. They also happen to have a lifetime warranty.

Depending on which PCR model you're eyeing up (and how many mags, what kind of scope) that's not a bad deal. I wouldn't buy a Colt product again (based solely on what you get for your money). I personally like Olympic, Bushmaster, and Rock River Arms factory products a lot, and have experience with all of them.

Try it, I'll bet that you'll like it!

 

[444]

I am a brand snob and feel that chrome lined barrels are a large issue.

I own an Olympic Arms (SGW) lower. It is perfectly fine. It has a Bushmaster upper on it.

 

[goalie]

I know a bunch of guys that swear by their lowers. They are cheap and made well. I cannot give you any info on their complete rifles or uppers though.

 

[Swamprabbit]

I've been well pleased with the used Oly 16" I bought back in 2001. Oly retimed the barrel for me for free (they have a product lifetime warranty). This is my only Oly experience and you will hear some Oly bashing by others.

As for the chrome lined barrel, not an issue for me. I live in the warm southern humid climate but I do tend to clean my rifles. I have owned rifles for 30 years and never had problems with rusting bores. Maybe if I decided to live in the woods I will have to oil it more often but I don't see that happening anytime soon .

If the rifle and mags are in good shape, the price doesn't sound that far off (only if it is a factory assembled rifle, not a garage build). Unless the scope is a Leupold, there is virtually no secondary market for used scopes so its value is minimal. I find that Leupolds have good used market value due to Leupold's lifetime warranty.

 

[cordex]

I built a gun on an Olympic Arms lower. Works fine.

For us to give a valid opinion on the rifle and price, though, you'll have to tell us more.
How many mags and who made them? What kind of scope? What kind of upper? What kind of barrel?

 

[Newt]

I don't want to be a thread thief here, but I have questions about 'em too. Local dealer here wants to sell me Rock River lower (match trigger) with Wilson Combat upper fit to each other at Rock River for 960 after tax. That's NIB. I've had my eye on an AR for quite a while now and as much as I've read about 'em, I want opinions from people who own an AR. Not just the dealer's opinion. So, what about that deal?.... better off going another route?

 

[Swamprabbit]

Cordex - Please don't take offense at my statement regarding "garage builds". What I was referring to was, for example, one time at a gun store I saw an AR that was built on a Bushmaster lower but the upper, handguard, stock, and barrel were all a different shade. The rifle was obviously someone's "build" and the dealer was trying to sell it for $800 because it was a "Bushmaster". At best, the rifle was only worth the combined value of its used parts. I just hate to see anyone get "stuck" on such a deal.

 

[cordex]

Please don't take offense at my statement regarding "garage builds".

None taken. Didn't even notice it, really.

What I was referring to was, for example, one time at a gun store I saw an AR that was built on a Bushmaster lower but the upper, handguard, stock, and barrel were all a different shade.

Sounds kind of like mine, actually.
OlyArms lower. Colts upper. FN barrel. Fulton Armory parts.
So many different finishes and colors of black and gray ... looks like I've tried to make it Urban Camo. But it runs (and runs and runs and runs).

Then again, I'm not going to try to sell it for $800

 

[telewinz]

I've got the cheapest Olympic Arms AR made a "plinker" I also own a 1978 Colt SP1 and a Colt A2. The "plinker" is more accurate than either Colt and functions perfectly with RELOADED ammo. Performance and warranty is what counts, the Plinker also has a lifetime warranty! Most of the complaints I've heard about Olympic Arms I have learned to view as bogus. That I might have an $550 AR that performs as well or better than your $900 AR just won't sit well with some people. If the SHTF all things considered I'd select the plinker over my Colts because its handier than my SP1, lighter than my Colt A2 and shoots as well or better than both. I like chromed bores but the fact is you lose accuracy with a lined bore. 90% of my longarms have unlined bores, even the ones I shoot corrosive ammo in. I had no problems and even if they did have chromed bores, I'd still have to clean them after shooting. MY GOD! it has a cast upper and lower receiver! Guess what, ITS NOT AN ISSUE and the savings are passed onto the customer, ME.

