Build an AR for $485

[Eggysrun]

http://www.slickguns.com/product/build-affordable-ar-15-less-485

Dunno if this was ever posted here.

[Graves]

Yeah, I'll spend a few extra bucks on a real lower ... hold the light strikes.

[Grastmatt2552]

^Agreed. A polymer lower doesn't sound very good for reliability or durability at that. I'll stick to aluminum lowers. Aside from that, the uppers would be a good deal for someone looking to build a totally basic mil spec AR.

Good info regardless.

[jackthewall81]

You can upgrade it to aluminum for 149.99. That would make the total ~520 bucks. Still a good deal.

[mcantar18c]

^Agreed. A polymer lower doesn't sound very good for reliability or durability at that. I'll stick to aluminum lowers. Aside from that, the uppers would be a good deal for someone looking to build a totally basic mil spec AR.

Good info regardless.

Right, cause polymer (http://www.glock.com/) is horrible (http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php) for (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765669_-1_757752_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y) guns (http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/usp_general.asp) [ROFL1]

Through for that price I'd pick up a cosmetic blem lower from Spikes and some goodies on top of that.

[SideShow Bob]

Wasn't there a post in the Buyer Intel for factory rifle Police trade in for less than that price ?

[Grastmatt2552]

Right, cause polymer (http://www.glock.com/) is horrible (http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php) for (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765669_-1_757752_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y) guns (http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/usp_general.asp) [ROFL1]

Through for that price I'd pick up a cosmetic blem lower from Spikes and some goodies on top of that.

Hah yeah yeah yeah I know. Personally I'm not a fan of polymer firearms. Aside from the grips stocks and handguards on an AR, I like aluminum and steel. Just my personal taste.

[katatonic]

Actually I've heard or G36's melting receivers when fired full-auto. I do have an P2000 I love though!

[68Charger]

Polymer prejudice aside, IIRC the Plum crazy lowers were known for light strikes, sometimes not igniting surplus milspec ammo.

commercial .223 shouldn't be a problem.

[ghettoblaster]

Polymer prejudice aside, IIRC the Plum crazy lowers were known for light strikes, sometimes not igniting surplus milspec ammo.

commercial .223 shouldn't be a problem.

So why not just take a polymer lower and put in a metal FCG and hammer spring?

I would think when using corrosive surplus milspec ammo the advantage would actually go to the polymer lower since it stands less chance of rusting, eroding, corroding, whatever when shooting. With an aluminum receiver you're going to worry about getting the gunk out of every nook and cranny as fast as you can. Just playing devil's advocate here [Muaha]

And yeah, Glocks sounded like a bad idea to me too.... who wants something plastic, lightweight, and durable? [Coffee]

[00tec]

So why not take time to check the date on an old post? Maybe arguing an almost 8 month old topic is fun.

[ray1970]

I would think when using corrosive surplus milspec ammo the advantage would actually go to the polymer lower since it stands less chance of rusting, eroding, corroding, whatever when shooting.

Hmm. I wasn't aware there was any corrosive 5.56 ammo available.

[ray1970]

So why not take time to check the date on an old post? Maybe arguing an almost 8 month old topic is fun.

Its kind of a combination of the recent server problem bringing all of the older threads to the top coupled with a plethora of new members.

It's kind of fun. [Coffee]

[68Charger]

So why not just take a polymer lower and put in a metal FCG and hammer spring?

I would think when using corrosive surplus milspec ammo the advantage would actually go to the polymer lower since it stands less chance of rusting, eroding, corroding, whatever when shooting. With an aluminum receiver you're going to worry about getting the gunk out of every nook and cranny as fast as you can. Just playing devil's advocate here [Muaha]

After watching some of the torture tests on the New Frontier polymer lowers, I'm impressed- the crush test in particular - I would like to see how they hold up to heat, but I've considered buying the LW-15... I'd probably swap in a metal FCG, tho.

It's not like someone hasn't tried a polymer lower before and had failures... (just playing angel's advocate to your devil :-)


And yeah, Glocks sounded like a bad idea to me too.... who wants something plastic, lightweight, and durable? [Coffee]

Glock frames were designed from the beginning to be polymer- the AR15 lower was designed to be 7075 aluminum alloy... making them from a different material is outside the original spec- so this an apples-to-oranges comparison. Would you want to buy a Glock frame made from aluminum?

[ghettoblaster]

After watching some of the torture tests on the New Frontier polymer lowers, I'm impressed- the crush test in particular - I would like to see how they hold up to heat, but I've considered buying the LW-15... I'd probably swap in a metal FCG, tho.

It's not like someone hasn't tried a polymer lower before and had failures... (just playing angel's advocate to your devil :-)



Glock frames were designed from the beginning to be polymer- the AR15 lower was designed to be 7075 aluminum alloy... making them from a different material is outside the original spec- so this an apples-to-oranges comparison. Would you want to buy a Glock frame made from aluminum?

