View Full Version : Billet Lowers
I know that billet receivers aren't very popular on this forum for reasonable reasons. However, I'm bored and want to know:
Which billet receiver is your favorite?
Post pictures if possible.
(Mods: sorry if this is in the wrong place.)
Seekins Precision upper/lower combo. Love it. Tight tolerances, shoots great, and they have THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE, hands down.
Glen is bend over backwards helpful!
Sorry, will get pics tonight when I get home.
ColtSeavers
10-10-13, 09:32
I like the (and have a) Black Rain Ordnance lower receiver. Extremely nice fit and finish and does come with the adjustable 'slop' screw for tighter upper/lower fit (though it is unnecesary for meas my upper and lower are very snug without using it).
*Not my pics*
http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/black-rain-ordnance-fallout15-stripped-billet-lower.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/3013tl2.jpg
ColtSeavers
10-10-13, 09:38
There's Black Rain Ordnance lower receivers. I have one on my franken gun and am very pleased with the fit and finish. It also has a 'slop' screw for tighter upper/lower fit (though my upper/lower are very snug without using it).
*not my pics*
http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/black-rain-ordnance-fallout15-stripped-billet-lower.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/3013tl2.jpg
ColtSeavers
10-10-13, 10:40
There's Black Rain Ordnance lower receivers. I have one on my franken gun and am very pleased with the fit and finish. It also has a 'slop' screw for tighter upper/lower fit (though my upper/lower are very snug without using it).
*not my pics*
http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/black-rain-ordnance-fallout15-stripped-billet-lower.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/3013tl2.jpg
GUNSLINGER733
10-10-13, 10:51
Seekins are nice lowers. They have nice ambi controls + they look cool
AR15 billet lower ( old Magpul design with 45 degree BAD lever)http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/freelancekilla/photo2.jpg
SI Defense billet lower /Fail Zero upper set (Built into my 6.8SPC)http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/freelancekilla/IMG_00781.jpg
Spike's BioHazzard billet upper/lower set
http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww66/freelancekilla/P1010969.jpg
Mega Arms GTR-3Hhttp://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r223/bullybros/Build-Lower-Receiver.jpg
Last receiver isn't mine but same GTR-3H lower.
I like them all, but I think the AR15 lower is my favorite based on looks and design (45 degree sort throw for BAD lever. ) But it is a tough call between the AR15 lower, the Spikes, and the Mega, all three are pretty damn nice.
ColtSeavers
10-10-13, 12:46
There's Black Rain Ordnance lower receivers. I have one on my franken gun and am very pleased with the fit and finish. It also has a 'slop' screw for tighter upper/lower fit (though my upper/lower are very snug without using it).
*not my pics*
http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/black-rain-ordnance-fallout15-stripped-billet-lower.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/3013tl2.jpg
Black Rain did a nice job on those lowers, very nice fit and finish from the ones I have put my hands on.
I recently bought a Northtech Defense lower that everyone seems to be raving about. I haven't built it out yet, so I have no first hand experience. However, it does appear to have great craftsmanship.
http://i43.tinypic.com/35878qp.jpg
guitarist1993
10-10-13, 16:19
Educate a noob here, if y'all will. What does a billet lower get you that a forged does not? I understand the reasoning behind billet uppers, as a more rigid and square upper should translate to enhanced accuracy, but what is the benefit to a billet lower, aside from looking cool?
Educate a noob here, if y'all will. What does a billet lower get you that a forged does not? I understand the reasoning behind billet uppers, as a more rigid and square upper should translate to enhanced accuracy, but what is the benefit to a billet lower, aside from looking cool?
Nothing really. Forged is theoretically stronger since the grains in the metal follow the contours that the piece is forged in.
The only thing a billet gives you is a configuration not available in most forged receivers. Billet receivers need to have more material to be as stiff and strong as a forged receiver
If you get a billet lower is out advisable to get a billet upper or does a regular upper fit just as well?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
ColtSeavers
10-10-13, 22:05
If you get a billet lower is out advisable to get a billet upper or does a regular upper fit just as well?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
If by regular you mean forged, yes it will fit just as well, unless you're OCD about having a matching pair (upper/lower) and assuming both are within spec
I recently bought a Northtech Defense lower that everyone seems to be raving about. I haven't built it out yet, so I have no first hand experience. However, it does appear to have great craftsmanship.
http://i43.tinypic.com/35878qp.jpg
I have the same one, and it's been fantastic. Fit and finish were top notch.
xbmxracerx
10-10-13, 23:10
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/emufreak1/FD1369A5-9E6B-4FAA-8CBA-E72AE635C5FE-3136-000001DB6E49EE58_zpsdc732dee.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/emufreak1/media/FD1369A5-9E6B-4FAA-8CBA-E72AE635C5FE-3136-000001DB6E49EE58_zpsdc732dee.jpg.html)
eljimbo142
10-10-13, 23:20
Franklin arms has one with integal qd. i like mine.
http://www.franklinarmory.com/PRODUCTS_BILLET_LOWER.html
Here are a few pics of the Seekins Precision. Its all assembled, though.
