LPKs are a crap shoot in my experience. Out-of-spec bolt releases and safety selectors are not uncommon. I don't usually buy complete LPKs since I have no interest in the included grip and safety selector. I buy the parts I need individually from Brownells or someplace. I don't worry about DPMS springs and detents, but I usually buy the machined parts from Colt (maybe High Standard) and my selectors are all B.A.D.
Standard LPK fire control groups are variable, but typically not very crisp triggers. All of my rifles have SSA's on them and they are excellent. It's not necessarily where I'd recommend people start on their first build, however -- it's kind of a luxury upgrade IMHO. Spending that kind of money for it right off the bat may not be the best choice. I bought my Noveske with the SSA installed - really liked it. Then, my local dealer, who's also a friend, was at SHOT this year and Giessele was selling them for $120 each at the show so he picked up 3 others for me (and a hat
). I'm all-Giessele all the time now. Very nice triggers. I was reminded that even a quality LPK can have a crappy trigger as I was dry-firing my buddy's new Noveske.
I agree about the BCM barrels. My SBR's are both BCM...one is standard and the other is BFH...and they've been fine. Next time, though, I'm going to go Centurion. The reason I went with BCM is they're the ones that had 11.5 inch barrels, but I see that Centurion does too and I note that they're double chrome-lined like Noveske's steel barrels. Probably overkill, but then so is synthetic oil in a 370Z
.
My buddy just bought a new Noveske Light Recce. The new lower is very nice. He hasn't shot it yet, hopefully we'll be able to get out this afternoon if our schedules mesh. I have a new optic (Aimpoint PRO) and have some serious zeroing to do in prep for an upcoming course. I also switched out my chest rig mag pouches (again) and need to see how those work. As always, I want to do everything I can to avoid being "that guy". These high-level training courses with cops can be pretty testosterone-laden.