07-11-2012, 01:07 AM
Rick,
I Have a forged upper with a 24" SS Bull Barrel, the barrel weighs about 5 lbs alone, and a plastic lower with a plastic trigger group, and the A2 stock that came with the J&T kit. The round count for this rifle is quickly approaching 2000 rounds. That being said, I think that people tend to underestimate new technologies and advancements in manufacturing practices. But after having an Alexander Arms side charging billet upper in my hands, and comparing it (side by side) to a forged upper I would completely agree with anyone recommending the use of a billet upper for a custom built rifle with a long heavy barrel. They have a lot more beef in the areas that seem to matter.
As for the lower, I am still absolutely happy with my PlumCrazy polymer lower. If you have the chance to visit a local gun shop and they sell polymer lowers, ask the guy behind the counter to mate a poly lower to a forged or billet upper, you will be very surprised at how tight the fit is.
+1 to a tight fitting upper\lower, regardless of the path you choose.
I Have a forged upper with a 24" SS Bull Barrel, the barrel weighs about 5 lbs alone, and a plastic lower with a plastic trigger group, and the A2 stock that came with the J&T kit. The round count for this rifle is quickly approaching 2000 rounds. That being said, I think that people tend to underestimate new technologies and advancements in manufacturing practices. But after having an Alexander Arms side charging billet upper in my hands, and comparing it (side by side) to a forged upper I would completely agree with anyone recommending the use of a billet upper for a custom built rifle with a long heavy barrel. They have a lot more beef in the areas that seem to matter.
As for the lower, I am still absolutely happy with my PlumCrazy polymer lower. If you have the chance to visit a local gun shop and they sell polymer lowers, ask the guy behind the counter to mate a poly lower to a forged or billet upper, you will be very surprised at how tight the fit is.
+1 to a tight fitting upper\lower, regardless of the path you choose.