I searched the site but didn't find what I was looking for (but the fact that i may have just missed it is quite possible). Anyway I've decided to jump right in and build my first AR and was wondering about the billet receivers. Has anyone had any experience with them? Are they worth it or just a solution to a problem that doesn't exist? I like the different lines based on looks but the cost is considerably more. What about the uppers?
Billet AR receivers worth it?
- Thread starter vin
- Start date
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Russ D
Ultimate Member
They are only worth it if you appreciate the cool look. Functionally they aren't any different other than the built in trigger guard. Noveske has some new forged lowers with integrated trigger guards that are pretty cool also.
Chris L
Bite me
canuck
Rifleman
So, you saved what a couple of grams of weight?
Some billet uppers are more rigid due to beefier walls.
Not sure how much I saved, but I was adding that, it is lighter and can be seen as a benefit! Come over and weigh it for me.
Russ D
Ultimate Member
"really lighten"? I've got both and I cannot feel any difference in weight.
My research says Billet uppers and lowers both weight more, but again in my hands I cannot tell the difference.
Yeah you can read!!!! Lighten......which ones do you have? Alot of billet receivers have extra junk on it for cool looks, like Mega and Spikes. I have a plain receiver and with out all the extra cool features. oh and I have a billet upper and lower so the combo is lighter IMO!
canuck
Rifleman
canuck
Rifleman
Come over and weigh it for me.
Really? Isn't that nice.
canuck
Rifleman
Hey Russ!
According to the probie here, that hooked on phonics you got really paid off.
Wayne,
You actually admit to spending time on AR15.COM....You may want to go to M4Carbine.net, maybe you'll be less bored.
Q
I am a member on UZI Talk, this forum, and AR15. I browse Snipers Hide, and M4 Carbine and HKPRO.
Based on your original post, have you held upper and lower receivers that are forged or billet aluminum (without the barrels attached). That would give you the weight difference. It would depend on what you want to do with the rifle. Besides the perceived weight savings on the upper and lower receiver, would that weight savings be negated by a barrel selection unless you were going with a lightweight barrel.
That would be my logic, outside of the look factor.
That would be my logic, outside of the look factor.
canuck
Rifleman
You had to go and throw a CAST oly in here didn't you?
You are probably right on the lowers. I'm not sure we get much functionality out of the lowers. However, I have used the billet uppers on 2 long range builds for added flex resistance. They are dimensionally thicker in the walls.
Russ D
Ultimate Member
How can you have an opinion on whether or not something is lighter? It either is or isn't. Either way it's way to minimal to matter unless somewhere out there someone is making billet receivers specifically to be lighter and then at what sacrifice?
BTW in my post I was in no way trying to be a smart ass, but I had never heard of billet receiver being lighter. If indeed it is then I would be interested in knowing which manufacturer is making them.
BTW in my post I was in no way trying to be a smart ass, but I had never heard of billet receiver being lighter. If indeed it is then I would be interested in knowing which manufacturer is making them.
You had to go and throw a CAST oly in here didn't you?
You are probably right on the lowers. I'm not sure we get much functionality out of the lowers. However, I have used the billet uppers on 2 long range builds for added flex resistance. They are dimensionally thicker in the walls.
Ya I did, but I bought it in the 90s during the ban. Sat in my closet for a decade before being built. Currently have it on my A2