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q773/TactTeam/Upper-Lowercloseup1_zpse889ca69.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/TactTeam/media/Upper-Lowercloseup1_zpse889ca69.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q773/TactTeam/fa7d7221-fc9f-4013-a831-4576d2c64451_zps503c4f3e.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/TactTeam/media/fa7d7221-fc9f-4013-a831-4576d2c64451_zps503c4f3e.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q773/TactTeam/Upper-LowerMid_zps8cde7a86.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/TactTeam/media/Upper-LowerMid_zps8cde7a86.jpg.html)
http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q773/TactTeam/Overall_zps7eddc33d.jpg (http://s1358.photobucket.com/user/TactTeam/media/Overall_zps7eddc33d.jpg.html)
I recently bought a Northtech Defense lower that everyone seems to be raving about. I haven't built it out yet, so I have no first hand experience. However, it does appear to have great craftsmanship.
http://i43.tinypic.com/35878qp.jpg
Very nice.
I have several Sun Devil lowers all of which have a tight fit and have functioned flawlessly.
I've had and built several sets of mega billet uppers and lowers.
Don't see how quality could get any better.
I have the Spikes also, flawless so far.
I don't see the big deal with them. But to each their own I suppose.
Rockhopper
10-11-13, 18:27
i would purchase one for purely cosmetic reasons. but thats it. and it would be either ntd or a noveske gen 2 in that order.
Free Agent
10-11-13, 18:58
Noveske gen 2 is forged not billet.
i would purchase one for purely cosmetic reasons. but thats it. and it would be either ntd or a noveske gen 2 in that order.
Rockhopper
10-11-13, 19:03
Noveske gen 2 is forged not billet.thank you for the clarification. i was not aware of that.
One of my rifles has a POF billet ambi lower on a BCM upper no issues with fit. Has been an accurate and reliable rifle with about 4000rds through it.
Boba Fett v2
10-11-13, 22:31
Never got into billet lowers myself, but if I were to invest in one I'd seriously consider the AXTS AX556 first for it's full ambidextrous features.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/militarymoron/ax5564.jpg
I run a couple and have built an additional 4 rifles on Lone Star Armories lowers (Sun Devil). Great lower receiver. The owner is an old paratrooper team mate of mine with a great product.
I picked up an AXTS and had it for about a week before I left the country about 6 months ago, and though I haven’t had a chance to run it, it's fit, finish, and dexterity are awesome.
The various customized SunDevil units (I have an ArizonaArmory flavored one) are really nice for the prices they seem to appear at in between panic spells.
That said, working in an aerospace machine shop has ruined me on thinking billet lowers are all that remarkable - the AXTS would be the only one I'd have interest in if I weren't sitting on multiple SR-15 lowers.
I recently bought a Northtech Defense lower that everyone seems to be raving about. I haven't built it out yet, so I have no first hand experience. However, it does appear to have great craftsmanship.
http://i43.tinypic.com/35878qp.jpg
I'm very interested in this lower (and upper).
The various customized SunDevil units (I have an ArizonaArmory flavored one) are really nice for the prices they seem to appear at in between panic spells.
That said, working in an aerospace machine shop has ruined me on thinking billet lowers are all that remarkable - the AXTS would be the only one I'd have interest in if I weren't sitting on multiple SR-15 lowers.
Yea, the AX556 looks awesome. I think if I got a billet lower it would have to be that one; mainly because it's ambi. SR-15 lowers have the propensity to spoil...
of all of mine the seekins is my go to AR.
I'm a Mega fan but the AXTS is in a league of it's own.
I'm very interested in this lower (and upper).
What really impressed me are the small details. The bolt catch pin is actually a screw and the addition of a upper-to-lower tension screw are nice touches.
From what I've been hearing in full builds, these lowers are a top notch in craftsmanship and ingenuity. FWIW, they seem to be really listening to customer feedback. I mean, they are on the gen3 in the year or so they've been out....
I've been trying to resist the temptation of getting a billet lower myself. I really like the looks of em!
Obviously, M4C is more of a form over function short of place. However, the I think the old Magpul lowers are the nicest. Good luck at finding one anywhere close to a reasonable price.
