Blog

We are frequently asked by customers about their card charges when orders are placed and how the banks or card issuers treat these transactions.

Orders placed on dsgarms.com with a credit card payment are 'authorized' for the amount of the order when the customer submits the order. This authorization tells our system that the card is good and that the funds are available for us to complete the order when we are ready. At this point, no funds are given to DSG for the order. The card issuer has only told us that we can proceed if we choose to.

Later, when the order is completed, our system processes or 'captures' the amount of the order, and then the processor requests payment from your card issuer/bank, and eventually, DSG receives the funds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if the order does not ship completely?

Our system splits orders that are not shipped complete between what is shipping now and what will be held for shipment at a later time. In the case of a split order, our system submits a void transaction to our card processor for the original authorization amount letting our card processor and your bank know that we will not be proceeding with the authorization. Our system then submits a capture of the actual (lower) amount that we are shipping.

An example: An order is placed for 2 items each costing $50. Our system requests authorization for $100 when the customer clicks submit on the website. If only 1 item will ship now our system, at shipment time,  will send a void transaction to the card processor for the $100 authorization and then capture the $50 for the item that is shipping. Later, when the additional item ships, we will capture the additional $50. This would be the case with backorders and special order items that are included on an order along with in-stock items.

What happens if an order is authorized but never ships?

Authorizations have expiration dates. Your bank or card issuer controls the date for your specific card. We find that most authorizations expire on their own in 5-7 business days, but contact your card issuer for specific information.

What happens if I submit an order and then change the amount or items on my order?

An authorization will occur when you place an order. If you contact us and change the order in a way that changes the amount of an order, a second authorization may occur. Even in cases where we submit voids to previous authorizations, we have been told by customers that some card issuers or banks do not release that authorization.

How can DSG help in the case of my bank or card issuer not releasing my voided authorizations?

DSG can help by sending you a copy of our void transaction to show your bank. Or in some cases, banks have required their customers to get a release form from businesses they have done business with. If that is the case, just send us the form with a quick note explaining the situation and we'll help in any we can. We have found that by the time the issuing bank sends out the form, in most cases the authorization has been removed already.

Reminder: A card authorization is not a request for funds by DSG and authorized amounts are never given to DSG unless we specifically ask for a 'capture' of the amount (e.g. we are shipping your order). If your bank or card issuer is holding or reserving funds then that is based on their actions or policies. DSG does not take funds until your order is shipped.*

*Wholesale or other special circumstance orders may be collected at the time of the order in some cases but your rep will communicate with you directly in those instances. Contact your DSG representative if you require any assistance.

How do I properly break in my new barrel?

We get this question frequently and below is our recommended best-practice for breaking in your new DSG barrel. We are not publishing this because it will void your warranty or cause major function issues, but it is a good idea if you want to get the maximum performance from your new barrel or upper.

We have also found that accuracy can significantly increase during the first 50 rounds fired when following this procedure. Especially in bore coated barrels (like our Duty and Utility Series).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DSG Barrel Break-In Procedure

Follow these instructions to ensure that your new DSG barrel achieves its full accuracy potential.

Before first use, clean the barrel's bore with a BoreSnake or brush to remove any excess oil or debris that may be present.

Verify that the firearm is correctly assembled.

Fire a five-shot group.

Clean the bore with a cleaning patch or BoreSnake through the bore from the chamber end.

Wipe the locking lug surface of the bolt clean, as well as the locking lugs in the barrel extension. A chamber mop can be used to clean the chamber if desired.

We recommend repeating this sequence every five shots for the first 50 rounds.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DSG recommends Slip 2000 brand cleaning solvent, kits, and rods.

More information on the differences in DSG's Duty, Utility, and Precision Series barrels.

Our Duty and Precision barrels differ in a few key ways. Read below for details about each type.

Note: DSG barrels that are assembled in our complete uppers are drilled for gas block mounting by our armorers. If you are purchasing a DSG barrel for a DIY build, we recommend a barrel dimpling jig or allowing a certified armorer to provide this service for you. We do not recommend fielding any weapon without a dimpled or pinned gas block.

Duty Series barrels are designed with high heat, high round count use in mind. They are constructed from 4150CMV steel. CMV is short for chrome moly vanadium and 4150 refers to the grade of steel. Alloy steel like 4150CMV incorporates different elements (Sulphur, Silicon, Carbon, etc.) added to the make-up of the steel to produce a barrel that is strong and also allows it to be easily and accurately machined. Once the barrel is properly heat treated it also allows the barrel to function reliably under extremely high pressures. 4150CMV also incorporates a high chrome content. This chrome content in the steel adds substantial strength to the finished barrel but does not add adequate corrosion resistance by itself.

