Hi all,
My name is Loran and I actually own Polymer80 and I came across this thread through a google search.
I read through the entire thread and wanted to chime in, if I may, and clear some things up:
First... these are NOT 3d printed, our prototypes were in order to make sure that all of our measurements were perfect before investing 10s of thousands on the mold.
These will be injection molded with some very innovative molding techniques using nothing but the highest quality, impact resistant and industry proven polymers. You would be surprised to find out what kind of cheap polymers are used on some polymer lowers on the market.
To the best of my knowledge this is the ONLY polymer lower designed from scratch to be made from polymer specifically. If you look at the FMK, New Frontier or Plum Crazy, its a near-clone of a mil-spec/forged lower. Ours is beefed up considerably where other polymers have failed. Couple that with the higher end polymer and its (quite literally) bullet-proof.
All the smaller threads (the pistol grip and our bolt-catch pin is threaded) are stainless steel molded into the lower. These threads are more durable that what you get out of forged aluminum lowers.
The Jig system is what we are REALLY proud of... You do not need a mill or CNC. You need a vice and a hand drill. All the specialized bits come with the jig. The design makes impossible to drill too deep, keeps the bits straight and from "walking", you get near to perfect finish every time and the lower is finished in a fraction of the time.
Polymers, when done correctly (and they RARELY are), in many ways is better and stronger than metal. This is why FN builds the scar completely out of polymer (upper and lower), why Ruger has stopped making the 10/22 out of metal and is using polymer, more and more modern firarms are going polymer because when done right... it is better.
Another benefit is we can crank these out at MUCH MUCH faster rate. So shortages are not a problem here.
Anyway I hope that addresses most/all of your concerns. If I missed anything, please let me know here. Thanks everyone for discussing my product! I think this is awesome! I welcome even the most harsh critics, you will only make our product better!
Also FYI, AR10 and 1911 are under development as we speak, and yes... polymer!
Thanks!!
-Loran