I like billet for the straightness. Had a few forged uppers with a slight twist to them, couldn't tell it until a piggy back rail or long scope was mounted.
You just never know what you get with casting. It could have a void or fracture, and even if it doesn't it is still more prone to breakage and generally less precise.
I definitely agree on 7075 over 6061.
faawrenchbndr wrote: There are a lot of billet receivers out there being machines from 6061.
Make sure you are getting 7075.
The 6061 is easier to machine and is a cheaper billet to purchase. It is on par, strength wise, with a GOOD casting.
Last year I shelled out $500 for an Olympic Arms Plinker Plus, which I think used to be a real bargain in 5.56 rifles, despite some negative comments on some forums. I did some checking, and low and behold it's reciever is made of 7075! I have come to the conclusion in this day and age its not the price you pay, and a little research and having sources like Lebben to ask questions of can save you a lot of time , money, and headaches, when it comes to making decisions about what to get. The only thing I wish about that Plinker, is that it was an Armalite! Maybe the next one.
faawrenchbndr wrote: There are a lot of billet receivers out there being machines from 6061.
Make sure you are getting 7075.
The 6061 is easier to machine and is a cheaper billet to purchase. It is on par, strength wise, with a GOOD casting.
Last year I shelled out $500 for an Olympic Arms Plinker Plus, which I think used to be a real bargain in 5.56 rifles, despite some negative comments on some forums. I did some checking, and low and behold it's reciever is made of 7075! I have come to the conclusion in this day and age its not the price you pay, and a little research and having sources like Lebben to ask questions of can save you a lot of time , money, and headaches, when it comes to making decisions about what to get. The only thing I wish about that Plinker, is that it was an Armalite! Maybe the next one.
My Nephew got a Plinker for Christmas this year. There hasn't been enough ammo to give it a real fair shake yet but so far so good. He has a Tru-Glo red/green dot and was keeping his 3 shot groups under 4 MOA at 100 yards, not ArmaLite standards but for the money it should work. I'm betting groups will improve if we mount a regular scope. The rifle was inexpensive but I didn't find many shortcuts taken on the fit and finish. Looks like they saved most of the money on the stock and fore grip but then the Nephew is already scouring the web looking at all his options to replace the standard stuff anyway.
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