For additional corrosion and wear resistance, our barrels are then QPQ coated. QPQ stands for 'quench polish quench'. The QPQ process is essentially a chemical case hardening procedure that is applied at 1000f. QPQ coating barrels allow for an extremely hard, corrosion-resistant finish that also provides great wear resistance during the barrel's life cycle. Duty series barrels also incorporate a nickel boron-coated barrel extension for lubricity, corrosion resistance, and long wear life.

Our standard twist rate for Duty Series Barrels is 1:7. While we also test with 55gr 5.56 ammunition with results that exceed the mil-std, many of our customers use heavier bullets up to and including 77gr. The 1:7 twist allows these heavier projectiles to stabilized for maximum performance.

Chambers are generally 5.56mm in Duty Series Barrels (refer to each SKU's individual description to verify).

Precision Series barrels are produced with accuracy as their foremost design goal. Made from 416R stainless steel, Precision Series barrels can provide an overall accuracy advantage of 20-30% when used with good quality, factory loaded, match grade ammunition. Precision barrels are guaranteed for 1MOA or greater accuracy with match ammunition (3 shot groups at 100 yards). In practice, we've found their accuracy to be even better, but extreme accuracy can be dependent on other factors beyond our control (shooter, environment, ammo choice, build quality, etc.).

416R stainless steel as used in our Precision Series barrels has a higher chrome content than other barrel materials allowing it to be corrosion resistant without additional coatings being required. Its material makeup also allows it to be highly machineable which provides for a smooth and consistent surface for the bullet to travel. Stainless steel also has a lower overall pressure rating than other materials like 4150CMV. Stainless steel can be more susceptible to heat damage at lower temperature levels. Although this should only be a concern with high round count use without allowing the barrel to cool properly.

In our Precision Series barrels, we generally use the 223Wylde chamber specification and a 1:8 twist rate (see each individual SKU for exact specifications).  Precision Series barrels also include a Nickel Boron coated barrel extension for corrosion resistance and positive feeding. 11-degree Target crown is standard.

Utility Series Barrels are currently produced with the same 4150CMV steel as our Duty Series barrels and are also QPQ coated in the same manner. With cost savings in mind, Utility Series barrels include a standard M4 barrel extension that is coated along with the barrel and a flat muzzle crown.  When used in DSG complete uppers Utility barrels are usually not test-fired, but are assembled and quality checked in the same manner otherwise.

In general, the Utility Series is used for any opportunity we have to pass along a less expensive, but high-quality alternative to our Duty and Precision grade barrels and uppers.

We inspect and test fire every DSG Duty and Precision Series complete upper receiver for function before being shipped to our customers. To assist users in diagnosing function issues or to aid in the pre-purchase decision process, below are some specific details about the components we use.

1. Ammunition: Each complete upper is test-fired with five rounds of Federal 5.56 XM193 (or equivalent). With that in mind, we've found that using a military standard 5.56 ammunition provides a good baseline for functional verification.

2. Bolt Carrier Group: We use DSG brand bolt carrier groups during our five-round test-fire for our verification shoots. Both our standard and enhanced BCG's are guaranteed to run trouble-free in all our uppers. 

DSG Standard Bolt Carrier Group

DSG Enhanced Bolt Carrier Group

3. Lower Receiver: We mount the completed DSG upper on a Colt LE6920 lower for our test fire. The lower consists of a standard semi-auto trigger group, standard carbine spring, and an H weight buffer. The use of a Colt lower is not an endorsement of Colt or a statement about any other particular brand of lower. Still, we've found this type of lower is 1) common among many of our customers and 2)  Colt is one of the original holders of the Technical Data Package (TDP) for the AR weapon type, and like other choices in test components, it gives us a consistent baseline.

4. Magazine: For our verification, we use DSG's Teflon coated magazine with a MAGPUL brand follower and stainless spring. DSG can also recommend with confidence MAGPUL, Lancer, or any other U.S. Government Issued magazines for reliable use with our complete uppers. 

5. During the test, ejection patterns are visually verified as acceptable, and we also verify that the bolt carrier locks back on an empty magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Will 'brand x'  ammunition work with a DSG upper? The best answer is probably. Any good quality, in-spec 223 or 5.56 factory-produced ammo will likely work. There are too many variables for us to answer for every combination out there. If you are having a function issue, please see item 1 above. If the upper were here for us to assess, we would begin at step 1 above and repeat the original verification test with the ammo and components listed above. 

