Enterprise Group Buy L1A1 Receiver

DWM · August 29, 2002, 13:21

Received the group buy Enterprise L1A1 (inch) receiver yesterday. Have had a little time to check it out. So far have found the following.
Good:
-- Aussie L1A1 barrel and 0.060 spacer hand time to 11:00.
-- Gas nut fits OK
-- Bolt/Bolt carrier fit OK
-- Bolt stop pin fit tight but ok
-- Lock up to lower receiver ok

Not so Good:
-- Locking shoulder pin receiver diameter is 0.298+ on the receiver right side and approx. 0.300 dia on left side. My largest pin dia is 0.298 so had to estimate the one dimension on the left side. The locking shoulder hole should be less then 0.297 on both sides. There is also interference from the ejector which will have to be cut back to allow the pin to pass through.
-- The cocking handle slide lower race way is bent into the receiver between 0.010 to 0.020. This was done after the raceway was machined. Looks like it was put in a fixture and tighted down on to bend the material.

Not a total disaster so far --- but will have to machine down the bottom cocking handle slide rail and find an oversize locking shoulder that were intended for rebuilt receivers with enlarged locking shoulder holes.

Dave

**EMDII** · August 29, 2002, 13:45

Good report. I have forwarded it to Lawrence/EAI to share w/ his machinists & staff. An organization only does better w/ specific feedback. This will help.

Tony. · August 29, 2002, 13:48

Ditto, I picked mine up yesterday here are my initial impressions.

BHO and mag release tight fit - will need a little stoning.
Barrel hand times to 10:30 using a #10 washer.
Poor upper/lower lockup - will need a little filing of the upper locking lug.
Dust cover is a tight fit - no modification required
Charging handle slot - perfect
Bolt does not always drop when in battery - may be a bolt/carrier problem.

I haven't built it up yet, hopefully this weekend. All in all I think it was a great deal for $258.

**EMDII** · August 29, 2002, 13:55

Quote:

Poor upper/lower lockup - will need a little filing of the upper locking lug.

Why not stone the nose of the locking catch, instead of your relatively expensive receiver?

Tony. · August 29, 2002, 14:36

Thanks Ted!

Overlooked the rule of modifiying the cheapest part first.

DWM · August 29, 2002, 15:43

Tony thanks for your review --- I forgot to put in my review that the bolt had a slight hang up going into battery as you mentioned. Also figured it was the bolt/carrier combination. Guess I better look closer at the receiver.

Dave

Tony. · August 29, 2002, 16:31

Quote:

Originally posted by DWM
Tony thanks for your review --- I forgot to put in my review that the bolt had a slight hang up going into battery as you mentioned. Also figured it was the bolt/carrier combination. Guess I better look closer at the receiver.

Dave

Since you are having the same problem, it must be the receiver. If you figure out where the hang up is, please let me know. I will do the same.

Tony

Rudolf · August 30, 2002, 10:14

Fits fine but doesnt lock up on the bottom and upper. clocks at 1030ish ro so.
Finish is funky but looking at my Eden Arms receiver l1A1 its not surprising.
Lawrene and gunsmiths at Entreprise will build mines. If they see something wrong then they know its somethng they must fix.

I am going the F1Papua New Guinea muzle break route. However, I was worried about the break contributing to inaccuracy. Skennertons book says its bad for the rifle. But the Blake Stevens boook says it contributes to accuracy. I don't know. I trust Ian Skennerton having met him three times already but

I'll see it in two weeks and see how it shoots. its gonna have the Black oxide finish and then my dad will bake and paint it with the Brownells paint thingy.
thanks for participating with me onn it guys.

**gw11** · August 30, 2002, 17:15

I contacted Entreprise and told them that I had major problems with my L1A1 Group buy Receiver. Lawrence was with a customer, I waited an hour and Lawrence was out to lunch, I talked to Albert. I went on about things that I have problems with.
1- Receiver cover will not slide on to the upper receiver. The top inside edge of the rail starts at 1.150 in. and tapers to 1.138 at the center of the receiver. Just for example an Imbel receiver measures 1.160 at the same point and is the same all the way down the receiver!
2- Charging handle will not slide into it's rails even with force, it does go approx. 3/4 in in
either direction.
3- Mag release will not go into slot. Mag release measures .226 wide and the squared slot it is entering into is .225 and .230 in the center of the square, Albert says the hole is not broached but it looks like a worn broached slot, the corners are too small and the center is probably the correct size?
4- The bolt hold open starts but will not go into the hole. Well I might be wrong! If I use a
hammer it might go! The drilled chamber it is trying to enter is so ringed and stepped that it
causes this condition.
5- The outside right of the receiver is flat! The left side is Bowed as with being consistent
with my above notations.
6- The length of the upper leaves a .010- .020 gap at the rear between it and the lower. I will need other Fal Files opinions to explain the effects of that. Any help will be appreciated.
The overall appearance is sort of acceptable with the exception that it looks bowed, the
timing will be fine with a so far it pre timed at 11:20 with a .053 washer. The bolt carrier
and bolt do not exhibit the problems expressed in the prior posts.

