Which lower do you recommend? Any opinions on the 7.62x39mm OlyArms conversion kit? Would be nice to have an AR and a AK that can share ammo.The general consensus about Olympic Arms is as follows: Their pistol caliber uppers and kits are quality products. Their 223 uppers/rifles are hit-or-miss.There used to be QC issues. I'm not sure if they've improved. I have a pre-ban 40S&W AR and while it's my favorite carbine, the lower is slightly out of spec. It fits to its own upper only. Every company puts out a lemon every once in a while. But Oly's customer (dis)service is known for taking a "not our fault" stance. If you want a lower to build a multi-caliber weapon system onto, the true beaty of the AR platform, I recommend a different lower.
- my $.02
Thanks for the info. I am impressed with the MGI modular AR-15. Their site is here. Their MARCK-15 which is a complete modular AR-15 in 7.62.x39mm isn't cheap at $2199 MSRP.Price not withstanding, 'cuz I don't know it, acquire a "hydra" lower from MGI. This is a unique and truly inovative lower with interchangable magwells to accomodate different mags. As far as I know, they have a standard AR magwell, an AK magwell, and a pistol cal magwell that fits some kind of subgun mag. Along with this lower, they manufacture an AR upper with quick change barrels for different calibers. If you only want one AR, this one's expensive. If you want ARs in multiple calibers, this system will quickly pay for itself. I've read a few reviews on MGI products; all of them faorable.
I just reread your reply. Since you want an AR to share ammo with your AK, might as well get one that shares mags too.
Keep me posted on your project. Also, AR15.COM has a collective wealth of knowledge on both the AR and AK platforms. I'm echo_5 on that board.