review update
This is an update to an earlier review; I got a spikes tactical 308 carbine buffer tube for this at a length of 7 7/8, the extra 5/8 of an inch was enough to allow the bolt hold open to function properly and I am quite pleased with my new build, I didn't have any other problems but I would like to mention that in the description it says the it comes with an upper take up screw, it didn't, and there is no threaded hole for one either my upper is good and snug though.
nice lower for the money, but one of the reviewers above is absolutely right, a mill spec tube will not work
A friend bought one of these a while back and I borrowed it and put a BCA 308 upper with a 22 inch light weight fluted barrel on it (dpms patten) and it fit perfectly, it cycled the rounds just fine so i decided to get one for myself, however the review above is absolutely right a mill spec tube is not long enough for the supplied buffer , it will bottom out about a 1/2 inch short of engaging the bolt hold open!
so, if you want the bolt hold open to work you will need to get a longer tube such as a A2 rifle tube, I just ordered a Spikes tactical ar 10 carbine tube that is supposed to be 5/8 of an inch longer @ 7 7/8 so will see how that works out!!
You cannot use a carbine buffer with this lower, you MUST use a A2 rifle buffer!
After alot of tinkering (yes, you will need to do some doin' to the bolt catch) I got her running well. The propriety buffer will protrude too much in the firearm precluding the bolt from locking open. You MUST use a rifle A2 buffer tube, please trust me on this. It will be one of the most frustrating builds you ever do but I'm still glad I saw it through.
Nice lower with some help.
The concept is great, the execution is good but not great. I had to modify the bolt catch spring but a complete strike industries LPK went it fairly easy. The "matching" 17 Design upper fit is Okay at best, it's one of the sloppiest fitting receiver combinations I have. A set of JP ent. oversized pins fixed most of the slop. Otherwise I'm very happy with the integrated folder!
Great idea, but inadequate execution...
I bought this on the 308 sale (on 3-08). I also ordered the 17 Design upper receiver knowing that there is no "mil-spec" for AR-10's. My thought was getting both components from the same manufacturer would guarantee that they match. Not so! The upper and lower are completely different colors. On Brownell’s website under finish, it just says "matte." Sooo, the "deal" is not so good because I will have to Cerakote the receivers so they do match. Second (and worse) I tried to show in the attached picture that the machining doesn't match up. The metal is higher or lower in different spots and there are various gaps where the light passes through... I decided to give the lower 4 stars because it is a great concept. I am giving the upper 3 stars. I don't know which is out of alignment (maybe both), but I'm hoping it will function well. Otherwise, I will change my review.
AR-308 Folding Lower
Most standard parts fit, added Bear Creek Armory complete upper. I was under the impression that you could not fire with stock folded, but couldn't see how. BCG locked forward but if charged with a round in the chamber the hammer still drops. This could cause serious injury or death! Never fold stock with round in the chamber, (I did it dry-fire to test).
Came blemished
Looks really cool but havent assembled it yet, I seen previous reviews and seeing they are having issues installing the bolt catch. Unfortunately my lower came a bit banged up and some parts of the finish was chipped.
Issues with Aero M5 LPK
The folding mechanism seems robust, but a standard Aero Precision M5 LPK Bolt Catch doesn't fit the lower. The channel that the bolt catch rests in isn't cut long enough for the bolt catch to engage the bolt catch pin. Even without the spring and detent installed, the end of the bolt catch presses against the end of the channel and doesn't line up with the bolt catches pin hole. This seems like something that should have been caught way before this product was brought to market.
Missed the mark but i am going to Dremel it
The magwell is out of spec. That’s my biggest gripe and the one thing i can’t just change parts to fix. They should have said that you should use some of an AR15 lower parts kit to complete this. You need .308 pivot and take down pins but the bolt catch should be an ar15 as well as the mag release button. The buffer is too long to work with a standard carbine tube, needs the 8 position or a rifle length tube.
flawed
Had to dremel the bolt catch so it would fit. Buffer retainer is not spring loaded but a set screw
