AR Receivers: Carbon Fiber or Magnesium?

We've got two receivers to chose from. One Carbn Fiber and one in Magnesium. Which should we build? You vote, we build.
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[@GBGuns]

Votes are in! With a factor of 2:1 the votes went for the Carbon Fiber! We'll get it built!

[@mrowoofers101]

Graham Baates i have a question though. If you are using a carbon fiber lower with a metal upper, wouldn't galvanic corrosion occur and corrode the metalic upper?

[@GBGuns]

I dont think so

[@phillycheesetake]

Galvanic corrosion only occurs when different metals contact in the presence of an electrolyte. So two ingredients are missing, a second metal, and electrolytic contact

[@JoeZelensky]

Where's the video at?

[@foosking]

@@mrowoofers101check out this study done for the aerospace industry. www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/tctn17-42.pdf Specifically, page 1 which states the following: There are five conditions that must be satisfied for composite-to-metal galvanic corrosion to develop [1]: 1. An actively corroding metal 2. An electrically conductive composite (usually carbon fiber) 3. An electrical connection between the composite and the metal 4. An electrolyte (usually salt water) 5. Oxygen

[@CharlieMikeNS]

In a SHTF scenario, particularly in the US I'd take an AR over an AK any day. Firstly 5.56 is much more common here, as are replacement parts for the AR. Also, the AR works better in mud, dirt, and dust, as the inner workings are better sealed from the elements. The AR does require more maintenance and care than the AK, but I am willing to put the time and effort in given the other, widely accepted advantages.

[@kipkiesow5678]

Aside from the ammo availability, which the AR wins hands down in the US, I think the rifles are equal on every other front from a practical standpoint. Compared to older/outdated designs both platforms are very easy to service and maintain imo

[@CharlieMikeNS]

@@kipkiesow5678 I mean, not really. Reloading is significantly faster with an AR, and mounting optics is much easier on the AR, the triggers tend to be better, and it's much easier to swap components. There's also significantly more aftermarket support for ARs and parts are much more interchangeable due to a single standard. The AR is also noticeably lighter. The AK is a good weapon, but it's had a much harder time adjusting to the modern need for modularity and optics mounting.

[@apbiggins8mm]

Well if shtf does happen and the magnesium one breaks you got a good fire starter

[@GBGuns]

+Andrew Peterman haha, exactly

[@TacticalBuffoonary]

Nerd🙄

[@p47rr]

They are magnesium alloy. A combination of magnesium and aluminum. It won’t catch on fire that easy.

[@454pakr]

Lighter is better, as long as it's strong, of course. I'll be using my AK for the heavy work.

[@IC2nuttz]

I vote for the Magnesium

[@tawaitai]

Same here! Avoid polymer lowers like the Covid-19 virus.

[@JenniferinIllinois]

I would be interested in the 'carbon fiber' one. From the information on Tegra's site, it appears to be combination of carbon fiber and nylon polymer (the low price leads me to believe that the lower is more polymer than carbon fiber. True carbon fiber is still incredibly expensive, from my understanding.

[@chiefkyle1098]

It's like someone selling orange juice but doesn't say how much of the product is from oranges. Could be 100%, could be 0.001%.

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

Carbon fiber. The interesting thing about it is flex. It's stronger per unit weight than most anything but it should not break as many of the magnesium builds will near the buffer. I'd like to know if because of the flex the pins walk out.

[@AffordableArmory]

Hmm, I didn’t know such things existed. I look forward to seeing what you make of them.

[@weekendwarrior556]

the magnesium is great but they need a better finish that hold. theres been alot of problems with carbon "molds"

[@p47rr]

Magnesium lowers have come along way since this video. Stronger then 6000 series aluminum but not as strong as 7075 aluminum. The magnesium is mixed with aluminum.

[@thestug93]

What is the actual weight difference between a standard lower and the CF and Magnesium lowers?

[@thedefinitive6296]

Curious about the carbon fiber one mostly. I say go with that one first :)

[@IndyRockStar]

it makes sense. They make million dollar cars with all carbon fiber chassis and steering and make high end cars with both carbon fiber and magnesium wheels. I have seen magnesium wheel shatter by just running over a curb though. I'm intrigued with both materials. What doesn't make much sense is that you can get a Frontier complete lower for $129... that price doesn't jive.

[@Raider334]

Magnesium lower my choice.

[@Trix469]

I say carbon fiber. Are you a little worried about threading a buffer tube into carbon fiber?

[@danneo653]

these lowers are polymer. the companies just started calling them carbon fiber because its known to be very strong. but this shit is polymer.

[@amramhakohen7474]

RIGHT! I shouldn't be surprised that people don't realize that if it were carbon fiber it would cost 300 dollars more.

[@chiefkyle1098]

100% correct. If you look at specs it will say "synthetic" or "polymer" not carbon fiber. They are plastic. It's a fraudulent sales gimmick.

