ATI is selling Polymer AR's for about $360 online and the consumer ratings are really good, but for just $140 more for the Ruger or Smith entry models will probably my first AR.
What you really have to watch for on polymer lowers is the metal insert for the buffer tube. Many of them are made of zinc which is very soft and not made for abuse. Not a problem for most shooters, but, for instance, if you shoot steel cased ammo and get a case stuck. You cant mortar (slam it on its butt) to try to get the case unstuck. ATI used to use zinc but I dont know if they still are or not
I have a new frontier poly lower. Wanted for a lightweight.22AR that the grandkids could handle.
It worked just fine.
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It worked just fine.
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Didn't read all the feedback so someone may have said it already, but pick yourself up a cheap set of anti-walk pins. The steel pins will slowly rotate in the plastic receiver and open up the holes, making the gun useless. These pins are cheap and prevent that from happening.
A plinker for a child, (8 yr old girl) the oldest my wife and I have in our house is where I was going with this question. I have a Ruger AR-556 and the only problem she has with it is the weight. The adjustable stock brings the LOP down to her size just fine. So I was considering a faxon 14.5” pinned and welded pencil barrel, and thought “while I’m looking for lightweight parts I may as well see where else weight can be saved that’s still within my means.” Then I remembered the polymer lowers, still not sure about an upper out of polymer, and figured I’d ask. So OSA, what say you? Is a polymer lower AR durable enough to teach a child fundamentals of marksmanship/how to defend herself with a rifle? I’ve heard/read that TN Arms uses marine grade brass for their buffer tube thread insert.
IMHO yes.
I was thinking so. Thank you all for your suggestions and comments.
@APH Tactical I’ll definitely look into those anti walk pins.
@APH Tactical I’ll definitely look into those anti walk pins.
That lower is only 1.3 oz lighter than a standard milspec complete lower so your daughter is not going to notice the difference, in just the lower itself. Any perceived drop in weight is going to be the total package. Light barrel, poly upper and light weight BCG as well.
I would be more inclined to do a LW upper since a regular weight lower is rarely an issue because the weight is in the back end.
This is a valid point. However, I’m still not too sure what I think of polymer uppers, given that the upper around the barrel extension is where all the pressure occurs with every round fired. I figured if I could save a pound or two by building with a pencil barrel, polymer lower, lightweight rail, and giving her only iron sights then I might be just about where she needs it to be. Furthermore, using the Ruger take off parts such as furniture, gives me an excuse to buy more for mine.
Well yeah. With anything there is give and take. If youre teaching her fundamentals, a poly upper will be fine. Especially the newer types and a few of them are pretty rugged. I still wouldn't go dumping fun sticks through them.
Even the extreme light weight uppers are marginally lighter by themselves. Like I said, its the total package. Besides the barrel, the BCG is where you can really shave weight. There are also now some extreme light weight poly hand guards out now.
Another thing to consider is her cheek weld. Her little 8yo head probably isn't going to line up with normal AR line of sight. Might want to consider Troy micro BUIS.
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