Forged or billet and why other than aesthetics?

Some say forged is stronger, some say billet looks better due to the amount of machining.

Most will say, same stuff, ultimately.

Have both and no real preference. Billet is cleaner looking and has come down in price.

The biggest functional difference is that billet lowers generally come with a nylon set screw to tighten the upper and lower receivers together if there's any slop. Now, that can be accomplished on a forged one with a $2 accuwedge, but the billet option is "nicer".

Generally, you can get 2.5-3 forged lowers for the cost of a billet. In my mind, that makes the forged a no-brainer. There is no functional difference between the two, other than as noted. If I'm being given a lower? Sure, I'd prefer billet. But given $xxxx.xx budget for firearms, I'd save the money and go forged every day.

Believe the forged is lighter as well.

There are some cool looking billet lowers. Some have a built-in ambi bolt release. But other than that, go forged. The strength issue is kinda moot since they are making polymer lowers now. I personally wouldn't go polymer.

I have both and the only difference I notice is cosmetic. Forged are lighter and I've heard they are stronger; but I can't imagine a milled block of aluminum not being capable. A nice looking billet upper and lower combo sure does look good though.


Of the ones I own, my favorite lower happens to be forged. That likely has more to do with how it is set up than the receiver itself.

Just no polymer unless you've reasons other than price. I like forged, my understanding (which well you know...)
is that

1) Billet costs more...boo..

2) It's best to use matched billet uppers and lowers from the same company
sold as a set to guarantee tight fit. Your average upper you purchase in whatever caliber will not be matched,
should fit but may have some play.