Polymer Lowers Pros & Cons

[4literranger485]

I would get one for a dedicated .22 lr upper, that is about it.

With aluminum lowers as available and inexpensive as they are, I see no reason to get a plastic lower, unless you are trying to build the lightest AR as possible.

Seriously? I got my new frontier COMPLETE lower with bb for around $165 OTD (real out the door, for you CA people that means $119+tax+dros)

[chrisf]

I've had my plumcrazy polymer lower for a loooong time. Never EVER had a problem with it. I would recommend putting a metal parts kit in there though.

[Q619]

It should be fine for most people's purposes. Definitely wouldn't last as long as forged aluminum but I haven't heard of one failing yet though I honestly haven't looked around much.

Hell, HK was the first to make a polymer pistol and even makes rifles that are largely polymer like the UMP's....which are tough as nails. So long as it's high quality polymer, it can actually be very tough.

[takinflight33]

My new frontier armory lower is badass no probs whatsoever. How can people say it won't last as long as an aluminum lower if they haven't tested it themselves?

[spencerhut]

I was a serious skeptic of the polymer lowers. I thought the Plum Crazy, Cavelry Arms and New Frontier lowers left something on the table when it came to quality.
I have several FMK AR-1 Patriot polymer lowers I use personally right along side standard billet and forged lowers and all have given good service with no failures of any kind. Normal parts kits work just fine. A couple even have Geissele triggers in them. I built one into a .300 AAC Blackout. The 300 Blk has been getting *beat* on for about 10 months now with ~320PF loads. That is a 175g Sierra Match King going 1840FPS. No issues.
Other than the integrated trigger guard the FMK is no different than any other lower I've used or built for clients.

[desert dog]

For a lightweight AR build, I would go with the MAG Tactical Magnesium Alloy lower - very nice and stronger than plastic, but not economical.

And for those who claim that polymer lowers and rifles don't mix, tell that to the 100s of thousands of G3s with navy lowers being used around the world. What about the SEALs using the SCAR-H, are they breaking lowers? These are both 7.62x51 rifles.

[SilverTauron]

I am curious because I am thinking of getting one. Let me know what ya'll think.

I'd go for it, as long as the polymer lower is high quality.

I served active duty military, and got firsthand experience lugging around a metal M-16A2 around on foot marches. An AR15 feels light enough when you move it from the safe to the trunk, and then from the car trunk to the range bench. Try hauling that thing 3 miles on foot sometime.

Sure, the need to do so isn't likely when times are normal. But what if things go south and you have to haul your rifle out on foot? That ninjafied, aluminum lower AR15 with all the accesories will be a literal drag to carry on foot for long distances. Every gram you save is a gram that can go to something else. Then there's 3 gun competitons which require you to haul the rifle around a stage or two.

Im not throwing stones against alumium ARs, but its a good reason to consider a polymer lower.

[DirtyRussianAmmo]

I have a New Frontier Armory LW-15 lower with a couple of hundred rounds through it. Zero problems. Great fit with my upper. Like the trigger, like everything about it. Recommend.

[totus44]

In CA, plan on any lower you buy in 2013 to last the rest of your life. So if the polymer isn't going too work out for you, don't expect you'll be able to replace it next year. You have to plan for worst case scenario. Good luck in your choice.

[ty_w_massey]

Got a poly 80% from ep armory. Cheap, light, cool color, lifetime warranty, and I finished it with a dremel and corded drill in about 2 hours no jig needed. My buddy did an 80 out of aluminum on a drill press with a jig and it took a few days and a few expensive drill bits. Mine looks clean inside the fire control pocket. His looks like a Frankenstein rifle.

[ty_w_massey]

And it fired 7.62x39 and .50Beo with no prob.

[Pmoore87]

Went out and jailed it today. I am now the owner of a "Black Rifle". Gotta say I am a little nervous about the polymer, but this is a prep after all, so its not gonna be my main target practice rifle. I still may try to get another lower by the end of the year, but at least I have one now.

And I personally do no think this ban will stay in place forever. The supreme court ruling already show us that it is unconstitutional to ban firearms in common usage. So it may take a while once the Gov signs it but we will get them again.

Of course that is if he signs it. I am still writing letters, and making calls to the legislature as well as the Governor. Fingers are crossed that we do not have to be stripped of our freedoms on the whim of ill informed politicians that have no business being reps.

The purpose of a Republic is to protect the freedoms of the minority from being overrun by the majority. They have more than failed and should not be allowed to occupy their offices being that they cannot take an oath seriously.

[CSACANNONEER]

There is nothing wrong with a quality poly. I used to be skeptical too. But, the more I've studied lowers and what they actually do, the less I worry about them. I've had a FAB10 lower under an ALS upper in 50BMG for thousands of rounds and even the big 50 has not done anything to the aluminum lower. I'd use a poly one if I could register it as a 50BMG rifle today. Hell, if registration of new AWs takes place, I might be able to still do it depending on exact wording of a new law.