Billet features at forged prices. (Photo: Aero)
Aero Precision, a leader in AR-pattern firearms, has updated their already-popular M4 series of lower receivers. The company also has a whole new line of super-lightweight free-floating handguards, all at very desirable prices.
The new lowers make up the M4E1 series which is available for pre-order at an introductory price point. For now, the M4E1 series starts at just $99. Flat dark earth is just $20 more. The lightweight handguards — the Atlas S-One series — are also affordable starting at $139.
All of Aero’s new components are available with a standard black hard-anodized finish or in Magpul flat dark earth with a Cerakote finish.
The new lower receivers build on Aero’s already improved feature set. The M4E1 receivers are forged for strength and light weight but sport the types of features commonly found on more expensive and often heavier milled lowers.
Rail where you need it, nothing where you don’t. (Photo: Aero)
Some of the touches are cosmetic but most of them add a lot of functionality over a standard MIL-SPEC lower. Aesthetically the new lower has more angles, a swept style and much less blocky appearance.
In addition to looking cooler, the new profile opens up the trigger guard and provides a very large flared magwell. The lower has an integral trigger guard and ambidextrous, recessed and engraved short-throw pictogram selector indicators.
The bolt catch is threadded, not pinned, and the set screw is included. This makes installing and changing bolt catch levers easy and practically eliminates the possibility of scratching the lower since there’s no pin to hammer in or out.
The takedown pin also has threads for a set screw like the bolt catch. This means users can remove the buffer assembly without having to worry about losing the takedown detent pin.
Mounting hardware and included tools. (Photo: Aero)
One good carry-over from the previous generation is the lower’s tensioning screw. The lower has a polymer-tipped screw for tightening the receiver to the upper to eliminate slop.
These pre-sale prices won’t last long — Aero expects to start shipping lowers later this month. You don’t have to wait for the Atlas S-One handguards. They’re available right now in select configurations.
Aero currently offers the S-One series of handguards in 12- and 15-inch lengths with 7- and 9-inch versions to follow. These handguards have a cut flattop rail with Picatinny rails just at the front and rear. This gives users just enough rail for a front sight and any accessories that extend over the rear of the handguard.
The split rail design not only lightens the handguards, it also provides a more comfortable grip. The rails by themselves weigh less than 8 ounces — and that’s for the 15-inch rails. The mounting hardware adds just over 4 ounces to the total weight which is outstanding.
The S-One series is modular and comes with KeyMod or M-Lok slots along the 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions. Handguards ship with all the tools needed to install the handguard including timing shims for the barrel nut.
See Also: Aero Launching M16A4 Special Edition Series
These combo prices are unbelievable. Time to stop putting off that next build. (Photo: Aero)
The Atlas series uses a proprietary barrel nut combined with a turnbuckle locking system that evenly distributes the mounting pressure across the mounting surfaces. This reduces the risk of distortion and provides a very solid lockup.
If you’re looking to build these prices and features are unbeatable. Aero is also selling their new lowers and handguards bundled with matching Gen 2 upper receivers for even more savings. Complete, assembled upper and handguard combos start at $238.
Nearly all my uppers and lowers are Aero Precision. They are excellent quality and affordable and I highly recommend them.
I highly recommend Aero Precision. I bought one of their builder kits after doing some research on ARs and what to look for when building one. The fit and finish is excellent. I would not expect anything less from a Company that manufactured aircraft components for so many years. They supply many uppers and lowers for other AR big name suppliers.