I actually just bought the New Frontier lower and put in an ALG FCG and yeah it's pretty freakin' awesome. Light, smooth trigger pull, and no wiggles or gaps in any of the fits. It seems pretty tough, too. Plus if I get a bit sloppy with my tools I don't dent or scratch the finish in any noticeable way. [Beer]

I brought up the corrosive surplus ammo argument only because I built my recent AR in 5.45x39. Most of the stuff you get for that is pretty ugly going down the barrel. But when you throw in a chrome lined barrel with a polymer lower you get $.12/rd for ammo and less chance of your rifle turning into a gunk machine. For me it's the same concept as going and buying an M&P 15-22 for plinking except you're using military grade ammo and getting the full AR experience. Not to mention this is the same ammo the Russians used to kill Al Qaida members back in the 80's...

Glock designed his pistols using polymer exactly BECAUSE all the metal ones were judged to be too heavy and unreliable by the Austrian government. When speaking with their military specialists, they said they wanted something under 40 parts and weighing less than their current Walther P38 military sidearm (which only held 7 rds and yet was still heavier than Glock's final product with 17 rds). Because Gaston Glock already had composite polymer molding experience from his other business ventures (knives, cameras, household crap etc) he was in a position to simply use what he had and build what the customer wanted. Now it's hard to find a pistol company out there that doesn't have at least ONE polymer model pistol.

I'm not trying to say polymer is better. That would be a stupid argument. I'm just saying there are situations in which the advantages of a polymer lower outweigh the "Oh no it's plastic" argument.

[Great-Kazoo]

Actually I've heard or G36's melting receivers when fired full-auto. I do have an P2000 I love though!


Did you actually witness this, or just "heard" it?

[Great-Kazoo]

I actually just bought the New Frontier lower and put in an ALG FCG and yeah it's pretty freakin' awesome. Light, smooth trigger pull, and no wiggles or gaps in any of the fits. It seems pretty tough, too. Plus if I get a bit sloppy with my tools I don't dent or scratch the finish in any noticeable way. [Beer]

I brought up the corrosive surplus ammo argument only because I built my recent AR in 5.45x39. Most of the stuff you get for that is pretty ugly going down the barrel. But when you throw in a chrome lined barrel with a polymer lower you get $.12/rd for ammo and less chance of your rifle turning into a gunk machine. For me it's the same concept as going and buying an M&P 15-22 for plinking except you're using military grade ammo and getting the full AR experience. Not to mention this is the same ammo the Russians used to kill Al Qaida members back in the 80's...

Glock designed his pistols using polymer exactly BECAUSE all the metal ones were judged to be too heavy and unreliable by the Austrian government. When speaking with their military specialists, they said they wanted something under 40 parts and weighing less than their current Walther P38 military sidearm (which only held 7 rds and yet was still heavier than Glock's final product with 17 rds). Because Gaston Glock already had composite polymer molding experience from his other business ventures (knives, cameras, household crap etc) he was in a position to simply use what he had and build what the customer wanted. Now it's hard to find a pistol company out there that doesn't have at least ONE polymer model pistol.

I'm not trying to say polymer is better. That would be a stupid argument. I'm just saying there are situations in which the advantages of a polymer lower outweigh the "Oh no it's plastic" argument.

Stop, Stop, Stop all this blasphemous talk, right now!
EVERYONE knows if it's not a tier 1 X mfg lower it's crap, to even bring a polymer lower in to the mix will really fu$%^&k things up for new members.

HINT: CavArms had polymer sonic welded lowers out years ago, when the fed issues came up, Sabre defense rebranded them with the SD logo.
Guys on arfcom dropped a dias in to one and still running.
A lower receiver is merely a chassis for what you drop in to and on top of. Run the shit out of your AL AR, after 60 rounds non stop grab the bbl, no? ok try and hold on to the lower. No problem, the heat while some transfer to complete gun happens, does not absorb as much as the upper. We can run the piss out of the wife's "POLYMER" cavarms lower, M4 upper and have no heat issues. BUT since it's polymer i must be a heretic.

[Chrispy]

Ordered my LW-15 today. don't know what upper im going to use, but, for the price, if its anywhere near as good as the company's advertisements proclaim, i don't see how i can go wrong...

I have almost 1700 rounds through my Glock 34 since feb, and it still feels and shoots like new.

[Chrispy]

Picked up my LW-15 lower transferred to rapid fire bunker today.. scaled it and it weighs in at 26 oz, 7 oz less than the aluminum lower they had in stock.

quick inspection shows it to have crisp lines, nothing warped or strange about it.. feels good, if a little plasticy, and the action on it is crisp and smooth.

it will be a couple weeks before i get an upper on it... unless i hit power ball tonight... but it feels really good to me.

i think the age of polymer is here... i mean, just about everyone is making a polymer handgun these days, and while not the weapon of choice for clubbing someone over the head, most have really good reputations. Ive had a couple Glocks over the years, put a lot of rounds through them, and they hold up very well.


