User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 6/10/2003 12:44:55 PM EDT
[#1]
I've got a stripped one I am going to do as soon as I get the parts in. I just put my lightweight 20" upper on it with no pins last night just for fun and it's pretty darn light and looks good (to me at least) with matching furniture on the upper.
The stock does seem a little long. I having a little trouble getting my IOR m2 set up the way I like with it. I think I have to move it back all the way in the rings. The lower comes with some instructions as to some minor stuff you have to be aware of when building on a Cavarms lower. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/10/2003 2:49:59 PM EDT
[#2]
Someone on Assault Web got a couple of these lowers last year...he took one of 'em and sawed it down to regular A2 length, with mixed results. Did you measure the Cav Arms lower to see how long it is?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/10/2003 3:08:30 PM EDT
[#3]
No I will post measurements tomorrow. Treetop here does or did stock shortenings that were top notch from what I heard (he is now a dealer under "Adrenaline Arms" I think selling stuff including Cav Arms stuff).
The new Cavarms receiver will be shorter once it is in production. Although I am not that big (5' 9" or so) I don't mind the fit of the original CavArms lower at all, I just have not gotten the scope set up right so I can use it without moving my head farther forward than I would like. I think I can do it by moving the scope further back in the rings. The new receiver will be in production soon. I think CavArms is waiting on a new FFL since they relocated to a bigger facility is the main holdup. Shouldn't be much longer (particularly since I already bought one of the new ones and am waiting for it [;)]) |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/10/2003 3:34:21 PM EDT
[#4]
I have never used the CavArms stuff before, but when I was checking out AR stuff I went to thier website and something does not sit well with me when I am confronted with a *plastic* lower for an ar-15. I'm sure their light. I'm sure they have good points over 'traditional' lowers. I'm sure they have people that swear by them... but they are still plastic any way ya look at it. Just doesnt seem right, man.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/10/2003 3:52:36 PM EDT
[#5]
They're tougher than aluminum. People have drilled holes in them, run over them etc and they still work. I'd bet they stand up to a lot more than an AR receiver.
I could understand not liking a plastic Garand, but it's an AR man, the plastic fantastic [;)] |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/10/2003 8:39:36 PM EDT
[#6]
This is the lower receiver I built when I attended the Cav Arms armorer's course.
[img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=34[/img] I shoot the hell out of this rifle and it just keeps taking it. It's light and dependable. The plastic it's made of is the same tough stuff as their handguards and it's designed to take a lot of abuse. As far as wear goes, I wouldn't be surprised if the Cav Arms lower outlasts the parts kit. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/11/2003 4:36:04 AM EDT
[#7]
I have two Cav Arms lowers, a black one and a green one. They are light weight and are very comfortable to shoot. I have one of them hooked up with a 16" pencil barrel upper and it is hands down the favorite among my kids and wife to shoot among the 6 ARs that I have. The other is hooked up with a Bushy HBAR upper which has become my target gun.
I will say that one of my recievers split the seam behind the mag well and is back at Cav Arms for repair or replacement. They have a lifetime warranty, so no worries. Cav Arms is coming out with a generation II lower that will be of A2 stock length. Anyone with a Gen I lower can exchange it for a Gen II for $30. I will probably do that with one of mine. Edited to add: Assembly of the Cav lower is only slightly different than a regular lower. They use a couple retaining pins to hold the buffer tube plunger and selector switch that are normaly held by the screw in stock buffer tube. Those pins are included as are instructions. it is pretty simple. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/11/2003 11:50:38 AM EDT
[#8]
I have a CAV-15, which is their original (long) onepiece lower/buttstock/pistol grip sold built up as a rifle. Mine has DMPS flattop upper and mid-weight 16" barrel finished with their proprietary CAV Comp.
I have fired it about 600 rounds is all, but it is flawless so far. The longer stock makes it feel a bit different or maybe it is the much stronger feeling of the lower and buttstock being all one piece. At any rate after you quit thinking about any differences you will find that it works great, the balance is better (with the lighter barrels anyway) and some people who have fired mine say there prefer the longer stock. All the lower parts are standard AR15 parts, so maintenance if ever required should be same as any AR15. As for durability, Calvary Arms brings several of their synthetic lower AR's to the local AR15.com shoots and I have witnessed several full-auto dealer sample CAV-15's being fired thousands of rounds in a day with no problems attributed to the synthetic stocks. If you would like a picture on MY CAV-15 send me an IM mail and I will attach a pic and return it to you. About the only drawback is you cannot use aftermarket buttstocks. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/11/2003 8:27:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks for the info...I think I'll go ahead and grab one of these from Brownell's, along with a DMPS parts kit. My main concern was the non-standard length, but it doesn't look like it's gonna be a problem after hearing what you guys have to say.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/11/2003 8:50:32 PM EDT
[#10]
I like mine. Just be very careful when assembling the lower and follow the direction.
