Billet vs forged AR receiver questions

[c1steve]

What is a forged AR lower? Some descriptions appear to indicate it is really a casting.
When I think of forged products, the metal is heated then forced into shape with a hammer forge, drop forge, etc. The result is quite strong.

There also also pressure castings, which I know little about. Are the AR receivers marked as forged really cast receivers? How is the strength?

-Steve

 

[SSG3K]

Re: Billet vs forged AR receiver questions

grain structure.

 

[c1steve]

Re: Billet vs forged AR receiver questions

The forged lowers, how do the do it? Is the aluminum heated, then pressed into place?

-Steve

 

[mstephenson51]

Re: Billet vs forged AR receiver questions

most places these days use the terms totally wrong. Your confusion is totally justified.

Depending on who makes the blanks, theres a couple basic processes used. Some are just a cast part, then critical holes and such are machined. Other ones are a little more "forged" like; the hot alum is shot into the mold, and then a slide compresses it.

The billet ones are easy enough; every face is machined from a solid block of alum.

Alloys are so good these days the only performance differences are in the actual machining and the finishes of each manufacturer. Enjoy!

 

[c1steve]

Re: Billet vs forged AR receiver questions

I did not realize aluminum alloys had improved much, that is interesting. Your second description must be referring to the "melt forged" I have seen.

Still, I would think that pure case aluminum must be significantly weaker than billet or some time of forging.

-s