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Posted: 12/16/2010 2:30:46 PM EDT
| Has anyone here built more than one brand of partial lower? If so, what are your observations/recommendations/things-to-look-for? Was there one brand you preferred and if so, why? |
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Man I don't know where they are you would have to search, but there have been a couple threads like this where people gave good input on the different brands.
Personally, I did two Tactical Machining lowers and they were very nice. You can even buy already anodized and dyed lowers from them and when you are done machining you can just paint the inside black. The only thing I didn't like was their jig. The top plates were way out of spec compared to the proper dimensions. IIRC they were almost 0.030" over in some spots. I ended up using the side plates just to hold it in the mill and just cut out the FCG by hand. |
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The Vader Spade 80% thread tacked to this forum has some good info. Also you could probly Im him and ask this question. He has built many 80% lowers. Roger. I hadn't read the whole thing as I will be doing my work with a press and hand tools. I'll be reading the full thread soon, then. T/Y |
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I have done Tactical Machine and Colfax Tactical 80%'ers
The TM ones are Machined nicer and better Anodizing, but has the AR Wobble. The Colfax one is a better fit to my RRA Uppers ( tighter, no play ) no Wobble. No sure which one I prefer more, Maybe the TM for the nicer Maching and Anodizing. I use TM Jigs and the Blue Jig from a guy on Calguns.net I prefer the Blue Jig over the TM, better fit and better for marking the lowers for Cutting. |
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Quoted: I have done Tactical Machine and Colfax Tactical 80%'ers The TM ones are Machined nicer and better Anodizing, but has the AR Wobble. The Colfax one is a better fit to my RRA Uppers ( tighter, no play ) no Wobble. No sure which one I prefer more, Maybe the TM for the nicer Maching and Anodizing. I use TM Jigs and the Blue Jig from a guy on Calguns.net I prefer the Blue Jig over the TM, better fit and better for marking the lowers for Cutting. Did you get the jig from Colfax? I ordered a 80% lower and a jig from Colfax and a few days later a 80% lower from TM (thinking I could use the Colfax jig on the TM lower). Thing is, I noticed that the Colfax lowers have the take down pin well already machined out while the TM lowers don't. Can I still use the Colfax jig on non-Colfax lowers? |
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I have done Tactical Machine and Colfax Tactical 80%'ers The TM ones are Machined nicer and better Anodizing, but has the AR Wobble. The Colfax one is a better fit to my RRA Uppers ( tighter, no play ) no Wobble. No sure which one I prefer more, Maybe the TM for the nicer Maching and Anodizing. I use TM Jigs and the Blue Jig from a guy on Calguns.net I prefer the Blue Jig over the TM, better fit and better for marking the lowers for Cutting. Did you get the jig from Colfax? I ordered a 80% lower and a jig from Colfax and a few days later a 80% lower from TM (thinking I could use the Colfax jig on the TM lower). Thing is, I noticed that the Colfax lowers have the take down pin well already machined out while the TM lowers don't. Can I still use the Colfax jig on non-Colfax lowers? You can use the Colfax Jig for the TM. After the Lower is clamped in the JIg and Vise, just remove the rear Pin, so you don't hit it with the Mill bit. That is what I like about the TM Jig, the Pins are installed in halves into the Jig, so they don't protrude into the Lower. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I have done Tactical Machine and Colfax Tactical 80%'ers The TM ones are Machined nicer and better Anodizing, but has the AR Wobble. The Colfax one is a better fit to my RRA Uppers ( tighter, no play ) no Wobble. No sure which one I prefer more, Maybe the TM for the nicer Maching and Anodizing. I use TM Jigs and the Blue Jig from a guy on Calguns.net I prefer the Blue Jig over the TM, better fit and better for marking the lowers for Cutting. Did you get the jig from Colfax? I ordered a 80% lower and a jig from Colfax and a few days later a 80% lower from TM (thinking I could use the Colfax jig on the TM lower). Thing is, I noticed that the Colfax lowers have the take down pin well already machined out while the TM lowers don't. Can I still use the Colfax jig on non-Colfax lowers? You can use the Colfax Jig for the TM. After the Lower is clamped in the JIg and Vise, just remove the rear Pin, so you don't hit it with the Mill bit. That is what I like about the TM Jig, the Pins are installed in halves into the Jig, so they don't protrude into the Lower. Thanks. Just found out both packages are set to be delivered on the 23rd, just in time for Christmas!  |
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I have finished lowers from;
