AR-style Shotgun Polymer vs. Metal Receiver

7.62x39Lover

Hi guys!

I was fooling around on the internet and came across two AR-style shotguns. The RIA VR 60 and the UTAS XTR.

RIA VR 60 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkccZ7DHcFc

UTAS XTR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM9aOWkevgA

The UTAS is forged aluminum receiver upper and lower. The RIA model is forged aluminum upper and polymer lower (just like most AR-style shotguns).

Do you guys figure that polymer lower receivers will not last compared to aluminum receivers? Is an aluminum receiver worth the extra money? The polymer lower guns are about $400 to $500 bucks and the UTAS aluminum design is $800ish. Can the polymer lowers stand up over time to high brass rounds?

0rangeD

I think you're asking the wrong question. The main difference isn't the material of the receiver. The first gun looks and operates similar to an AR, but mechanically is more like a typical shotgun. The the XTR is essentially an AR 12-gauge. That RIA shotgun is basically the same thing that's sold under many different names like mka 1919, br99. You can get aftermarket aluminum receivers for some of them which give you the benefit of being able to add an AR style stock and pistol grip of your choice. The main benefits of the XTR are that it has greater AR Parts compatibility and can use a DPMS style upper, so you can convert it to 308 or another caliber.

Ricci Wright

Well I will tell you from our experience the utas is USELESS.One of my guys ended up with one of those things and it was sent back three times and never ran worth a damn. The company knew he worked at a gun shop with a range so you would think they would want it to run but they just couldn't seem to fix it.

charliemeyer007

The only thing I like less in/on my firearms than aluminium is plastic.

truthful

Steel and walnut still rule!! If you can't handle the weight, maybe you need a new hobby.