Polymer 80 build and Review

[Tidewater_Kid]

I went ahead and ordered a couple of the Polymer 80 lowers when Midway had them on sale.

Build went fine and everything went together as expected. I like my build, but has a few issues the first time out. Brought it back home and managed to figure it out. I would say that while these are cool as a project, I would just get a factory lower if I had it to do again. I don't quite trust these. I learned a lot from this and how all the parts interact. Great learning experience, but not something I would trust to shoot much.

I ordered a Anderson lower from a LGS and it should be here in a week. When it arrives, I will move my parts over.

It's nice to look at and works 100%. We put about 100 rounds through it today and had no issues.

 

[Tidewater_Kid]

So... any comments on the old school look?

It's a Del-ton 20" 1in9 government profile upper and a UTG A2 buttstock.

I wanted something that looked like a retro rifle.

 

[g.willikers]

Old School?
Looks normal to me.
Like you say, polymer lowers are just fine for the owners who rarely will use their rifles.
When it comes right down to it, that's probably a substantial percentage of AR owners.

 

[smee78]

It looks like it came out good. Congrats on the build, I have watched a few videos of the poly80 being finished, I like the Glock builds also.

 

[Tidewater_Kid]

Thanks!

g.willikers,

That's exactly why I decided to change it out for a Anderson lower. I don't think the Polymer 80 lower will last long and I didn't want to worry about it. So far it looks fine, but I only have about 120 rounds through it.

The Del-ton upper seems to have good potential and I want to shot it often.

TK

 

[Truckeic]

I have built 6 of these and no issues. The company will warranty if anything were to break. The new 150 Gen 2 lowers seem very strong.

 

[Tidewater_Kid]

Truckeic,

I think the Polymer 80 lower is strong too. My issues were with the hammer and trigger holes being slightly over-sized. It's almost like the included drill bit was one size too large. It allows too must side to side movement which I'm afraid will only get worse over time.

I purchased a Anderson lower today and installed a Anderson LPK and I'm very happy with the results. I kept the Polymer 80 lower complete so I will try it some more. Time will tell.

TK

 

[Truckeic]

I do agree Tidewater, I have been using the captive pins and hope that will work. But, I have not shot mine that much...keep us informed if you have any issues.

Thanks

 

[peggysue]

I have a 80% poly lowers from the days when they were bi-color. I made one with a dremel and file. Still have a 2 80% yet.. Kind of neat to have a ghost gun AK receiver. Andersons are cheaper now days. Built a few guns with Anderson lowers. Now working on a Spikes Jack (skull) only $300 $ really cool.

 

[Tidewater_Kid]

Peggysue,

That's a nice looking AR. How long ago did you build it?

I built the Anderson lower Saturday and tried it out at the range yesterday. Put 120 rounds through it. I'm happy. Still need to work on the sights. Still off some.

A couple of new pictures with the Anderson Lower.

 

[peggysue]

Here is one of the EP Armory's 80% unfinished..2014 with a Harden Arms upper.

Nice retro you made.