Author: Kevin

So, back in April I bought a custom-engraved AR15 lower, and I decided I wanted a “thumper” upper for it, either a .50 Beowulf or a .458 SOCOM. I went with the SOCOM because bullet selection for the .458 is better, I think, and the boltface matches the .308 Winchester casehead rather than the 7.62×39, so if I’d like to try a 6.5 Benchrest upper, I can.

Rock River Arms was promising “60-90 day” delivery on complete uppers, but on the parts page they advised that bolts and carriers were delayed. I inquired as to whether this would affect the 60-90 days on complete uppers, but was assured that would not be the case but it would be 90 days, so I’d have a complete rifle well in time for the Gun Blogger Rendezvous in September.

I placed my order on May 3.

On July 12 I inquired as to the status of my order. The response:

Most uppers and rifles run at least 90 days, some are extending by 30-45 days due to component availability.

Fair enough. I checked again on August 6. The response:

The .458’s are running over the approximate 90 day time frame, so it could be 30-45 days before it is available.

Well, that meant the Rendezvous would be a washout. So I waited some more.

I emailed them again yesterday, 154 days after placing the order. They replied this morning:

We just received the barrels in, the upper went to the floor to be built so it will be shipping out in 2 weeks to 30 days.

So, instead of 90 days, it’s going to be 168-182 days.

If I can believe them this time.

UPDATE, 10/9/12: I received this email today from UPS:

This message was sent to you at the request of ROCK RIVER ARMS to notify you that the electronic shipment information below has been transmitted to UPS. The physical package(s) may or may not have actually been tendered to UPS for shipment. To verify the actual transit status of your shipment, click on the tracking link below or contact ROCK RIVER ARMS directly.

Important Delivery Information

——————————————————————————–
Adult Signature Required – Adult must be at least 21 years of age
Scheduled Delivery: 15-October-2012

And Rock River has billed my credit card.

Looks like I’ll have a thumper next week!