Billet vs forged

[Daleo8803]

Is there any real advantage from one to the other? I'm researching parts for my next build and can't make up my mind. I can get a Anderson stripped lower for $75 local. If I order say a Spartan billet lower it's going to be more than twice that. Thoughts? Advice?

This will be my SHTF / beat around rifle. I want it to be resilient.

 

[Zedhound]

Andersons are like 30 bucks online this weekend. Usually can be had at shops for like 60 otd

I doubt you would do anything to break a forged Anderson lower.

 

[df0101]

I believe most people buy billet lower for aesthetic reasons. Other than a few small installation differences (threaded bolt catch pin, set screw to retain the rear take down pin springs), they function the same as forged lowers. I bought a billet lower with the threaded bolt catch pin because I need to take the bolt catch out from time to time.

 

[Climberman]

Is there any real advantage from one to the other? I'm researching parts for my next build and can't make up my mind. I can get a Anderson stripped lower for $75 local. If I order say a Spartan billet lower it's going to be more than twice that. Thoughts? Advice?

This will be my SHTF / beat around rifle. I want it to be resilient.

75 is robbery currently for an Anderson. Get a forged lower.

 

[JBoyette]

75 is robbery currently for an Anderson. Get a forged lower.

No it's not, it's the cost of buying in 2016....

Billet is a way for a manufacturer to make parts with unique lines and design.

A billet anything is weaker per PSI then anything forged for the same level of mesurment.

Psi matters in firearms.

 

[Daleo8803]

No it's not, it's the cost of buying in 2016....

Billet is a way for a manufacturer to make parts with unique lines and design.

A billet anything is weaker per PSI then anything forged for the same level of mesurment.

Psi matters in firearms.

Makes sense. Looks like I'm getting a normal forged lower.

Thanks guys.

 

[NCFubar]

Typically a billet lower will weigh more unless you get one that has cuts milled in it to reduce weight. I did one build with a billet upper and lower ... it looked nice, fitted well and shot the same as a forged build. The guy I swap itbto loves it but with the 18" SS heavy barrel it weighed 2lbs more than itvshould have.

 

[Short Fuse]

The forged lower is stronger in most cases but not all. The billet lowers can be made stronger but to do it will require added material which translates to added weight. The lowers do not have a lot of stress put on them anyhow by your average joe. The only lowers I have ever seen fail did so while being assembled by people that had not built one before or from a reloaders mistake. To be honest I do not think it matters for most people.