Aero Precision AR-15 Lower - Review

Recently I started an AR15 pistol build, I decided to take a short cut with the lower I'd use, and went with an "Aero Precision AR-15 Lower" they usually go for around $80 bucks. The things I didnt like about the lower, was the metal was very very soft. Not soft where I could bend it with my hands, but soft as applying light pressure with pliers to install my bolt catch roll pin. The lower when attempting to install this roll pin scratched and scuffed severely. I applied electrical tape to the end of the pliers to avoid scuffing.

Pic below to demonstrate install
http://www.kevinholman.com/byor/pins...%20Partway.jpg

Another problem I ran into was trying to install my lower parts kit. I went Stag Arms lpk (lower parts kit) from bravocompany. The lower as a whole (I felt) was incorrectly machined. It seemed like every hole was way too tight for the parts. Example I had to strike the front pivot pin with a ball peen hammer a few times to smooth out the receiver hole. Than flip over the receiver and strike it with a punch. Repeated a few times, still too snug, for a fast take down. Now I know that the take down pins are supposed to be a little snug, but this was ridiculous. Their other issues I ran into, but Im too lazy to continue.

Maybe it was the lower parts kit,.... kinda doubt it. I was going to rip apart my RRA assembled lower, and try the parts in the Aero, havent gotten to that yet.

Maybe the receiver was a lemon, again it was only $80 bucks from my dealer. I've heard great things about their lowers, this just isnt one of them. Next time Im going to play it safe and go with a RRA for $150.

they're one of my favorites.. i used to pay extra for them, back before the panic of '08.

how many lowers have you assembled?

This will be my third. Im not giving up on the lower just yet, but killed the fun assembling the lower.

dont know what to tell you.. i've built at least 6 aeros, probably a couple more. i've never had a complaint- they're one of the cleanest receivers out there.

i wouldn't go spreading bad "reviews" of products that have good reputations based on your experience with this one. if you feel the lower is bad, contact Aero and get it sorted out.

(253) 272-8188

I have an Areo lower and find really like it. I would not hesitate to use them in the future.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by surfinbird

the metal was very very soft. Not soft where I could bend it with my hands, but soft as applying light pressure with pliers to install my bolt catch roll pin. The lower when attempting to install this roll pin scratched and scuffed severely.

---

Thats what happens when you use hardened steel vise grips on a "softer" metal like any aluminum. Thats like saying "this diamond totally sratched my window when I rubbed it all over it".....

I used a Stag LPK last year or a CMMG lower and the front pivot pin was very tight. Try putting a little oil or grease on the pin and in the channel where the detent rides. It will work in nicely.

Using oil or grease on pins when assembling help.

Are you sure it was the takedown pin holes that were tight and not sharp detent pins? My RRA LPKs had really sharp pins that I had to touch up with a stone, otherwise the pins were a bear to push with my thumbs. Rounding the tips of the pins, and the safety selector detent pin resulted in much smoother action.

Not saying it's impossible, but I kind of doubt the lower is the problem.

I used an Aero lower recently based on price and bkb0000's high regard for them, and I was completely happy with it. The mag well wouldn't let Pmags drop free, but I fixed that with the wife's emory board. ;) Great lower, I ordered 2 and they were both spotless and snug fitting.

I have THREE Aero lowers and have not had a problem. If I were you I would contact them.

You just don't know what you doing, stick with ak's :)

Aero precision also makes a lot of the other manufacturer's receivers for them...

I just put one together a few weeks ago and didn't have any hiccups.

I got an Aero lower about a year ago. Fantastic lower for the price. No problems assembling the LPK. PMags and GI mags fall free. Only complaints I can think of would be the high shelf and the magwell isn't generously flared.

Like I could ever afford a RDIAS anyways!:rolleyes:

I put an AP lower together a couple months back with a CMT LPK and had no issues. I would use one again if I needed another lower.

I have never needed a ball peen hammer to assemble a lower- tight parts fit generally is good- fitting by using conservative strokes of needle files or steel wool or light sand paper has always done fine for me.

The plier technique is not the correct way to install the bolt catch.

Get the right tools.

And sometimes, especially with pivot/push pins, some LPK and/or receivers have slightly thick finishes. If you get two such items together it can make it harder to insert them. I have had a couple of times where I have had to lightly work on the finish with emory cloth of a very fine grit. The goal is not to remove lots of material.

The AP receiver I used had no issues. I believe my LPK was a RRA at the time (right after the election). My brother used one with a RRA LPK and had to work on the finish on the pins because one or the other was overly thick. (I am not talking about hard to push in but repeated rotation of the upper on the pin loosens it up -- a little tougher than that)

I have two AeroPrecision lowers and they are flawless.

WHy didnt you use a roll pin punch? There is also a punch that has a flat side just for this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shihan

WHy didnt you use a roll pin punch? There is also a punch that has a flat side just for this.

---

Because he saw on the interweb that this was the newest best way to do it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gunrunner54

Surfingbird,, are you really using that methoud to install parts on a Aero Precision lower?
I read your comments and dont know where you learned your gunsmithing abilities, but you need to seek a FULL refund!! Cause they screwed you badly!!!!:stop:

Of course you are gonna do stupid crap, like break things by doing such idiotic assembly! I wont call it Gunsmithing, because it shames myself and other qualified craftsmen to see such things being done.

If you dont have the right tools, and the knowledge needed to properly and professionally install parts! DONT DO IT!:stop:

Aero Precision lowers are a very GOOD product, been using them only for past 5 years and have NEVER had an issue!

So, Id use caution and common sense to not say bad things about a product when you appear to be the real problem by the caveman approach you are using to assemble!

Holly Crap...BATMAN..... still gives me the willies to see what you did! :stop::stop:

Better Tighten Up Troop!

Gunny

---

With respect...this thread ended over two and half years ago.

You dont even need a flat sided long punch, put the lower in a magazine block and clamp in a vice. Go from stock to the front with a standard punch and it will go right in.

My Aero Lower was the first lower I'd ever assembled and it went together as easy as pie. I managed to piece it all together in about 30 minutes without putting a single mark on it. Sounds like maybe you got a dud or just aren't very careful/mechanically inclined?

Necro thread.

This is from 2010 guys.

--

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by chadbag

Necro thread.

This is from 2010 guys.

--

---

...and yes it is! Makes me wonder if AP's quality has improved since then...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shao

...and yes it is! Makes me wonder if AP's quality has improved since then...

---

You know it helps to actually read the thread before commenting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JBecker 72

You know it helps to actually read the thread before commenting.

---

OK, guilty that I skimmed... you caught me red-handed... But at least I didn't ressurect a 2 year old thread. :D