Public Service Announcement- Aero Precision lowers

[Bassbob]

They have a neat enhancement where the bolt catch takes a threaded screw instead of a roll pin. It's a good idea. However, do NOT use a 1/16 hex bit out of your junky ass bit collection. Even most of the ones from Gunsmithing sets I have won't do it. You will get the screw so far and the bit will slip. You will think you just stripped the screw ( and if you keep going I'm sure you will and THAT is not something you want), but you more likely stripped your crappy 1/16 hex bit. The 1/16 hex bit in your Wheeler space saver set will do it. I highly recommend NOT over tightening and even more highly recommend not using any LocTite. I guarantee you @10mmLife has given this very topic some consideration, but for those of you doing builds with Aero lowers I implore you to make damn sure you have a quality bit.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

several are going torx on both 10's and 15's where the bolt catch and forward assist is. i found out long ago to NOT use allen where torx is required.

 

[Bassbob]

several are going torx on both 10's and 15's where the bolt catch and forward assist is. i found out long ago to NOT use allen where torx is required.

Torx would be better I think. These are definitely 1/16 hex, but 5 out of the 6 I have, including an actual Allen key, didn't fit properly and spun inside the screw head. I'd almost rather it was just a roll pin. I have the tools that help keep you from scratching up the lower when installing a roll pin in it.

 

[Belt Fed]

Yep, they are hex, i put on Phase5 EBR's on three here lately. they wasn't tight and easy to get off.

 

[Bassbob]

Yep, they are hex, i put on Phase5 EBR's on three here lately. they wasn't tight and easy to get off.

Those are pretty cool. I might have to try one.

 

[Belt Fed]

Those are pretty cool. I might have to try one.

Once you get used to them they are hard to do without. the magpul bad lever is easier to put on. but i like the Phase 5 better.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

Once you get used to them they are hard to do without. the magpul bad lever is easier to put on. but i like the Phase 5 better.

and the bad lever isn't compatible with all bolt catches. just heads up on that and for whomever is reading this. i like thew phase5 better also on the ambi catches.

 

[Belt Fed]

Magpul doesn't make one for the 308 that i'm aware of, Phase 5 does.

 

[Bassbob]

Troy makes one but it looks like it attaches to a mil spec bolt release ( not included ).

 

[Belt Fed]

The RIA VR 80 shotguns have threaded pins but they are slotted and really easy to bugger up if you ain't careful. RIA makes a EBR for those.

 

[Bassbob]

The enhanced bolt release on my favorite shotgun can be seen in this photo.

 

[jschmidt]

It's worth mentioning that Aero lowers also have set screws to hold the detents in place during assembly and the marker feature for high quality lowers, a tension adjuster screw for upper/lower play.

I like them.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

It's worth mentioning that Aero lowers also have set screws to hold the detents in place during assembly and the marker feature for high quality lowers, a tension adjuster screw for upper/lower play.

I like them.

which receivers did you get? i bought 3 earlier this year and none have set screws for detents. i have receivers from them as far back as '16 or '17.

 

[Bassbob]

which receivers did you get? i bought 3 earlier this year and none have set screws for detents. i have receivers from them as far back as '16 or '17.

It's a very small screw. My guess is you missed it. It's my understanding all Aero lowers come with a set screw for the rear takedown pin. Which is nice.

The tension adjuster isn't really the bar for lowers. Having no play without it is.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

It's a very small screw. My guess is you missed it. It's my understanding all Aero lowers come with a set screw for the rear takedown pin. Which is nice.

The tension adjuster isn't really the bar for lowers. Having no play without it is.

i'll recheck, but i'm 100% sure none of the ap receivers (lowers) don't have that feature. i have had a couple of other brands (ar15's) that does. maybe it's threaded and ap didn't come with the screw?

 

[HansGruber]

It’s only their M4E1 lowers that have the screw.

Standard lowers use the roll pin.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

It’s only their M4E1 lowers that have the screw.

Standard lowers use the roll pin.

we're (bob and i)talking about the pivot and takedown pins

 

[HansGruber]

we're (bob and i)talking about the pivot and takedown pins

Right. I’ll just shut the f up and have another beer.

 

[Bassbob]

we're (bob and i)talking about the pivot and takedown pins

He may be on to something though. Were your lowers the M4E1 lowers or billet ?

 

[Bassbob]

Right. I’ll just shut the f up and have another beer.

I just spent the last 3 hours shutting up and drinking beers. I got no regrets.

Aero lowers ( at least the M4E1 lowers) have the channel for the detente and spring for the takedown pin threaded and a little set screw comes with all the Aero LPKs. So when you drop the detente in and then the spring, you cut the spring with nippers ( I left about 3 coils hanging out of the lower) and then you thread the set screw down flush. It keeps you from having to dick with the spring when you are installing/removing the end plate.

Another PSA. The Wheeler tool for installing the pivot pin. This one.

Don't waste your money. The one doubles as a roll pin set punch, but for installing the pivot pin they are a pain in the ass. I shot the detente across my shop 6 times before finally losing it and having to dig another one out of the drawer. I did finally get it, but I think the best/easiest way is the magnet trick. Insert the spring then put a small magnet on the opposing side of the pin. The detente will then stick to the pin on the other side. Stick it in, shove the pin in, done.