BTW. A complete cav lower is a little heavier than an aluminum lower with collapsible stock and carbine buffer. The new cav lower uses a carbine buffer spring and is said to be ~1.69 lbs (from memory) My lightweight lower is 1.97 lbs. WOW, I can't wait to get the new lower. [img]http://www.hunt101.com/img/047933.jpg[/img] |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/11/2003 9:42:33 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a few CAV-15 lowers that I have built. No problems (aside from springs being lost during assembly).
The selector/safty spring has to be trimmed a few coils. One or two. The trick is to trim 1 coil and put it in w/ the detent. Push the detent down w/ a small screw driver and see how hard it is to push. If it is hard to push flush into the detent hole, trim another coil. Do this till it's "easy" to push down. If you don't cut the coil, you'll never be able to take the safty out OR you'll have a hard time flipping it from SAFE to FIRE. Been there, done that..... With Cav providing different takedown/pivot pins, trimming the springs for that is not an issue now. Use to be. I've been able to assemble a lower with nothing more then a Leatherman Wave tool. Hammer and trigger pins go in easy. Oh, you forgot to list the buffer and spring on your parts list. They don't come w/ a buffer/spring assembly.....or do that(?????) |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/12/2003 5:35:00 AM EDT
[#12]
Oh, you forgot to list the buffer and spring on your parts list. They don't come w/ a buffer/spring assembly.....or do that(?????) You're right, damnit! That'll be another $15 or so...the tube is built in, but I guess I need the spring and buffer...so now I'm heading into the same price range as a complete lower (I can snag another Eagle from Quantica Arms for $225, no FFL since they're local). Of course, the whole purpose of building myself is to allow a slower outflow of $$ hehehehe...but that probably won't happen if I buy all the pieces at once. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/12/2003 5:16:17 PM EDT
[#13]
[img]http://home.nc.rr.com/juanpiedra/cavarms1.jpg[/img]
I like the one I built, they are quite the conversation piece at the range. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/12/2003 5:32:20 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted: something does not sit well with me when I am confronted with a *plastic* lower for an ar-15. but they are still plastic any way ya look at it. Just doesnt seem right, man. You need to expand your horizons Dave! CavArms has a guarantee that kicks ass, I have more that 3 of these and they all are great shooters. Don't knock it till you've tried it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/12/2003 8:16:17 PM EDT
[#15]
Damn, that stock looks f***ing huge! I bet you could cram a cleaning kit and a Volkswagen in that CavArms lower's stock! [:D]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/12/2003 10:16:55 PM EDT
[#16]
They are great lowers. I started out w/ the Cav 15. I love the longer stock and the grip design. You'll be happy if you get one.
Usually parting a lower together cost less money at a time... as in you don't "notice" spending so much. But having each itme shipped in.... it ends up a little more sometimes. But you gain the experiance of building/working on one. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/13/2003 1:38:41 PM EDT
[#17]
I built one. I think it is great. The only complaint I have is that I can't reach the selector without shifting my hand on the pistol grip. If you already own an AR, this is a nice variation. Assembly is no problem at all.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/13/2003 7:31:35 PM EDT
[#18]
Here are mine. I bought the top one during their "blemished" lower sale last year. Basically, the finish is a little uneven in a few places, but it's not very noticeable. Since I'm kinda tall and lanky, I prefer the longer LOP afforded by the CavArms stock. I've got 16" uppers (RRA A3 and DPMS A2) with CavComps on both.
The 'semi-gloss' Colt M4 handguards don't stand out quite as much in person as they do in the pic. I never realized how much light they reflect! [img]http://www.calvert1.com/guns/cava3a.jpg[/img] This is another I picked up in a trade: [img]http://www.calvert1.com/guns/ar15.JPG[/img] |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/15/2003 1:54:10 PM EDT
[#19]
[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=7728[/img]
[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=7729[/img] both of these rifles started out as the full length stock and are now cut down between A1 and A2 length. cruizer |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/15/2003 7:22:15 PM EDT
[#20]
I built a Dissipator on my green Mk1 Cav receiver. With the extra stock length, the barrel looks shorter than its 16"... people have asked if it is illegal or a SBR.