AR-15 plus (Vida Rica) they were the old style (open pocket) and not that great, I’m not sure what they are selling now but I paid WAY too much at the time. I just checked and I see they still want too much money. Yellow Logic, Great lowers but you pay for the quality, milled from 7075 billet, I’m not sure if they are still making lowers? If money is no object check these out. Quentin Defense very good quality milled from 6061, a little more money but worth it for a special build. Kevin’s lowers, these lowers were way out of spec, when I called him on it he said I was an idiot and would only screw them up anyway. In the end he replaced them, but to this day these lowers have upper fit problems. I just dedicated uppers to them and ground the pins to fit. I would avoid at all cost. Tactical Machining, I have watched their quality improve as they worked out any bugs they had. Probably the best lower for the money, great people with great customer support. Colfax Tactical, These lowers are very nice, a little more money that Tactical Machining, BUT you are supporting a small family business from California. I like that the takedown pocket is done this is the toughest area to get to. They also have a nice hand finish, a little warmer look. Also great people with great customer support. After all the lowers I have built I will continue to support both Tactical Machining, and Colfax Tactical. I think they are the best out there. |
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I too had some problems with spec on kevin lowers.
My .02, I hate roll pins. Yes they're not that bad. But I tinker a lot, trying new parts and what not. Usually, unless you're really determined to build it yourself, I find it's much cheaper and easier to buy a finished product. By the time you ad up costs for tooling, jigs, anodizing, it's expensive. Or you just don't want uncle Sam to know you've got one... Just as good. Very costly if you miss drill or kill a lower too.... Nowadays I just buy the Quentin Defense lowers exclusively. Specifically the QD15 found here: http://quentin-laser.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=184 Roll pin-less design, bolt catch screw!, full auto markings, upper tension screw and no selector stops all for $155. With shipping and FFL ends up being $176. Good luck though! |
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I've done 2 different types from AR15PLUS.com (before the regs changed) and a couple from Tactical Machining. I will be using Tactical Machining for any future 80% needs, and their lowers are only $80, compared to $130+ elsewhere... I really want to use your bufferless design. Does the charging handle reciprocate? |
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Quoted: Quoted: I've done 2 different types from AR15PLUS.com (before the regs changed) and a couple from Tactical Machining. I will be using Tactical Machining for any future 80% needs, and their lowers are only $80, compared to $130+ elsewhere... I really want to use your bufferless design. Does the charging handle reciprocate? No, the handle actually has a catch and the whole handle rocks a couple degrees when you pull back on it to unlatch from the spring tube. |
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I've done 2 different types from AR15PLUS.com (before the regs changed) and a couple from Tactical Machining. I will be using Tactical Machining for any future 80% needs, and their lowers are only $80, compared to $130+ elsewhere... I really want to use your bufferless design. Does the charging handle reciprocate? No, the handle actually has a catch and the whole handle rocks a couple degrees when you pull back on it to unlatch from the spring tube. Hmmmmm. Been looking at it since you posted it a couple of years ago. Might just have to look closer 
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I just looked at the Quentin Lowers, I like the looks. Just ordered another TM, but I think I may give the Quentin a try next time. Does anyone know if the TM Jig will work for the Quentin Lower ? I don't think the TM jig will work with the Quentin Lower because of the flaired mag well. I had to use a CNCguns jig with mine. |
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It looks like the Colfax setup only has one plate. How is the trigger slot milled on the Colfax lowers? The TM jig has a separate plates. Speaking of the Colfax plate; do most people use the drill or mill side. It looks to me that all that drilling would be a PITA and milling would be much easier.
Thanks. |
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Quoted: It looks like the Colfax setup only has one plate. How is the trigger slot milled on the Colfax lowers? The TM jig has a separate plates. Speaking of the Colfax plate; do most people use the drill or mill side. It looks to me that all that drilling would be a PITA and milling would be much easier. Thanks. I just got mine in today, and I was wondering the same thing. Have you watched the DVD yet? |
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