[bellson]

Some of my finest builds have been based on Cold Steel shells.

I really like these guys, but they are not what you might call "technology savvy". They get the orders, those usually sit for a day or more in order to "age", and then they print them out, and then they take them to ???? and then they pull a bent shell out of the pile....I think you can fill in the blanks for yourselves....

Bottom line. They do good work, they use quality and predictable steel (this is important if you are going to heat treat / temper the entire receiver), and they stand behind their products. I have had one (1) bad shell from them. I discovered this fact two MONTHS later, and they still made it right. They sent me a spare receiver shell along with the replacement ($40 value).....and they paid the shipping.

So, tech challenged, but customer service and quality gifted. I'll take that, and I am happy to pay them the extra $20-30 for that. I agree with the feedback on the templates. Do not use them. Better to lay it out yourself. Take the advise listed in this thread earlier.

The RPK shells are fucking bulletproof! I sometimes have to shave the trunnion to fit, but it's just a cousin kiss with a dremel or a file....

Hope this helps. Cold Steel is not a gazelle. They are a Bull Elephant. It is what it is.

Regards,