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8/9/2011 2:51:29 PM EDT
So I'm getting ready to build a new SBR.  Question is whether to go billet upper/lower combo or forged upper/lower.  I've been told that forged. Is stronger than billet.  But I'm lovin the look of the billet set-up.  What says the hive mind?
8/9/2011 3:08:59 PM EDT
[#1]
It's your money, your rifle, build what you want.

Billet is sweet, looks different than regular forged receivers, would make your SBR  "unique".
8/9/2011 3:09:48 PM EDT
[#2]
If you've got the dough buy a billet.  Larue Tactical Lowers are $215, and oh so sweet.
8/9/2011 9:23:57 PM EDT
[#3]
There are tons of SBR's built with forged receivers, be a little different and build one out of billet. They will cost more but look cool. My first was a 9mm made with standard RRA receivers. My next is a 11.5" in Black Rain Ordnance.  I just wanted something that didn't look like the guys next to me.
8/10/2011 12:29:54 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
So I'm getting ready to build a new SBR.  Question is whether to go billet upper/lower combo or forged upper/lower.  I've been told that forged. Is stronger than billet.  But I'm lovin the look of the billet set-up.  What says the hive mind?


They are both equally strong. TECHNICALLY forged is stronger if you want to be real technical. However it's so little that in the scheme of things it doesn't matter. If you a super duper tier 1 operator then yea you might notice the difference. Billet just allows you to have more options in the look department. It's also more expensive but don't let others tell you how to spend your money.
8/10/2011 1:03:36 AM EDT
[#5]
If cost is not an issue, I think it would be cool to go billet. The ARFCOM store has a cool billet lower
receiver for sale (emblem on the side) that would be nice to go with, but $$$$.

Still, if it makes you happy, don't worry about the $$$$.

kz
8/10/2011 3:02:12 AM EDT
[#6]
forged is stronger than billet, but both are strong enough for an AR
billet is stiffer, so you could have better accuracy with billet (upper)
8/10/2011 6:31:11 AM EDT
[#7]
Here is another thread on the subject I just pulled in like 2 seconds. I see that one guy advocates the billets while many people say its a waste of money.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/355746_.html

MAYBE the two halves could fit together much tighter and not wobble as most commonly do. I use the little urethane/rubber wedge to tighten mine up for like 2$ Evertyhing I have read says it doesnt matter if the two halves wobble though so I'll build with forged and put that 200$ towards a barrel or a rail.
8/10/2011 6:36:42 AM EDT
[#8]
Dangit double posted sorry
8/10/2011 4:02:58 PM EDT
[#9]
I would just caution to be careful with the billet.  If you want to mount things like the BAD lever and other hang on tight devices aournd a forge upper/lower, the billet frame is larger, so some of these things won't work.  Spend some time and Google all the posts of "Crap, this won't fit on my billet  gun".  I do it for some humor at times.  Looks +1 and cool.  Stronger...Who cares...It ain't a polymer lower.  Weight?  Has to be more.  Functionality - ZERO.

Billet is stiffer?  Debatable.  Billet will make the gun shoot straighter or better?  Debatable and definately shooter depandant, and I would have to see it to believe it!  Trigger time makes everything shoot better.

Rob
8/10/2011 5:29:32 PM EDT
[#10]
I say get a vltor mur, then you have the looks of billet withthe strength of forged
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