“Get the cheaper lower, they’re all the same”

[DrPhudd]

I have had PWA (sold my last one as it was pre-ban to someone in a ban state) Anderson, Barnes, and completed 80% from at least two different manufacturers. One is every bit as good as another.

Of the two in the OP's photo... How much do they really differ in thickness? The picture makes them look different, how different do they measure? How much of what we are seeing is just radius'd edges?

 

[11B CIB]

I have had PWA (sold my last one as it was pre-ban to someone in a ban state) Anderson, Barnes, and completed 80% from at least two different manufacturers. One is every bit as good as another.

Of the two in the OP's photo... How much do they really differ in thickness? The picture makes them look different, how different do they measure? How much of what we are seeing is just radius'd edges?

FN: .080” Colt: .0995”/.100” wall thickness in vicinity of the trigger pins. Magwell is much thinner also but not as easy to measure in a consistent place due to flaring around the magwell as well as the bump outs for the takedown pin spring etc

 

[Infamous1]

Could different metals contribute to the thickness variations? Higher quality metal allows for less material same strength.

 

[Dave951]

FN: .080” Colt: .0995”/.100” wall thickness in vicinity of the trigger pins. Magwell is much thinner also but not as easy to measure in a consistent place due to flaring around the magwell as well as the bump outs for the takedown pin spring etc

And to touch on the point made just prior, what alloy are these made from? A stronger alloy wouldn't require as much material for nearly identical strength.

 

[11B CIB]

And to touch on the point made just prior, what alloy are these made from? A stronger alloy wouldn't require as much material for nearly identical strength.

And this comes back to the point of knowing what the differences are between “identical” lowers.

 

[B00ger]

The question still stands: Will the lower "perceived" as cheaper last any less length of time than the other? Even seeing two lowers with different widths doesn't tell me anything.

And this comes back to the point of knowing what the differences are between “identical” lowers.

So, what are the differences in these lowers? Width? Weight? Alloy?

 

[Ikarus1]

Let's throw another wrench in this:

I shot a poly lower equipped .300blk pistol at Battery Oaks on Saturday, I think @Goofyfoot2001 owned it..........and it was fine. Felt sturdy, lightweight, and I didn't pop the pin and check out the thickness but I would say it would last at least
as long as any POLYMER framed pistol out there.....

So tell me again about metal thickness again?

 

[B00ger]

And for the record, I am trying not to come across as snarky, I know 11B knows his stuff about the AR platform. But I am really not seeing what is trying to be communicated. Yes, many lowers are created better/worse/different. But based on the ones shown I am not sure what the message is. Thick is better? More finished isn't always the most expensive? Just do research on them all?

 

[11B CIB]

The question still stands: Will the lower "perceived" as cheaper last any less length of time than the other? Even seeing two lowers with different widths doesn't tell me anything.


So, what are the differences in these lowers? Width? Weight? Alloy?

You’re reading too much into the widths themselves. That was to address the point that when people say “they’re all the same, it’s just different by a rollmark” isn’t true, yet newcomers or people who aren’t too familiar with them might easily think otherwise with how often that is said.

The picture was to start the conversation about them NOT being equal. They’re not all the same even if they’re marketed as such.

But all things being equal in terms of material, as I’m fairly certain they’re both 7075 T6 Aluminum, the durability question ends with the user. If you are someone who it matters to, then you are. If you aren’t, you aren’t. It doesn’t take soul searching or a long time to figure out which camp you’re in. It could be because you’re a hard user with a high firing schedule or you could be someone who wants a rifle that will certainly stand the better chance of holding up through the test of time and unforeseen events (we DO have “preppers” here afterall)

Am I the type of person who needs to best quality I can buy? Does an Aimpoint T1 fit the bill or would a PA Micro suffice? They’re roughly the same but have some differences that really stand out when rode hard/put up wet. And again, the most expensive option isn’t always the best, it’s about determining that these parts ARENT equal and what about them distinguishes one from another in a meaningful way.

 

[B00ger]

You’re reading too much into the widths themselves. That was to address the point that when people say “they’re all the same, it’s just different by a rollmark” isn’t true, yet newcomers or people who aren’t too familiar with them might easily think otherwise with how often that is said.

The picture was to start the conversation about them NOT being equal. They’re not all the same even if they’re marketed as such.

But all things being equal in terms of material, as I’m fairly certain they’re both 7075 T6 Aluminum, the durability question ends with the user. If you are someone who it matters to, then you are. If you aren’t, you aren’t. It doesn’t take soul searching to figure it out.

Am I the type of person who needs to best quality I can buy? Does an Aimpoint T1 fit the bill or would a PA Micro suffice? They’re roughly the same but have some differences that really stand out when rode hard/put up wet. And again, the most expensive option isn’t always the best, it’s about determining that these parts ARENT equal and what about them distinguishes one from another in a meaningful way.

Gotcha, with you 100%.

 

[11B CIB]

Gotcha, with you 100%.

I’m really not trying to be condescending so I apologize wholeheartedly if it seems that way

I reworded some stuff because it came off a different way reading it than it sounded in my head

 

[B00ger]

I’m really not trying to be condescending so I apologize wholeheartedly if it seems that way

I reworded some stuff because it came off a different way reading it than it sounded in my head

Nah, yer cool man. Like most things, and you mentioned it above, you have to consider >what< you want out of a piece of equipment. If its going to go to the range for a few rounds once in a while, then one thing is perfect. If you are dropping into Afghanistan, or going to be breaching houses, then another will be better.

My main problem is with two types of shooters...those who buy cheap and argue its "just as good", AND those who only the most expensive because it makes them feel superior. I, personally, buy what makes me happy and what fits the bill.

 

[MikeDawg46L]

OP, I’m with you all the way. No question at all to the point you’re trying to make in this thread. Honestly, can’t beleive that FN would let that roll out.

This why my “cheap” ARs are Aero.