DWM · August 30, 2002, 21:51

GW11
a few comments on your post

-- yes my receiver cover goes on very tightly. Once on it is very difficult to remove.

--Today I cut down the cocking handle slide lower rail to 0.043 so it would clear the receiver lower raceway that is dimpled in. My L1A1 handle rail originally measured 0.058.

-- Also ground down the side of the mag release to fit the the undersize opening in the receiver.

-- My bolt hold open device just fits. It has some interference, but not in it's operational travel zone.

Those who have only assembled a FAL on an Imbel receiver don't realize all the educational experiance they are missing. This is strictly a file to fit exercise.

Dave

**gw11** · August 30, 2002, 22:21

I gave up on the idea that Entreprise would ever give a crap or that they would fix it correctly.
So I have begun the loving task of creating a receiver that works. I to worked on the mag release but mine was binding because the inside of the rear mag well was not machined flat and bent in and forcing the release to twist. Entreprise tried to run what seems like a broach or something through it but did not complete the job.
Then I ran a round file inside the bolt hold open tube to make it functional.
Next I had the enjoyable task of filing the top cover rails of my new Manganese Phosphate receiver to accept the cover at all.
Next I will attempt the Cocking handle slide.
Thanks for the info on the slide rails.
I agree about the metric receiver rifles I am really spoiled after using only Imbel and DSA .
gw11

HatchetJoe · August 30, 2002, 22:44

Ok you guys are making me antsy because I haven't recieved mine yet. So Rudi or Dave can anyone tell me where MY rec is?

**gw11** · August 30, 2002, 23:56

I just attacked my Cocking Handle problem and found that the lower rail is straight and true. the upper rail is not at all straight. The width starts at .314 at the front .308 in the middle and .315 to the rear. Seeing how the L1A1 cocking handle is .3145 I've got a little work to do.
After this is done I will correct the thickness as
DWM had to do.
gw11

BlasterLP · August 31, 2002, 00:09

gw...sounds like a fouled up heat treatment.....had one this spring that when u looked at it from the back to the front, there was a bow and a bend on the left hand side in the slot area where the dust cover slid into.......called Lawrence and exlained problem, sent reciever back (yes, it did cost me 11 dollars to ship) and had another reciever in my hands in 7 days....midwest to west coast and back......the replacement reciever required NO filing and fitting.....wait, yes, in the bolt hold open slot....but otherwise, no problems......it sounds like Lawrence is gonna have his hands full once again, I hope they all arent like this!!!

Harlan......get those FAC recievers back in stock!!!

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 09:01

This thread is teetering on Gunsmithing & Build It Yourself . I give up! I checked my inner receiver carrier rails with a New out of the box bolt and carrier set, and they start as giving the carrier .030 in. side to side play at the rear of the receiver. Midpoint has .005 in side to side play. and when in breach position the carrier has .025 in side to side. The bolt in the last 1" of it's travel forward has .035 side play. I checked all 6 of my Imbel and 1 of my DSA receivers and they all have .005 max all the way.
Furthering my decision to quit was the fact that the top of the receiver along the two rails [ you know the ones that we put a straight edge along for barrel alignment] which I would think would is the datum line for machining are not parallel. The receiver rocks on my kitchen counter. Of course this is not a blanchard ground surface, but it repeated in any direction I placed it. I compared this action to an Imbel Gear logo and the Imbel was fine.
Also I found the that the carrier rocks up and done forward to back, when in breach position. I do not see how I can get the carrier to sit flat even with lapping.
I would like to think that this is all that's wrong but I expect I would have more trouble in
the future.
I will try again to talk to Lawrence on monday. Albert did say to return it and they would
fix it.
But I do not think I would accept this receiver again.
The real shame is that I had too chop on all of the perfectly Parkerized parts I just received from Glen Riddle that came in contact with this kit. They are probably scrap in a good receiver!
gw11

AD70 1XX · August 31, 2002, 09:29

I started playing around with my receiver. Here are my issues so far:

Mag catch is a tight fit into it's slot.

Magazine won't lock into mag well. I had to mill the little ledge under the feed ramp. Now the mag fits. I'll post a picture about what I'm talking about a little later when I have some time(I have some friends from Kansas City visiting this weekend).

I had to remove some metal from the back of the receiver (not the locking lug) in order to get it to lock up on two Brit and an Aussie lower.

I had to file a bit inside the charging handle slot in order to allow the charging handle to go fully forward.

I started modifying the front part of the receiver. These aren't machined like a proper inch receiver.

Machine marks everywhere.

I haven't gone any further on building it right now. It's sitting on the bench waiting for a time when I feel like messing with it again.

HatchetJoe: email me with your name and I'll send you a tracking number. Your profile doen't give me any clues as to who you are.

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 09:43

AD70 1XX
The first thing out of my FFL's mouth when he handed it to me, was, Is this considered an acceptable machining job?? I did not reply! I think everyone wishes they never have to say they are sorry!
And remarkably, The machining marks have been dwarfed by all the other problems I encountered.
I would like to think that mine is the one that slipped by.
I have used only excellent conditioned parts from a kit received from Dean P, so I feel certain that the used parts are not to blame.
gw11

AD70 1XX · August 31, 2002, 11:15

George,

yeah, I'm disappointed but I'm not really surprised. I built my last Entreprise receiver in '95 or '96 and was less than impressed. When The group buy came around I figured I'd give them another shot. I sure wish DSA would come out with a proper inch receiver.

