While the AR-15’s lower receiver underside seems insignificant in basic mechanical performance, it is an important part of your weapon. Its one-piece is considered a “real firearm” and requires that you purchase it to the same standards as a finished firearm. To understand a little more about this weapon component, here are some fundamental basics you should know:
What is the AR-15 lower receiver?
Unlike other parts of the weapon, the lower receiver is more than a separate component. It is the only part of a pistol that counts as a firearm and, for this reason, requires a serial number to be printed on metal. The section is the only detail around which all other aspects of the weapon revolve. The lower receivers are versatile in most situations, allowing the components to be swapped from one AR-15 set to another. The various parts of the lower receiver include protection tubes, switches, pistol grip, and cylinder heads.
How can you get the receiver below?
Often the lower receiver is purchased in conjunction with the upper receiver as a complete shotgun. Many gun enthusiasts are looking for specific customization features. Since everything revolves around this rifle part, you must understand every option for purchasing an ar15 lower receiver, especially if you want to customize your weapon.
What kinds of materials do you use to build the lower floors?
A great thing with the lower receiver is the building materials used in construction. Most of the basses are made with different grades of aluminum. Manufacturers choose this material because it is rust resistant, relatively durable, very flexible to manufacture, and lightweight. Also, if the aluminum is damaged, it is easy to replace it.
However, it is also necessary to consider how the manufacturer creates the lower receiver and the material. Manufacturers often make bottom blocks using one of three methods:
- Cast: The cast bottom receiver is made from a cast mold using cast aluminum. After hardening, remove the lower one from the mold. While this method is useful, it also creates a loose crystalline structure within the aluminum. While it is strong enough to be functional, it is not the most efficient method of creating durable firearms.
- Milled – Manufacturers use a solid aluminum block to make a milled bottom receiver. While gunsmiths mill most of the lower receivers in their design, they only mill some aluminum blanks. The strength of the bar stock determines how reliable the final product will be. In most cases, a ground bottom is stronger than a cast one.
- Forged – Look no further than forged bottoms if you are looking for the most reliable construction. This construction method forms aluminum under pressure by hammering the blanks into molds. It is then crushed, creating a compression of the aluminum’s crystalline structure that remains strong and durable.
