Apex parts kit or Blackthorne?

[brown-j002]

Some of you guys who have the Apex SAR kits, are you happy with them? Is there any significant rust or pitting? I am trying to decide if I should buy the Apex SAR without barrel for $240, and then purchase the IMI barrel for $195. The other option is to buy the new Blackthorne AR kit for $700. I am just concerned with the Apex kit that I will have to replace parts, pushing the price close to the new kit. I know the Apex kit will require new furniture. Any thoughts?

 

[Ugh!]

I picked up two of the APEX kits, and was happy with them. One had a trigger guard that got damaged during the demil, other than that the rest of the parts are useable. They just need refinishing.

I don't think the blackthorne kit comes with night site parts.

 

[D.Brown]

I received used parts at a good price from Apex. I have no hesitations about recommending them. Fast turnaround, and even consideration shown when packing and shipping. Even if you check other boards you will find good feed back about Apex.

I have no experience with the other company, and plan to keep it so.

DB

 

[brown-j002]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will try the Apex route. I would like to try an SAR build anyway.

 

[s0b3]

i haven't heard that many complaints about apex but google blackthorne, hesse, vulcan and you'll have some interesting reads.

i'd go with apex even if they cost a little more just for the customer service.

 

[adipose]

Some of you guys who have the Apex SAR kits, are you happy with them? Is there any significant rust or pitting? I am trying to decide if I should buy the Apex SAR without barrel for $240, and then purchase the IMI barrel for $195. The other option is to buy the new Blackthorne AR kit for $700. I am just concerned with the Apex kit that I will have to replace parts, pushing the price close to the new kit. I know the Apex kit will require new furniture. Any thoughts?

The question Brown-j002 is asking; which kit is better; not who has better customer service.

I've been lucky that I have yet to buy from Blackthrone on top of all of my parts purchases.

But i am leaning on my next SAR build to go with the Blackthrone; for the fact of next to new parts including the 13 inch chromelined IMI barrel and gasblock w/ bayolug.

I don't like the folding stock and it does not come with a bullet guide..

The apex kit; most parts will have to be beadblasted, stock is not in the best shape and I will have to find a barrel. But has a bullet guide

 

[brown-j002]

I have bought from Blackthorne before with no problems, but I do consider it risky. From what I've read if they don't get your order right the first time, good luck. Adipose, we are on the same page. If I do buy the Apex kit, I would also buy the IMI cold-hammer-forged 1-7 chrome lined barrel to go with it from Blackthorne. I too do not like the newer style polymer coated stock as well as the original, but it wouldn't keep me from buying the kit. The main thing keeping me from buying the Blackthorne SAR kit is the $825 price. Then add to that $400 for the CNC receiver, $600 for the build, and I think $60 for a Red Star Arms trigger. I just don't want to get $2000 in a build. I was just hoping the Apex parts wouldn't have any visible pitting after being bead-blasted.

 

[kargo27]

Another thing Jeff runs into a lot is that the (Blackthorne kit) barrels are hard to parkerize. He said he's tried 4 times with my build but it won't take. He did say that he could paint it so I asked him to go that route. He spends a LOT of time on our builds and I wonder if most people know that.

The positive spin on it he said is that the barrel has a lot of chrome in it, thus won't park as easily. That doesn't bother me. He said it shoots perfectly and that's all I'm worried about. I don't mind the park'd/painted combo.

Brown is right about it being pricey, but it is a brand new build and it's my one splurge.