Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Why do folks hate Windham so much?

Sort of, but many (not necessarily here) think that every single "milspec" part of a Colt is somehow superior to other guns and it ain't so. There aren't that many manufacturers of the individual parts out there, ALL the makers buy stuff from the same vendors. Colt and others probably scrutinize what they buy a bit closer than DPMS does, but that's just a WAG on my part, I don't know, but what I do know if parts guns made mostly from DPMS parts run just fine.

It's not just the making, it's the testing, inspection and repeatability of quality prior to calling it "milspec". kwg

Thats true, assuming you have to replace anything.

I will never forget that my first Zeiss scope was a lemon... broke something loose on the first shot...

And that some of the lesser quality guns are just that, have to have parts replaced that were soft etc...

You don't know till you shoot, and that can go for the Colt too.

Always, at least IMHO, depends on what you want to do with the gun.

For reliability off the shelf factory Colt would be top in my books, but not for accuracy or good triggers.

Of course it gets back to why I build my own, use the parts I know work etc..... and why if I don't know, I ask around.

Odd that some gun rag finds contrary to what is known to be reality. Was the RRA advertizement on the same page as the article?

May 2011 issue of Guns and Ammo magazine. Check it out yourself, maybe you don't know as much as you think you do?

I know I am more honest than a gun rag that could review a raven and call it the "the gun of the century" if they got paid enough. I owned a bushmaster and I owned a RRA both were OK.

If a newly minted LEO asked your advice would you tell him "they all work so get a Windham"? When he says "all my instructors say get a Colt" are you going to tell him "that is BS, Windham is just as good for your application"?

well,the New Yorkistan State Police are now carrying RRA guns in their patrol cars. I doubt NYS Police go with the cheapest available product.

The ironic thing is, since our Imperial Governor signed the NY SAFE ACT, RRA and 150 other companies won't do business with any state or local government agency. Too bad Glock and S&W wouldn't do the same.

My buddy, here in Kommifornia, bought a Windham AR ... it shoots great! However, he didn't realize 'til long after he bought it, that one of the take down pins was missing both the detent and the detent spring. Those parts aren't expensive, and the rifle still worked, but it is indicative of poor quality control.

RRA is one of the better of the older hobby gun brands, but leaves a lot to be desired. In service with some federal agencies they have exhibited problems.

Not all LE personnel, even the ones making the purchasing decisions, are gun experts. To most, AR's are all the same. They could care less if something is chrome lined or have a mil spec sized buffer tube. If it breaks, they get it fixed.

I however like to buy the best I can afford and a extra $100-$200 for a slightly better gun is worth it to me. Especially if I intend to use it for a defense purpose.

In the last few months I've become friends with a guy who has worked for BlackWater and is currently employed by the state department. He's been places in the world none of us would ever want to visit, and I trust his opinion on alot of things firearm related. He's put tens of thousands of rounds thru all sorts of weapons in all sorts of conditions.

He speaks VERY highly of the RRA operator series rifles. He would take those guns over a DPMS, Bushmaster, or Windham any day.

I have a friend that is a double naught spy and he says....

the internet...

^^ ha! But seriously. Don't mistake someone who uses a tool, to understand what makes one tool better than the other.

I have friends too, and when they get issued new toys, I usually get a call to talk them over. They have no idea when I ask about certain specifics.

They can however shoot off-handed and reload far better than I can!