Lower Build Questions

ShrtRnd

ShrtRnd

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Contemplating a long term build (over a year or so) and my first AR platform.

Thought I had my Lower picked out, only to find neither are imported (BCM & LaRue). I have the Upper narrowed down to three (all T1) as everything I've read on here and elsewhere on the interwebz says thats' where to spend the $$.

My only prerequisite is a reliable platform, so as not to throw me off the AR venue completely. Initially this build is to be a learning curve/tool with the possibility of becoming a backup Service Rifle/Tact Rifle receiver.

I've done my searches and read all the pro's & cons regarding T1-T3 manufacturers & contacted forum sponsors re; availabilties and such. So here's my question/s

1- Is Billet better over Forged?
2- Better to go with a T1 Lower and be done with it or stick to T2/Upper T2initially?

Hoping some members have already followed this path and can offer some input. Also would like to thank the two members I've already contacted and sent a flood of PM's to. Your both good peeps!

Thanks
 
Take a look at the Cadex CDX-15 lowers we have in stock ;)

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Saskatoon Gunworks...they've got Mega Arms GTR lowers...very nice. And billet isn't better than forged...you can just make nicer looking pieces and incorporate a few nice features...
 
Mega, ATRS, Cadex are all really good lowers, buy in confidence... Now a days the choices are abundant and that puts a smile on my face. In the end you get what you pay for, if you spend the money and buy from reputable manufacturers then your end result should represent a quality build.

I chose Vltor this time around...

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Forged lowers are stronger then billet ones, by a few percentage points at least. If you're not going to be abusing your gun a billet is fine. They are both still very strong though.
 
tainted_demon said:
Forged lowers are stronger then billet ones, by a few percentage points at least. If you're not going to be abusing your gun a billet is fine. They are both still very strong though.
Click to expand...

Are you a metalurgical engineer? I doubt it, your post sounds more to me like someone who watches too much call of duty but has NO clue about metal.
PLEASE enlighten us all with documentable data.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
Are you a metalurgical engineer? I doubt it, your post sounds more to me like someone who watches too much call of duty but has NO clue about metal.
PLEASE enlighten us all with documentable data.
Click to expand...

Well in fairness to him as an aerospace engineer I will confirm that quality forgings are stronger than quality billets. Will it make any difference in a AR lower? Not likely. Will it make a difference in a bolt/stud? Yes definitely.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
Are you a metalurgical engineer? I doubt it, your post sounds more to me like someone who watches too much call of duty but has NO clue about metal.
PLEASE enlighten us all with documentable data.
Click to expand...

Jeez, if you disagree with the guy maybe you can offer some worth while info to the discussion instead of being a #### about it. :slap:

Maybe Tainted_demon is confusing his terminology. Cast VS Forged perhaps? While it is important to debunk fictitious information, there is no need to s**t all over the poor guy. I hope you don't treat your customers this way. :eek:
 
deets said:
Jeez, if you disagree with the guy maybe you can offer some worth while info to the discussion instead of being a #### about it. :slap:

Maybe Tainted_demon is confusing his terminology. Cast VS Forged perhaps? While it is important to debunk fictitious information, there is no need to s**t all over the poor guy. I hope you don't treat your customers this way. :eek:
Click to expand...

You are right I may have been a little harsh, but unfortunately there is toooo much "expert" knowledge being bantered around with nothing to back it up, or else only a small part of the facts are parlayed.

A good forging "may" have minor structural superiority to a billet as in theory the molecular grain is aligned in the metal.

That being said many of the internet experts fail to take into account that most billets are machined from 7075 T6 which is significantly higher in tensile strength, and hardness than the more commonly used 6061 aluminum.

In reality how many guys on here could ever possibly be hard enough on their kit for it to make any difference.
We chose to use 7075 T6 as I believe overkill is a good thing and 7075 machines better than the softer alloys. Being a smaller manufacturer in a litigation filled world it also makes sense to be able to swear that the material we use is of higher strength and such than accepted industry standard if a court case were ever to ensue..
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
You are right I may have been a little harsh, but unfortunately there is toooo much "expert" knowledge being bantered around with nothing to back it up, or else only a small part of the facts are parlayed.

A good forging "may" have minor structural superiority to a billet as in theory the molecular grain is aligned in the metal.

That being said many of the internet experts fail to take into account that most billets are machined from 7075 T6 which is significantly higher in tensile strength, and hardness than the more commonly used 6061 aluminum.

In reality how many guys on here could ever possibly be hard enough on their kit for it to make any difference.
We chose to use 7075 T6 as I believe overkill is a good thing and 7075 machines better than the softer alloys. Being a smaller manufacturer in a litigation filled world it also makes sense to be able to swear that the material we use is of higher strength and such than accepted industry standard if a court case were ever to ensue..
Click to expand...

In the end, no one in North America that I am aware of is using 6061 in forged lowers, and haven't for years.

The vast majority of US made forged AR15 lowers are made from 7075-T6, which are stronger, of course, than machined 7075-T6 bar stock. Is that what you meant to say?
 
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alberta tactical rifle said:
You are right I may have been a little harsh, but unfortunately there is toooo much "expert" knowledge being bantered around with nothing to back it up, or else only a small part of the facts are parlayed.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with you, just thought you were being a little crude about it. We all have those days though. The only difference, unfortunately, is being a dealer you will be judged much more harshly :p

I for one am looking forward to seeing the new lowers you have to offer! If you say they're better than your previous offerings, I'm sure the will be quite impressive. :cool:
 
dangertree said:
In the end, no one in North America that I am aware of is using 6061 in forged lowers, and haven't for years.

The vast majority of US made forged AR15 lowers are made from 7075-T6, which are stronger, of course, than machined 7076-T6 bar stock. Is that what you meant to say?
Click to expand...

^

Yes the only manufactuerer I know using 6061 is NEA


Nobody forging uppers and or lowers uses 6061, it's all 7075-T6. and yes surface strength on the forging is more so then with billet.
 
Sorry I didnt cite my experience as an Aircraft Engineer or having 7 years machining experience. Good to see companies I support call their customers out when they're actually right.
 
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