How would you rate Aero Precision components?

[Milkmaster]

Going to be building another AR in a nostalgic eye. The goal is to build a rifle that mimicks the Vietnam era with the solid rifle stock, 20" barrel, A2 handguard, etc. It's been a few years since I did a build from scratch. I already have the Bolt group/carrier/charging handle from BC on hand. Looking at other components. How would any of you rate the Aero Precision products? Are they consistent quality about as good as anyone else? Better or worse than sat PSA? This is not a bashing thread. I just generally want experienced opinions on what you have ordered from them please. Other suggestions for parts are welcomed.

 

[gotboostvr]

They're quiet nice. They're one of the better values out there. Very high quality, not the highest, but well above "serviceable" but still reasonably priced.

I'd be more than pleased to build using their parts.

 

[Varminterror]

I’d generally say “prettier” than PSA, but likely not any better in any functional way.

I’m tempted to say it, without any hyperbole, if a guy can’t build a rifle which runs right with Aero parts, they probably can’t build a rifle which runs right at all.

I might take a pass on Aero/Ballistic Advantage barrels in favor of higher end tubes, but I also recognize I pay a lot extra for that choice too. And I recognize I can build rifles which are plenty accurate for most applications for which an AR is suitable using BA/Aero barrels.

 

[JB111]

Aero is bang for the buck. I consider them to be a step up from psa in looks and qc, but the quality/reliability to be about the same. Ive read where some people have had problems with their bolt carrier groups, but Ive not had a problem with the ones Ive purchased. Their barrels have given good accuracy, but no better than psa to be honest. But to answer the question, Aero products are generally good to go.

I personally like windham weaponry but a lot of their stuff is also on back order.

 

[Chuck R.]

I've put 5 ARs together for myself using Aero uppers and lowers without an issue and I've put together several others for guys at work. they are nicely finished. I've also got one of their BCGs.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I've built a few with their lowers and liked them so much I bought a few extras. You can feel the difference between them and PSA or Anderson.I like the flare on the mag well. Their BCGs for 6.5gr and 6mmArc have run flawlessly
I purchased one of their LPKs and was not impressed, I like the "EPT" one from PSA and the stainless one from Anderson. You can also get a universal one and a drop in trigger

 

[Barnfixer]

I don’t know much about AR’s but my son put together a Aero AR 10 and it runs flawlessly and is quite accurate. It’s all made with Aero parts except for a Timney trigger.

 

[Mk-211]

Seeing how my post was deleted, the suggestion was to look at Brownells for the correct parts for the era.

Aero uppers and lowers are good to go, you can mix the parts for the desired look.

Looking at Brownells "retro" rifle parts is a good way to find what you need. They also offer the timeline of the rifles and when they were in service.

 

[Milkmaster]

Seeing how my post was deleted, the suggestion was to look at Brownells for the correct parts for the era.

Aero uppers and lowers are good to go, you can mix the parts for the desired look.

Looking at Brownells "retro" rifle parts is a good way to find what you need. They also offer the timeline of the rifles and when they were in service.

Looks like several posts were deleted. Not sure what was so against the rules. Luckily I saw yours beforehand. The reading was interesting. Thanks for the information

 

[derek45]

AERO is very nice quality, but they don't make anything "Retro"

the A2 was introduced in the 1980's


M16A1 and M16A2 comparison




Vietnam era M16 and M16A1 rifles, also the XM177E2 shorty

 

[Eagle103]

I've only tried one Aero lower. The fit to the upper was looser than any Anderson or PSA lower I've used so I haven't tried one since. The only other problem I've had with a lower was a Noreen that wasn't fully machined.

 

[BushMaster-15]

Well speaking from years of personal experience ,as in building perhaps #4 dozen AR's in various calibers over the years ;
I'd stack Aero parts against ANY other manufacturer ,as to Quality fit and finish .
Ballistic Advantage barrels will run with the BEST of them . Are they BR barrels or Rifles NO but neither is the AR platform . They run GOOD enough for the job at hand . Completed last week .

 

[BushMaster-15]

For the record I was issued an M16A1 ,you all know about the buttstock trapdoor ?. USELESS as there was NOTHING in there .
As I and our squad were lucky and had access to Fuel oils in Pleiku . We could semi clean and lube ,after some disastrous firefights jammed rifles lost Soldiers ,I opted for an 870 and NEVER regretted My decision . Mattel just didn't cut the mustard then .

 

[TonyAngel]

I've used quite a few Aero receivers. Uppers and lowers and they were all a good fit and worked as they should. They didn't exhibit any idiosyncrasies or incompatibilities, except one that I found. The integrated trigger guard model lower with the flared curves, the M4E1 I think it is, doesn't play well with a BAD lever.

As for the small parts, I usually get them from a place where I know I'm not getting MIM parts and the buffer tube and charging handle are of 7075 rather than 6061. I don't know if Aero's are one or the other. I never checked, but you might want to.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Vietnam era M16 and M16A1 rifles, also the XM177E2 shorty

Great photos. Where did you find them?

Interesting things about the guy in the 1st photo: He looks to be carrying some sort of longer barrel revolver in a cross draw. Wonder what it is and how he came by it. Also, he's carrying the exact same gas mask carrier I was issued in the mid 90s. I would have thought the guys would have tossed those thing straight away.

3rd photo: guns and alcohol don't mix. I guess things were different there and then.

4th photo: (and this is why I asked were you found the images) My bet is she's Hmong/Montagnard.