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 11:58

AD70 1XX
This is my first Entreprise and I was sure hoping that past problems were gone, otherwise I would not have attempted this. I have bought wonderful L1A1 kits an decided not to build because of the lack of good receivers and a Century receiver was not an option. Hopefully Lawrence is not too mad about this Thread. It's kind of difficult to correct a product without stating negatives. I've been very careful not to ruin the receiver. even though it now has cold blue on it I would have had to refinish it again if I was able to save it. But this one has just gone way over my head. My biggest problem with tring to fix it past what I have done is what do I tell the next person that I may sell it to?? Don't worry about it! it just looks funny! I do not think that would be fair.

gw11

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 12:03

DWM
Sorry if I posted too much to your thread. I'm done! Thanks for starting it! Good Luck with yours!
gw11

DWM · August 31, 2002, 12:21

gw11

Just checked the Enterprise receiver flatness along the upper rails as you did. The Enterprise receiver was out of flat by 0.038 front to back. A spare Imbel receiver waiting for build up was checked and it had less then 0.002 out of flat and it may have been my surface not the Imbel receiver. This could be one of my problems with the cover being hard to install.

Dave

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 12:31

DWM
Have you checked the straightness of the inside of the left side rail [ top and inner side]? This also extends to the inner carrier rail for straightness. These are probably warped also.
gw11

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 12:45

DWM
I crapist part about this is that this Entreprise problem halted the assembly of this perfect L1A1
gw11

**fal fiend** · August 31, 2002, 13:12

sounds like u need a machine shop just to build a L1A1 from enterprise,,no ty,,,,sounds like imbels & dsa to me

**gw11** · August 31, 2002, 13:16

fal fiend
It's not for the Faint Hearted!
gw11

DWM · August 31, 2002, 15:40

Checked two key dimensions:

Distance from the front receiver face to the center line of the locking shoulder
Enterprise--- 4.882 Imbel --- 4.878

Distance from the receiver bolt slide lower raceway to the centerline of the locking shoulder
Enterprise--- 0.330 Imbel--- 0.315

The locking shoulder in the Enterprise will have to be a little larger then then it would have been in the Imbel. But should still be in the ball park

Dimensions were measured over pins then the pin radius subtracted.

I still do not know how to make the receiver cover slide on with the large amount of vertical distortion of it's receiver left raceway. This may be the reason the receiver will have to be returned. I am nervious about it though as the present receiver machining (surface finish) is at least passable --who knows what the next will bring.

Dave

rwwje · September 01, 2002, 12:07

ENTREPRISE ROULETTE! At the casino, the odds on the roulette wheel are around 35 to 1 against winning. Looks like ENTREPRISE ROULETTE odds are not much better. Gunplumber is right about Entreprise; read his review(s).

I built a file to fit Type 3 (hell, even required weld to fit locking latch build-up) that I cherry picked out of a group buy of eleven "receivers". Entreprise receivers are for the experienced builder with access to machine tools or for the lucky first time builder (as in a winner of ENTREPRISE ROULETTE).

Oh, by the way Lawrence, don't bother sending one of your indignant private messages complaining about "ENTREPRISE ROULETTE". Try using your time and "excellent customer service" costs to convince your lame-assed management to actually institue a QC program. Your manufacturing process is out of control, as YOU know.

gunhead · September 01, 2002, 12:33

Again & again, NO Apparent Quality Control

If you keep fixing thier stuff to this extent, you might as well get a block of steel & file it out just like they do in Afghanistan

I've only bought one receiver, an DSA Type 1 & it was PERFECT-O

Oh well, guys gotta play

GL all.........
Rich

Ed Lobb · September 01, 2002, 18:35

Hello All:

There has been a number of complaints registered here that, I am sure, are well founded. There have also been some "I told you so" postings as well, going so far as to questioning why on earth someone would buy an Entreprise receiver after all of the negative postings from the past.

Just to set the record straight insofar as my decision to buy was concerned: (1) Yes - I did read a number of negative posts regarding Entreprise and (2) I expected 'the unexpected' set of problems with my receiver and in light of a 'crap shoot' approach that I MIGHT get lucky (though definitely not counting on it!), I went on and plunged ahead with the purchase for one primary reason: Whom else manufactures an Inch pattern receiver? HMMMM????? So far as I was concerned, there was no acceptable alternative. I knew before sending in my money that I would likely have to WECSOG the upper. The only question was to what extent.

Yes, mine needs work. The upper would not lock to my lower, so I'll have to do some filing on the lower plunger. Forutnately, my receiver is not bulged out. I was astounded to see the number and depth of milling marks inside my receiver. Then I remembered that I am building up an Indian FAL and suddenly realized that now I don't mind those milling marks after all - they lend an "air of authenticity" to it.

