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4/9/2010 7:43:51 AM EDT
I've recently got a PWA Commando for a trade from my son.

It has a 4 digit serial number. The only other markings on the entire carbine
is 5.56 in front of the front sight and a Y with a circle around it on the BCG.

Did PWA make a complete rifle or is this a kit build?

Did PWA make forged or cast receivers ?

thanks for you input.
4/9/2010 7:46:40 AM EDT
[#1]
PWA are very good Forged lowers..

Who knows at this point if it is an original gun or has been pieced together..

SOulds like it is a pre-ban. Is worth some extra money to us in commie states..
4/9/2010 9:12:02 AM EDT
[#2]
PWA only sold lowers, not complete rifles, at least before the various "AW" bans, so it's not a factory-built complete rifle.
4/9/2010 12:26:20 PM EDT
[#3]
PWA  (Pac West Arms, Olympia, WA) never made complete rifles.  They sold either piece parts or "complete" kits less the barrels.  Your barrel cannot be from them.  By the way, all their receivers were roll marked as Milan, IL. but the Olympia operations were closed in late August 1995.

It is rumored that they made some cast receivers, but I have never seen one in my 30 years of playing with AR's.  I have several PWA lowers in the lower serial number ranges (4xxx) that are definitely forged.  The workmanship on all their receivers up into the 45xxx serial number range was excellent.  It is rumored that they were actually machined by LMT who has a great rep for good workmanship even today.
4/9/2010 12:34:32 PM EDT
[#4]
I will give you $425 shipped for the lower
4/9/2010 12:40:13 PM EDT
[#5]
If it's a pre-ban lower, you can sell it stripped for $500 to New York and other states (CT I'm guessing by responses.)

There may be a barrel manufacturer stamped on the barrel.


A 4 digit serial number is probably preban.  I'll check on that.

ETA:  looks like 4 digit is pre-ban.  Go make yourself some money.
4/9/2010 12:56:34 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
PWA  (Pac West Arms, Olympia, WA) never made complete rifles.  They sold either piece parts or "complete" kits less the barrels.  Your barrel cannot be from them.  By the way, all their receivers were roll marked as Milan, IL. but the Olympia operations were closed in late August 1995.

It is rumored that they made some cast receivers, but I have never seen one in my 30 years of playing with AR's.  I have several PWA lowers in the lower serial number ranges (4xxx) that are definitely forged.  The workmanship on all their receivers up into the 45xxx serial number range was excellent.  It is rumored that they were actually machined by LMT who has a great rep for good workmanship even today.


Or did LMT buy the plant and equipment from PWA when it went under?
4/9/2010 12:59:12 PM EDT
[#7]
I called up DPMS or LMT (don't remember which) when I got my first PWA. (Pac West Arms) The guy that answered the phone was quiet knowledgeable about the PWA serial numbers and dates.  Both of mine are forged.
4/10/2010 12:02:16 AM EDT
[#8]
It's probably also an A1 lower... excellent for a "retro" build.

I've got an ole PWA lower 76xx that is an A1 for my GUU build.
4/10/2010 3:12:00 AM EDT
[#9]
PWA was bought out by LMT
4/10/2010 7:24:11 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
PWA  (Pac West Arms, Olympia, WA) never made complete rifles.  They sold either piece parts or "complete" kits less the barrels.  Your barrel cannot be from them.  By the way, all their receivers were roll marked as Milan, IL. but the Olympia operations were closed in late August 1995.

It is rumored that they made some cast receivers, but I have never seen one in my 30 years of playing with AR's.  I have several PWA lowers in the lower serial number ranges (4xxx) that are definitely forged.  The workmanship on all their receivers up into the 45xxx serial number range was excellent.  It is rumored that they were actually machined by LMT who has a great rep for good workmanship even today.


Or did LMT buy the plant and equipment from PWA when it went under?


Not sure, but could be since it is was all in Milan, IL.   As per usual in the gun world, much is kept quiet except the rumor mill.
4/10/2010 8:36:17 PM EDT
[#11]
Oly arms bolt carrier.
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