What do you guys think of the custom Billet Lower I just finished?

[MachIVshooter]

Damn. I didn't mean to start a argument over which Aluminum is stronger or which treating process is better. I just wanted to show the lowers custom design and the workmanship that went into it.

Haha. Sorry 'bout that. It is a nice looking lower (looks like a Seekins), and you did excellent machine work-came out cleaner than what I can usually do on my small manual mill.

It's just in my nature to be a little pedantic, especially when it comes to things being alleged as better-I want to know what exactly it is that's truly better, versus marketing gimmicks.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I think it is kind of ugly, not that it matters.

Questions that matter:

1.Are all machining operations performed in such a manner as to allow proper function?

2.How much weight does it gain over a lower constructed to the "standard" pattern?

3.What tangible advantages does this lower have to offset the weight gain?

Personal opinion taken.

Yes. All operations were performed to very strict standards. How do I know. I saw the manufacturers shop. Saw the process that goes into creating one of these. A lot of time is spent on each unit. To give you an idea, it takes over 5 hours per unit. Commercial lowers take about 30 minutes.

I don't know if you read my prior post but I decided to trust this man more than anyone else I've ever dealt with in the business. He lives about an hour and a half away from me. He offered me a tour of his shop and the process from start to finish. It was a lot more than I ever imagined. I also decided to trust him because I know he worked in Beretta's R&D division for nearly 20 years and he is now contracted by the military. The man has a very good reputation in our area and his work recently and in the past has already been vouched for 1000 times over in our local forums. Sorry but I don't need any more proof than that.

Oh and regarding the weight gain. I don't know anything about weight gain. I can't feel a difference in weight between it and any other lower I've held in the opposite hand. I'll weigh them and report back. Maybe it's a couple ounces heavier but I can't tell with my bare hands.

 

[Danco411]

When it comes to AR lowers both Forged and Billet do the job equally well. I buy Forged for beaters and Billet for bling.

This is a cool lower but it can hardly be total custom when it looks so much like Glenn Seekins design. Looks like it was made with a modified Seekins CNC program.

 

[Superpsy]

...I'm not a fan of the look but chimed in to say I enjoyed the conversation about aluminum types.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I just got off the phone with the creator of this Lower. I wanted to clear some things up in regards to what he said.

First, like I said before. He has an extensive background in military weaponry, worked for and developed weapon systems for Beretta for over 10 years and currently works as a Goverment/Military Contractor.

I asked him exactly what metal was used and how it was treated.

Aircraft Aluminum grade 7075-T7351

If you want them finished and coated instead of plain Billet he uses a Alodine treatment process rather than anodizing. This treating process is in accordance with Military specification MIL-C-5541 Class1A. It is currently used on Aircraft, Naval Ships and Weapon Systems. This creates the gold color you see on the threading where the buffer tube threads into. Here is a link outlining this specification.

http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-C/MIL-C-5541E_2379/


After the Alodine treatment process it is then coated with a Ceramic Powder Coat that is used on everything from Solar Panels, Naval Ships and Weapon Systems.

When it comes to the products design, he said he did not load code or copy any other companies design. If you have any other questions, concerns or are interested in one, you can direct your questions to [email protected]

If you are interested in one, you may want to jump on it quick as these are becoming more popular than he and his partner thought. Red Jacket just contacted him asking for pricing and availability and multiple other dealers have already placed orders.

 

[pintler]

The material would still be more dense than an extrusion, with more uniform molecule alignment. No, you don't get the benefit of grain structure shaped to the finished product, but that's more applicable to steels than aluminum, which is more crystalline.


Our metallurgy texts disagree

 

[redneck2]

I think this is pretty neat. I happen to be kinda short on milling machines right now. Any idea of of the availability, cost and lead time of one that's finished??

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I think this is pretty neat. I happen to be kinda short on milling machines right now. Any idea of of the availability, cost and lead time of one that's finished??

Would you want a finished 80% or a Complete Stripped Lower?

 

[BullfrogKen]

Would you want a finished 80% or a Complete Stripped Lower?

At this stage in the game, beggars can't be choosers.


Are you saying your supplier can offer finished and/or complete lowers, too?

 

[ObsceneJesster]

At this stage in the game, beggars can't be choosers.


Are you saying your supplier can offer finished and/or complete lowers, too?

Yes he can. He can actually offer 3 different set ups which I will list below.

80% bare Billet that you would need to have treated and coated or just coated.

80% Alodined and Ceramic Powder Coated (only available in black with red and white colored selectors for safe and fire). After you mill it, it's ready to go.

Lastly, he also offers these as complete stripped lowers that obviously need to go through an FFL.

Prices in order would be:

$350
$375
$429

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[redneck2]

OK, so if I get an 80% and finish it myself (which I wouldn't), it doesn't have to go thru an FFL??

If so, am I a manufacturer?? How do I get SN's??

 

[madcratebuilder]

The answer to your question would be. These receivers were done right and no corners were cut. Like I said before. You are getting what you pay for. When these lowers were created, they were created to standards set very high and anyone who holds one in person will immediately understand that.

For your information, these lowers are forged from a block of 7075-T7. I hope this elevates any concern you have regarding the workmanship and quality that went into this receiver.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Who is making the die for this forging? Who is forging it? Are you sure it's not just a billet 7075 lower? Every non standard lower I have ever seen is billet, not forged.

Web link?

 

[Sam1911]

OK, so if I get an 80% and finish it myself (which I wouldn't), it doesn't have to go thru an FFL??

That's right.

If so, am I a manufacturer?? How do I get SN's??

You may manufacture any "Title I" firearm for your own use without telling anyone about it, registering it with anyone, or putting a serial number on it.

If you want to put a serial number on it, pick whatever you like.

Are you saying your supplier can offer finished and/or complete lowers, too?

Only if he's a FFL type 07 or type 10 manufacturer, and he ships it to your local FFL dealer. Sounds like that's not the case, otherwise why would he be doing all this work and selling them as 80%?

 

[redneck2]

I did not know that. thx

 

[ObsceneJesster]

That's right.

You may manufacture any "Title I" firearm for your own use without telling anyone about it, registering it with anyone, or putting a serial number on it.

If you want to put a serial number on it, pick whatever you like.

Only if he's a FFL type 07 or type 10 manufacturer, and he ships it to your local FFL dealer. Sounds like that's not the case, otherwise why would he be doing all this work and selling them as 80%?

To answer your question about the manufacturer of these lowers. He does not have a FFL which is why he offers them as 80 like you said. However if you want a complete lower he does have a local guy with his FFL that will finish/complete them and then ship them to your FFL. I hope that clears things up.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ObsceneJesster]

Who is making the die for this forging? Who is forging it? Are you sure it's not just a billet 7075 lower? Every non standard lower I have ever seen is billet, not forged.

Web link?

Yes. I misspoke. I already correct this a couple comments ago but yes they are machined from a block of 7075.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Trueno]

Damn. I didn't mean to start a argument over which Aluminum is stronger or which treating process is better.

You didn't, you simply attracted some nitpickers that wanted to show off their Google skills.


Awesome lower ya got there, you should be very proud.

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