SI Defense AR-15 Lowers
I mentioned before that SI Defense was selling lowers for $50, a helluva deal. They quickly ran out of stock and went on a 6-8 week back order. News of good deals spreads quickly. But you’re probably wondering about quality. Reader Bugs emailed me:
First, thanks for alerting us to their sale. I ordered two. They got to my FFL holder the 6th. He doesn’t check his email often, so it took him about a week to send them a copy of his FFL.
Because of the delay of the FFL, they contacted me. I responded to their email, and got a response back within minutes.
When I placed the order, in the special comments section, I asked them to ship one unfinished if possible. I have the black one, and a bare aluminum one with a much higher serial number. I think it’s going to be my special project. When I look at it, I hear words like “Multicam”, “gas piston”, and “Grendel”.
Their email, response to my email, and shipping the bare lower impressed me. Their customer service seems impressive.
As far as quality goes, I have examined both, and I’m nothing but pleased.
Again, thanks.
That mimics my experience too. They contacted me about getting a copy of the FFL and their customer service was excellent. Mine arrived at my FFL on Friday and I picked them up Saturday. They look like this:
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| From Gun Porn |
Initial inspection shows their excellent quality. The finish is nice and clean. I have a lower parts kit on the way and will be able to evaluate fit and function later. For two lowers that were about $160 to get in the door (factoring in FFL fees, TICS, shipping, etc.), I was impressed. I usually spend that on one.
SI Defense appears to make a good product. But they’re currently out of stock. Will do an update when I get my parts kit in.
January 11th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Uh-oh.. this is how it starts, ya know. First, you buy a couple of lowers “just to keep ‘in case'”, then, well, you might as well install all the parts, ‘cuz a kit isn’t all that expensive.. and then a neat-o upper catches your eye at the show — and before you know it, you need ANOTHER gun safe ‘cuz you’re out of room in the one you have..:)
January 11th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
SI is going to give us dealer pricing on their uppers too. I just did a build for a guy with one from a matched lower/upper set. These are really fantastic, but cost about $450 or so for the matched pair.
January 11th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Also, I got an upper at a local gun store on a lark made by “Next Generation Arms” in Oregon. The thing is the worst pile of crap on the planet. The hole for the trigger guard is not in the right place. The indent for the stock alignment cap is the wrong size (too small), and there is a gap between the lower and upper over 1/16″. Not to mention that you can’t pull the charging handle because the top rear of the receiver is 1/16″ higher than the upper receiver, blocking the handle. What a piece of junk.
The receivers I get from Tactical Machining are far better. They use a proper EDM machine to cut the mag wells, and the fit and finish are outstanding.
Glad you had good luck with SI, they make nice stuff too.
January 11th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Uncle, I’m a DIY kind of guy and, although I am no fan of Mattel bullet wasters, you have piqued my curiosity.