ADAMS ALPHA 308WIN 18 FLUTED 15 RAIL K2 GRIP - $1729.99

My experience with this rifle...

I bought one of these when they first came out and too had problems with mine - mostly FTE. I sent it back and was e-mailed videos of the rifle going through 10 rounds in 2 separate mags with no hiccups. I was told the gas port was out-of-spec and since resolved. I was excited to get it back but had the exact same problem after receiving it back. The ejector with literally tearing the brass out and casing left stuck in the chamber. By this time is was around Nov 2015 - and they started hearing about others with the same issues. I sent it back again and this time received it back with a new re-designed carrier and barrel sometime in January 2016. I've not had a problem since then despite it being packaged poorly and my handguard knocked off kilter and barrel scratched. Initially it was a nightmare and I was told I'd have to cycle 300+ rounds of 308 Winchester through it to break it in - since it was higher pressure than 762NATO. I've not had a problem with any ammo since getting it back the second time and the rifle is sub-MOA all day long with milspec ammo. I've been very impressed by it in that regard but the support experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Since then, I've had a few other products that have had to go back - barrels with out-of-spec chambers jamming with some 556NATO. Same thing - acted like I was an idiot and doing something wrong. Sent both back and they returned them back to me with the same problems minus the magazine and ammo I provided to replicate the problem. Finally they realized they received a bad batch of barrels that were out-of-spec and were able to remedy the situation. Just slightly frustrating when your gun is caught between shipping and repair and you don't have it. Add the frustration of problems not being resolved the first time and all the time spent e-mailing back-and-forth with pictures, measurements, etc. sorting out what amounts to quality issues on their end. I can imagine I'd be pissed if I had to send the same gun back 5 times. I escalated the situation after the first time so at least had more exposure. I'm still going through the current barrel out-of-spec problem and here it is May and I purchased in January 2017. I know they'll take care of it - I just wish they'd get their act together as it doesn't help their brand.

Ultimately I've found AA's gas piston design to be relatively problem free and functions well with respectable accuracy. I have several gas piston AR10 designs and it's up there, however, I'd rate Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) as the best period. Fantastic accuracy and the long stroke piston design is superior to the short stroke for several reasons. I've since purchased the MK218 and find I shoot the AA less and less despite the fact it functions fine and delivers nice groups. The only difference between mine and the one listed here is the gas block and stock. I have the railed gas block and now they're doing the low profile (XLP) version - which their support told me was having problems - so potentially something else to worry about for prospective buyers...

In all fairness, I doubt there's one gun manufacturer who hasn't had their share of problems with new designs and support problems. The gun industry is pretty bad in general when it comes to customer support. I can probably name a few that I've found to be excellent and others would have the opposite to say based on their experience. It happens.

The fact they (AA) have a lifetime warranty including sub-MOA guarantee and the warranty transfers is huge. Caveat emptor - new products can potentially have issues. If they didn't fix the issues I'd expect a huge backlash. I couldn't find any mention of the function problems with the 308 at the time I bought it - just wonderful reviews from people who probably got free guns to write them.

I purchased one of their 308 rifles about a year ago and have had nothing but problems with it. I've sent the rifle back to Adams Arms 5 times now and it still jams constantly with multiple types of 308 and 7.62 nato. The 5th time I sent it back to them, I also sent about 200 rounds of different ammo that I was using, by their request. I would not recommend their 308 rifles.