2. Can I use a suppressor on my DSG upper? Generally yes, but some items that need to be considered are listed below - 

  a. Short barrel users (less than 14.5") will need to verify the minimum allowed length or recommended length for their specific suppressor manufacturer and model.

  b. Suppressor use may require special consideration in the choice of buffer spring and buffer weight in some weapons.

  c. Adjustable gas blocks can be added to DSG uppers (.750 diameter in most cases), but should not be required for most applications. Adjustable gas allows the user to fine-tune a weapon for their specific ammunition type or for use with heavy or light operating systems (bolt carriers, buffers, springs, etc.). For a weapon that uses good quality, standards-based components, it is not necessary (see the list of components we test with above).

  d. Calibers like 300 Blackout, which come in SubSonic as well as SuperSonic velocities, also require some considerations. Cycling is generally not an issue with both types of ammo in DSG Brand Complete Uppers except in cases like our 16 inch 300 blackout barrels, which by design are not meant to cycle subsonic ammunition without a suppressor attached. All other length DSG 300 Blackout barrels and uppers are designed specifically with suppressor users in mind and should work well with quality; factory manufactured ammunition of both types in both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations. 

3. Will brand 'x'  bolt carrier or bolt work with DSG brand uppers? That is a firm maybe. Any in-spec, quality manufactured bolt carrier group should work okay. But keep in mind that if the upper were here for us to test-fire, we would add one of our proof DSG brand BCG's for the test process. If you are adding a different brand or type of BCG to the upper, the responsibility will fall to the customer/user to verify function and diagnose any issues the BCG may introduce.

With the growth of the manufacturing base in AR components in the last few years, there is a large selection of seemingly low-priced components available. Unfortunately, this large selection has also introduced many components with questionable adherence to specifications and quality control. If you choose to bargain hunt when purchasing core components like AR bolts, we recommend a great deal of caution. Seek competent reviews from high round count shooters and at minimum, use bolts that are a lot or individually magnetic particle and high pressure tested (MPI and HPT markings are usually visible). A broken bolt can ruin your day and maybe your weapon (or worse).

What Makes a DSG Upper a Consistent, Reliable, and Dependable Choice

DSG's goal in producing our assembled upper receivers is to provide users with a reliable, consistent product using high-quality components assembled by experienced armorers. We feel confident that any Duty or Precision Series upper is ready to be deployed for field use. Below is a short guide on the build process and some of the techniques we employ. Separately we've also published a guide on our test and verification process providing answers to a few of our frequently asked questions about how we verify our assembly process.

To manufacture a quality product made up of many sub-components/assemblies, you need several things to be successful...

First, you must start with quality parts if you expect the final product to be of the best quality. Quality parts are either manufactured in-house or sourced from reputable vendors in the USA. There are large supplies of sub-standard and imported parts currently in the market. DSG is aware of this and uses only high quality, American made parts. Parts that are made to a high standard using quality materials and "best practice” manufacturing techniques. Even when sourcing parts from top tier manufacturers, DSG Arms still relies on independent quality control inspections on these parts before installation on our complete upper receivers. 

Start gas block roll pin.

The second factor when determining an upper receiver's quality is the attention to detail given during the subassembly and the final assembly process. Subassemblies include such things as port door and forward assist installation on the upper receiver. Non-marring fixtures are used to prevent the finish from becoming damaged during the installation process. Gas tubes and gas blocks are checked for obstructions before being pinned together. Barrels are drilled to allow the rear set screw on the gas block to rest below a flush and grip the barrel preventing any movement during recoil. Drilling the barrel for the gas block is a service DSG only performs on barrels installed in our complete upper receivers. We recommend a fixture for gas block dimpling for customers building their own upper with a DSG brand barrel. 

Anti-seize on Barrel extension

The final assembly is performed by installing an anti-seize to the barrel extension before it is seated into the upper receiver assembly. Anti-seize is also applied before the barrel nut is installed. The purpose of the anti-seize is to prevent galling between the two dissimilar metals, the steel barrel extension and barrel nut, and the aluminum upper receiver. Once the barrel nut is properly secured, it is checked for a minimum torque specification. A bolt carrier assembly is inserted into the upper receiver to ensure that the barrel did not rotate in relation to the upper receiver as the barrel nut was being torqued in place. Any rotation will cause binding between the lugs on the bolt and the lugs on the barrel extension. We have performed two quality assurance checks already and have only installed the barrel. Next, the gas block is slid into place, and the 2 set screws are dipped in a high temp thread locker to prevent them from backing out under vibration.

Check gas block alignment.

The gas block is timed to the upper receiver to ensure that it will be centered in the handguard. Once the gas block is timed, the set screws are tightened down a final time. Next, the handguard/rail is installed per DSG or the manufacturer’s specifications. This can involve heating the handguard if it is a press-fit assembly (BCM MCMR, etc.) and then being pressed into place using a non-marring fixture to prevent damage to the finish on the rail.  Regardless of which type of handguard is installed on the DSG Arms upper receiver, the rail is timed to the upper receiver allowing a smooth transition from the receiver to the handguard. Once the rail is timed to the upper receiver, the bolts/screws/fasteners that hold the rail to the barrel nut are torqued per the manufacturer’s specification. A thread locker is used if the manufacturer calls for it. Our G4 handguard includes additional screw locking features such as the striated lock plate internal to the mounting clamp. These features, along with the anti-rotation tabs built into most handguards, guarantee a solid and reliable installation for long term duty and field use.

