I was browsing through the lates Shotgun news and ran across an ad for EA arms. I thought they went out of business? New company?
Well, they are selling stripped lowers for 67.00 ea. doesnt say forged or cast.
Does anyone have one of there lowers, are they quality?
I frigured Id buy a couple for when the AWB ends.
Just what I need more projects
Thanks
Z

essential arms, left and right. Couldn't help it

the new Essential Arms is run buy the same guy who ran it before.

fortunately for me, that means that EA will replace my broken lower for free after the AWb sunsets!

i'm prety sure the new lowers are still cast, just like my old, broken lower.

did i mention i broke my EA lower?

can you read between the lines?

EA makes decent lowers. Personally I have two. Both at just fine for my needs. The lowers are investment cast. Which is a process that is used to make gun parts more than you might think. My understanding is that these parts are slightly weeker than say a forged part, however as long as you aren't planning on taking on the world or altleast a small army with you AR. Basically if you take care of the gun...don't drop it to concrete or try using the gun as a hammer you will be fine. Not to forget...they want something like 60 bucks for a lower....you get what you pay for....if you are really worried spend the extra forty bucks and get a forged lower for another manufacturer...IMHO

Talked to Bob Johnson on the phone three weeks ago.

He has the lowers in the old gray color, appx same color as the dry moly on USGI mags, which was the original M16 color.  He can put a finish (Norrell's, Gunkote, whatever?) to match black uppers, but there are no gray uppers available to match the gray lowers.  Did not ask him what the cost of coating them black.

Their lowers are investment cast, by Ruger's casting division.  Forged lowers in the future.  Also steel.

Essential Arms Co.
P.O.Box 121
Krotz Springs, La. 70750

tel. 337-945-0185
fax. 337-566-0068

I used to own an Essential Arms lower, and it was well made, and functioned well.  I have seen a number of EA lowers on LEO rifles, and have never seen a malfunction due to the lower.  Due to the extremely low price, these lowers attracted many bottom dollar builders, and underpaid LEO's on budgets. Many bought M16 kits of used/abused parts that used to be available for $250 or so, and slapped it all on an EA lower.  So, some of the EA rifles you see are pretty rough looking, and might have problems, due to the parts, not the lower.  You could just as easily find a nice AR15 built on an EA lower.

There is no such thing as a factory built Essential Arms rifle.  All EA's are parts guns.

They work and work well, all critical dimensions are correct.  I would not hesitate to buy another.

Fixer,
What were the circumstances invloved with your break? Extended fire, dropped, run over with truck?

I just got off the phone with them and they said that they make their lowers with about .020" extra in the side wall on each side for extra strength. They said that they will be offering a forged around the first of the year for a price fairly close to the $67.

Usually one gets what they pay for but it could be that they are just trying to get some extra attention and coverage being as they are reopening for business.

I think I'll be trying a couple.

William

Quoted: essential arms, left and right. Couldn't help it

Don't feel bad, I was thinking the same thing.

I have a mid-80's J-15 cast lower by Essential Arms;  assembled w/ all early GI parts, incl.  slab side pencil barrel, prong FH upper. It has about 5,000 rds. of LC 71 thru it w/o any problem, or sign of wear. Lower has an unfinished look to it!  I have anti-walk pins in it, but they've been there so long, I can't remember why!  I think they were the "new, cool thing" when it was originally assembled.  Its never been thoroughly cleaned, and never had a single malfunction (ever,honest).  Lots of LSA, and 19rd, metal follower, mags.  

would their lower match an m16a1 upper receiver? I bought an A1 parts kit and built it on a black teflon lower and it looks dumb

You have the old gray color upper?  If so, it will probablymatch.

I have never had a problem with my preban either, If they are coming out with a forged model, I would like to have one of those also, does anyone know if they have a website up yet, I did a google and didnt come up with anything, thanks

No website, and it is basically a one man operation now.