Yeah, there are brand-name snobs who dislike Olympic Arms because they're not an ABC brand (Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt).

Squibload hit it on the head but the attitude doesn't just apply to Olympic Arms.

 

[TimH]

It comes with 1 20 rd ( colt ) 1 3o rd ( USGI ) Leapers scope.

Does anyone think its worth the $650?

 

[NevadaPistolero]

Cast is not an issue..as long as you dont drop it on a big rock or cement, cast cannot hold up to abuse like forgings......I recently saw a photo of a cast lower that the guy hit with a hammer and it broke a piece off and cracked all over, never happen with forged. As far as olympic arms go...some people like them ...some wont touch them, to each his own. I personaly only buy RRA and BushMaster. Also what are getting for your $650...whats the condition of the gun, that will mak a big difference, used USGI mags in good condition run at $15 each, sometimes the Colt mags will be $20, whats the scope worth????

 

[TimH]

Oh forgot to mention it has about 150 rds through it & excellent condition

 

[telewinz]

as you dont drop it on a big rock or cement, cast cannot hold up to abuse like forgings......I recently saw a photo of a cast lower that the guy hit with a hammer and it broke a piece off and cracked all over, never happen with forged

I did quite a bit of research into cast aluminum, there are many different alloys. Which alloy does Olympic Arms use in their cast receivers? Or are you just making a "general" statement. BTW, I knocked my plinker off the shooting bench last August onto the concrete floor, it marred the finish but thats all. Please quote your source. Castings as a "general rule" tolerate wear much better than forgings. Since the chamber of the AR is in the barrel and not the receiver, what stresses are the forged or cast receivers undergoing? Are your opinions based on 1st hand experience? Since you would never touch one, I must assume you are using "price" as your primary measure of quality.

 

[Knife_Sniper]

Do yourself a favor and DON'T get a plinker. Never never ever.
Telewinz will probably get on me for saying that, but a couple of years from now you will ask youself "why didn't I get a gun with forged receivers" just like you will be asking yourself "why did I get a FIXED carry handle?"

Cast, even for general purposes, is weaker than forged. A forged receiver is like 15 dollars more than a cast. It should be an obvious choice.

Chrome lining should be a big issue if this is your SHTF gun, otherwise it will just increase reliability and ease cleaning while *minimally* impacting your accuracy. My chrome lined bushy can score 5 shot 1 inch groups at 100 yards, how much more accurcy do you need? Easier extraction for the rifle, easier cleaning... chrome is good. Chrome linings advantages outweigh the dissadvantages for your average shooter. They are a loss to those who crave accuracy above all else.

I have no issues with Oly products other than their bolts. Many a tale can be heard on ARFCOM of the bolt carrier cracking in half at the cam pin hole. This problem is specific to OLYs more so than any other manufacturer. I have seen very poor bolt carriers in oly weapons... they look like crap compared to my bushmaster bolt. Looks can be deceiving however, though they just don't look as well made as others bolts... lets just put it that way. The sides appear rough, and the internals of the weapon dont feel near as slick as my bushy. A recomendation I make to ANYONE with an AR is to upgrade that bolt carrier with a Colt Bolt and carrier. The Colt bolts are finely micropolished; it has been said when selecting a "bottom line" bolt, go Colt and never look back. Others are the Les Baer chrome bolt carrier and LMT. Both of those will set you back around 200++ . Its a worthy investment for those seeking the heavy weight carrier and natural lubricity of a chrome lined bolt carrier in the weapon.

I will make a recomendation for you... no, its not worth the money.

Why? It has an A2 upper correct? Im ready for the flames.

If this gun is just a plinker to come out once in a while, skip the following. If you have wanted an AR all your life and your ready to take the plunge, read on.

When I first started, I said I wanted something simple, thus I chose the A2 upper receiver. Biggest mistake ever. Eventually, when you want REAL optics, the A2 receiver just doesent cut it. The mounting position is too high above the bore and the A2 limits your scope options.

