I know that at least one company had made some stainless AR lower receivers. I found one on Gunbroker listed at a ridiculous price. So, I was just wondering why no one has set out to make upper and lower receivers out of SS for the AR. This would renew my interest in this platform.
Why no stainless AR receivers?
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UtopiaTexasG19
New member
What might be the advantage at the higher cost? Would you pay an extra
15k for a stainless steel automobile?
15k for a stainless steel automobile?
Mrgunsngear
New member
While I wouldn't buy one, people would I'm sure. Look at all the people out there that refuse to buy Glocks/XDs/ect... because they're not stainless. You may have a good business idea on your hands....
Weight and cost.
The lower receiver in a AR simply holds the parts together but it does not carry a significant load. The load of combustion is carried between the bolt and the barrel shroud, both of which are a high grade of steel.
Rifles in which the receiver is a load path, like Mausers, FN/FAL's, Garand, etc, their receivers have to be made of steel and it costs more in material and machining.
I don't see any advantage in increasing weight and cost of an item that does not need it, and the corrosion resistance of stainless is not needed.
Backyard mechanics typically pick stainless steel for applications that don't need corrosion resistance. The Jewel trigger is an example, the internal parts are stainless. The stainless Jewel used does not take a deep heat treat or case so the sear surfaces wears quickly. Obviously who ever picked that material should have been thinking tool steel and hardness
The lower receiver in a AR simply holds the parts together but it does not carry a significant load. The load of combustion is carried between the bolt and the barrel shroud, both of which are a high grade of steel.
Rifles in which the receiver is a load path, like Mausers, FN/FAL's, Garand, etc, their receivers have to be made of steel and it costs more in material and machining.
I don't see any advantage in increasing weight and cost of an item that does not need it, and the corrosion resistance of stainless is not needed.
Backyard mechanics typically pick stainless steel for applications that don't need corrosion resistance. The Jewel trigger is an example, the internal parts are stainless. The stainless Jewel used does not take a deep heat treat or case so the sear surfaces wears quickly. Obviously who ever picked that material should have been thinking tool steel and hardness
Mrgunsngear
New member
I agree, but people will buy anything AR!
Palmetto-Pride
New member
Why not make it out of platinum so you can really shoot the cost up for no reason........
UtopiaTexasG19
New member
One purpose of a "black gun" is that it does not reflect light well and call attention to one's location. Stainless steel on the other hand....
There are plenty of examples of stainless steel coated black.....just like what's done with aluminum. Think American made Cetme or RA M-96 (albeit they are stamped receivers).
The extra weight would compare to the extra weight of some of the "bull barrels" out there. Extra strength can't be denied, even if perceived as unnecessary - I sure would want that SS receiver if I were planning on dropping a Lightning Link or RDIAS in it, or even a belt-fed upper. The little bit of extra weight would be a benefit in .308 AR's.
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While the benefits of such an animal do not seem to appeal to the AR purists. The advantages to a person looking to build a bench type or really heavier barrel the extra strength and weight, not to mention the "bling" factor to those who can afford it just offers another endless option.
m&p45acp10+1
New member
I thought it was because it was not black. I think their is a law stating that AR rifles must be black. They have the same saying as Henry Ford. "It comes in any color you want, as long as that color is black."
All kidding aside. You could just bead blast the lower to make it the same finish as stainless steel. If you do not have the blaster, a sandblasting shop would not charge you much to do the job. There are sandblasting shops all over. Most of the work they do is for body shops.
All kidding aside. You could just bead blast the lower to make it the same finish as stainless steel. If you do not have the blaster, a sandblasting shop would not charge you much to do the job. There are sandblasting shops all over. Most of the work they do is for body shops.
cannonfire
New member
There is a market for tiger stripped gold Desert Eagles and $300 billet AR receivers. I think there could be a small market for a SS receiver if nothing else for the cool factor
If memory serves, DPMS did a run of stainless receivers a few years back, I remember the price being significantly more than forged aluminum, but I was looking to increase the weight/mass for a competition AR.
In the end I passed on the stainless, and pretty much so did the rest of the market. I'm sure you can still find them on the used market.
Jimro
In the end I passed on the stainless, and pretty much so did the rest of the market. I'm sure you can still find them on the used market.
Jimro