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Thread: Billet lowers...Spikes or Mega

  1. #31
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    Mega makes some great products.

    My first Mega build was the GTR-3H mated with the MTS- quadrail.

    I have a second in progress destin to become a SPR.

    pic of the fist one.



  2. #32
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    spikes billet

    I ordered a Spikes billet lower(honestly because I thought it looked cool, and Spikes had a good reputation).Customer service issues with Spikes aside, the lower had a few issues. #1 the bolt catch retaining pin(which is actually a hex head bolt) did not hold the ping pong paddle securely. this meant that when I attached a B.A.D. lever it wobbled and the lever would scrape against the front of my nice new trigger guard when used. (I would like to note here that I order the billet upper and lower as a set and the Spikes website advertises that it is B.A.D. lever compatible) In order to fix this I had to cut down the bolt that was holding the ping pong paddle in so that the threads of the bolt would actually contact the paddle and hole it in place, but since the threads were being contacted every time the lever or paddle was used I also had to use loctite to keep the retaining bolt from backing out. Problem one solved. #2 the buffer retaining pin is held in by a hex head screw that is hollow.(Imagine the cylinder of the buffer retaining pin coming up through the middle of the hex head portion of of the screw). The problem with this is the the retaining pin gets caught in the angles of the hex. meaning that if you push the retaining pin in too far while taking out the buffer/spring it will stick and you will have to use tools to pull it back out. I have come up with no solution to this and frankly I'm too tired of spikes to ask them about it and I think it is inherently a bad design. But other than those 2 things its a great lower.

  3. #33
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    Considering that there are 800 bajillion lowers from a host of manufacturers out there, those 2 issues, to me, sound like deal breakers. Simply because there are lowers out there w/o those issues.

    Having to modify and cut up parts to make something function, while good ingenuity on your part, says that the lower is not good IMO
    Last edited by caelumatra; 04-21-11 at 15:10.

  4. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by ca_fireman19 View Post
    I love my Sun Devil! Superb fit and finish and the best customer service hands down.
    +1 I have several Sun Devil uppers and lowers and really like them.

  5. #35
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    One thing you have to remember about forged vs. billet is that billets are often times thicker in many areas with beefed up geometry. So even though a forged lower is inherently stronger for two comparable lowers, the billets are often times built up and redesigned enough to be even stronger.

    As far as 60xx vs 7xxx series go, 60xx series will have a little better corrosion resistance as well as having a little better toughness than 7xxx series. The 7xxx series will offer a little better over all strength but is more likely to snap or break whereas the 60xx series will be more inclined to bend or deform. Also the 7xxx series is unweldable if you ever felt the need to repair it (probably be cheaper tho replace it anyways).

    The biggest thing about billets is that it gives you options. To forge something requires dies and anvils that can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars and hammer machines that are hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars as well. With a billet you take a solid chunk of metal, throw it in a machining center, program it to whatever you want and let it crank them out. You can change anything you want at any time. For AR rifles neither one will be a problem in any way if you buy from a reputable source. For better fit, ambi controls, different looks or any other non standard options you need/want billet is the way to go unless you have the money and clientele (think KAC or Vltor) to forge such a product.

    I personally like billet but its because of looks and additional controls. I like to have my shit the way I want it so I'll spend extra money on things to make it nice. That said I'm perfectly happy and capable with a plain jane stock iron sighted quality AR as well for 90% of anything i might shoot. In the end a good shooter masters shooting and the differences between tools doesn't mean shit. It's just nice to have. My money so I'll have it the way I like it. Tool or not, you can still have nice shit once in awhile with out feeling like a fan boy/ mall ninja/ tool/ barfcommer.

  6. #36
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    spikes billet

    Oh, I agree. I would not have bothered with this set if I had any inkling of these issues. I just have to make myself feel better about spending the extra cheese on the set.
    Quote Originally Posted by caelumatra View Post
    Considering that there are 800 bajillion lowers from a host of manufacturers out there, those 2 issues, to me, sound like deal breakers. Simply because there are lowers out there w/o those issues.

    Having to modify and cut up parts to make something function, while good ingenuity on your part, says that the lower is not good IMO

  7. #37
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    I just got the Mega GTR-3H-AMBI and it is beautiful. This is my first build but I have a feeling that all my future builds will use Mega receivers.

  8. #38
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    Though not necessary at all, I think going billet vs forged is worth the extra scratch. The finish and fit is flawless. The upper and lower fit together as if they were a single piece of aluminum.

    http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=79508
    Last edited by bigdrunk; 04-24-11 at 10:53. Reason: typo

  9. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigdrunk View Post
    Though not necessary at all, I think going billet vs forged is worth the extra scratch. The finish and fit is flawless. The upper and lower fit together as if they were a single piece of aluminum.

    http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=79508
    "Fit and finish" have absolutely nothing to do with what makes a quality rifle other than having pretty pictures for the inter-nut.
    Only hits count......you can not miss fast enough to catch up

  10. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by SWATcop1911 View Post
    "Fit and finish" have absolutely nothing to do with what makes a quality rifle other than having pretty pictures for the inter-nut.
    Perhaps 'finish' but I would have to disagree with you about 'fit'.

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