I am not here to defend Entreprise or Lawrence. They were almost a month late in getting the receivers out anyway. I am of the opinion that the product must stand on its own two feet. I am not ashamed that I bought one of their receivers for the one simple reason that there literally was no other choice out there in the marketplace. Based on this factor alone, I would have done it all over again with both eyes wide open just as I did the first time. My 2c worth.

Ed Lobb

**BUFF** · September 01, 2002, 21:36

Originally posted by Ed Lobb:

"I was astounded to see the number and depth of milling marks inside my receiver. Then I remembered that I am building up an Indian FAL and suddenly realized that now I don't mind those milling marks after all - they lend an "air of authenticity" to it."

ROTFLMAO!!!! Good one, Ed!

Rudolf · September 02, 2002, 12:51

Sorry for all the headaches. this is not nice.
Somehow I feel kinda responsible or something. I appologize for this mess.Hopefully Entreprise will fix this somehow.
I am sending mines to them and will see what happens.
I know Lawrence will honor and fix this.

Rudi

1006587 · September 02, 2002, 15:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Rudolf
Sorry for all the headaches. this is not nice.
Somehow I feel kinda responsible or something. I appologize for this mess.Hopefully Entreprise will fix this somehow.
I am sending mines to them and will see what happens.
I know Lawrence will honor and fix this.

Rudi

Rudi,
Don't feel bad. I have a Type 3 Entreprise and was fully aware of what I was getting into. E'prise makes the only Inch receiver and I wanted it. Anyone who has read any of the reviews on E'prise in the past should have known it was a roll of the dice. We saved $125.

If E'prise can smooth off the face of my receiver, I think it will be OK, except I still need a huge locking shoulder.

Gavin · September 03, 2002, 10:56

GW "6- The length of the upper leaves a .010- .020 gap at the rear between it and the lower. I will need other Fal Files opinions to explain the effects of that. "

Dude - I just went back over my receiver from a year or two ago... and guess what? Same f-ing problem. I remember looking at it when I built it and thought it was a little strange - thought no more of it, cause the gun went together and shot well... but now... I paid a lot of f-ing $ for this thing!

Gavin

(yeah - yeah - I eat my words)

DavidZapr · September 03, 2002, 13:21

I really hate to say this, but my century inch receiver was a lot less trouble than what I am reading here about the Enterprize. It's really too bad, because they do look good when proper QC is present.

**gw11** · September 03, 2002, 18:11

Gavin
I am not sure what a space at the rear of the upper receiver means. I haven't received any response to that question. I personally have to wait and see what Lawrence does. My receiver will be in his hands soon, and I need to give him a chance, so I will have to do what I don't do well [be patient].
Hopefully everything will turn out fine as others have said.
gw11

pb · September 04, 2002, 09:19

The front face on mine did have some tool marks on it , but the barrel timed properly with a .060 washer. Top cover rails ok, mag. release, BHO,cocking handle, and locking lug fit perfectly. Locking sholder hole is a bit tight, but easy enough to fix. I would rather have it tight than too loose. I guess I got the good one, huh?

DABTL · November 11, 2002, 21:18

Quote:

Originally posted by BUFF
Originally posted by Ed Lobb:

"I was astounded to see the number and depth of milling marks inside my receiver. Then I remembered that I am building up an Indian FAL and suddenly realized that now I don't mind those milling marks after all - they lend an "air of authenticity" to it."

ROTFLMAO!!!! Good one, Ed!

The receiver marks approximate the new Imbel marks, so far as I can tell.

sledgehamer has just barreled the Entre'prise group buy inch receiver on my L1a1 and he said it went on without a hitch. I have measured everything else and believe it to be entirely within specs.

rwwje · November 11, 2002, 21:35

Aw hell, somebody always wins the lottery, too. Another winner at Entreprise roulette.

shootist · November 11, 2002, 21:44

I'm surprised to read some of these posts. It sounds like Enterprise is not much different that your complaints about Hesse.

rwwje · November 11, 2002, 22:23

Unfortunately, Entreprise has put themselves in the same lower tier of FAL receiver manufactures as Hesse and Century. Its a damn shame due to their complete product line including custom serial numbers, G-1 markings, inch , metric, Israeli, type 1, type 3. etc. Dan Coonan is killing'em. When Coonan comes out with his inch receiver, Enterprise is done.

Entreprise receivers are soft. I have had 0.005" of "setback" with the one file-to-fit, weld-to-fit Entreprise receiver I have. Actually, I wouldn't call it "setback". It is receiver stretch (after about a thousand rounds). Never again.

Falfegnügen · November 12, 2002, 00:05

Quote:

Originally posted by rwwje
.... When Coonan comes out with his inch receiver, Enterprise is done.

Amen. The day Coonan's is available, I'm ordering at leat 4 of them

**gw11** · November 12, 2002, 03:26

I'm certainly glad that DABTL had a good receiver.
Entreprise could not repair mine of course! I waited for 6 weeks for a replacement and canceled. I haven't seen the refund yet, but I'm still hoping!
I wish everyone else good luck!
gw11

DABTL · November 13, 2002, 05:25

Glad I got one also.