Right now I am pretty partial to the Adcor Defense billet lowers - mostly because they say Made In Bodymore Murderland (this annoys Liberals). And, before the last MD ban Adcor was selling them to MD FFLs at the lowest possible price.
I used to think Mega was the best but AXTS has shown me otherwise...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8QlP1KuU378/UlTkr7Pa0UI/AAAAAAAAxGw/rXtpMbSsnTI/w722-h685-no/DSCN1611.JPG
What really impressed me are the small details. The bolt catch pin is actually a screw and the addition of a upper-to-lower tension screw are nice touches.
Those same features are on my Quentin Defense billets.
Those same features are on my Quentin Defense billets.
What about the non-rotating hammer pin, BAD-CASS cutout and right-side bolt catch on the AXTS?
What about the non-rotating hammer pin, BAD-CASS cutout and right-side bolt catch on the AXTS?
I don't think anything has the same feature-set at the AXTS.
I don't think anything has the same feature-set at the AXTS.
At $430 for a stripped lower I certainly would hope so....gotta need an ambi lower pretty bad to spend that kind of coin on a stripped lower. I'm all for buying quality but this appears to be well in the diminishing returns category. I'm a righty though so I am biased.
I have several Sun Devil lowers and have never had an issue with them. Sun Devil has approximately 115 variants registered with ATF, meaning they have manufactured lowers for 115 different "manufacturers," including Smith and Wesson.
At $430 for a stripped lower I certainly would hope so....gotta need an ambi lower pretty bad to spend that kind of coin on a stripped lower. I'm all for buying quality but this appears to be well in the diminishing returns category. I'm a righty though so I am biased.
Especially when this lower does almost everything the axts does at much lower cost.
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/shop/ar15-ambidextrous-lower-receiver-gen2
Boba Fett v2
10-17-13, 23:12
Especially when this lower does almost everything the axts does at much lower cost.
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/shop/ar15-ambidextrous-lower-receiver-gen2
Normally I wouldn't argue against this, but I recently had a bad experience with Aero Precision. Worst customer service I've had to deal with. I was going to start a thread to rant about this in fact.
TacticalSledgehammer
10-18-13, 02:54
I think this one could use mako furniture and accessories.
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/Josh216_photos/7120302eaa3ecd4346441fa097bc4b6f_zps703513a8.jpg
I think this one could use mako furniture and accessories.
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/Josh216_photos/7120302eaa3ecd4346441fa097bc4b6f_zps703513a8.jpg
Hahahaha. :suicide:
Especially when this lower does almost everything the axts does at much lower cost.
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/shop/ar15-ambidextrous-lower-receiver-gen2
IMO, the extra $100 is worth it merely for the aesthetic appeal of the AX556.
TacticalSledgehammer
10-18-13, 06:27
I like rainier's billet lower. It has a clean look to it.
I like rainier's billet lower. It has a clean look to it.
I was unaware that Rainier made a billet lower.
Link?
The_War_Wagon
10-18-13, 07:51
I had an early Gen.III POF lower, in which NO mag - even Rev. M PMags - would ever drop free. Wasn't really an issue for me - I'm not real keen on dropping mags on the deck - empty OR full - in the course of normal rangework, although I know there ARE times when you WOULD prefer they drop free.
And thus do I point it out - for those who LIKE their mags to drop - that tends to be more of an issue with billet lowers. LOVED the right-hand bolt release on that lower though - wish it was standard on EVERY lower.
TacticalSledgehammer
10-18-13, 14:11
I was unaware that Rainier made a billet lower.
Link?
To my knowledge they only sell it on a rifle currently.
https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3637
Especially when this lower does almost everything the axts does at much lower cost.
http://aeroprecisionusa.com/shop/ar15-ambidextrous-lower-receiver-gen2
A BAD lever and an ambi mag release with a standard lower would be cheaper than either of those two also. Doesn't make it equal.
The AX556 has way more features and is far more ergonomic than the Aeroprecision. The extended paddle really helps when shooting left handed. A contoured trigger guard that lines up perfectly with Magpul grips. It has a captured hammer pin and a fulcrum pin that eliminates any receiver wobble. The assembly is a breeze with the lower using set screws instead of roll pins. The AX556 is the best ambi lower out there in my opinion.
To my knowledge they only sell it on a rifle currently.
https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=3637
Oh damn. That does look nice. Wish they were offered separately.
I got a Mega, BCM, Spikes, and Delton. Still building all of them some complete some just lowers but all went together fine and drop mags fine.
I recently bought a Northtech Defense lower that everyone seems to be raving about. I haven't built it out yet, so I have no first hand experience. However, it does appear to have great craftsmanship.
http://i43.tinypic.com/35878qp.jpg
I really like the logo, and have been wondering how they are. I will have to get one and sit on it for a next project.
