Billet Lowers VS regular lowers

skeetlee

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 13, 2008
1,564
35
50
Central Illinois
What is the gain by going with a billet AR lower compared to a standard Lower? Also if i use a Billet lower will it match a standard uper worth a hoot? I can buy a Black Rain billet lower for 2 bills. thats not much more than a rock river standard lower. Whats the scoop? thanks men. Lee
 
Re: Billet Lowers VS regular lowers

Hi Lee. Long time no hear.

Here is my opinion. I use nothing but billet lowers....and uppers if I can. Most billet lowers will work with standard, forged uppers. With billet lowers you usually get some added features not found on standard, forged lowes.
Such as a tensioning screw to take up any "slop" between the upper/lower fit and built in trigger guard.
Some have trigger over travel adjustment screw, ambi bolt release,etc.

And....they look cool!

As far as a accuracy or function standpoint....no real advantage between the two.

Black rain lowers are nice. I was just looking at one at a local shop. Mega, Seekins, C3, Sun Devil,etc., all make nice billet lowers.

Take care,Stan
 
Re: Billet Lowers VS regular lowers

Just bought a BlackRain ar. Can't beat the fit and finish of the upper and lower, along with the whole package, and it shoots like a dream. Looking to put together another upper in 6.5 grendel using a Blackrain upper and quad rail, but can't seem to locate a bolt and barrel!
 
Re: Billet Lowers VS regular lowers

billet will do nothing for you that a forged, MilSpec lower can't. however, as stated, they are more likely to have the ambi release built in, as well as having the trigger guard also built in. depending on who makes the particular part, they can have tension screws for a good tight upper-to-lower fitment.
and, yeah, they really do look cool. they're supposed to be stronger, so i hear claims, but forging is way tough.

the thing i like about the billet parts the most, though, is that you can typically get them with a matched upper receiver. that'd be real nice for a good solid build.

oh, and John W, bolts and BCGs are getting VERY hard to find. pre-election scare... gotta love it!
 
Re: Billet Lowers VS regular lowers

They look good, and often translate into a tighter upper-to-lower fit...but as stated, no real functional benefit unless they have extra features. I like the crisp lines enough to pay a bit extra for them, with or without extra features. More pride of ownership for me - I enjoy the rifle just a bit more with judicious application of billet.
smile.gif


That having been said, I don't think you can get any sexier than a Noveske Gen II forged lower. Well....Seekins or APA, maybe...
 
Re: Billet Lowers VS regular lowers

John Noveske uses forged receivers exclusively because of their superior strength. I understand they are stronger but I have never seen a receiver break...billet or forged.