Yep, this really worked out. I was really not on my game today either. My bolt gun groups were actually worse than this. Too much coffee this morning I guess.
The new upper functioned flawlessly today! Very consistent ejection resulting in a neat pile of brass. I got the zero roughed in today and I'll be back on the range tomorrow morning to finalize zero and really see how it groups for me.
They were more than responsive and it looks like Core really went out of their way to make this right.
The new upper came in today and so far, everything looks really good. I'll be doing a full "first shots" review on my Core30 TAC LR Redux this weekend provided that the weather cooperates for a range session.
I spoke to Sam from Core Rifle Systems today. I also got an email from the armorer who worked on the rifle explaining what happened and taking full responsibility for his screw up. To say that they were apologetic would be a huge understatement.
To make a short story shorter... They are sending me a new upper. More importantly, they have vowed that new QC procedures are being implemented to stop these issues in the future. It's obvious that they are committed to becoming a first rate rifle maker but are having some growing pains.
New review and range report coming soon.
Just got my rifle back again. Everything looks great except that it came back with the wrong barrel.
The Core30 Tac LR is supposed to have an 18" Stainless Match barrel.
The new replacement is a 16" Chromoly barrel. I'm sure it is Chromoly because there is surface rust all the way around the barrel just in front of the gas block.
The only thing about the brass is that the primer strikes are a little off center. But no oblong strikes or unusual case head dings. There are obviously some buggered up cases from the malfunctions.
The bolt is pretty loose in the BCG. Really needs new rings.
About 125 rounds so far. Using good old breakfree CLP. Holds open just fine. Maybe it is over gassed.
I run pretty much the same setup on my bolt gun.
I'm not really pleased with most of those groups.
The rifle came with the UBR, Apex forearm, Surefire break, and a Geissele SSA-E trigger. I added the rest.