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AR15.COM
2/28/2012 1:16:56 PM EDT
Anyone familiar with this company out of Louisiana?  I just picked up two stripped lowers with consecutive numbers at a very good price and want some input on the company.  Going to build two rifles, one for me and one for my son.

thanks
2/28/2012 1:39:37 PM EDT
[#1]
I've got an AR that was built on an Essential Arms cast lower over 20 years ago and it's still going strong.
2/28/2012 2:17:02 PM EDT
[#2]
I bought several of their lowers several years ago.  On at least two of them the holes for the rear takedown pins were slightly misaligned, making it impossible to remove the pin without a hammer and punch.  I lightly sanded/polished the rear takedown pins on the affected lowers to get them loose enough to remove without tools.  I know it was a hole problem because those lowers had the issue with multiple uppers that worked fine with other lowers.

Knowing what I know now about component quality, I would stick with components from known "name" manufacturers that have a reputation for rigidly meeting or exceeding specifications, like Colt, LaRue, or Bravo Company (preferred due to cost).
2/28/2012 10:27:28 PM EDT
[#3]
I have two, one I picked up in late '07, maybe early '08, and a  second not long after. They have both been built into complete lowers and I have had zero issues. A friend of mine built one into an SBR and has had no issues.
2/29/2012 1:50:32 AM EDT
[#4]
I have a sub 2000 serial number on my lower. It was one of the early cast ones.  The pins are a bit tight, but the fit to the upper is amazing.  No slop at all.  I have had zero problems.
3/1/2012 6:42:25 AM EDT
[#5]
IIRC, small company in Krotz Springs. Stopped making lowers during the Assault Weapons Ban but
still made/sold alot of other parts. Started up the production of lower receivers after the ban ended.
They're known for having reasonable prices. Friend has a pre-ban lower that is still going strong.
Most people don't shoot their guns enough to wear anything out anyway.
3/1/2012 6:42:55 AM EDT
[#6]
Dupe due to impatience.
3/2/2012 5:08:00 PM EDT
[#7]
Just used an Essential Arms lower and a Rock River parts kit with a Chiappa upper to build a .22lr. Went together easier than any of my others and no problem with it. This is my second Essential Arms lower.
3/8/2012 10:38:17 AM EDT
[#8]
I have built about 8 or 9 ARs using lowers from Essential Arms.  Never had any problems what so ever.

What really impressed me about the company is that about 4 years ago, when AR prices went through the roof and when just about every vendor was gouging the f#@k out of everyone, they didn’t raise their prices.