I've had a New Frontier lower from Joe Bob's for awhile now. Definitely was skeptical when I ordered but for $99 I gave it a shot. I started to think about where the stresses are on an AR (years of highpower service rifle Master experience). There's not much difference between a pistol frame, the stress is all up top. Many 1911 makers have changed framer materials whether it be to aluminum or whatever. If you have any plastics mfg. experience you know that some polymers can withstand some crazy things, uhmw for example.
Next off some cons: trigger group is in my opinion trash; even a change to a mil-spec DPMS setup or what have you is a step up. Some of my PMAGS dropped free and some did not...also the case on my service rifle so no big shocker there. Every other mag I had, AR-stoner, USGI, colt 20s/30s dropped out no problem. Receiver fit is very tight, and a punch is almost needed to takedown. Bolt catch, hammer/trigger pins are metal and the rest of the parts are pretty standard. I did notice the safety detent is plastic and will be replaced also.
I was concerned because the pivot pins, mag catch, and selector were polymer too. I've been running an 223 M4 contour upper for a couple months now with anything from 52-53 sierras to M855 and have seen no evidence that would case me to think the polymer is not going to hold up for my use. Having said that, I am not in the military or LE business. If I were, I would be hesitant.


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