MAG Tactical alloy lowers...thoughts on these?

[SilentStalker]

So, I have been wanting to get a lower for SBRing here lately and I came across a deal on some MAG Tactical lower receivers. The problem is I have never heard of them. They looked nice but as I started researching them I have found out they are made of some sort of magnesium alloy which is lighter than aluminum. Sounds nice not that I think ARs are really heavy but hey why not make one lighter. The problem is I have found a few threads where people felt like these specific lowers did not handle kabooms well and that they thought the alloy used wasn't up for the job. Not sure that this is a huge concern considering most of it should be contained within the upper so as long as its built good then you should be good. However, I then ran across some threads where people had there receivers break around the area where the buffer tube screws in which again makes me question how good these lowers are. Then there is the fact that they are not anodized and they scratch easy. So anyways I am looking for some thoughts and recommendations on this. Anyone that can help out here or give feedback would be most appreciated.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I have handled them in person and they are indeed lighter. Just not light enough for me to justify being a guinea pig.

Are the ones you're looking at bare or do they have some other coating besides anno?

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[taliv]

i saw a thread saying engraving would be a problem. no idea why

 

[SilentStalker]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think they are just cerakoted from the factory, not anodized which to me could be a problem depending on what kind if alloy they are using. That's part of the problem they aren't telling anyone what it is which makes me a little worried. I have also read that the walls are super thin. I mean a lower doesn't usually involve a lot of stress but I want it to be able to handle some abuse since I am SBRing it and it will most likely be mine for life. I would also hate to go through all of the paperwork and all on this only to have it just where the buffer tube goes in or something. So, I am not sure I am going to do it or not either. There just isn't much info out there about them.

As far as the engraving goes I planned on having it recoated anyways so I am not sure if that is a problem more than a nuisance but is suppose there may be some kind of problem with engraving them that I am unaware of. Needless to say, the guy I was going to buy from may be mad but I am not sure I am willing to take the chance on this one.

 

[Jackal]

I heard that they are made of magnesium alloy, the same stuff used in all those $50-100 saturday night special handguns. I'm skeptical. I have had motorcycles with magnesium parts and they are just too brittle.

 

[fletcher]

Magnesium parts are hard to do right. They give us trouble with corrosion even when "properly" protected. Their paint/coating should help, but I would not be surprised if pitting eventually shows up on mating surfaces or areas which are frequently handled.

Unless the design margin is real tight, I can't imagine any reason why engraving would be a problem.

 

[henschman]

I'd try one on a plinker, but definitely not a SBR.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

If the anodizing is what worries you, I would look morr into what kind of coating they are using. Some Mil-Spec Ceramic Powder Coats can actually create a surface area stronger than Anodizing.

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[itsa pain]

if it says it is tactical it has to be the best lol

 

[briansmithwins]

I wouldn't try and save a few ounces with untried alloy on a SBR.

BSW