First things first, I’m looking to build an SBR. Being that the serial number is unique to the tax stamp, it cannot be swapped out later for something I like better. That being said, I’m hoping to get in front of the issue and get the right lower in-hand before sending off for the tax stamp and Form 1.
I currently have three AR’s.
Homebuilt A4 type on a Bushmaster (Ilion, NY) stripped lower.
Colt AR6951 9mm
Windham Weaponry MPC
Out of the three, I have noticed that all are very similar in feel, except for one thing, the front edge of the mag well (where you would grip if you use the magwell to grip the gun).
The Bushmaster lowers, which I originally intended to use to build the SBR have a rather harsh edge on the front. Almost no radius whatsoever. Not sharp to the touch, but not exactly comfortable.
The Colt lower has a bit of a radius. A bit more comfortable in the hand, but the Windham is downright enjoyable to hold.
Now, I’m in the market for a new lower. I’d rather find a stripped lower and build from the ground up, but I’m looking for something with an edge radiuses like the Windham, or at least the Colt. I don’t want to be getting into billet lowers or anything needlessly fancy.
Any recommendations on a forged lower with a radiused front edge?
I’m almost tempted to get another Windham MPC but there’s definitely more cost effective options.
Heh heh heh. The shit people think about these days…
The real solution is for you to stop using the magwell as a handguard and start using the handguard as a handguard. Then it won’t matter if your magwell is made out of cut class with Ebola virus because you’ll never touch it.
Seriously - extend your arm out further and you’ll get better control of the rifle during recoil and a more stable shooting platform.
Buying a lower for the magwell hand grip comfort factor is akin to going car shopping, ignoring any other benefits, and choosing one that doesn’t allow cups of soda to slide around when placed on the dashboard.
If you just put the cup in the cup holder you could get any type of vehicle in the world.
All else being the same in a standard forged lower, this is my final criteria. I’m not looking for fancy, I’m looking for functional. No billet, no extra features. Just rounded edges on a magwell.
I’m old school. I don’t want the newest thing out there. I’m happy with a mil-spec (for lack of better terms) lower and that’s what I’m looking for.
As far as hand placement. Yes, I use the handguards as handguards. But I also like options. I’ll use it occasionally because I choose to, not because that’s my only option.
Now who’s got a source of mil-spec lowers with radiused front edges instead of training advice?