Experiences with KE arms polymer lower.

[Nocalsocal]

I was wondering if anyone here had any long term experience with one?

I bought one to add to my collection. So far it seems like a good choice for those wanting to build a lighter rifle. My 11 year old can now shoot a full size 5.56 AR standing without straining or tiring out his arms or upper body. It balances well with my 6921 upper and my free floated 14.5 with LPVO

I’ve yet to shoot it but it seems like a good choice for those who have limited upper body strength.

So far the only thing that I want to do is to switch to a 45 degree safety. For some reason manipulating the 90 degree selector feels awkward. All my other aluminum lowers run GI selectors. This is the only one that feels strange in my hands.


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[omegajb]

I don't have any experience but Ian over at Forgotten Weapons did a video on the history of that type of lowers you might find interesting.
https://www.forgottenweapons.com/history-of-the-monolithic-polymer-ar-from-colt-to-ke-arms/

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[Stickman]

I was wondering if anyone here had any long term experience with one?




There is no long term experience with one. They are made different than previous polymer lowers, so there really isn't a way to establish long term reviews without a bias towards previous polymer lowers. We know factually that polymer receivers can be functional, as Glock has proven that with the modern pistol the majority of LE carries. We also know that the largest failure point with a poly lower receiver that doesn't include the stock lacks strength in the receiver extension / buffer tube area. We know this based on them breaking at the threads.

The complete lower assembly makes for a platform which can be reinforced.

For whatever its worth, I have two, and both are holding up well.


https://64.media.tumblr.com/0f7d3655aa72896583f1fc56a6da7f9a/1c2ffc2a0c519d20-a0/s1280x1920/4f02e423b07b040e76222dedc2640f40ca3afb2e.jpg


https://64.media.tumblr.com/542a2916790f186383e6dc2d8e6599fa/ef5b54a1ddfabd73-84/s1280x1920/b8a9f52a43025e01c6181876449db1c7a7791ed8.jpg

[Nocalsocal]

Thanks Stick!
I remember you posted some pics of the KE arms lower and I was hoping you would chime in.
I think it might be one of my favorite lowers because of how well the majority of my uppers seem to handle better with a lighter polymer lower. I’m glad to hear you haven’t experienced any issues so far. It reinforced my belief that it has few downsides if any.


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[Clint]

We're picking up a couple to try out.

By all accounts, they seem to have finally "cracked the nut" and figured out how to do a polymer lower correctly.

[titsonritz]

We're picking up a couple to try out.

By all accounts, they seem to have finally "cracked the nut" and figured out how to do a polymer lower correctly.


Supposed to be basically an improved Cav-15.

[Stickman]

Supposed to be basically an improved Cav-15.



Totally new creation in just about every aspect, I think the only way they could have made it "different" would have been to make it take different pistol grips. However, I think that would have reduced the solidity of the overall lower. I will happily point out that is just a guess on my part based on ownership and handling it.

[Circle_10]

Totally new creation in just about every aspect, I think the only way they could have made it "different" would have been to make it take different pistol grips. However, I think that would have reduced the solidity of the overall lower. I will happily point out that is just a guess on my part based on ownership and handling it.

I remember hearing that the pistol grip area on these things does play a role in the overall structural integrity. I wonder if you could get away with a design that retains the integral grip area for structural reasons but incorporating the ability to use swappable back and side panels like a VP9 or something.

[JediGuy]

I went on a hunt for a GWACS lower a couple years ago, unsuccessfully.
This is intriguing, though having a more vertical grip angle seems like it would have been an easy and welcome adjustment for modern shooting.

[Steve-0-]

There is no long term experience with one. They are made different than previous polymer lowers, so there really isn't a way to establish long term reviews without a bias towards previous polymer lowers. We know factually that polymer receivers can be functional, as Glock has proven that with the modern pistol the majority of LE carries. We also know that the largest failure point with a poly lower receiver that doesn't include the stock lacks strength in the receiver extension / buffer tube area. We know this based on them breaking at the threads.

The complete lower assembly makes for a platform which can be reinforced.

For whatever its worth, I have two, and both are holding up well.


https://64.media.tumblr.com/0f7d3655aa72896583f1fc56a6da7f9a/1c2ffc2a0c519d20-a0/s1280x1920/4f02e423b07b040e76222dedc2640f40ca3afb2e.jpg


https://64.media.tumblr.com/542a2916790f186383e6dc2d8e6599fa/ef5b54a1ddfabd73-84/s1280x1920/b8a9f52a43025e01c6181876449db1c7a7791ed8.jpg

actually there is. Its the same design as Cav Arms and Russell Phagen worked for cav for years and now works at KE. Theyve got vids on these from years ago. Its by far the only decent polymer lower on the market.

[Stickman]

actually there is. Its the same design as Cav Arms and Russell Phagen worked for cav for years and now works at KE. Theyve got vids on these from years ago. Its by far the only decent polymer lower on the market.

Seams are different, which is a big deal. Reinforcements are different as well, which is a big deal. Visuals are different, which is not a big deal, though I know some will love the flared magwell.

I am aware of Russ being involved with KE, but if you sit down with the KE Arms lower and an older/ previous polymer lower, they aren't the same design unless we go by the generic aspect that an AR is an AR is an AR.


However, I think we are on the overall same sheet of music, and I'm probably commenting on semantics.

[Stickman]

Supposed to be basically an improved Cav-15.

When I bought the GWACs I was told by people that it was an "improved", I think that was a fishing story.....

[jsbhike]

Differences through the years.


https://youtu.be/RFxNvi7920c

[jsbhike]

Wanted to make sure it wasn't a tolerance conflict with my plate and lower combos. Same observations on A1/A2 being too big and not sure about trimming A1/A2 to fit.

The KE trap door plate is probably ok, but I have more confidence in an A1/A2 spring loaded catch than the KE flex tab catch.

http://www.kearms.com/kp-15-trapdoor-buttplate.aspx


https://youtu.be/K77kiMdzuSo

[titsonritz]

Drama surrounding the WWSD project. GWACS Sues KE Arms.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZa2GFN7kNg

[Screwball]

I don’t have a crap ton of rounds thru mine… think it is hovering around 1,100 but cut back when ammo started getting scarce (rather practice with my truck gun over an extra AR). Zero issues.

I tried TN Arms polymer lowers… sent those back in a hurry. The KE Arms lower, I’d say good to go as long as you don’t do anything not recommended/they didn’t test. 5.56mm… good to go.

[thebolt]

I saw one with a break in the lower receiver at my local gunsmiths a few months ago. He said "they all run for a while".

[OutofBatt3ry]

I've never seen(or heard of) a standard aluminum AR lower crack at the RE.

Plastic lowers; Yes.

Solution in search of a problem.

Anderson lowers are still $50...just saying.