New Froniter Armory LW-15 GenII Polymer Lower Receiver?

[lshel]

Has anyone used this polymer receiver? Any problems with complete lower with polymer hammer/trigger? I want a light weight AR 223/5.56x45 and was thinking about this lower. I thought about adding regular metal trigger/hammer set instead of polymer ones. What upper receiver would also be on lighter side? I have some left over parts, except barrel , upper receiver and BCG to complete. Goal is a light weight AR for less than $500.

[KKing]

I've used one of the lowers with a standard LPK, no problems for me. I know others here have used them with the polymer FCG parts and claim they're actually pretty good

[TrickyNicky]

I've got three of them all with polymer parts kits. I can think of reasons to upgrade, but then again the stock trigger is actually much better than I had anticipated with very little if any pre travel. Yes, there are failures with polymer lowers, I personally believe they are good to go by and large, but you could get a dud. I really like mine and all, but if I was going to go polymer again, I'd be going with the TNarms co. models. A little more expensive, but the upgrades look to make it well worth the difference in cost, plus you can get them in colors, I don't think NFA offers that.

All that said, I think the weight difference is actually pretty negligible between polymer and aluminum, isn't it?

For a lightweight upper I think the key thing to look at is BCG weight. You could run without a forward assist and ejection port cover, but only saving a few ounces at best. Most important is going to be hand guard and barrel. There are some cheapish carbon fiber handguards that will help keep weight down, Dolomite knows which ones. For the barrel I'd say a 16" pencil barrel with a decent comp at the end will treat you right. Edited May 18, 2014 by TrickyNicky

[McGarrett]

I have one of these complete polymer lowers from ATI, http://www.americantactical.us/5133/detail.html. It does what it's supposed to and the quality looks good to me. I've had it for about a year and 1/2 now. I have it mated to an RGuns 16" barreled upper.

[lshel]

I ordered a complete New Frontier Armory LW15 GenII lower polymer receiver form JoeBob's. Next month I'll look for a 16" pencil taper LW barrel in 5.56/223. Does anyone know of some good economical deals out there?

Edited May 18, 2014 by lshel

[lshel]

I received my complete polymer lower today from JoeBob's for $110, then $25 transfer fee at LCS. The only negative I see is Plastic take-down pins front/rear. It does have a metal buffer tube. Has anyone had any problem with failure of plastictaken-down pins. Now I need an economical 5.56 16" pencil barrel 1:8 or 1:9 twist. I've not decided if I want an A2 front sight or M4 flat top with railed gas block. Suggestions. I want minimum weight and my target build price is $485, if all items come into inventory at Palmetto State Armory, JoeBob's, and JSE Surplus.

I can not afford to buy a complete upper at one time (Palmetto has some good Memorial day sales), just what parts I can buy cheaply each month.

Edited May 21, 2014 by lshel

[TrickyNicky]

Some people have reportedly had problems with the polymer pins. I think they work ok, but I wouldn't try to talk someone out of replacing them either, your call. I'm keeping my out for some cheap lightweight stuff myself, I'm wanting to do a lightweight carbine as well one of these days. Of course, my 300blk barrel is due to come back in stock soon so finishing that one will delay things a bit. But worth it, I've been looking forward to it for awhile.

Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for anything fitting the bill barrel-wise.

Talk to Dolomite too, you might need to clue him into the thread, or start one in rifle section like "lightweight ar". He's built one that I understand came in around 5lb with a 20" barrel! You might try searching the forum, I never seem to have much luck finding threads I'm specifically looking for, but I bet it turns up something.

[lshel]

TrickyNicky,

I'll try the plastic takedown pins but will have a metal backup set. These AR's and accessories are too addictive. If I keep this up, I'll have to find a part time job.

[TrickyNicky]

TrickyNicky,
I'll try the plastic takedown pins but will have a metal backup set. These AR's and accessories are too addictive. If I keep this up, I'll have to find a part time job.

I've contemplated a second job myself! :D

[lshel]

Primary Arms has 15% off on barrels. I ordered a Tactical Ambush 16" 5.56 Nato barrel- M4 profile-carbine length gas block- 1:9 twist for $114 shipped. Has anyone tried these barrel before. Hopefully will be good 50yd to 100yd shooter.