Carbon fiber VS forged lower

[artfull]

Im in the planning stages of my first AR build... Any one care to weigh on the advantages/disadvantages of carbon fiber lowers? Ive seen some good prices on the carbon fiber (69.00 vs 79.00 for forged). Im sure that a milled would be the absolute highest Quality however Im trying to do this on the cheap. Any advice or shared Knowledge will be appreciated.
Artfull

[JE3146]

Get a milled receiver. The weight saved isn't worth it.

Also what brand of carbon fiber lower are you looking at?

If it's Hesse/Vulcan, I'd suggest looking elseware for something of better quality.

[artfull]

I appreciate your reply and the shared info.... Id like to ask you though have you personnally had a bad experience with VULCAN. I used a VULCAN reciever on my last ak a polish underfolder and it was perfect. No grinding slotting or adjusting at all I am totally pleased with that one, excellent shooter and all honestly compared to previous AK recievers I have used this was hands down the best. The reason I am asking for more info as to your experience is that the prices I listed were in fact VULCAN recievers sold by JKF. If there is a quality issue I will spend the extra for another brand. What brand or brands do you consider to be good quality?
Thanks,
Artfull

[JE3146]

Good question and I do not have first hand experience with them.

Most problems that I have seen regarding the carbon fiber line have been related to the uppers. I've seen numerous photos of upper receivers coming apart in a very small number of rounds compared to the Bushmaster carbon series which seems to hold up nicely, aside from feed lip wear, but thats a whole new discussion in itself.

Now while this assessment is not directed specifically towards the lower half, if the upper half is that much weaker than the industry standard, then whats to be expected from the lower half? Now while I, as well as many, understand that the lower is not a peice that sees a lot of action, I would feel safer knowing I could accidentally knock my AR over, and not have the receiver break on impact because of a weaker material.

As for Vulcan's lower forged receivers, I haven't heard anything regarding them. It's just a named I've stayed away from. To me, it's worth the extra 20$ to buy something of known quality than waste 70$ on something that could be lesser.

As always YMMV, but I hope that helps some.

[M700Police]

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/198651/vulcan.jpg



Sorry. :D

[JE3146]

Sorry. :D

:lool:

[artfull]

JE , Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight. After reading literally hundreds of posts in the which do you prefer thread (AR rifles) I think I may have talked myself into a factory built. In consideration of the price difference (kit vs rifle) I believe Ill by a rifle already built. As Im a big fan of chrome bores and low prices I imagine it will be a bushmaster. Thanks again your feedback has gone along way in helping me evaluate options. It looks as though Id have about 650.00 in a kit and probably 800.00 in a rifle... Helll 150.00 is a night on the town not much more!!!
Thanks,
Artfull :dancin

[JE3146]

Glad it helped. Let us know when you get it and post some pics :up:

[artfull]

JE one more question... Chrome or Chrome moly?

[JE3146]

I ususally say go Chrome or Go Home :D... but that's mostly because I live in a fairly wet enviroment.

Can't tell where you live, but if it's wet or humid, then I'd opt for chrome lined.

All of Bushmasters come chrome lined, so theres no worry there.

Chrome lining just adds protection from the elements, moisture, etc. Also allows for easier cleaning for about the first 4k rounds. After that it won't make much difference. There "might" be a slight degrade of accuracy, but it won't be enough to notice. The rifle will still be more accurate than you or I.

All up to preference, and all of my AR barrels are chrome lined. Other's will argue the other way, but a rusty bore is not something I ever want to worry about.

[artfull]

Thanks,
Had to ask as Ive seen Chrome Moly advertised as "just as corrosion resistant with no degradation". All of my AK's are chrome lined and I was 90% that the impending AR should be as well. Thanks again JE.
Artfull

[JE3146]

Thanks,
Had to ask as Ive seen Chrome Moly advertised as "just as corrosion resistant with no degradation". All of my AK's are chrome lined and I was 90% that the impending AR should be as well. Thanks again JE.
Artfull

Glad I could help

[ChevellRCR]

I have a couple of the Vulcan lowers on small rifles. Used one for an ultralight 5.56 and the other for a 9mm build. Both work great and both have never given me any problems.

[JE3146]

I have a couple of the Vulcan lowers on small rifles. Used one for an ultralight 5.56 and the other for a 9mm build. Both work great and both have never given me any problems.

carbon fiber or forged Al?

[ChevellRCR]

carbon fiber or forged Al?


Sorry about that. I have only used the carbon fiber.

[JE3146]

Sorry about that. I have only used the carbon fiber.

Thanks for the feedback :up:

[Rew]

The receiver on my FAL is a dreaded Hessa, it's had 1000s of rounds through it with out a hickup. I will reserve judgement till I have seen one break. ;)

[thedaledoe]

I have both chrome lined and chrome-moly.. chrome may last a little longer but other than that its no different. and i live in the same place as JE3146. Its wet but unless you store your AR in the puddle out back.. or atleast never clean it after a wet day of shooting I dont think it would matter whichever way you went.

[ak_vs_ar_vs_fal_vs_hk]

Too funny!!!!
:jumping:

[rayovacw]

If you look around you can get a lower complete for between 200-250. Find or buid an upper for 300 and get a bolt carrier group and C/H for 120. Total 670. I haven't been able to do it for less and I am a cheap SOB