Anyway...interesting, too, that people are building A2 rifles. The fixed carry handle upper is hard to find. I think, at one time, Rock River Arms stopped making them when they stopped making their NM A2 for Service Rifle. Try also looking at AR15Sport.com. They sell pre assembled/barreled A2 uppers in both 1:8 and 1:7 twists as well as some furniture IIRC.

 

[derek45]

Great photos. Where did you find them?

Interesting things about the guy in the 1st photo: He looks to be carrying some sort of longer barrel revolver in a cross draw. Wonder what it is and how he came by it. Also, he's carrying the exact same gas mask carrier I was issued in the mid 90s. I would have thought the guys would have tossed those thing straight away.

3rd photo: guns and alcohol don't mix. I guess things were different there and then.

4th photo: (and this is why I asked were you found the images) My bet is she's Hmong/Montagnard.

Anyway...interesting, too, that people are building A2 rifles. The fixed carry handle upper is hard to find. I think, at one time, Rock River Arms stopped making them when they stopped making their NM A2 for Service Rifle. Try also looking at AR15Sport.com. They sell pre assembled/barreled A2 uppers in both 1:8 and 1:7 twists as well as some furniture IIRC.

3rd photo is MACV-SOG trooper John Plaster, probably right after a mission.

I forget where the other pics are from, they've been in my IMGUR account for years.

yeah, A2 uppers are scarce now. another sign of living in a clown world

 

[D.B. Cooper]

yeah, A2 uppers are scarce now. another sign of living in a clown world

I wonder if that's a supply-side or demand-side issue. In other words, is that scarcity because, all of a sudden there is increased demand for A2 uppers, (is everyone and his brother building "retro A2" guns all of a sudden?) or is something causing decreased supply that can't keep up with normal demand (which, I didn't think "normal demand" for A2 uppers was very great to begin with.)

 

[tactikel]

I have a AP AR lower that is true, tight, and flawless. Over 3K rounds with zero malfunctions.

 

[Varminterror]

yeah, A2 uppers are scarce now. another sign of living in a clown world

I wonder if that's a supply-side or demand-side issue.

It’s demand driven. Not many folks want A2’s, and haven’t for a long time, so not many companies actually produce and stock them. When demand for flattops is through the roof, the few companies which do offer them aren’t wasting time making or inventorying slower selling A2’s.

20yrs ago, flattops weren’t yet common on civilian market, and buyers were paying us to cut off carry handles to MAKE flattops. That’s pretty indicative of how much more folks want flats over A2’s.

 

[Gordon]

When Fort ORD closed near me in CA., And I was a few years retired from Reserves , I was give a dozen A1 rifle uppers hat escaped disposal when A2 s became issued. During the 90 s I had few takers over $100 so took the bolt carrier groups ECT.when needed from these Colt uppers that looked pretty fresh. Later in the 2000 s during Obummer years when supplies tightened , sold a few complete uppers for $250-300 . Finally around 2014, when 2001 and certainly first Desert war and Vietnam were history and carbine flattops were everywhere, I started getting offers for those old retro Col A1 uppers that were decent ! Traded the last two for a couple of knives which were then worth $500 each and now worth more than double that ! The folks were excited to get the pronged flash hider and tear drop forward assist examples I held on to. Times change for sure.I still have two charge handle Colt Civilian complete guns: an old 1976 SP1 Carbine I beat to heck and it still works well after 45 years of basic maintenance and at least 5000 rounds.Also a rather cherry pre ban A2 Government Match Target from late 80 s that I used to acquaint newbies on AR operation ( non firing) after I shot a couple Service Rifle Matches with it to get Garands from DCM 25 years ago. There is a good argument to be made for the little 6 pound SP1 charge handle Carbine for being near the ultimate defense weapon, ask an Israelite Defense soldier.

 

[Charlie98]

Not many folks want A2’s

I don't know that most of the retro builders want A2's, either... more likely A1's, that would be as 'VietNam retro' as you can get, realistically. That's actually what I want to build... something to mimic the M16A1's I had in the '80's Army, but looking at parts price and availability, it's not likely happening anytime soon.

 

[Charlie98]

I consider Aero Precision the 'Kimber' of the AR world... they kick out some crazy color options! You want Urban Wasteland Grey Striped Ditch Dirt? They probably have it. Joking aside, I think AP's fit and finish is really, really good. Oddly enough, I've only assembled 2 AR-10's from AP sets, not AR-15's... but I don't see why there would be a detail difference. If I was making a BBQ AR, I'd start with an AP set.

 

[Varminterror]

I don't know that most of the retro builders want A2's, either... more likely A1's

That has been a kinda weird twist - A2’s were way more popular when I started building AR’s, even for clones. I’m not generally a “clone builder,” but I’ve had guys asking for clones over the years - I guess we’re supposed to call them “retro builds” now, eh?

I suppose - maybe - the reintroduction of A1 hardware has made it a lot easier than it used to be to clone A1’s, but it always surprises me whenever people prefer the A1 to A2 for any “using rifle.” The better A2 sight alone…

 

[Charlie98]

The better A2 sight alone…

I've got a Colt H-Bar A2... and while the sights are superior to the A1, I can't think of a time in the past 30 years that I've had it that I needed elevation past the zero setting... although I'm going to try to change that, soon, as I start to work on loads for both the H-Bar and my 'DMR.' Out of a 20" barrel, limiting yourself to 300M, I don't see where you would need a whole lot of elevation, anyway. But... you're right, an A2 makes more sense.

 

[Varminterror]

Out of a 20" barrel, limiting yourself to 300M, I don't see where you would need a whole lot of elevation

Well… I guess the trick is that “limiting yourself to 300m” isn’t universally applicable for all shooters.