Polymer Ar-15 lowers

[Gunlove5656]

How does everyone feel about polymer lowers I find mixed reviews across the internet and figured I’d ask here

[Smith]

As cheap as standard Al lowers are, I see no reason for a poly lower. I see no advantage and only disadvantages across the board. 

[monkeylizard]

^^^ This.

[Nikiski Dave]

Never a problem with mine. 

[leroy]

9 minutes ago, Nikiski Dave said:

Never a problem with mine. 

I've got a buddy that has used one for years without any problems as well...

leroy.. 

[mikegideon]

20 hours ago, Smith said:

As cheap as standard Al lowers are, I see no reason for a poly lower. I see no advantage and only disadvantages across the board. 

What about weight? I had a thought last week of building a real light AR for old farts. I have a couple of light barrels in the parts box.

[LangdoniousRex]

6 minutes ago, mikegideon said:

What about weight? I had a thought last week of building a real light AR for old farts. I have a couple of light barrels in the parts box.

Polymer lower ~4oz

Alloy lower ~10-12oz

Shaving off nearly half a pound from one part is significant.

 

[Gunlove5656]

2 hours ago, leroy said:

I've got a buddy that has used one for years without any problems as well...

leroy.. 

you know what brand your buddies was

[Gunlove5656]

3 hours ago, Nikiski Dave said:

Never a problem with mine. 

What brand is yours and how many rounds would u say

[mikegideon]

OK. This thread has inspired me. I think I'm going to go for a lightweight AR. The priciest thing will be a low mass BCG. At first glance, the New Frontier Stripped lower and parts kit looks OK. I'll need a light optic too. Any suggestions? I have a Romeo on my closet gun.

And, with my new KY permit, I get to skip the background check. 

[FrankD]

I have a few of the TN Arms Co polymer lowers from a few years ago built up.  I haven't had a single issue with them.  If you are going lightweight I think the KP-15 setups are tough to beat.  Also a very slippery slope where you start losing your oz/$ pretty quick.

[leroy]

5 hours ago, FrankD said:

I have a few of the TN Arms Co polymer lowers from a few years ago built up.  I haven't had a single issue with them.  If you are going lightweight I think the KP-15 setups are tough to beat.  Also a very slippery slope where you start losing your oz/$ pretty quick.

I'ma thinkin my buddy's lower is a TN Arms...

leroy...

[Rowdy]

Plus one on the TN Arms Co. lower.  I've got a 9mm AR pistol with the polymer lower and I'm well satisfied with it.  I also built an AR10 with one of their lowers and that polymer helps shave weight off.

[Smith]

The weight savings make sense. Id be worried about take down pin holes and trigger pin holes wallowing out. Especially in a 9mm or 308. I did see a hybrid with metal reinforced holes. But again, unless weight is a main issues, I'd prefer an aluminum lower. 

[mikegideon]

4 hours ago, Smith said:

The weight savings make sense. Id be worried about take down pin holes and trigger pin holes wallowing out. Especially in a 9mm or 308. I did see a hybrid with metal reinforced holes. But again, unless weight is a main issues, I'd prefer an aluminum lower. 

If it wasn't for the weight difference, I probably wouldn't own a plastic gun. The New Frontier lower has a lifetime warrantee. 

[Whisper]

10 hours ago, Rowdy said:

Plus one on the TN Arms Co. lower.  I've got a 9mm AR pistol with the polymer lower and I'm well satisfied with it.  I also built an AR10 with one of their lowers and that polymer helps shave weight off.

Have two of the TN Arms Co lowers myself -- one a lightweight .223, the other a .300 AAC.  Never a problem with either.

Cheers,

Whisper

[Handsome Rob]

There are some fantastic builds, ideas & info here.....

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/ultralight-ultralight-rifles.329402/

[BigK]

I've tried a bunch of times to build a lightweight AR, but I have favorite parts/components that I won't live w/out. Then I see the prices on the pencil thin barrels that I don't even like. Then I realize if rifle is too light I'll want buy a really expensive trigger to compensate for the weight. By the time I'm done refusing those compromises I wind up at 8 or 9 pounds anyway, LOL.

I think what puts me off from seeing the lightweight build through is that in an ultralight 5.5lb AR the polymer lower saves less than 10% in weight. Somewhere in between, like a 7lb rifle that weight savings is only 7% and I don't have a use-case that justifies the cost to save that much weight.

Edited February 13 by BigK

[NoBanStan]

I've picked up a few of the super light ARs at gunshows, like sub 6lbs. Everything is skeletonized. I like the idea but not the practicality. However, i'm one of those people who kinda associate weight with quality, so super light just feels flimsy to me. The last thing i want is a rifle that can't hold up to slight abuse.

I suppose it all depends on your frame, strength, health, use case, etc. At 6'2", it doesn't hurt my feelings to tote beefier rifle.

[mikegideon]

I have a bunch of AR's and a Can cannon. They all have great parts (except my A2). I won't be hurting for great rifles if I build a flimsy one.

 

[NoBanStan]

2 hours ago, mikegideon said:

I have a bunch of AR's and a Can cannon. They all have great parts (except my A2). I won't be hurting for great rifles if I build a flimsy one.

 

Yup, makes sense as it's not a primary

[kwe45919]

I've had a PlumCrazy poly lower for years. Had many uppers on it in various calibers. Only thing I don't like is the trigger guard can't be replaced. Trigger isn't bad, functions fine.

My New Frontier poly lower has a poly upper on it and shoots rather well for how cheaply I put it together. It is one built for my dad to carry around in the woods. At 69yrs old, he loves the weight savings over a standard AR.....

[History Researcher]

General rule for me is metal > plastic/polymer. No experience with polymer ar-15 lower though. 

Edited February 22 by History Researcher

[papa61]

Anyone have experience with 3D printed?

[LangdoniousRex]

4 minutes ago, papa61 said:

Anyone have experience with 3D printed?

Yep