OK Guys!! Here is the current news on this Original Post. I did in fact purchase both rifles. Gunsmith, (not well informed on HK/PTR but gunsmith for sure) gave a green light and assurance that neither rifle had more than a few rounds through them. I will here post my findings on the first cleaning, range visit and subsequent cleaning. I will refer to the rifles as #1 and #2. #1 is JLD s/n A013X and #2 is A208X. Both are in like new condition.
Cleaning prior to range visit revealed minor residue and clean bores. Mainly cleaned them to have a baseline I knew was good.
Ammo was Prvi PPU .308 Win. 145 gr. FMJ. It was great and not dirty at all. Will purchase more. Chrono'ed at +/- 2800 all afternoon.
#1 misfired first round. Found the cause to be the bolt was not fully engaged (full battery) This was a problem with any attempt to fire that the charging handle was not quicly released or released from the open catch position (slammed). The bolt was not fully closing without heavy assistance. Don't know if this is due to being VERY NEW and VERY TIGHT or if there is an underlying issue to be discovered. (Appreciate any input on this question.) Once the bolt is fully set, the weapon was flawless. Out to 200yd, 1.3inch was the norm for 3 shots. (Note the brass ejected was lethal to anyone or thing within 30 feet to the 2 0'clock position. On one occasion my friend caught one from about 3 feet. It broke skin.) More on brass later. Suffice to say, this is a truly enjoyable and well performing weapon based upon first outing.
#2 has a problem with the charging handle hanging upon initial pull. It is very difficult to cause to "break lose" rearward. After the initial "jerk" it runs smooth. This weapon was a dream to shoot all day. We could have burned a thousand rounds it was so much fun. Sub 1" 100 yard and just a nip over 1" 200yard on the peep. Everyone at the range fired it. (I could have made a nice profit on this one, but my son will not let it go.)
Now, the flute issues, and other ammo questions. First, I do not know how to look at the flutes. I am new to PTR's and can't figure how to remove the barrel from the receiver. BUT, the fired cases leave no doubt as to the flute count. My weapons have ten flutes. I can see them and I can feel them on the spent cases!!!! Also, the cases went into the chamber nice and shiney and they come out strecthed with the imprint of the flutes and they are blackened with Zebra stripes.
More than 50% had lip damage. All have severe case wall dents and all have substantial nicks on the rim from the extractor. The brass sure takes a beating!
So this is my initial report. Can't say if they will eat the tar stuff, but will eventually find some and feed it to them. At this point I have no reason to suspect the trunion issue on the #1 even though it is a VERY low JLD build. AND I would simply send it to John McNamara at PTR if a problem developed. John and everyone at PTR has been great to support me and offer information as I struggled to decide what to do. I am pleased at this time and if I ever decide to purchase another weapon, I will surely purchase a new PTR. Anyone that wants to forgo the hassle I endured for days and days should just order from PTR. (I only wanted the low s/n weapons because of the HK original parts and the Wilson barrels.
I offer my sincere thanks to those that have offered their wisdom here and assure you the assistance was invaluable in my decision. I will keep all posted on the next few outings. Also, intend on some goodies and upgrades.