I got a champion Hesse STG58 from Century also.

I am sure glad that I am a lawyer, universally loved, rather than trying to make gun parts!

**gw11** · November 13, 2002, 17:32

" universally loved "
??!!?!<>

.

Steve · November 13, 2002, 18:13

My group purchase Entreprise went together with only a small hitch. The bolt carrier was rubbing but I put JB Bore Paste on it and with a lot of cycles by hand, got it to function correctly. I've assembled 5 or 6 FAL's on Entreprise receivers, had to send one back but got prompt service from them.

DABTL · November 13, 2002, 20:04

Quote:

Originally posted by gw11
" universally loved "
??!!?!<> .

Well,......................................nearly!

Blag · November 15, 2002, 02:40

gw11,

I can't believe nobody has commented on the pics of your L1A1 furniture & lower you posted. It's just gorgeous. I hope you can get the rifle together soon, if you haven't already, and post pics to the Images forum.

**gw11** · November 15, 2002, 09:06

Thanks Blag
The kit is still in a heap till I get another L1A1 receiver. It will probably be a Coonan.
The kit was from Deam P. the finish on the kit is by Glen Riddle and the wood is Ironwood, finished by me! hopefully it will come out ok!
gw11

August 29, 2002, 13:45	#2
EMDII Evil Moderator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 6 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 13,971	Good report. I have forwarded it to Lawrence/EAI to share w/ his machinists & staff. An organization only does better w/ specific feedback. This will help. __________________ "The Spartans do not enquire how many enemy there are. The SPartans merely enquire WHERE they are." E.M. (Ted) Dannemiller II 1*

August 29, 2002, 15:43	#6
DWM Registered FALaholic #: 5985 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 13	L1A1 receiver review Tony thanks for your review --- I forgot to put in my review that the bolt had a slight hang up going into battery as you mentioned. Also figured it was the bolt/carrier combination. Guess I better look closer at the receiver. Dave

August 30, 2002, 10:14	#8
Rudolf Registered FALaholic #: 7 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Salem, ORegon, USA Posts: 408	L1A1 review Fits fine but doesnt lock up on the bottom and upper. clocks at 1030ish ro so. Finish is funky but looking at my Eden Arms receiver l1A1 its not surprising. Lawrene and gunsmiths at Entreprise will build mines. If they see something wrong then they know its somethng they must fix. I am going the F1Papua New Guinea muzle break route. However, I was worried about the break contributing to inaccuracy. Skennertons book says its bad for the rifle. But the Blake Stevens boook says it contributes to accuracy. I don't know. I trust Ian Skennerton having met him three times already but I'll see it in two weeks and see how it shoots. its gonna have the Black oxide finish and then my dad will bake and paint it with the Brownells paint thingy. thanks for participating with me onn it guys.

August 31, 2002, 09:01	#15
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	This thread is teetering on Gunsmithing & Build It Yourself . I give up! I checked my inner receiver carrier rails with a New out of the box bolt and carrier set, and they start as giving the carrier .030 in. side to side play at the rear of the receiver. Midpoint has .005 in side to side play. and when in breach position the carrier has .025 in side to side. The bolt in the last 1" of it's travel forward has .035 side play. I checked all 6 of my Imbel and 1 of my DSA receivers and they all have .005 max all the way. Furthering my decision to quit was the fact that the top of the receiver along the two rails [ you know the ones that we put a straight edge along for barrel alignment] which I would think would is the datum line for machining are not parallel. The receiver rocks on my kitchen counter. Of course this is not a blanchard ground surface, but it repeated in any direction I placed it. I compared this action to an Imbel Gear logo and the Imbel was fine. Also I found the that the carrier rocks up and done forward to back, when in breach position. I do not see how I can get the carrier to sit flat even with lapping. I would like to think that this is all that's wrong but I expect I would have more trouble in the future. I will try again to talk to Lawrence on monday. Albert did say to return it and they would fix it. But I do not think I would accept this receiver again. The real shame is that I had too chop on all of the perfectly Parkerized parts I just received from Glen Riddle that came in contact with this kit. They are probably scrap in a good receiver! gw11 Last edited by gw11; August 31, 2002 at 09:14.

August 31, 2002, 09:29	#16
AD70 1XX Registered FALaholic #: 5883 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 127	I started playing around with my receiver. Here are my issues so far: Mag catch is a tight fit into it's slot. Magazine won't lock into mag well. I had to mill the little ledge under the feed ramp. Now the mag fits. I'll post a picture about what I'm talking about a little later when I have some time(I have some friends from Kansas City visiting this weekend). I had to remove some metal from the back of the receiver (not the locking lug) in order to get it to lock up on two Brit and an Aussie lower. I had to file a bit inside the charging handle slot in order to allow the charging handle to go fully forward. I started modifying the front part of the receiver. These aren't machined like a proper inch receiver. Machine marks everywhere. I haven't gone any further on building it right now. It's sitting on the bench waiting for a time when I feel like messing with it again. HatchetJoe: email me with your name and I'll send you a tracking number. Your profile doen't give me any clues as to who you are. Last edited by AD70 1XX; August 31, 2002 at 09:38.

