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Thread: How Long Will a Forged AR Lower Last?

  1. #1
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    How Long Will a Forged AR Lower Last?

    Wondering how these will hold up over time, with and without heavy use. What repairs and wear am I looking at? Will there be a big difference between the Forged and Billet lowers?

    We SBR folk are particularly interested to know
    Have Fun, Be Safe

  2. #2
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    Forged lowers will last a long time with moderate use and normal care. Expect a forged lower to last your lifetime and then some. Full auto ones are still going strong from the 70's and 80's and those will have seen much more use than a new semi auto would. I would expect billet lowers to fare the same.

  3. #3
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    My Colt M16A1 at work is still going strong after 37 years. Built in the summer of 72 according to my serial number. I was issued it about 6 years ago. I wouldn' t say it has seen heavy use by me, but I do wonder who's hands it has passed through over the years. David

  4. #4
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    Let's put it this way.

    Any forged lower will outlast this nation.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by markm View Post
    Let's put it this way.

    Any forged lower will outlast this nation.
    So how long do you give us? 40-50 years?
    Have Fun, Be Safe

  6. #6
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    billets generally have thicker material, but they're also generally 6061 aluminum, which is softer.

    forged 7075t6 lowers are tougher, but not as thick.

    7075t6 billet, on the other hand, is the best of both worlds...

    i think any 7075t6 lower will probably last through the Second Coming, though. it's the lowest wear part on your gun.

  7. #7
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    markm-Oh man! I'm upset that someone else may be as skeptical as me.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by No Bananas View Post
    So how long do you give us? 40-50 years?
    Ah... you're an optimist!!

  9. #9
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    Ok, the longevity of our nation aside. Would it last that long?
    Have Fun, Be Safe

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by No Bananas View Post
    Ok, the longevity of our nation aside. Would it last that long?
    I would suggest that a lower will handle at least 300,000 cycles of the action before one would see appreciable wear or elongation of the FCG pin holes.
    Just one of the Shepherd's sheepdogs. Joshua 24:15

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