Shield Arms SA-15 Folding Lower Receiver

[MSTN]

These folding lower receivers by Shield Arms have really caught my attention. The design and workmanship are superb, the weight is surprisingly low, and the price is, well, amazing - Especially when you consider a LAW folding adapter costs almost as much and weighs the same WITHOUT a lower receiver.

 

[Tictacticaltimmy]

I have been using them for a few years and really like them. Shorter and MUCH lighter than a LAW setup. You do need to tighten up one of the screws from time to time when it gets wobbly.

 

[MSTN]

Exactly!

You must be referring to the main pivot pin bolt. It does seem to be very sensitive to tension. I'm hoping a dab of Blue Loctite on the threads will prevent it from loosening.

 

[hlee]

I have a “17 design” licensed version of this in 308. (Apparently 17 Design licensed it from Shield- at least that is what the internet says) I’m glad to see that this didn’t die when they closed shop- though my lower is something of an escapee from the island of misfit toys.

 

[MSTN]

I had no idea there was a .308 version!

I've also seen a small block APF marked variant.

 

[Lightness]

These folding lower receivers by Shield Arms have really caught my attention. The design and workmanship are superb, the weight is surprisingly low, and the price is, well, amazing - Especially when you consider a LAW folding adapter costs almost as much and weighs the same WITHOUT a lower receiver.

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Do you recall which anti-walk pins you have in here? They look great - hope to copy your homework for my next build.

 

[LRRPF52]

I had no idea there was a .308 version!

If also seen a small block APF marked variant.

Yup. I’ve seen these at one of my really good LGSs for the past 3-5 years I think.

 

[MSTN]

Fortis anti-walk pins.

 

[camotoe]

Lowers are a work of art.

 

[Lightness]

Fortis anti-walk pins.

Thanks. Do you happen to have a picture of their proprietary buffer on hand? They don't offer an A5 option so I'm also contemplating the difficulty of turning one myself in geissele s42 diameter with weight options. Not too keen to give up buffer adjustability and I could use the extra length of pull.

 

[Tictacticaltimmy]

Thanks. Do you happen to have a picture of their proprietary buffer on hand? They don't offer an A5 option so I'm also contemplating the difficulty of turning one myself in geissele s42 diameter with weight options. Not too keen to give up buffer adjustability and I could use the extra length of pull.

I have two of these lowers, one from 17 designs and one from NFA, both of which are now closed for business. They have been my primary rifle and primary pistol lowers for 3 years or so. They are great, allowing my pistol to fit in a Vertx Gamut with a 10.5" upper, and my rifle to fit in a typical backpacking backpack with a 16" upper. Compared to a LAW folder these are MUCH lighter and I believe about an inch shorter when folded.

Downsides are that there are multiple set screws which will loosen up with use, I suggest checking them about every 6 months if this is on a rifle you will be using frequently. Also the LOP is increased (not a downside to me) and you have to use their proprietary buffer.

17 designs used to make an A5 buffer, which I have in my rifle lower. Unfortunately Shield Arms does not make one, nor any other weight buffers as far as I know. They really need to now that 17 designs is out of business! Honestly the fact they don't is stopping me from picking up a 3rd lower.

 

[Lightness]

I have two of these lowers, one from 17 designs and one from NFA, both of which are now closed for business. They have been my primary rifle and primary pistol lowers for 3 years or so. They are great, allowing my pistol to fit in a Vertx Gamut with a 10.5" upper, and my rifle to fit in a typical backpacking backpack with a 16" upper. Compared to a LAW folder these are MUCH lighter and I believe about an inch shorter when folded.

Downsides are that there are multiple set screws which will loosen up with use, I suggest checking them about every 6 months if this is on a rifle you will be using frequently. Also the LOP is increased (not a downside to me) and you have to use their proprietary buffer.

17 designs used to make an A5 buffer, which I have in my rifle lower. Unfortunately Shield Arms does not make one, nor any other weight buffers as far as I know. They really need to now that 17 designs is out of business! Honestly the fact they don't is stopping me from picking up a 3rd lower.

Low viz fit in a backpacking pack is the goal with my 16" arc. I wasn't aware that there was a 17d rifle length buffer option, but relieved it's not incompatible with the system. Shame they're out of business. Is there any chance you'd be able to pull it out of your rifle and share some photos or measurements? Fabricating one of these myself seems doable - A5 is worth the time and effort.