August 29, 2002, 13:21	#1
DWM Registered FALaholic #: 5985 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 13	Enterprise Group Buy L1A1 Receiver Received the group buy Enterprise L1A1 (inch) receiver yesterday. Have had a little time to check it out. So far have found the following. Good: -- Aussie L1A1 barrel and 0.060 spacer hand time to 11:00. -- Gas nut fits OK -- Bolt/Bolt carrier fit OK -- Bolt stop pin fit tight but ok -- Lock up to lower receiver ok Not so Good: -- Locking shoulder pin receiver diameter is 0.298+ on the receiver right side and approx. 0.300 dia on left side. My largest pin dia is 0.298 so had to estimate the one dimension on the left side. The locking shoulder hole should be less then 0.297 on both sides. There is also interference from the ejector which will have to be cut back to allow the pin to pass through. -- The cocking handle slide lower race way is bent into the receiver between 0.010 to 0.020. This was done after the raceway was machined. Looks like it was put in a fixture and tighted down on to bend the material. Not a total disaster so far --- but will have to machine down the bottom cocking handle slide rail and find an oversize locking shoulder that were intended for rebuilt receivers with enlarged locking shoulder holes. Dave

August 29, 2002, 13:48	#3
Tony. Registered FALaholic #: 755 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 682	Ditto, I picked mine up yesterday here are my initial impressions. BHO and mag release tight fit - will need a little stoning. Barrel hand times to 10:30 using a #10 washer. Poor upper/lower lockup - will need a little filing of the upper locking lug. Dust cover is a tight fit - no modification required Charging handle slot - perfect Bolt does not always drop when in battery - may be a bolt/carrier problem. I haven't built it up yet, hopefully this weekend. All in all I think it was a great deal for $258.

August 29, 2002, 14:36	#5
Tony. Registered FALaholic #: 755 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 682	Thanks Ted! Overlooked the rule of modifiying the cheapest part first.

August 30, 2002, 21:51	#10
DWM Registered FALaholic #: 5985 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 13	Enterprisr receiver GW11 a few comments on your post -- yes my receiver cover goes on very tightly. Once on it is very difficult to remove. --Today I cut down the cocking handle slide lower rail to 0.043 so it would clear the receiver lower raceway that is dimpled in. My L1A1 handle rail originally measured 0.058. -- Also ground down the side of the mag release to fit the the undersize opening in the receiver. -- My bolt hold open device just fits. It has some interference, but not in it's operational travel zone. Those who have only assembled a FAL on an Imbel receiver don't realize all the educational experiance they are missing. This is strictly a file to fit exercise. Dave

August 30, 2002, 22:21	#11
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	I gave up on the idea that Entreprise would ever give a crap or that they would fix it correctly. So I have begun the loving task of creating a receiver that works. I to worked on the mag release but mine was binding because the inside of the rear mag well was not machined flat and bent in and forcing the release to twist. Entreprise tried to run what seems like a broach or something through it but did not complete the job. Then I ran a round file inside the bolt hold open tube to make it functional. Next I had the enjoyable task of filing the top cover rails of my new Manganese Phosphate receiver to accept the cover at all. Next I will attempt the Cocking handle slide. Thanks for the info on the slide rails. I agree about the metric receiver rifles I am really spoiled after using only Imbel and DSA . gw11

August 30, 2002, 22:44	#12
HatchetJoe Registered FALaholic #: 5838 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: USS Enterprise NCC 1701 Posts: 88	Ok you guys are making me antsy because I haven't recieved mine yet. So Rudi or Dave can anyone tell me where MY rec is?

August 30, 2002, 23:56	#13
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	I just attacked my Cocking Handle problem and found that the lower rail is straight and true. the upper rail is not at all straight. The width starts at .314 at the front .308 in the middle and .315 to the rear. Seeing how the L1A1 cocking handle is .3145 I've got a little work to do. After this is done I will correct the thickness as DWM had to do. gw11

August 31, 2002, 00:09	#14
BlasterLP Registered FALaholic #: 2081 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Kansas but now Iraq, wtf was I thinking?? Posts: 950	gw...sounds like a fouled up heat treatment.....had one this spring that when u looked at it from the back to the front, there was a bow and a bend on the left hand side in the slot area where the dust cover slid into.......called Lawrence and exlained problem, sent reciever back (yes, it did cost me 11 dollars to ship) and had another reciever in my hands in 7 days....midwest to west coast and back......the replacement reciever required NO filing and fitting.....wait, yes, in the bolt hold open slot....but otherwise, no problems......it sounds like Lawrence is gonna have his hands full once again, I hope they all arent like this!!! Harlan......get those FAC recievers back in stock!!!

August 31, 2002, 09:43	#17
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	AD70 1XX The first thing out of my FFL's mouth when he handed it to me, was, Is this considered an acceptable machining job?? I did not reply! I think everyone wishes they never have to say they are sorry! And remarkably, The machining marks have been dwarfed by all the other problems I encountered. I would like to think that mine is the one that slipped by. I have used only excellent conditioned parts from a kit received from Dean P, so I feel certain that the used parts are not to blame. gw11 Last edited by gw11; August 31, 2002 at 10:05.

