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Thread: New Frontier/ Polymer lowers?

  1. #51
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    New Frontier Lower

    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.

  2. #52
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    I would really be interested in seeing what you thought after all the plastic parts are changed out.

    merder inc, if you do change out the parts please let us know how it works out.

  3. #53
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    For the life of me, I can not figure out why I would ever switch to an ALL polymer lower. What if I need to mortar the rifle to clear a malf?

    I suppose I could see something like this taking off if they used standard metal internals, sort of like a Glock frame, but an all plastic FCG doesnt sit well with me at all. Besides, how much weight are we really shaving off here, and where do we cross the line between weight loss and structural integrity. Rifles are heavy, the more you carry it the easier it gets. If you feel your 8lb AR is too heavy, dont put it on a diet, just get used to having it in your hands.

    I realize that 99% of these lowers are going to be used for recreational plinkers, but that isnt what this site is geared towards.

  4. #54
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    Quote Originally Posted by merder inc View Post
    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.
    .
    While I will agree that static/bench shooting doesnt tend to put a lot of stress on the lower, I'd like to point out that anything dynamic or kinetic will tend to stress certain areas of the lower more. Also, there is alot more stress put on a field/working rifle through abuse than there is shooting. Like you said, for a mil/le/defense/ranch rifle, this is most likely not a viable option.

  5. #55
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    Trigger group will be changed out in the next week or so will let you know.

    I agree on weight savings, I don't think that mattered as much as the fact that it was a complete lower assembly for $99 and I saw a shorter path to getting another AR. After all, isn't that what it's all about every time?

  6. #56
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    Quote Originally Posted by merder inc View Post
    I agree on weight savings, I don't think that mattered as much as the fact that it was a complete lower assembly for $99 and I saw a shorter path to getting another AR. After all, isn't that what it's all about every time?
    No, no its not. 99% of the membership here would glady have one quality rifle than 5 lesser quality rifles. Its not snobbery or elitism, its a sense of getting what you pay for and demandng the best at every price point.

  7. #57
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    Quote Originally Posted by LowSpeed_HighDrag View Post
    t an all plastic FCG doesnt sit well with me at all. Besides, how much weight are we really shaving off here, and where do we cross the line between weight loss and structural integrity
    In posts that NFA has made over at The High Road, they've said that use of the polymer internals has to do with cost, not weight.

    They had a hard-on to offer a complete lower at $99, and to do that they used polymer parts.

  8. #58
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    Quote Originally Posted by merder inc View Post
    I saw a shorter path to getting another AR. After all, isn't that what it's all about every time?
    God, I hope not.

    I'd like to see simple posts from the owners of these things stating length of time owned, number of rounds fired, and type of event/use (classes, matches, bench, plinking, etc.).

    Saying someone has sold 10,000 of something in the firearms market is utterly meaningless in a segment where purchasers:users is on the order of 100:1.

  9. #59
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    When they make a poly lower that has proven to be as strong as Alum. Then it will be beneficial.

    So far, it hasn't. In fact, the opposite.

    Seems pretty simple to me.

    I saw a shorter path to getting another AR. After all, isn't that what it's all about every time?


    It is about buying a reliable, durable carbine...every time.

  10. #60
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    Quote Originally Posted by rob_s View Post
    God, I hope not.

    I'd like to see simple posts from the owners of these things stating length of time owned, number of rounds fired, and type of event/use (classes, matches, bench, plinking, etc.).

    Saying someone has sold 10,000 of something in the firearms market is utterly meaningless in a segment where purchasers:users is on the order of 100:1.
    I concur.

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