SOTA ARMS Uppers and New Frontier Lowers

[Axelion]

I recently purchased two New Frontier lowers (complete) for $99 each and have been searching for an inexpensive lowers. I researched all the name brands and narrowed it down to two local companies, Sota Arms and Red X Arms, both of these companies are in MN. I searched for information on both of them and found positive and negative info. It seems that both have issues with emailing potential or current customers. I tested the waters and sure enough, it took them awhile to respond to my inquiry. I decided to purchase two of the chrome lined uppers in 5.56 NATO from Sota Arms, http://sotaarms.com/component/jshopping ... 9?Itemid=0, for $419 each including the bolt control group.

I read negative reviews on their lengthy shipping process but i discounted most of those because it states on their site that it takes "generally 2-4 weeks". Shipping was included in their pricing. I placed the order on 30 July, right before leaving for two weeks annual training, and it was delivered on 16 August two days before I got home. I have nothing bad to say about this part of the deal/service because it was within their stated time frame.

I was excited to open the two boxes when ingot home and i was not disappointed, they looked great. The first thing I did was attach them to my lowers to see how they fit and as advertised by New Frontier they snapped together just fine. Next, I took them apart to inspect the BCG, upper receiver, and barrel. I oiled said parts and bore cleaned the barrel. I did not see any defects. I put everything back together and tried my new Pmags. They snapped in and was a tight fit. Now I needed to shoot them!

Last Sunday I brought them, and my 15 year old son, to Beaverbrook with Wolf ammo in .223 (I didn't have anything else). They both hated the steel case Wolf ammo or at least I was hoping that was the reason for them jamming. On Monday I stopped at Fleet Farm and purchased 1,000 rounds of Federal brass 5.56 (I know that was a gamble not knowing how they would shoot) and took them back to the range yesterday. The first fired flawlessly and that put a smile on my face. I grabbed he second one and it started shooting fine for the first few rounds and then it started acting up. It would fire he first round and eject the casing but wouldn't fire the second. I was frustrated so I removed both uppers and swapped the lowers. They both shot flawlessly about 20 rounds each. I swapped the lowers again and proceeded to run 30 more round through each and had zero problems. I know the ammo made the difference in how they functioned so I will stick with brass and leave the steel case for my Saiga.

Next, I will test for accuracy this Saturday. If anyone wants to join me, I will be at Beaverbrook at time TBD.

I know I could have purchased something more expensive but why would I do that with poly lowers? I will see how accurate these $535 complete AR-15 rifles are this weekend.

Richard

[rockcreek]

Gotta like that for $100 less than your most basic off the shelf AR. I am curious how they are accuracy wise. Do you know what barrel manufacturer they are using?

[Axelion]

Rockcreek, I purchased the lowers from you several months ago. I plan on shooting them this weekend for accuracy. You will have to contact them about the barrels . I really like the look and feel of them. If you want to see or shoot them I will be at Beaverbrook on Saturday.

[Anokamnman]

I have the sane set up. Only difference is I got the stainless barrel. its pretty accurate. I an happy with my cheap rifle. You will like it.

Keep an eye on your gas rings. My bolt chews them up and spits them out. This is the second bolt I have gotten from them with this problem. Still shoots great.

[Axelion]

Anokamnman,

Do you work/own a gunsmith store?

[Anokamnman]

No, I don't work or own a gunsmith store.

Wish I did. Lol. Maybe someday I will.