August 31, 2002, 11:15	#18
AD70 1XX Registered FALaholic #: 5883 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 127	George, yeah, I'm disappointed but I'm not really surprised. I built my last Entreprise receiver in '95 or '96 and was less than impressed. When The group buy came around I figured I'd give them another shot. I sure wish DSA would come out with a proper inch receiver.

August 31, 2002, 11:58	#19
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	AD70 1XX This is my first Entreprise and I was sure hoping that past problems were gone, otherwise I would not have attempted this. I have bought wonderful L1A1 kits an decided not to build because of the lack of good receivers and a Century receiver was not an option. Hopefully Lawrence is not too mad about this Thread. It's kind of difficult to correct a product without stating negatives. I've been very careful not to ruin the receiver. even though it now has cold blue on it I would have had to refinish it again if I was able to save it. But this one has just gone way over my head. My biggest problem with tring to fix it past what I have done is what do I tell the next person that I may sell it to?? Don't worry about it! it just looks funny! I do not think that would be fair. gw11

August 31, 2002, 12:03	#20
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	DWM Sorry if I posted too much to your thread. I'm done! Thanks for starting it! Good Luck with yours! gw11

August 31, 2002, 12:21	#21
DWM Registered FALaholic #: 5985 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 13	Enterprise receiver gw11 Just checked the Enterprise receiver flatness along the upper rails as you did. The Enterprise receiver was out of flat by 0.038 front to back. A spare Imbel receiver waiting for build up was checked and it had less then 0.002 out of flat and it may have been my surface not the Imbel receiver. This could be one of my problems with the cover being hard to install. Dave

August 31, 2002, 12:31	#22
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	DWM Have you checked the straightness of the inside of the left side rail [ top and inner side]? This also extends to the inner carrier rail for straightness. These are probably warped also. gw11

August 31, 2002, 13:12	#24
fal fiend Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 7091 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 2,266	sounds like u need a machine shop just to build a L1A1 from enterprise,,no ty,,,,sounds like imbels & dsa to me

August 31, 2002, 13:16	#25
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	fal fiend It's not for the Faint Hearted! gw11

August 31, 2002, 15:40	#26
DWM Registered FALaholic #: 5985 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 13	Enterprise inch receiver Checked two key dimensions: Distance from the front receiver face to the center line of the locking shoulder Enterprise--- 4.882 Imbel --- 4.878 Distance from the receiver bolt slide lower raceway to the centerline of the locking shoulder Enterprise--- 0.330 Imbel--- 0.315 The locking shoulder in the Enterprise will have to be a little larger then then it would have been in the Imbel. But should still be in the ball park Dimensions were measured over pins then the pin radius subtracted. I still do not know how to make the receiver cover slide on with the large amount of vertical distortion of it's receiver left raceway. This may be the reason the receiver will have to be returned. I am nervious about it though as the present receiver machining (surface finish) is at least passable --who knows what the next will bring. Dave

September 01, 2002, 12:07	#27
rwwje Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 2017 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 1,417	ENTREPRISE ROULETTE! At the casino, the odds on the roulette wheel are around 35 to 1 against winning. Looks like ENTREPRISE ROULETTE odds are not much better. Gunplumber is right about Entreprise; read his review(s). I built a file to fit Type 3 (hell, even required weld to fit locking latch build-up) that I cherry picked out of a group buy of eleven "receivers". Entreprise receivers are for the experienced builder with access to machine tools or for the lucky first time builder (as in a winner of ENTREPRISE ROULETTE). Oh, by the way Lawrence, don't bother sending one of your indignant private messages complaining about "ENTREPRISE ROULETTE". Try using your time and "excellent customer service" costs to convince your lame-assed management to actually institue a QC program. Your manufacturing process is out of control, as YOU know. __________________ Conservatives believe that the people are sovereign, and that the government is subject to the will of the people. Liberals believe that the government is sovereign, and that the people are subject to the will of the government.

September 01, 2002, 12:33	#28
gunhead Registered FALaholic #: 2820 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Port Charlotte, Florida Posts: 2,395	Again & again, NO Apparent Quality Control If you keep fixing thier stuff to this extent, you might as well get a block of steel & file it out just like they do in Afghanistan I've only bought one receiver, an DSA Type 1 & it was PERFECT-O Oh well, guys gotta play GL all......... Rich __________________ Gun-Head "Who ever said that Common Sense was so Common?"