Also, because of that fixed carry handle, my choices in serious free floated handguards are cut into a third! I have ONE S.I.R. model rail available to me, and a few KAC rails that require front sight dissasembly. I really want to take advantage of a RAS 2s easy mounted free floating rail system, however; I cannot mount it because of the A2 carry handle.

If you see yourself aquiring more black rifles in the future pass on this deal, save up your ponies, do some research, and get a rifle in the exact configruation that will suit your upgrade path (or lack theiroff).

Last option: build the lower yourself with whatever your heart desires. I built mine with the improper tools for the job in 15 minutes. Its not hard. Making homeade pasta is hard. Building a custom lower isn't even half as hard as making homeade fettechini alfredo.

 

[telewinz]

Why would you spend so much money on an AR clone? No one seriously questions Colt's quality just their politics. For me if I'm going to pay $900 plus for an AR it won't be for a clone but at $550 new and a lifetime warranty the choice is obvious. Is their ANY brand that matches Olympic Arm's warranty? If not, how come?

 

[telewinz]

pics

Plinker, Sp1, A2

 

[444]

One thing I always get a kick out of in these discussions (no offense intended to anyone).
It is always mentioned that non-chrome lined bores and chambers are "more accurate" than chromed. True ? I don't know. I do know that most serious competitive shooters use bores and chambers that are not chrome lined suggesting that it is true. But, are they buying the barrel because it isn't chromed, or because it is a super accurate custom barrel made by a company that is famous for their super accurate custom barrels ? The part I am referring to is that this is always stated in such a way to imply that Joe Blow Average Gun Owner is going to grab one or the other from a standard mass produced AR and say, "Oh yeah, I see the difference, the difference is obvious.............". BS. A good name brand AR15 with a chrome bore is going to be more accurate than 90% of all mass produced rifles. If you are one of those elite match compeititors shooting groups on paper for score at 600 yards you might notice the difference. Or maybe if you are buying the rifle for only shooting off a bench with a high magnification scope measuring distant groups with calipers you might notice. For 99% of all AR owners, no.

 

[Knife_Sniper]

For me if I'm going to pay $900 plus for an AR it won't be for a clone but at $550 new and a lifetime warranty the choice is obvious. Is their ANY brand that matches Olympic Arm's warranty? If not, how come?

RRA has made strides in the last couple of years in the AR world. My new lower oozes with quality. That quality is all in appearances however, as I know my busy will last just as long, it just wont look as good doing it.
I and many others will recomend RRA as a excellent beginner AR. Cheaper than the other manufacturers, yet just as well made, if not better. That lower made my jaw drop it was so clean, so smooth.

While warrenties are good, customer service is as good as gold in the gun industry. Bushmaster is head and shoulders above everyone else in the customer service department. If you have a problem, they will help you fix that problem. Is OLYs customer service as good as the AR industry standard Bushmaster? (I really dont know, asking for any experiences)
Whenever I have a question or need to mod an order, Bushy's reps are kind and professional. Their rifles may not have a lifetime warrenty, but I know it's made right. Never a misfire, never a FTF. No problems of any kind in over 1400 rounds. Accurate, reliable... Things like this keep me a customer for life. I will buy and buy again even without that warrenty. Thats just me though.

I have a hi-point pistol with a lifetime warrenty, however... I wont argue that its a cheap pistol. Durable and reliable? Yes, however... its still cheap. It points badly, it is cumbersome, and the trigger sucks. Little things detract from an otherwise good pistol.

Im not trying to blast you telewinz, we obviously have different recomendations and different reasons for choosing a brand(s).