Time will tell i guess, but if the polymer idea catches on, and the product works, we will see AR pricing fall dramatically.

[lifeon2]

If the idea catches on prices will still go up because it will be light weight space aged advanced impact resistant polymer wonder crap. Yeah kind of like the fee to do paperless billing you know the company saves money on ink paper postage and filing and charges you a convenience fee.

btw I just got done stuffing a metal lpk into one of the lw stripped lowers tight fit and runs smooth I figure for 50 bucks I can afford to try it out.

[Chrispy]

ordered my Upper this morning.

taking a chance on a DPMS Oracle a3 flattop from midwayUSA... $398 after coupon and shipping. prices seem to be all over on this thing.

I didnt quite make the $498

Lower ran me $124 to my door plus $15 transfer $139
Upper $398 to my door
2- Pmag 30 round mags $24

$561 total, plus using one of my red dots...


now im just waiting for the brown truck...

[jer5930]

If you are just starting out then that might be a good idea. I would upgrade some parts though. It makes all the difference in how it shoots.

[marson3erk]

I have an older plum crazy lower that i took a chance on. ive had it for about three years. for 150 with FFL tansfer fee i couldnt beat it. i was kinda skeptical as anyone SHOULD be(with anything). i put it on a dpms lightweight upper. fit was TIGHT.(+) trigger was actually my favorite part. <5lb pull,No creep, No overtravel, glass break. i have since done a slight trigger and spring job.installed blowback hammer.<4lb pull(BTW never had a FTF or light strike with a stainless or titanium pin, and i shoot a lot of tula steel 75 grains.)(+) i was/am concerned where the buffer meets the receiver. i pulled the stock backplate, and replaced with a tapco 1 point. before reinstallation i re-tapped the threads on the receiver(i felt the buffer wasnt seated deep enough), notched my buffer tube(where the buffer contacts the retaining pin), and threaded it two full turns deeper.(+/-) i also replaced the a2 grip with a hogue one(++). installed BAD lever(+) now im concerned about the area in front of the bolt stop. i also run a hydraulic buffer.
I am currently on my second upper. its a 14.5 with pinned brake. 1x7 twist jp a2 adjustable gas system. a2 receiver. barrel,receiver, bolt+carrier, titanium firing pin, buffer and FCG springs all cryoed. it eats a healthy diet of 75 grain steel cases with ZERO problems. i recently bought a cmmg 22 kit(+++) Zero lower related problems.( a few FTF and FTE from the kit during break in, also got a shell jammed between the charging handle and the top of the kit.) i have also fired 20 rounds of 6.8 through it on my brothers piston upper with zero issues.
I have seen videos of the plum crazy lowers run with 50bmg bolt gun and run full auto with a DIAS. the NFA lowers are the same design just a different polymer mix(supposed to be stronger)(+/-). supposedly the NFA torture gun is a full auto with 20k+ rounds through it.
i have built built 4 other guns for friends and family using plum crazy and NFA lowers. 2 .223s, 1 6.8(piston gun), and 1 7.62x39. the only one i had issues with is the 7.62 and it had light strikes. i have since alleviated the problem by reshaping the firing pin so it protruded further from the bolt face, and i used a wolf XP hammer spring.
From my limited experiance with these lowers i have been impressed. i have personally shot about 5k+ rounds of different calibers through these lowers with ZERO lower related malfuntions. I shoot as much as i can, at least twice a month in the great state of colorado, and have run these lowers in the rain and the snow(zombies dont quit in bad weather). i also dont baby my weapons(i am also not intentionally trying to destroy them either) sometimes i throw it(reaching for my sidearm in malf/empty drills) and sometimes it falls,gets knocked around and dinged up, my daughter steps on it(even though i tell her not to jump on my range bag), ive even had the unfortunate experience of being "buttstocked" square in the mouth by my wife during self defense training at home.
Long story short I took a chance and so far it has paid off. Are these lowers for everyone? NO. some guys like glock(++) some like an all steel 1911(+). so far have these lowers held up? a very surprising YES. will they handle mods? so far yes. for 120 it wouldnt kill to try one. build a cheap "truck" gun or a plinker, a competition gun or even for hunting. would i bet my life on it? at the moment i do(its my bedside gun, right next to the glock 34). call me crazy for doing so but ive worked with polymers and composites since my first job at 16 and can attest to the properties of some of the materials. IF and thats a big IF this lower ever fails me, i have and aluminum one in the safe that ive NEVER used.(collecting dust!)

[Chrispy]

the 62nd round spent shell got stuck in the chamber. no problems before, and none since. popped it out with a cleaning rod, and gave it a good cleaning...

Im firing exclusively Tula Ammo, and the fit is tight, and everything works. only 120 rounds through it so far, but 1000 rounds land on my doorstep Thursday... :)

ive put quite a few Tula 9mm rounds through my glock with no issues, and naturally, my SKS shoots rocks, so no issues there. time will tell if it works in this low dollar AR---