BoringGuy45
10-19-13, 23:27
Here's a newcomer to the AR market. This is the one that I'm doing my latest build on:
I can't seem to upload a picture no matter what so here's the link (http://gunsinc.com/product.aspx?ProductId=63807&title=ROWE+TACTICAL+RT1-A1+BILLET+LOWER+RECEIVER%2c+5.56%2f.223+PLATFORM%2c+BLACK)
Here's a newcomer to the AR market. This is the one that I'm doing my latest build on:
I can't seem to upload a picture no matter what so here's the link (http://gunsinc.com/product.aspx?ProductId=63807&title=ROWE+TACTICAL+RT1-A1+BILLET+LOWER+RECEIVER%2c+5.56%2f.223+PLATFORM%2c+BLACK)
Here you go!
http://gunsinc.com/uploads/images/34112130160582412947150.jpg
Does SMOS make lowers for Larue? I heard that some where not sure if it's true.
http://smosarms.com/imimg/sm15_1.jpg
BoringGuy45
10-19-13, 23:53
Here you go!
http://gunsinc.com/uploads/images/34112130160582412947150.jpg
Thanks!
Here you go!
http://gunsinc.com/uploads/images/34112130160582412947150.jpg
I'm not diggin it. However, I find it interesting that they incorporated a "groove" for KNS anti-rotation pins.
One piece of advice that I can say is if you are going with a billet lower make sure it is coming from a manufacture that has done them before.
Recently I was wrapped up in a bad group buy where some out of spec lowers were delivered were delivered. The manufacture has a solid reputation in other platforms but, dropped the ball on the lowers. The good thing is the manufacture is making good on fixing the lowers but it still has been a 7 month fiasco.
cerberus767
05-24-14, 03:53
Any updates to this thread?
I know that billet receivers aren't very popular on this forum for reasonable reasons. However, I'm bored and want to know:
Which billet receiver is your favorite?
Post pictures if possible.
(Mods: sorry if this is in the wrong place.)
Billet = eye candy. That said, Magpul China Doll. (Pic by the Stickman.)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h144/paladin4415/MagpulChinaDoll.jpg
Obscenejesster
05-24-14, 06:37
Here's a few custom ones. They all have threaded bolt catch pins and tension adjustors.
Original design
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/pix133420644_zps8156c4f1.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/pix133420644_zps8156c4f1.jpg.html)
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/be2ada75-4827-4946-9a8c-020c9d1c8ab4_zps0b5847b6.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/be2ada75-4827-4946-9a8c-020c9d1c8ab4_zps0b5847b6.jpg.html)
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/20130726_161850_1_zpsa38e540d.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/20130726_161850_1_zpsa38e540d.jpg.html)
Second design
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/20130604_181402_zpsf86e3e2d.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/20130604_181402_zpsf86e3e2d.jpg.html)
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/5ee7d1b3-c65f-463f-94a8-cf0190d61f64_zps05f83bba.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/5ee7d1b3-c65f-463f-94a8-cf0190d61f64_zps05f83bba.jpg.html)
AR10 design
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/SAM_0399_1_zpsnw3ub2mg.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/SAM_0399_1_zpsnw3ub2mg.jpg.html)
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
cerberus767
05-24-14, 13:40
Here's a few custom ones. They all have threaded bolt catch pins and tension adjustors.
Original design
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/pix133420644_zps8156c4f1.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/pix133420644_zps8156c4f1.jpg.html)
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/be2ada75-4827-4946-9a8c-020c9d1c8ab4_zps0b5847b6.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/be2ada75-4827-4946-9a8c-020c9d1c8ab4_zps0b5847b6.jpg.html)
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/20130726_161850_1_zpsa38e540d.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/20130726_161850_1_zpsa38e540d.jpg.html)
Second design
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/20130604_181402_zpsf86e3e2d.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/20130604_181402_zpsf86e3e2d.jpg.html)
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/5ee7d1b3-c65f-463f-94a8-cf0190d61f64_zps05f83bba.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/5ee7d1b3-c65f-463f-94a8-cf0190d61f64_zps05f83bba.jpg.html)
AR10 design
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae266/jrwingate6/SAM_0399_1_zpsnw3ub2mg.jpg (http://s978.photobucket.com/user/jrwingate6/media/SAM_0399_1_zpsnw3ub2mg.jpg.html)
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Sexy!
You wouldn't happen to be Jim Mcpherson on youtube would you?
Obscenejesster
05-26-14, 14:28
You wouldn't happen to be Jim Mcpherson on youtube would you?
No sir
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