I’ve probably come off as a jerk, that probably fits as often as not, so this is me apologizing and again attempting to explain my own reasoning behind some of these controversial issues.
First I’ll admit I have brand preferences like most folks and there are parts I trust based on my experience or recommendations from others. Some of these parts represent the least expensive option in their category ($25 Anderson stripped lowers I’ve purchased) and some nearly as expensive as can be had ($100 Radian Raptor Side Discharge charging handle).
I justify some purchases by want, others by need, but most are known quantities to me. Occasionally I wander off script to try something new with mixed results. A flat wire buffer spring instead of a Sprinco, a Fortis CH instead of a Phase 5. Most of these purchases are novelty; yes they offer an “upgrade” over milspec but aren’t quantifiably “more reliable”.
Now the question of cataloged data has been asked and the reply was no, in a round about way and refuted with the same request. But here’s the bit that bites me wrong and gets me responding in ill manner: when something is asserted, “xyz are cheap and therefore bad” the burden of proof lies with the author and NOT with the reader. Anecdotal evidence is fine, that is often all we can offer lacking hard numbers from manufacturers on defect rates. It is not however what anyone should take as absolute.
Disagree? Remington, Ruger, Winchester, Beretta, Sig, T/C, Smith & Wesson just to name a few who have recalled products. Does having sold them forever leave them unreliable? If so, Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Chrysler, and on and on until you can’t own a gun or drive a car.
Back to price point, and again I’m repeating what I’ve said, not every “value added” purchase is synonymous with increased reliability. A few examples from a few of my ARs.
Luth-AR’s “The Paddle” bolt catch. $19 ea. without hardware. A standard catch can be had for about $5. Easier to manipulate for me? Yes. More reliable than milspec? No.
Magpul MOE grip and Ergo Suregrip. One is $12 the other $27. Both more expensive than a $5 A2. Better grip texture and feel? Yes. More reliable? No.
Anderson upper and Aero Precision upper. One was $38 and the other $60. They came from the same forge. Finish is a dead heat to me. Both cheaper than the pair of $135 (each) Aero M4E1 Enhanced uppers in the first photo. Any of them magical? No.
Recognizing there are no unimportant parts to a firearm is one thing. Believing I own a Pinto instead of an Audi 5000 (oops that lawsuit was a doozie) is missing the mark. I drive an Expedition, an XLT, and in my analogy the Platinum Edition owners are claiming my vehicle isn’t reliable enough to drive with its unheated cloth seats. Creature comforts make the rifle yours, but they do not always make it more reliable.