Carbon Composite uppers and lowers

BAYSTATE YOTE

BAYSTATE YOTE

Active member
Guys
What are your thoughts on some of these rifles with composite frames? I have some health issues and a lighter rifle sometimes would be welcome for certain setups that I may have to hike for a calling session,not looking for a tack driver just something that will be consistant at 100 yards..
My local shop has a BushMaster flat top with a 16" pencil,that is so darn light its amazing,I know I could get it for a decent price if I wanted to...(like I need another rifle),I did just sell my RRA heavy barrel,so its kinda just a swap!! lol!!
 
I don't think highly of the standard polymer lowers, but if I were interested in a polymer lower I'd go with the ones from GWACS Armory (http://www.gwacsarmory.com/) that have an integrated buttstock.

Standard polymer lowers have a weak spot shown in this photo: http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z172/sumkrnboy/DSCN0010.jpg

The GWACS lowers are much beefier there and, from what I understand, don't fail the way standard polymer lowers do. Plus, for ~$130 you get the stripped lower, stock, grip, and buffer tube (since its all integrated).
 
Use to be CavArms. Been around a long time. As long as you can live with not being able to change stocks or grips, probably a good way to go.
 
Lots of reviews on the Bushmaster Carbon 15. From what I've seen, for most practical hunters, that rifle is A-OK!

I think you'll have lots of guys who "think" they need the ultimate heavy duty, mil-spec, super tough components when it comes to building an AR. In my opinion you have people who aren't being honest with themselves. When is the last time a civilian has needed to use their AR as a batting ram? Or find yourself in a life or death situation where your AR needs to be able to survive 15 months being dragged through the desert, falling off humvees, getting dragged across walls, etc? It's just not realistic. I believe Polymer AR's and even Carbon are just fine for 98% of the population. Especially on this board, where we are talking guys who just take their AR's to go out and hunt coyotes. The few times I've heard of people breaking parts on a carbon or Polymer AR is if they tripped and used the rifle as a way to break their fall, or something obscure like that. All cases, in which it would probably break the wood stock on your nice CZ or Remington.... but we don't call those guns junk do we?

If you don't end up with a Bushmaster Carbon, these Polymer lowers from New Frontier Armory are also worth checking out. Lifetime warranty, they have some pretty grueling torture tests videos of them, and priced very well. One of our site sponsors sells them, JoeBobOutfitters.... 4.6/5.0 starts from 430 people who have reviewed them. What's not to like?

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/New_Frontier_Armory_LW_15_Complete_Poly_Lower_p/nfa-lw15blk.htm
 
Originally Posted By: HibsLots of reviews on the Bushmaster Carbon 15. From what I've seen, for most practical hunters, that rifle is A-OK!

I think you'll have lots of guys who "think" they need the ultimate heavy duty, mil-spec, super tough components when it comes to building an AR. In my opinion you have people who aren't being honest with themselves. When is the last time a civilian has needed to use their AR as a batting ram? Or find yourself in a life or death situation where your AR needs to be able to survive 15 months being dragged through the desert, falling off humvees, getting dragged across walls, etc? It's just not realistic. I believe Polymer AR's and even Carbon are just fine for 98% of the population. Especially on this board, where we are talking guys who just take their AR's to go out and hunt coyotes. The few times I've heard of people breaking parts on a carbon or Polymer AR is if they tripped and used the rifle as a way to break their fall, or something obscure like that. All cases, in which it would probably break the wood stock on your nice CZ or Remington.... but we don't call those guns junk do we?

If you don't end up with a Bushmaster Carbon, these Polymer lowers from New Frontier Armory are also worth checking out. Lifetime warranty, they have some pretty grueling torture tests videos of them, and priced very well. One of our site sponsors sells them, JoeBobOutfitters.... 4.6/5.0 starts from 430 people who have reviewed them. What's not to like?

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/New_Frontier_Armory_LW_15_Complete_Poly_Lower_p/nfa-lw15blk.htm

And I know the owner of NFA. GUIDO is good peeps.
 
Originally Posted By: 07yzrysderjust remember NO .22 rimfire on those the recoil si different and tears up the lowers.

Not sure about how it "tears up the lower" but New Frontier Armory does say this about their lowers...

Quote:Hammer may need modification for some blow-back operated uppers including some 22LR and 9MM

If I were to purchase one just for the purpose of using it as a .22LR lower, I'd probably just slap a cheap / metal lower parts kit in it. Or I'm sure you could pick up just a hammer / trigger group for cheap from someone on here who has upgraded theirs.
 
Have you ever fleet a set of stripped receivers? Not much weight there, you would be able to save more weight in parts choices on the rifle, barrel profile and hanguard beigh the easiest.
 
Originally Posted By: BAYSTATE YOTENot to worry,not going to spend money on a build for 22 LR...
There have been some problems on the rear of the lower where the buffer tube screws in in colder climates. I can't see taking the chance when AR built with an aluminum upper and lower can still come in under 6 lbs.
 
Originally Posted By: HibsIf you don't end up with a Bushmaster Carbon, these Polymer lowers from New Frontier Armory are also worth checking out. Lifetime warranty, they have some pretty grueling torture tests videos of them, and priced very well. One of our site sponsors sells them, JoeBobOutfitters.... 4.6/5.0 starts from 430 people who have reviewed them. What's not to like?

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/New_Frontier_Armory_LW_15_Complete_Poly_Lower_p/nfa-lw15blk.htm

Honestly, we've sold tens of thousands of polymer lowers over the years and have had very few issues. This is even with people intentionally trying to break them by freezing them and hitting one against a tree, for example. For 99% of uses, they're a good inexpensive lightweight lower.

If you want a high end custom lower then you'd be better off going with a forged most likely by the time you replace components. If you want an inexpensive 6position lower, its hard to beat.

Blowback uppers can be harder on lower receivers, particularly takedown/pivot pins and hammer/trigger pins, regardless of lower material. We haven't seen any major issues related to the polymer construction. I personally have had a 22LR upper on a poly lower for 4 years and haven't had an issue.
 
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How much weight are you realistically going to save going with a carbon or polymer lower? I mean really how much does an aluminum lower weigh? (honestly don't know)the difference in the two has to be mere ounces, the barrel is your real weight hog I would be looking to cut some fat there instead of the lower. there are too many things that add weight that are unnecessary, scope 30rd mag, bipod, etc. etc. Not to be a jerk but if you have health issues should you even be out hiking? I think if you can do that just go slow and carry a regular AR and have fun. Don't kill your self.
 
My health issue is arthritis in my shoulders and hands...

If you let a handicap keep you from doing the things you love to do, then what is the point?
 
Originally Posted By: richard50How much weight are you realistically going to save going with a carbon or polymer lower? I mean really how much does an aluminum lower weigh? (honestly don't know)the difference in the two has to be mere ounces, the barrel is your real weight hog I would be looking to cut some fat there instead of the lower. there are too many things that add weight that are unnecessary, scope 30rd mag, bipod, etc. etc. Not to be a jerk but if you have health issues should you even be out hiking? I think if you can do that just go slow and carry a regular AR and have fun. Don't kill your self.

The difference is a few ounces. I don't think anyone advertised polymer lowers as a way to keep a fatty hiking with his AR
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. The primary advantage is cost and convenience (already assembled). The secondary advantage is its a bit lighter too.
 
Take a look at the Tennessee Arms Caompany lowers. They have a new fiber-filled lower with reinforced areas. I've been shooting two of them and am very impressed. They even have a Barbecue Gun clear lower that you can show off and shoot a bit. They come in various colors and the owner is a very helpful sort.

Greg
 
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