ORF Receiver Question

[tcallre]

After some time what is the general consensus on ORF Receivers? I know a lot has been stated about their shortcomings, out of specs, improper heat treating, ect. I see a few rifles, mostly custom builds for sale and I was wondering if ORF produced any receivers that were worthy of the Galil name. I remember Todd throwing around the ideal for a Galil receiver build over on the FAL forums years ago. I remember he had noble goals to produce a quality product using original IDF blue prints with proper production techniques and proper heat treating. We know he did fall short and there was a lot of grief. Were proper receivers ever produced? Are there rifles out there with ORF receivers that you could count on? I understand that Tenngalil has reworked many of these builds, including CIA products, to produce a fine functioning rifle but I was wondering about longevity; will these withstand thousands of rounds? Some of these rifles are beautiful to look at, but can they be heirlooms in the tradition of an old Winchester or Remingington. I understand that a parts gun can't fall into the category of a factory produced rifle but I'd think that down the road, future generations would appreciate any good looking, accurate, proper functioning firearm regardless of where or who built it. I feel my IDF AA Galil falls into this category of a future heirloom. Just a question, and looking for opinions and I apologize if this is an old, stale issue, long ago rehashed and long put to rest. Thank you.

 

[snipertn]

One of the best people to ask this question, would be Tenngalil. If anyone knows an ORF reciever it would be him. He has built many Galil's for many folks on this forum. I personaly have 2 that he has built for me. They run like a dream, and to date have had no major problems with them. You might check with him.


snipertn

 

[Sidewinder]

I also have two that Jeff Miller built with ORF receivers and have had no issues with them, most likely because Jeff whipped them into shape. Having said that, I'm more than aware ORF's are not what I would call the right stuff. For me, it's too early to assess longevity. I agree with snipertn that talking with Jeff is a good idea and perhaps ORF owners who have experienced issues can chime in. IMO, I consider IMI's heirlooms, but not anything with an ORF receiver because there's no comparison with the real thing.

 

[Ed24601]

Jeff did 2 (ARM and micro) for me also. Both are superb, no problems, etc. Both are beautiful to look at and each time I take them out to shoot,get offers to buy. Having used a GALIL for many years they can't compare to the real thing but they are close. ORF receivers got a bum wrap as the first ones sucked, but they did improve on them each time. Would be interested to know at what serial number they started doing better. NO, they aren't heirlooms, but with the direction the turds :moon in our govt are going, they might be. :bigfart

 

[Don Vito]

I also feel ORF got a bit of a bum rap Ive built 2 VZ58s with ORF and have 0 issues. Jeff has just finished my Galil on a ORF receiver and if they were unworthy
I don't think Jeff would build on them. The issues as I know are Possible heat treating (to soft), and correcting some machine work Both issues are
can be corrected. Also what choice does one have CNC Warrior wait for them to do a production run (when and if) $400 or buy a ORF $250 and have
Jeff make corrections to it.

DV

 

[mrf2]

Jeff has built two Galils for me on ORF receivers and both rifles work, but the builds were not without issues. One of the receivers had a dimensional error in positioning of the ejector that Jeff was unable to correct but he was able to get ORF to replace the receiver at no cost to me. Jeff seems to be one of the few Galil smiths that can get ORF receivers to work consistently. For a long time they were the only game in town and a great many Galils have been built on those receivers and work well. Now that ORF is no more (I don't think the company that took their place, Assault Weapons of Ohio, is building Galil receivers currently) I would recommend CNC warrior since they can fix any issues with their product and with ORF you have no recourse.

 

[tcallre]

Thanks for the replies, I know Jeff is the go to guy for proper work and his builds are art. I'm happy to hear some good things concerning ORF as I stated I really believe Todd had the best intensions when starting this project. His other work like FALS, AK's and VZ's seem to enjoy good reputations and it's a shame that he tends to be remembered for the bum Galil project. Thanks again.

 

[N4KVE]

I stated I really believe Todd had the best intensions when starting this project.

From what I gather, Todd had the best intentions with all the projects he undertook. Sadly, he had too many irons in the fire at the same time, so nothing was ever perfect. But it seems, the last batch of receivers were the best, while not perfect. The major problem was the lugs on the receiver didn't line up with the lugs on the bolt causing only the right lug to make contact, but take twice the load. So while the gun would seem to work fine, it would rapidly lose headspace. There is a company selling ORF receivers that were purchased from ORF after Todd died. GARY