Well, Brownells got back to me today. Apparently their techs checked and the finish on my receiver is the same as everything else in their stock. They said I could send it back as it was blemished. I explained I would be out 35 dollars due to their 10.00 fee and my lgs charging me 25 for the transfer. They knocked 10 off for the blemishes instead and gave it to me on a gift card.
As for the reciever.. I brought it home today. I test fit a barrel. It slid in freely 90% and stopped so I'm assuming it will securely tap in as it should.
I didn't go all the way because I'm still not sure what to do with this. I test fit a JWH bolt and charging handle. It wouldn't drop in and required slight filing to fit
Not a fan of the charging handle retaining notch. The charging handle popped out a couple tunes installing the bolt and did some damage to the reciever.
I'm not sure if this is normal or if the aluminum is a softer grade.
Either way, I got it assembled and the bolt appeared to function well until it stuck in the forward position and wouldn't cycle back. Once I freed it up I removed it and decided to give it a good oiling and cleaning.
The good news, most the blemishes were dust stuck to the Fine abrasive surface of the finish. I first soaked it with clp and began wiping it down. It went from slick to gooey quickly and there were little clumps forming on the surface. At first I didn't know what they were. Turns out it was the finish removing material from the rag. I took it to the sink and scrubbed it with dawn dish soap and a plastic gi brush. I rinsed it with hot water and blew it off with compressed air. I tried doing some touch up after that with rubbing alcohol and a cloth. The receivers finish quickly wore a hole in a brand new chuck rag
At that point I got too aggravated and had to walk away. The good news is the 2000 grit finish is a good substrate for cerakote. Other than that it's useless.
All in all I'd say the receivers aren't worth the money. It's a cheap attempt at mimicking a quality product. In the future I will just order a Ruger factory receiver from sap outfitters for 65.00. They are higher quality in fit and finish than this Brownells item at a better price.
Some people have had good results and are happy with them, but for my money I won't gamble on them again. As far as this one goes, I'll probably cerakote it, then coat the bolt with glocks copper break in grease and see how it goes after.
I'll be ordering the Kidd classic slip for receiver tomorrow for the rifle I planned on using this for.
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