Today, I am going to be reviewing the New Frontier Armory Polymer AR15 Complete Lower Receiver.
Before we talk about anything, I’m telling you right now; I’m not a master gunsmith. My job and life aren’t firearms. I’m not a professional gunfighter. I like to express my 2nd Amendment, and I enjoy firearms designed for both hunting and anti-tyrannical actions. With all of that said, I don’t want to hear any comments about how I didn’t mention how the buffer tube is actually 0.91lbs stronger than it’s supposed to be. I’m giving you a real-world review on a firearm, and that’s it.
You will also that the lower is dirty in my pictures. That’s because I use this firearm! It doesn’t sit in my safe to not be used.
Let’s Begin
Initial Thoughts
You’re probably like I was when I first bought this lower; do I really want a polymer (plastic) receiver? Who the heck is Frontier Arms? Is this actually going to be a quality complete lower?
I went through the ordering process and purchased the lower from Joe Bob Outfitters. I found that they had the best price I could find (this was in 2016).
Upon receiving it, it seemed good quality. It was LIGHT. I mean very light, but I suppose that’s what you get with a polymer receiver. Prior to this, I literally had never put my hands on a polymer receiver.
Which brings me to my next point; why even buy a polymer receiver? Why wouldn’t I just buy steel?
First, I wanted a well-rounded receiver that wasn’t going to rust when exposed to conditions. The rifle I was building was going to multitask for home defense and close-range hunting. Obviously, when you’re hunting you never really know what conditions you’re going to run into, and I’m not the kind of person to hide from the rain.
I wanted a lower that would be light for extended carry in the field, along with durability. I didn’t want to be afraid of throwing this thing on a rock for a rest. I needed something tough, and I figured I would try the durability of a polymer. With that said, was a polymer better in those mentioned categories compared to an aluminum lower? Um, I mean, I think it’s questionable, other than the weight and rust.
So, I found New Frontier and they had their complete lower for a good price (relatively speaking). The complete lower was only $119.00 – this is the real reason I bought this lower. During that time (election year), most lowers were hard to find. Any aluminum lower less than $200 was sold out, which is why eventually settled on the polymer.
Use
I have this lower for about 4 years, though about a straight year of that time was in straight storage. With that said, I have put 3,000-5,000 rounds through the firearm – not a ton, but also a decent amount. I have definitely learned the ins and outs of the lower and think I have enough experience with it to write a solid review.
Compatibility
The specs of the lower are pretty solid. I know there are some lowers out there that you can’t put an upper on because the pins are off, but this lower doesn’t have that problem.
I will say that magazines fit a little bit loose for my liking, but not as if they are going to fall out. They just have a little bit of play when they are seated.
Also, the safety selector has a little bit of undesired play but, once again, it has never been a problem.
The stock is a standard mil-spec stock. Nothing special.
The grip is also a mil-spec grip, which I really don’t like. I replaced it with a Magpul MOE-K2+ Grip on it and it’s loose! I have tightened this thing down but I’m afraid to break the plastic. It’s not as if it’s too loose to use, but it’s noticeable. Was this an install error? I mean, I don’t really think so. It just seems like the mount that secures the screw to the grip isn’t very strong, which could be concerning.
The mag release works just fine along with the bolt release.
Trigger
Guys, the trigger on this thing is actually pretty nice, which is why I gave it it’s own section here. It’s crisp, has very little play, and has a nice, short reset.
My brother, who’s an officer and trains with a Colt AR, always mentions how nice the trigger is, and I can’t agree more.
As with many lowers, you will need to purchase some anti-walking pins for this trigger. My philosophy is that manufacturers should be required to install anti-walking pins from the factory, but I doubt it will ever happen. In fact, I contacted either Joe Bob or New Frontier and they responded by saying “here’s our anti-walk pins that you can buy for $40.”
Performance
As I already mentioned, I have put an average of 4,000 rounds through this lower.
I have had zero issues.
I have done a lot to this lower, too.
I’ve dropped it multiple times. I’ve put hundreds of rounds as fast as humanly possible through it. I’ve also shot to distances exceeding 500 yards. I’ve put it through hunting scenarios and home defense-style training.
Now, there’s always worry that the buffer will be used so much to the point that it will break off where it connects to the lower. I can’t vouch for or against this. All I can say is that with 4,00 rounds, it hasn’t happened to me.
Overall
My biggest complaint about the lower is the loose grip, otherwise I have no complaints against this complete lower. If you read other reviews, this seems like a pretty consistent judgement. Everyone really likes the lower, and I think people really like it because of the price.
If I had to rate this lower receiver out of 10, I would give it a solid 9.5 out of 10.
As I use this complete lower more and more, I will update this review if anything happens. Although the trigger is nice, I would like to get a new trigger. I’m also planning on a new stock if Magpul ever drops their prices for the CTR stocks; just kidding. I’ll buy one eventually but I think $60 or more for a simple stock is absurd.
I just checked New Frontier’s website and they seem to have it cheapest right now!
That’s it for today, guys. Next, I’m going to be reviewing my Matrix Arms Complete Upper (just a hint, I LOVE it).
Thank you for reading and I will see you all next time.