2A Armament
I found the 2A Armament Bolt and Barrel kit on Optics Planet back in November for $339 and jumped on it. I've since ordered a couple of their 2A Armament magazines directly from 2A Armament. I have several other Black Dog magazines and to my eye I can see no difference. The mods specific to their bolt design must be internal or something. I've been reluctant to post anything about this combo since I really haven't run it through its paces. I've been to an indoor range a couple times and shot at 25-yds but I haven't bench tested it at 50 or 100yds.
With the instruction provided, they recommend several types of ammo that they have had great results with with. These include: CCI Std Velocity, Eley Target, Gemtech Match Susonic, and Federal Automatch AM22. They've also listed several they don't recommend because of cycling issues they experienced during their testing. I have tried all the ammo they recommend and had great results. Their instructions also advise against applying any lubrication. Well, I disagreed with that and applied some lube. Guess what? After a few shots it gummed up on me and didn't cycle. I initially assembled it with one of those thick-walled DPMS Lo-Pro "extruded" type upper receivers. And it was a snug fit. Too snug for my liking but without lube, it did cycle. I've since reassembled it with a more std. A4 upper receiver. It's not nearly as snug as it was and so far it runs fine.
Now- if you were to observe the 2A bolt sitting next to a CMMG (or other), you'd swear the CMMG bolt was made by a grade-schooler. Not disparaging CMMG, I have several and they run great. It's just the fit and finish and level of machining is superb. Very impressive. It comes apart pretty easily too for proper cleaning. There are 3 snap rings on the collar that retain it to the two guide rails. The instruction booklet has excellent photographs and is very informative.
In two range sessions I shot about 200 rounds each. The first range session I experienced 3 instances of double fires. A little concerning. I also noted upon close inspection that chip was broken off the black buffer at the very back where there's a relief cut for another retaining clip. It appears the buffer retaining pin made contact. I emailed 2A and they replied within a couple hours. They said they had experienced the same thing and were replacing all their buffers with aluminum. They sent a new complete bolt to me and I had it within a couple days. I returned the bolt with the broken plastic buffer. He said he thought that broken buffer was the culprit for the double-fires. My second range session experienced no double-fires. So it appears that was the case. Much more shooting is necessary though. Just need to make time and get to a proper range. I'm new to Florida so I'm having a hard time. I may have to break down and join a club. I'm about 30 minutes from Volusia County Club so that's probably what I'll end up doing.
Reading through this thread again, Zukiphile reminded me that their bolt may work with other CMMG style barrels. I'll have to see if that's the case when I get home tonight.
Accuracy was great at 25 yrds but again, leaning on a counter in an indoor range is not the best testing environment. I was shooting at the "tac-driving game" targets for 25-yds and was able to drive 7 out of 20 tacks on average over three targets. Not too bad but I really wish I had been sitting and shooting off a bench.
PM me or email if you have any further questions. I'll attempt to attach a couple pictures.
) for another project AR rimfire.
