Is an ATI OMNI hybrid lower good enough to build an accurate rifle?

[Apuesto]

I have an ATI Omni lower gathering dust. I have an itch to build an accurate .22 caliber rifle, possibly a .224 Valkyrie.

Is the ATI Omni good enough to build a sub MOA rifle, or should I just build a "cheap shooter" on the ATI lower. If the ATI is garbage, please let me know so I don't end up with a money pit.

I have another thread asking advice on an AR10 where everyone is telling me to build an AR15, so if you think an AR10 is a better rifle than an AR15, I am planning on acquiring an AR10 also. No need to tell me to rather build an AR10

Thanks

 

[illinoisburt]

The lower doesnt have that much impact on the accuracy of an AR build. The trigger obviously makes some difference in your shooting, but otherwise it's just a handle to hold the upper. A good accurate upper will be accurate on just about any lower (with minor exception it fits sloppy in the pins and shifts around making aiming challenging).

The questions surrounding poly lowers like the Omni is really one of long term durability and the ability to change parts like the buffer tube or trigger group without damaging the receiver. Other than the 80% builds where folks mill away too much material, it seems like the polys work fine for general use so long as they are assembled with lower torque and locktite. Treat it like most any other bench or hunting gun and it will probably last a lifetime. It is not good for bayonet handles or doing pushups and pullups. If you plan to drag behind your vehicle, throw in a lake, or any other torture tests a poly receiver is no-go.

 

[MistWolf]

Poly lowers tend to break at the receiver extension mount and not just from rough handling. They also break from high round counts. One guy used a poly lower on a training carbine and it broke after a few thousand rounds. No rough handling, just shooting. If you shoot your poly enough to break it from shooting, you can afford to get another lower to replace it and press on.

 

[303 hunter]

I had an ATI poly lower break at the buffer tube extension on a low round count 6.8 SPC. ATI replaced the lower, but I couldn’t make myself trust it, so it was sold. The Aero aluminum lower that replaced it has lasted many trouble free years.

 

[Nature Boy]

What is “accurate” to you?

 

[Apuesto]

What is “accurate” to you?

For my "range rifles" I need to do better than 3/4 MOA with commercial ammo. I can build a bolt action that does that but it's a case of "been there, done that" and I want to try something else, hence an AR. I ordered an upper from Palmetto and if it shows promise, I'll either get a decent lower or a nice trigger for the OMNI. I suspect it will be the former as I cannot see me enjoying the current buttstock.

 

[BigBore45]

Got another ar? Take it out to the range and swap lowers. Thay will tell you all you need to know.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

For my "range rifles" I need to do better than 3/4 MOA with commercial ammo. I can build a bolt action that does that but it's a case of "been there, done that" and I want to try something else, hence an AR. I ordered an upper from Palmetto and if it shows promise, I'll either get a decent lower or a nice trigger for the OMNI. I suspect it will be the former as I cannot see me enjoying the current buttstock.

What not put together a nice lower. Go with an inexpensive PSA or Anderson or Aero stripped then add some nice parts.
As for the upper buy a good barrel and handguard and get inexpensive on the rest

 

[Apuesto]

Reading between the lines it seems the poly is crap. I'll get another metal lower an get rid of the poly.

 

[ontarget]

If you decide to assemble your own lower may I suggest Anderson. I have used them on a couple assemblies/builds and have had good luck. I watch for them to go on sale for around $40.00 and buy a few. Finish it off with your choice of parts and a good upper and you are good to go.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Reading between the lines it seems the poly is crap. I'll get another metal lower an get rid of the poly.

Or use the poly until it breaks
Why get rid of something that’s working?

Personally if I were you, I’d just use it for a practice gun. Use it at the range and enjoy it. But know it’s not something to bet the farmon.

 

[rust collector]

To me, a poly lower screams "lightweight handy gun".

In my experience, carry and precision are inversely proportional. I would use the poly lower in a walking sporter configuration, where its light weight would be beneficial and round count would be low. In a bench or range gun, weight is not a big disadvantage, but durability is desirable.