What’s everyone’s take on polymer lowers?
I have done a little research and it seems a lot of people like them.

I have a cousin trying to sell me on the use of one…

To me a plastic lower just doesn’t seem reliable?

I understand weight issues and cost effectiveness

Pros / Cons?

would like to know as well. I'm pretty hesitant.

Too many examples and stories of broken take down pin points and buffer tube connections out there to make me want to try one. But I load for ARs and often times it is a max load so, I just feel more comfortable with metal.

I have a Plumcrazy polymer lower. It has been good for me so far. I like because it is very light. I have read alot of good things about the New Frontier lowers. They have some really good torture test videos on YouTube. Very impressive! The only thing that I would change is the internal parts and that is because they are polymer also. I would change these only if I had a failure with the poly parts.As long as its still kickin i'm gonna keep it like it is.

just put together a new frontier lower with a stags pk and will let you know as soon as i pick up an upper but it feels good and doubt it will have any problems.

I bought a stripped one last year, installed a PSA parts kit and put a fairly basic flattop upper on it. And it works great! Have not had one single issue with it. I let my friends and younger nephews shoot it at the range each time we go. And it goes on every camping trip we take, lets just say it's been used A LOT in the last year! It's accurate and light and keeps on ticking. I for one am happy with mine. I have some friends that have had the same luck with em. Just note some of the tolerances are very tight when it comes to assembly of some parts kits. I had to polish the mag release to get it to fit just right and function properly.

I have a Plum Crazy. It's nicer after I changed the furniture. The trigger is pretty ok too. I would not want to keep it as a primary/only lower. Good as a spare/secondary.

I like the polymer lowers. There really isn't anything about the job of a lower receiver in an AR that demands aluminum. I have a hard time reconciling a plastic parts kit, but that's easy enough to fix.

If you're talking about a duty weapon then I'm not going to argue with anyone's reasons for avoiding polymer lowers, but they work just fine. The only difference you're likely to notice is less weight.

I used one on my 6.8spc build. (CAV-II Ploy Lower) I wanted a light pig gun with more punch than a 5.56. So far it's worked very well, but does not have a high round count (6.8 is too expense to dump mag's for fun). And for the amount I shoot it, I'm confident it'll last longer than my hunting days. Used a quality LPK, and had Brandon do a trigger job. Would not trust a plastic parts kit.

No

I am interested in actual photos of issues with polymer lowers, especially the new frontier lowers. I hear of people saying they heard this and that but have yet to see any proof. I'm sure there will b some issues but that can be said for aluminum too.
Where is all the stress coming from on the lower receiver that demands aluminum? Buffer tube????
I own a polymer lower and an aluminum M&P and have zero issues with either lower. I usually shoot 200-500 rounds per outing and both rifles shoot great.

If u would like to shoot a polymer lowered rifle, I will probably be at alpine shooting range today from 4-6.

Type this into Google images:

ar15 polymer lower failure

I've seen several myself and witnessed one this past weekend. A local city cop was with us on an entry Saturday, warrant for Agg Robbery, tripped over something in the trailer and fell on the gun. Lower was broken around the rear takedown pin and the buffer tube broke off.

I have done so and done a search on ar15.com. the results are next to nothing. I've heard of takedown pin issues with the old lowers but not new. I can also break your buffer tube (not mine) by stepping on it if u would like. I don't care to step on the tube of either of my AR's. U can hate all u like but the truth is, they work.
If I ever had to hit someone with my rifle, my rifle didn't do its job to begin with and at that point, I have a .40 at my waist plus a knife... That buffer tube would serve no purpose... I would prefer an aluminum lower but I know better than to hate. I have used polymer and it works and works well. Regardless of materials used in any projects, there will always be some issues due to QC and mass production

Strange that if I recall correctly all those plastic pistols got the same bad wrap...

Didn't say they wouldn't work, just don't expect to treat it like an aluminum one. If your just plinking with factory rounds, go for it. If you plan on defending yourself with it, I wouldn't trust my life with one.

The pistols were designed around a polymer frame, the AR's were not. If you like your plastic 15 good for you. They are not the best choice for the platform is the bottom line.

The only thing I didn't like about the one I had is the gun felt forward heavy. For me I didn't like the balance.

I got my wife the Corbon 15, which both lower and upper rcvr is polymerish, whatever they make them out of, very light weight and has ran perfectly so far, I carry it with me daily when checking my hog traps and snares. A LOT lighter than my M&P for carring around.

I have heard a lot of negative things about them... I can not say anything negative

Not saying it CANT fail... but has worked well for me

They aren't fragile by any means. I've got one coming to me soon, and I wouldn't have any hesitation using it like an aluminum lower receiver. The lower receiver isn't put under any ridiculous stress, and there's no reason polymer can't do the job just as well as aluminum.

Cav Arms II lowers are 30% glass filled Nylon6. Tested with over 20,000 rounds. A pound lighter than a A2 stock.

I'll stick with the aluminum lowers. To me, the savings in weight between aluminum and polymer isn't worth the wonder.

From that google images search, check out this one...

http://www.702shooter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BushHogMod.jpg

This poly-lower rifle was apparently run over by a tractor with a mower. The lower seems to have fared much better than the steel barrel.

It's exactly as valid and sound as a picture of a cracked polymer lower. Also bear in mind that many of those pictures are of lowers that were printed at home, literally using melted down pringles lids.

Good info, but not sure I'm convinced. Might get one to play with, but not without a metal one first.