Install and time flash hider

Next, the flash hider is installed, and it is timed with the upper receiver/rail as well. Finally, the nearly completed upper receiver is cleaned of any excess oil, thread locker, anti-seize, etc., that may be present, and it has its bolt carrier group inserted, and it is ready for test fire.

Finally, no complete Duty or Precision series upper receiver will ship to a customer without being test-fired. It doesn’t matter if the eventual end-user is PMC, an agency, an individual officer, or a freedom-loving civilian. 

Each upper receiver is tested with a DSG standard charging handle and DSG bolt carrier group. The upper receiver is affixed to a Colt LE6920 lower receiver (in its original configuration) with a standard “H” buffer installed.

The use of a Colt lower is not an endorsement of Colt or a statement about any other particular brand of lower. Still, we've found this type of lower is 1) common among many of our customers and 2)  Colt is one of the original holders of the Technical Data Package (TDP) for the AR weapon type, and like other choices in test components, it gives us a consistent baseline.

Each upper is tested, firing 5 rounds of XM193 55gr. (or equivalent) ball ammunition fed from a 30 round DSG Teflon Coated magazine; Once the upper receiver is fired 5 times and with the ejection pattern acceptable and verification that the bolt carrier locks back on an empty magazine, the upper is separated from the lower, the charging handle and BCG are removed, a bore snake is pulled through the barrel. The upper is then placed in its box, and a barcoded label is affixed to its package. The upper receiver is now ready to be sold and is placed in the warehouse for shipment.

7 uppers ready to test fire

As you can see, there are many inspections performed during the manufacturing of the final assembly, and the many components that make up a DSG Arms complete upper receiver assembly. The quality of the assembly process comes from the builders' experience and the systematic approach taken to the final assembly. Our certified armorers have hundreds of hours of training and experience assembling and using this type of equipment in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who produces your barrels/blanks? Our choice of suppliers for barrels varies over time and between each upper type. DSG staff and armorers build and shoot dozens of uppers to test for accuracy, reliability, and manufacturing consistency. Since our uppers are targeted to field use, we test for accuracy with mil-std type ammo and match and duty type rounds. Mil-surp and mil-std ammo is generally not a good choice for accuracy. Still, at the same time, a barrel that is properly designed and manufactured can far exceed the Military accuracy standard with these ammo types while also offering very high levels of accuracy with match ammunition. Our testing and eventual choices for each upper type are based heavily on a good balance of these factors. Rifling, chamber spec, and landing considerations all play a part. Once these criteria are met, then larger scale consistency becomes a major deciding factor in our decision process. 

2. Are DSG barrels purchased individually the same as used in your complete uppers? Yes. Most barrels you see under the DSG brand are the same as what is currently or has been previously used in our manufactured assemblies. One exception is that we only dimple our barrels for our assembled uppers. If you are buying a barrel separately, you'll need to dimple for your specific gas block or have an armorer do it for you. We do not recommend fielding any barrel/upper without a dimpled or pinned gas block.

3. Are the uppers produced for 'Black Friday 2014' related to current production uppers? No. Black Friday 2014 uppers were actually built by industry partners of that period. DSG armorers assemble current production uppers with DSG select components. 

 4. Who makes 'x' for your uppers? In some cases, the best component for an upper already exists in the market. You may see the brand name of that component prominently displayed on our assemblies or in a kit for sale in those cases. In most cases, though our components are produced for us, to our requirements, by many different companies. All are U.S. Manufactured and subject to our in-house Q.C. standards.

 5. Can I use a suppressor on my DSG upper? Yes. We always consider suppressor use in our operating specs. See our verification process for some more details that may help.

 6. What is the warranty on DSG Complete uppers? Current production DSG complete Uppers (post-2015) are warranted for the product's life cycle against manufacturer defects in components or assembly using the test process and components described above. Normal wear and tear, abuse, and problems introduced by adding or using non-DSG recommended components are not covered. Uppers returned for warranty inspection will be assessed based on the baseline test criteria published above.

P.S. For duty and critical self-defense use, we will always recommend DSG's professionally assembled and tested uppers. 

With that said; If you are reading this for tips on a do-it-yourself build, our best advice is to 1: use quality components 2: take advice from experienced armorers and users 3: buy lots of ammo.

Check youtube and other online sources. There is a large selection of useful content out there. We believe that anyone with the correct tools, good quality components, good information, and minimal mechanical inclination can assemble a functioning upper receiver.

Once you've built your upper, there is no substitute for actually putting rounds downrange. High round counts and training provide a level of experience and confidence in your weapon and your own abilities that cannot be obtained in any other way.