 

[telewinz]

No Offense but I have a weak spot for underdogs

WARRANTY
No matter what you buy from us, you will always receive the best warranty in the business. We offer a 60-day satisfaction money-back guarantee on everything we sell, and a lifetime warranty on everything we manufacture! Call for details! Our goal at Olympic Arms is to lead the industry in customer service and satisfaction. For this reason, we are proud to offer the most complete limited factory warranty of its kind. This Satisfaction Guarantee also applies to all firearms purchased through an FFL dealer. If within 60 days from the date of the purchase of the firearm from your dealer you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, your dealer may return it to us for a full refund of his entire purchase price (S&H charges are not refundable). No problem.

Customer Testimonials...The following testimonials are 100% unsolicited, and have been provided by the customers without request.

Just FYI, the majority of NM AR-15 on the line at the club are Olympic. They out number the Colts®, Armalites® and Bushmasters®. As a matter of fact you hear other guys talking about their next AR-15 will be an Olympic due to its performance."

"I recently purchased your 'Ultramatch' AR-15 with the 20" barrel. The guy selling me the rifle said they got 1/4" groups out of them. I was pretty skeptical, as getting quarters out of a bolt gun is tough enough. However, he was right! The first night I got a .260 with 40-grain Ballistic tips. Knowing it would probably shoot better with the heavier bullets, I tried some 55-grain Ballistic tips and shot the best group of my life, a .074". I was witnessed by Kevin Huxoll, a correctional officer at the Washington State Penitentiary. Thanks for a great gun

"I have just purchased a CAR-97m4 from your company .I just wanted to let you know what a great rifle you have manufactured.It is definitly a solid well built rifle ,shoots very well and what a great price.I choose to purchase your product due to the good things i heard about Oly arms and also the price .I am a very satisfied customer.Thank you and keep up the great work."

"... Thank you for making the absolute best AR variant in existence, I mean that very sincerely as I regularly shoot with members of my counties(sic) SWAT team. They are always exceedingly impressed with the fact that my 11.5in bbl will without question shoot M.O.A. at 100yds. Not bad eh? Keep up the phenomenal work."

"I ordered a T-2 upper receiver last week to update an older A-1 receiver CAR-15 kit I had purchased from PAC West Arms over 10 years ago. The kit was all PAC West except your barrel. Your barrel had always been accurate for a 10 1/2 inch CAR barrel set up but it had a sight problem. The rifle sights had to be adjusted all the way to the right in order for it to be on target. I put a scope on this less than mil-spec A-1 upper receiver and shot it that way for over 10 years. Now, after installing your upper receiver this weekend and firing it, I was amazed how accurate it is now! I only had to adjust the sights one click to the right and it is was dead on target! My brass used to come out pretty chewed up and now that problem is gone as well! Another item I noticed was the upper to lower receiver fit is much tighter now. This allowed me to remove the plastic spacer I had to use to take the slop out! There was a small mix up on my order but your folks fixed that with one phone call. My rifle is like new now and I only wished I had updated it sooner! When you say mil-spec tolerances you mean mil-spec tolerances! I am a very satisfied customer, keep up the good work! "

"I have a PCR-5 and I like it more than any rifle I have ever owned. It is as reliable and more accurate than the Bushy and Colts I had and the fit and finish are top notch. They have a lifetime warranty and the best customer service in the industry."
"Triburst1"

"Oly has one of the best customer service around.My PCR16 has a very nice fit plus sub 1/2 groups @100yrds."

"varmit_blaster

“Personally, I've done a lot of research in trying to find the best AR for my money...over time, probably about 2-3 years worth. The criteria I was trying to follow were the reputations for reliability, accuracy, quality of materials, fit/finish, and customer service. Of the people that I came into contact with that had experience with Olys had nothing but good to say. Period. Couple this with their reputation for incredible accuracy and the best customer service in the industry and it was the obvious choice for me.â€

-“2Manchuâ€

"My Oly has the best fit and finish out of all my AR's. Lifetime warantee is the extra bonus."

"223Rem"

Well took her out and broke it in, very impressed, feeds nice, functions nice,hope it lasts me a long time, too bad i don't have the cash or the patience to wait another 2 months or id get another one for a back-up AR type rifle...like i said i don't know what was up with having to wait over 2 months for her...but im just glad to have it now..and yes i would suggest an OLY to someone looking for this type of rifle at such a reasonable price.

Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 10:34 am Post subject: New and Proud owner of a OLY Plinker

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I just acquired a new plinker this week and have been able to fire about 250 rounds through it. Works great. The only problem i have is that it doesn't seem to like the metal GI 30 round mags but i have found that the Thermold 30 rounders work perfect not a big deal. I was wondering what any of you guys out there would recomend for optics i am leaning towards a laser sight and plan on shooting between 25- 100 yards.
As far as accuracy of my new plinker i could not be impressed more straight out of the case it shot a 1.5 in group at 100 yrds with none adjusted sights and PMC 55-grain fmj. very impressed with gun plan on buying more!!!!
Huntsman


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Yes there are going to be many plinker owners considering the price, especially the warranty, and everyone I have spoken to here has actually been nice/friendly/helpful. I spoke to one sales rep from bushmaster before deciding which to buy, and I think he really had some issues he was needing to deal with the day I spoke to him (not to mention any names ROB! ). Sometimes honey attracts more flies than vinegar. Overall I am very satisfied with OLY ARMS!

The plinker is a fantastic gun... a lot of people dis it because of the cast receiver, but hell, Oly offers a lifetime warranty on the damn thing, not to mention you can buy plastic receivers these days...

Bought my Plinker for two reasons - price and because it had the best stock trigger feel that I've come across.

Well I have a small shop in Memphis; I have sold many different types of ar15s, pre and post ban. I really like these guns!!!! After I started stocking these guns I got one for myself. I took it to the range and put 40 rounds through it.....VERY accurate. Well that was fun BUT...yesterday I destroyed a GMC Jimmy. They are accurate and a lot of fun just to blow stuff up . I would suggest this gun to anyone looking for the best bang for the buck. My carry gun is a Safari Arms Enforcer. Another great creation by those folks at OLY Arms.

It goes on and on

 

[Knife_Sniper]

Im sure it does, but I know quite a few people satisfied with Bushmaster and Rock River Arms... not to mention Armalite, Colt, ect.

Forged receiver: $89
Mil-Spec steel barrel: $209
Parts Kit: $69
Colt Bolt: $99

Having one kick butt, smooth ??? rifle.... Pri...

Screw that. Before I go any further...
what are you going to use the rifle for?

If your looking for a PLINKER get the plinker.

If your looking for something thats made with better materials, save up your ponies and buy a better gun. End of story.

The plinker is the bottom of the bottom of the AR15 food chain... just like my Hi-Point is near the bottom of the pistol food chain. Yea, it shoots. Yea, it has a lifetime warrenty that goes to each owner, but I would still rather have an XD9 if you catch my drift.

 

[MiniZ]

Lots of opinions and experiences shared, so I will add this:

Check that mags fit and drop freely from the mag well. Relatively recent Olys have had tight mag wells.

Other than that....I will add my personal experience. I am completely satisfied with my Oly pre-ban.

 

[squibload]

TimH, is the receiver in question cast or forged? (Maybe this will put an end to the bickering!!) If you can't tell, you can refer to Olympic Arms' website at www.olyarms.com


He asked what we thought about this specific deal, an Olympic AR clone with an unlined barrel, with 150 rounds through it, including 1 USGI 20 rnder, 1 USGI 30 rnder, and a Leapers scope. Price is $650.

TimH is patiently waiting for us to give him some guidance on the deal at hand.

Is the deal in question a good one? Maybe we need more specific information about the specific configuration? Thanks, fellas - let's help this guy out!

 

[cordex]

TimH,
From what I've heard about the set up, it sounds like an average deal. Nothing special, but not horrible either (assuming it works, of course).

 

[TimH]

I was really hoping for a 16" barrel. We have 20" bushy in the family now. So I'll probably pass on it. The Bushy when I bought was like new and only $75 more than this Oly arms.