StoneHendge Wrote:Montana, I agree with you that McGowen shouldn't be considered a reputable manufacturer, but the fact I couldn't remove one of their barrels from a BCM receiver with a blowtorch and a mallet was the least of my worries given the other issues it had. Whether the issue with my inability to remove it was the receiver or the barrel extension (or a combination of both), only the dumpster and Eagle County landfill know.
But the potential pitfalls I otherwise see in the concept aren't related to the barrel extensions OD. A rack barrel extension goes for $20-25. When JP sold AR-15 barrel extensions ala carte, they were $60. There's a reason for that, and it's all about the exacting precision with which it mates with their receivers - in terms of alignment, not just dimension. In addition to only using a JP barrel extension, John Paul would also recommend only using a JP handguard since they also control the precision with which the barrel nut mates with the receiver extension, it's threads, and the flange on the barrel extension.
As to my comment about them being a cult, I was referring to the non-religous meaning. I think you (along with the few posters who have stated that they are the only uppers they'll use) have validated that. Along with my comment that one man's out of spec receiver is another man's gold. It is just an out of spec receiver to me.
I have never had to destroy a receiver to remove a barrel, including from a BCM upper receiver. Here is a tool that would have prevented your upper's destruction.https://www.dwilsonmfg.com/Barrel-press-...p_102.html It works very well..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abxYM6ZQK_E
I never once stated BCM uppers are the only uppers I will use. In fact I use Aero or Anderson when I want a Cerakoted rifle, especially when I use micro slick.. Stacking tolerances can be a problem when using different manufacturers products, no matter how good the quality is. This is where knowledge and experience comes into play.. An upper in spec may not fit a lower in spec from a different manufacturer. It doesn't mean they can't be fitted and used.. Hand guards, barrels, fire control groups, BCG's, buffer types, gas tubes, muzzle devices and even detents differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Mistakes are how we learn and believe me, I have made many through the decades.. I'm still learning...
Here is one of my builds. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020...-you-dont/