[@Drew-The-Philosopher]

So from what I see in this video, the carbon fibre lower looks to be forged carbon fibre, which is good but only if done right, meaning adding long strands of fibre in key areas like around the buffer and holes to add strength to it like rebar in concrete and using a high temp curing. Note that billet carbon is gonna be far superior then forged I would go as far and say that it’s on par with aluminum if not more for lowers. Companies won’t use billet carbon fibre because it’s expensive as shit and not worth the cost to do so and if they want custom billets made: which the orientation fibres are in a way that maximize its strength, which can go beyond aluminum, it adds even more cost… I would love to see a company to use custom made CarbonFiber billets for both upper and lowers as it’s truly a great material, if done right…

[@jovanisiliezar3733]

The magnesium lower is not pure magnesium it's an aluminum alloy with higher amounts of magnesium probably closer to 6061 alloy vs the 7075 which is higher in zinc and copper idk u everyone thinks this is an all magnesium lower that would break easily ... I work for an aluminum casting plant in case you're wondering why I know shit

[@jims9249]

Interesting to see what the carbon does...

[@tweebthelerker3952]

Carbon fiber. It's supposed to be tough/strong. I would like to see just how it would hold up. I would like to build an ultra lightweight build to my son but have been hesitant due to the very same cracking you spoke of.

[@CharlieMikeNS]

For SHTF I want my rifle to be as light as possible while still being reasonably durable and reliable. I'm not going to be using it as a bludgeoning weapon. In a SHTF scenario, you'll probably be carrying your rifle a lot, and I mean a hell of a lot.

[@vejuzchill]

Where is the link to your carbon build?

[@tawaitai]

But is it really carbon fiber, I doubt it or the cf content is very low! What are the two brands???

[@agreene638]

Magnesium alloy won't burn like pure magnesium does. I say build the carbon fiber one, make the lightest weight rifle you can.

[@ZASurvivalist]

IVE heard terrible things about both. Guess Ill tune in to see how these run over time.

[@akbuilder7626]

More like Zytel with some carbon fiber in it. Zytel is strong but can get brittle.

[@Mike-xw4gm]

Can u make update video tnx

[@731trident]

The carbon fiber is interesting.

[@WeSRT4]

Carbon Fiber, but I'd personally stick with aluminum.

[@shirtdirt1874]

threaded in carbon fiber? lol

[@obsidianet]

BOTH of these companies appear to be out of business.

[@Aegisltd]

Any update on this? I searched your uploads but didn't see anything.

[@GBGuns]

The magnesium one gave me troubles, and this video had so few views that I didn't do a follow-up

[@mattstarr2674]

@@GBGuns What problems did you have with the magnesium one ? I just bought one and haven't assembled it yet.

[@TacticalBuffoonary]

@@GBGuns Typical YT gun dork. 🙄

[@GBGuns]

@@mattstarr2674 The holes for the pivot and takedown pin were too small.

[@deanranged3762]

Carbo fiber please

[@TerrenceLP]

Still waiting on Glock lowers...

[@thepgh9709]

Use the Magnesium

[@Bloodhound6921]

5 years later and AK's are still inferior to AR's

[@dangerdoberman]

Flaring is caring >:0

[@freshfowler1398]

Carbon fiber just out of curiosity...👍

[@biggaywizard]

Did you build it? I'm not seeing a video on your channel about it?

[@GBGuns]

The fiberglass one wouldn't accept my takedown pins.

[@biggaywizard]

@@GBGuns no way? Did you contact Tegra arms? The train why I ask is because I was looking to buy one since they're only 35$ or 99 for three.

[@GBGuns]

No because it was my understanding they went under.

[@biggaywizard]

@@GBGuns They're still selling lowers on their website, I hadn't heard they went under?

[@731trident]

AK over AR? Galil ACE over both... 👍😉

[@finck2208]

Magnesium

[@Satchmoeddie]

That is not true carbon fiber. It is carbon fiber reinforced Nylon 6 or Nylon 66.

[@concernedcitizen9464]

Go Carbon Fiber for shits and giggles.

[@jimfitzsimmons1573]

Carbon fiber.

[@ptrisonic]

Aluminium, please (note spelling). This massive love affair for the AR must end! Instead let’s all get even better groups when moving...... - Not sexy though, is it? Pete.

[@darthsnowball3157]

carbon fiber

[@Usmc0341]

Everyone going on and on about super light AR's, come on, the things weigh between 7 and 9lbs. If that's too heavy for you, maybe you should save the money on these shitty lowers, and get yourself a gym membership.

[@GBGuns]

While I agree with you that some people are too wrapped up in shedding ounces, as a veteran who carried an M203 on an M16A2 upper through the mountains of Afghanistan weight does make a BIG difference when you've been carrying it for a while.

[@Usmc0341]

@@GBGuns I carried a 203 for a while, and on occasion a saw. I know about weight. But these folks ain't climbing hills in Afghanistan, they're running carbine courses at best, and mostly driving to and from the range. A 7lb rifle shouldn't be that hard to lug around. If it is, like I said, they need a gym membership and some time with some free weights. I am a retired infantry Marine, so I know about carrying weight lol. I just find it funny, people complaining about how heavy a 7lb rifle is.. They need to be introduced to a curling bar 😂😂😂💪💪

[@GBGuns]

Oh yeah for sure, but they're the same folks who also feel the need to change their pistol triggers. It's a consumerism thing, everyone want to buy their way better, sometimes forgetting that money spent on ammo and training goes a lot further than a shiny new part. This build was a fun build for me, I wanted to push the limits of what lore says will work. I learned and now get to enjoy a silky-smooth shooter. Did you watch the second video to see how it runs? I have it right on the edge which means it works for me but not for Teya, but I can open the gas block more for that 100% when I want to.

[@Usmc0341]

@@GBGuns I haven't seen the second video, I'm gonna check it out now

[@Anni3sgotagun]

Magnesium