Which billet lower?

[Trumpet]

Alrighty,
Now I know that forged is "just as good", but I'm building up a one-off special build, so I thought I'd spring for a little extra fancy-pants lower that I'll most likely form 1. That being said I don't want to pay "Radian" money for a lower. Do any of you have any experience with any of these?...

San Tan
New Frontier (from what I understand they make a LOT for other sellers)
Mega/Zev
ADM UIC (I'd be looking at a blem model)
Seekins (their styling looks a little dated to me though)
Andro (which look a LOT like San Tan)
CMT
Silencerco

In the forged camp I'm also looking at
Sharps Livewire
Aero M4E1
Griffin Mk2

Things I like about most (if not all) is the threaded bolt bolt catch pin (and other various holes). Do I need ambi? Nope, but it's cool to have. I'm building on a Lantac Raven side charger billet upper, but the Raven lower leaves me kinda' "meh".

So, any reviews/experience with any of the above-mentioned lowers? I know Wes at MSTN said he really likes the Sharps Livewire.

I'd prefer anodized 7075 as opposed to cerakoted

 

[INMY01TA]

Very happy with my latest M4E1 build. Yeah being able to use a set screw capturing the take down detent is great for future disassembly.

 

[SkiPatrolDude]

M4E1 all day long.

 

[Growler215]

Another vote for M4E1. The M4E1 has a pretty good mag well bevel, too.

Still have to deal with the forward takedown spring/detent trying to fly away. I've got the right size clevis pin, which helps but isn't fool proof, so I just make sure there's a pillow or something to keep the spring/detent recoverable.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-in-Silver-Clevis-Pin-Clip/3012907

 

[outrider58]

Very happy with my latest M4E1 build. Yeah being able to use a set screw capturing the take down detent is great for future disassembly. View attachment 461022

If a lower doesn't already come threaded(rear take-down hole), I thread it myself. Takes a couple seconds.

I've built out a couple New Frontiers and had no problems.

 

[DocPeanut]

Real avid makes a front pin install tool. It’s about 12 bucks on Amazon and works flawlessly

 

[Trumpet]

Oh, I have front pin install tools etc

 

[Trumpet]

If a lower doesn't already come threaded(rear take-down hole), I thread it myself. Takes a couple seconds.

I've built out a couple New Frontiers and had no problems.

How would you say the fit/finish is compared to others? From what I understand the JoeBob Spartan lower is made by them. Other than the engraving, I wonder is there are any other differences?

 

[Bountied]

If a lower doesn't already come threaded(rear take-down hole), I thread it myself. Takes a couple seconds.

I've built out a couple New Frontiers and had no problems.

Is this to keep the detent and spring captured if you remove the castle nut and back plate? I know I've sheard off or bent that spring a couple times screwing in the buffer tube with the plate rotating around for the install.

 

[outrider58]

How would you say the fit/finish is compared to others? From what I understand the JoeBob Spartan lower is made by them. Other than the engraving, I wonder is there are any other differences?

They appear to be the same. Like I said, no problems here. BTW, there is a difference between billet and forged lowers(and uppers). Forged is harder than billet.

Is this to keep the detent and spring captured if you remove the castle nut and back plate? I know I've sheard off or bent that spring a couple times screwing in the buffer tube with the plate rotating around for the install.

Yup. If you encounter a threaded rear detent shaft, be sure and nip a little of the spring off to compensate for the shortened space.

 

[wreckdiver]

Don’t know if they still make them, but Engage Armament right here in MD made some great billet lowers. I bought a pair before the panic of 2012-2013.

 

[E.Shell]

They appear to be the same. Like I said, no problems here. BTW, there is a difference between billet and forged lowers(and uppers). Forged is harder than billet.

True. If buying on a strength/hardness basis, forged wins.

 

[Rondeezy]

Me personally I’d spend the money on a billet if it’s a sharp bros cause they look dope.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Trumpet]

Don’t know if they still make them, but Engage Armament right here in MD made some great billet lowers. I bought a pair before the panic of 2012-2013.

Just messaged them…

 

[357Max]

Just messaged them…

From your list ADM UIC all day for a high end build.

Add JL billet to your list. They're ambi lowers are nice.

 

[Trumpet]

Yeah, I started looking at the JL billet skeletor as well. I'm looking at the ADM blems, I'm just concerned about how "blem" they are

 

[357Max]

This is their LW version. Price is reasonable. I have the std. wt. version & it is excellent.

ADM UIC lower with Mega upper 16" Recce.

 

[Trumpet]

That's the one I'm looking at. They take all standard AR mags and Pmags?

 

[357Max]

That's the one I'm looking at. They take all standard AR mags and Pmags?

Yes JL & ADM take all typical AR mags.

I machined One of the JL billet lowers in the magwell (also requires extension notches). It will allow 2.385 max load length with windowed 10rd metal mags.

 

[MaierApril]

I have 2 Mk2 Griffin lower builds. Really nice quality for the price and the ambi controls are well thought out.