26 Feb 02

Of SA, Armalite, and RSA from a friend who just visited all three:

"SA is so busy with their line of 1911s, M1As, and (new this year) M1 Garands, that they are, once again, hopelessly behind in filling orders. I, being from a manufacturing background, don't understand how you stay continually behind in fulfilling your current orders and yet continue to solicit new orders. And, they wonder why people become angry with them!

SA M1 Garands have a newly manufactured receiver, new walnut wood, and new Wilson barrel. All of the other parts are refinished US/GI parts. They confidently indicated to me that they will make 10,000 rifles this year. I suspect the truth is that they will actually deliver a small fraction of that number.

Rock River Arms is located in Cleveland, IL. They are assembling AR-15s (civilian and restricted). They use a NATO chamber unless specifically requested not to. Their flash suppressor is excellent. Rock River is rapidly gaining favor in the eyes of many at the expense of Armalite, due to Armalite's inconsistent quality control."

In my opinion, no military, autoloading rifle should be manufactured with a SAAMI chamber. It's an invitation to injury. They should know better!

/John