Battle Arms Development has given the AR-15 world the first glimpse of their new offering – lower receivers. I had the fortunate opportunity to chat with Battle Arms Development during the ar15.com sponsored press event during this year’s SHOT Show. Here are some of the feature details released during the event:
Key Features
- Mil-spec dimensions and holes.
- 7075 T6 aluminum.
- Mil-spec type 3 hard anodizing.
- High quality and tested forgings.
- 3D laser engraved roll mark with Battle Arms’ new logo.
- All pin holes are reamed rather than drilled.
- Helical rear receiver extension threads (not drilled and tapped).
- Wire EDM cut flared mag well.
- Selector stops have been removed.
- 45 degree safety selector compatible (See my review of the BAD-ASS ST here).
As an experienced AR-15 “build from scratch” guy, I have gained considerable experience evaluating the build quality of AR-15 lowers. From that perspective, I give the Battle Arms Development high marks for quality and workmanship.
Owner Interview
I had the privilege of sitting down with George and Roger, the co-owners of Battle Arms, to ask them about their new AR-15 lowers. Both George and Roger agreed that when Battle Arms decided to produce lowers, their objective was not rapid mass production.
George, the President of BAD, related, “We at Battle Arms hold ourselves to a high standard of quality for everything we make. This is especially true with our lower receivers. The forgings are of the highest quality. We try to control all factors to make it that way. The roll mark with our new logo is done with a 3D laser engraver that we do in-house. The receiver extension threads are helical. All of the pin holes are reamed rather than drilled. The flared mag well is cut using wire EDM and there is no flashing or rough areas. All of this adds up in time and money spent that gives us a lower receiver that has the quality that is on a Battle Arms Development level.”
When Roger showed me that the selector stops had been removed, I was curious about that and inquired about the reasoning behind that decision. He informed me that, “the selector stops serve no purpose on a semi auto receiver. They are left over from full auto forgings and are simply not needed so we removed them.” After I was able to physically hold and closely examine the receiver, I found that it was indeed easier to operate the BAD-ASS ST without the stops because my thumbs didn’t encounter any drag during operation.
Regarding their availability,Battle Arms Development is not yet sharing a firm release date for their AR-15 lower receivers so I’ll just have to wait. I just hope that I don’t have to wait too long.
Featured image courtesy of S.H.W.A.T – Special Hog Weapons And Tactics
