KE Arms announced today the development of the Mk3 polymer AR-15 receiver. And yes, we've certainly seen many plastic lowers over the last couple decades but this one is a bit different.
One of the main failure points we see with polymer lowers, even today, is the cracking of the lower receiver itself right where the receiver extension is screwed into place. The Mk3 has an integral A1-length buttstock, significantly reducing that risk.
At the surface level, the KE Arms Mk3 appears to be a remake of the Calvary Arms lowers which first became available back in 2003. However, there's a lot more going on here than a simple re-release.
Probably most importantly, the KE Arms Mk3 is compatible with Magpul PMags. It also sports an enlarged trigger guard, flared magwell, and MLok slots on the top/rear of the stock.
And since the lowers are injection molded, they are inexpensive at only $99 for the entire stripped assembly.
Ian and Karl at InRange TV have a video detailing this and how it fits into their “What Would Stoner Do 2020” project.
Here's what KE Arms said about it:
KE Arms is pleased to announce development of the MK3 Polymer Receiver. Molds and tooling are currently in production and we anticipate to start shipping receivers in Quarter 2 2020.
The MK3 receiver is the heart of InRange TV’s What Would Stoner Do 2020 Rifle Project. WWSD2020 Rifles will be exclusively available at Brownell’s.
The MK3 is an AR15 style receiver made from injection molded glass filled nylon incorporating the buttstock, buffer tube, pistol grip, and trigger into the receiver design as integral components.
The MK3 Receiver draws inspiration and experience from earlier monolithic polymer receiver designs while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and features for the current marketplace.
This manufacturing process offers several advantages:
-Lighter weight compared to similarly configured receivers
-Lower cost to similarly configured receivers
-Increased production speed and elimination of sub components through integration; especially important during high demand cycles in the market.Additional Features Include:
-Compatible with most common AR15 uppers and lower parts kits
-Flared magwell to make reloads under stress easier to perform.
-A1 Length 13” Length of Pull (LOP) Buttstock to fit a wide range of shooters
-MLOK Slots at rear of stock for sling attachement points or run a strap through it for simple sling attachment
-Holes at the front of the stock for QD socket inserts for more sling attachment options
-Improved grip for comfortable use
-“Winter” Trigger Guard
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