Hello All:

Does anyone have any strong opinions on wheter forged or CNC Machined Billet is better, assuming quality manufacturers for each?  

Specifically, if you had to get a couple of receivers to last a lifetime, and support multiple uppers, which would you prefer.

Thanks for the help.
SVEN

I would trust either, but prefer forged.


Forging pounds the metal, aligns the structure.

Quoted: I would trust either, but prefer forged. Forging pounds the metal, aligns the structure.

+1

Can't you forge a chunk of metal into a billet, and then CNC that billet for the best of both worlds?  Or am I missing a step some place?

yes, however that adds cost.
Negligible gain for the extra effort.

The only time that is truly worth it is in high load applications such as connecting rods for pistons.

Really, lower receivers can and have been made from some very low strength materials.

There are plastic lowers currently on the market.  

Old Essential Arms lowers were cast from 356-T6 aluminum.


Forging is more cost effective.  Many outside surfaces require no further machine work, and there is less scrap metal to be sold as chips.

Lowers machined from extruded bar stock have similar grain structure and orientation to the forged lowers.  If a billet lower is machined from rolled plate, it too will have good grain orientation - but care must be taken to cut the blank from the plate in the correct orientation before machining.

There are some billet lowers out there that were not machined from 7075 aluminum.  It is easier to cut 6061, and a lot cheaper too.  6061 lowers are not as strong, but are still much stronger than cast aluminum or plastic...


Lem

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