September 01, 2002, 18:35	#29
Ed Lobb Registered FALaholic #: 6136 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 29	Entreprise Group Buy Inch Pattern Receivers Hello All: There has been a number of complaints registered here that, I am sure, are well founded. There have also been some "I told you so" postings as well, going so far as to questioning why on earth someone would buy an Entreprise receiver after all of the negative postings from the past. Just to set the record straight insofar as my decision to buy was concerned: (1) Yes - I did read a number of negative posts regarding Entreprise and (2) I expected 'the unexpected' set of problems with my receiver and in light of a 'crap shoot' approach that I MIGHT get lucky (though definitely not counting on it!), I went on and plunged ahead with the purchase for one primary reason: Whom else manufactures an Inch pattern receiver? HMMMM????? So far as I was concerned, there was no acceptable alternative. I knew before sending in my money that I would likely have to WECSOG the upper. The only question was to what extent. Yes, mine needs work. The upper would not lock to my lower, so I'll have to do some filing on the lower plunger. Forutnately, my receiver is not bulged out. I was astounded to see the number and depth of milling marks inside my receiver. Then I remembered that I am building up an Indian FAL and suddenly realized that now I don't mind those milling marks after all - they lend an "air of authenticity" to it. I am not here to defend Entreprise or Lawrence. They were almost a month late in getting the receivers out anyway. I am of the opinion that the product must stand on its own two feet. I am not ashamed that I bought one of their receivers for the one simple reason that there literally was no other choice out there in the marketplace. Based on this factor alone, I would have done it all over again with both eyes wide open just as I did the first time. My 2c worth. Ed Lobb

September 01, 2002, 21:36	#30
BUFF Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 789 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 7,141	Re: Entreprise Group Buy Inch Pattern Receivers Originally posted by Ed Lobb: "I was astounded to see the number and depth of milling marks inside my receiver. Then I remembered that I am building up an Indian FAL and suddenly realized that now I don't mind those milling marks after all - they lend an "air of authenticity" to it." ROTFLMAO!!!! Good one, Ed! __________________ BUFF

September 02, 2002, 12:51	#31
Rudolf Registered FALaholic #: 7 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Salem, ORegon, USA Posts: 408	How I feel bad about this.. Sorry for all the headaches. this is not nice. Somehow I feel kinda responsible or something. I appologize for this mess.Hopefully Entreprise will fix this somehow. I am sending mines to them and will see what happens. I know Lawrence will honor and fix this. Rudi

September 03, 2002, 10:56	#33
Gavin Registered FALaholic #: 3880 Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 313	GW "6- The length of the upper leaves a .010- .020 gap at the rear between it and the lower. I will need other Fal Files opinions to explain the effects of that. " Dude - I just went back over my receiver from a year or two ago... and guess what? Same f-ing problem. I remember looking at it when I built it and thought it was a little strange - thought no more of it, cause the gun went together and shot well... but now... I paid a lot of f-ing $ for this thing! Gavin (yeah - yeah - I eat my words) __________________ Whatever happens, I have got The Maxim gun, and they have not http://www.mg0815.com

September 03, 2002, 13:21	#34
DavidZapr Registered FALaholic #: 6497 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 82	I really hate to say this, but my century inch receiver was a lot less trouble than what I am reading here about the Enterprize. It's really too bad, because they do look good when proper QC is present.

September 03, 2002, 18:11	#35
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	Gavin I am not sure what a space at the rear of the upper receiver means. I haven't received any response to that question. I personally have to wait and see what Lawrence does. My receiver will be in his hands soon, and I need to give him a chance, so I will have to do what I don't do well [be patient]. Hopefully everything will turn out fine as others have said. gw11

September 04, 2002, 09:19	#36
pb Registered FALaholic #: 6163 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Goliad TX Posts: 336	The front face on mine did have some tool marks on it , but the barrel timed properly with a .060 washer. Top cover rails ok, mag. release, BHO,cocking handle, and locking lug fit perfectly. Locking sholder hole is a bit tight, but easy enough to fix. I would rather have it tight than too loose. I guess I got the good one, huh?

November 11, 2002, 21:35	#38
rwwje Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 2017 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 1,417	Aw hell, somebody always wins the lottery, too. Another winner at Entreprise roulette. __________________ Conservatives believe that the people are sovereign, and that the government is subject to the will of the people. Liberals believe that the government is sovereign, and that the people are subject to the will of the government.

November 11, 2002, 21:44	#39
shootist Registered FALaholic #: 4686 Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 526	I'm surprised to read some of these posts. It sounds like Enterprise is not much different that your complaints about Hesse.

November 11, 2002, 22:23	#40
rwwje Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 2017 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 1,417	Unfortunately, Entreprise has put themselves in the same lower tier of FAL receiver manufactures as Hesse and Century. Its a damn shame due to their complete product line including custom serial numbers, G-1 markings, inch , metric, Israeli, type 1, type 3. etc. Dan Coonan is killing'em. When Coonan comes out with his inch receiver, Enterprise is done. Entreprise receivers are soft. I have had 0.005" of "setback" with the one file-to-fit, weld-to-fit Entreprise receiver I have. Actually, I wouldn't call it "setback". It is receiver stretch (after about a thousand rounds). Never again. __________________ Conservatives believe that the people are sovereign, and that the government is subject to the will of the people. Liberals believe that the government is sovereign, and that the people are subject to the will of the government.

November 12, 2002, 03:26	#42
gw11 Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 2731 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: CT. USA Posts: 1,404	I'm certainly glad that DABTL had a good receiver. Entreprise could not repair mine of course! I waited for 6 weeks for a replacement and canceled. I haven't seen the refund yet, but I'm still hoping! I wish everyone else good luck! gw11