[img]http://www.hunt101.com/img/048825.JPG[/img] |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/16/2003 8:27:26 AM EDT
[#21]
Yeah, it does...I think the full length handguards add to the illusion too.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/22/2003 6:23:53 AM EDT
[#22]
Coyote3: Did you start with a OD green lower, and paint the "receiver" area black, or did you start with black, and paint the stock and grip areas OD? What paint did you use? How did you prep the surface? Any adhesion problems?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/22/2003 6:51:33 AM EDT
[#23]
... Here is my latest CAV15 build. It was my third one built from ground up. They're a great reciever.
... The guys at Cavalry Arms are great to work with as well. [img]http://members.cox.net/stevenaz1/Camo_CAV.jpg[/img] |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/22/2003 8:24:14 AM EDT
[#24]
OUTSTANDING! Tell us how you finished that one?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/22/2003 2:31:21 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted: Coyote3: Did you start with a OD green lower, and paint the "receiver" area black, or did you start with black, and paint the stock and grip areas OD? What paint did you use? How did you prep the surface? Any adhesion problems? A_Free_Man, Starting with a OD lower, I cleaned the surface to be painted, with acetone (available at Home Depot). I then masked off the area with 1" 3M Painter's Masking Tape. That's the green stuff, also available at Home Depot (Part# 2060). I then applied (2) light coats of [url=www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1117&s=3994#3994]Brownells Matte Black Aluma-Hyde II (Part# 083-002-012)[/url]. One can will do a bunch of rifles. Later, I removed the tape after the paint had set up. I've fired thousands of rounds through this rifle and the finish still looks great. The hardest part of this paint job was allowing it to cure fully before putting it into service. That means not even touching it for a week, if possible. I cured mine outside for two weeks before assembling the lower. (PS Your mailbox is full.) [:)] |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/23/2003 8:20:40 AM EDT
[#26]
Coyote3: Thank you for the description and links.
Though it may have sounded like a stupid question, which color did you start with, my thoughts were: (1) Start with black, paint grip and stock green. The lower receiver area is exposed to more oils and solvents, and if the paint was not resistant, would come off due to that. (2) The grip and stock get more contact with hands, bump and scratches, so, start with green and paint the receiver area black. I will be building on an OD lower, and will likely stencil on some black and brown for a camo effect. So, thanks for your answers, most helpful. |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/22/2003 4:42:48 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted: [url]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=7728[/url] [url]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=7729[/url] both of these rifles started out as the full length stock and are now cut down between A1 and A2 length. cruizer cruizer, Are these stocks able to be shortened to the A1 length? Anything to look out for when cutting down? How and what did you use? |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/22/2003 1:00:35 PM EDT
[#28]
dadman,
My cav rifles are the old design. Treetop/AdrenalinArms did the shortening work. It is pretty simple. I don't think he is doing it anymore but I am sure he could line you out on what needs to be done. They feel 1000 times better being cut down. cruizer |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/22/2003 4:44:42 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted: dadman, My cav rifles are the old design. Treetop/AdrenalinArms did the shortening work. It is pretty simple. I don't think he is doing it anymore but I am sure he could line you out on what needs to be done. They feel 1000 times better being cut down. cruizer After reading this topic, and then doing a search, I notice that Cavalry Arms has a MKII lower with a shorter stock that's claimed to be A1 length. Probally no need to cut down now. After seeing the pic of the inside of a first gen Cav Arms lower, I wonder how the buttplate is attached on a cutdown lower. How does the pistol grip feel on the Cav Arms lowers, first gen or MKII? Considering a MKII lower for an AR build. Weight savings, durable, and different. |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/22/2003 5:05:55 PM EDT
[#30]
I haven't seen a new lower in person, I like the old ones better. Until I get to see anew one then my opinion may change.
I beleive there is a epoxy filling in the rear upper and lower portions.It was probably the drilled and tapped for the bolts. I will dig mine out of the safe and see if I can get a pic. I think if you have some basic skills you could do it yourself. Cruizer |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/22/2003 10:33:05 PM EDT
[#31]
Quoted: I haven't seen a new lower in person, I like the old ones better. Until I get to see anew one then my opinion may change. I beleive there is a epoxy filling in the rear upper and lower portions.It was probably the drilled and tapped for the bolts. I will dig mine out of the safe and see if I can get a pic. I think if you have some basic skills you could do it yourself. Cruizer Have a few saws and some JB Weld. If it's cheaper to cut into a MK I, I'll do it! |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/24/2003 4:05:10 PM EDT
[#32]
I have handled a pre production mkII receiver and I like it 100% better. The stock length is shorter and the grip is a bit thinner towards the top which makes it easier to work the selector. I'm going to do the receiver upgrade from my MKI to a MKII. The texture on the MKII is also better in my opinion. I think they have made the necessary improvements over the MKI receiver.
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
