Gear Review: SilencerCo SCO15 Lower Receiver

With demand at an all-time excessive, SilencerCo selected the proper second to launch its new AR-15 stripped decrease receiver, the SCO15. Silencer Shop acquired their hands on a few samples (should you’re eager about snagging one as soon as they’re in inventory, be part of the mailing listing here) and I used to be fortunate sufficient to borrow one and construct it out for testing.

Machined from billet 7075 aluminum and Type III Hardcoat anodized black, the SCO15 decrease receiver has just a few distinctive tips up its sleeves.

Typically a stripped decrease means no elements in any way are included, however within the case of the SCO15, it comes with its own fully ambidextrous bolt catch. Passing via the highest of the receiver and out the appropriate aspect, this bolt catch permits the shooter to manually lock the bolt again in addition to launch the bolt from lock very simply with a single finger.

For a right-handed shooter, the location and form of the right-side lever is right for operation with the set off finger. Push up on the underside of the lever to lock the bolt again, push down on the highest to launch the bolt.

On the left aspect of the receiver, the bolt catch design is devoted to mil-spec. It ships uninstalled, so that you’ll want an ordinary decrease elements equipment spring, detent, and roll pin to carry it in place.

One remaining notice of curiosity: the bolt catch is “3D-printed” (laser sintered) from 17-Four chrome steel.

Starting with a giant block of aluminum relatively than a forging that’s practically in remaining type allowed SilencerCo to machine some distinctive options into the SCO15.

One standout is ambidextrous, anti-rotation QD sling cups built-in into the rear of the receiver. Very cool.

Also seen within the picture above, although actually not restricted to billet lowers, is a novel security selector “Fire” marking that works with each 45-degree and 90-degree throw security levers (or any in-between).

The SCO15 options a big, integral set off guard with a cushty flare on the rear for the shooter’s center finger help and a flared entrance that flows properly into an enlarged magazine effectively funnel.

Above the set off guard is a similarly-shaped flare that protects the journal launch from unintentional activation. And, positive, it additionally seems to be cool because it flows from there up throughout the highest of the journal effectively what place it homes the spring and detent for the pivot pin.

Up entrance, the form of the flared journal effectively and deeply chamfered receiver edges really feel good within the hand for you weirdos who like to carry the receiver whereas shooting as an alternative of, , the aptly-named handguard.

Of course, the aim of a stripped decrease is to show it into an entire decrease, after which flip that right into a practical rifle or pistol. Under the intense lights of Silencer Shop’s studio, filming a video on how one can assemble a stripped decrease receiver, I constructed out the SCO15.

Robbing these parts from Black Collar Arms, I put in an ERGO Enhanced Lower Parts Kit, an ELF-SE Trigger with straight shoe, and an ERGO Swift Grip. From my private spare elements division I grabbed the fantastic Lancer Systems Carbon Fiber Fixed Stock.

Assembly on the SCO15 was clean and typical. The solely distinctive facet of assembling it’s the takedown pin detent — it goes up via the underside and is held in place by the pistol grip as an alternative of inserting via the rear and being held in place by a receiver finish plate.

Had I designed the SilencerCO SCO15 stripped decrease receiver there’s actually only one, minor change i’d have made. Instead of a hammered-in, conventional roll pin / break up pin for the bolt catch i’d have gone with the extra fashionable, easier-to-install shoulder screw system.

Not an enormous deal, however I occurred to wrestle a bit with this a part of the meeting due to both a barely bigger than usual pin or an undersized pin gap, so between some mild swearing and a few heavy hammering I pined for that shoulder screw. Additionally, the rear QD cup made it more durable to align a punch correctly and drive that pin in, which didn’t assist.

I’d positively suggest utilizing masking tape to guard the QD cup and the realm across the bolt catch from assembly-induced end harm.

I slapped on an Adams Arms higher and headed to the vary.

No shock right here; every thing ran nice. The SCO15’s flared journal effectively made magazine modifications simpler, and the bolt catch functioned flawlessly from the appropriate aspect. Easy to lock, simple to drop.

SilencerCo is machining the SCO15 in-house of their Utah facility, and the machining high quality is nice. I discovered no device marks or errors anyplace; simply clean, clean aluminum. Likewise the hardcoat anodizing is a flawlessly constant, deep black.

With an MSRP of $249, SilencerCo is focusing on the premium finish of the market. Of course, that is unquestionably a premium receiver with distinctive options just like the ambidextrous bolt catch and integral QD cups, plus that SilencerCo emblem that we aren’t used to seeing on a receiver. They’ve additionally launched it at a time when AR-15 elements demand is thru the roof and stock is low, so I’m optimistic they’ll promote each single one they’re in a position to make as rapidly as they’re in a position to make them.

If an SCO15 is in your future, I’d suggest signing up on the Silencer Shop SCO15 page for in-stock notifications. My guess is that they’ll be comparatively exhausting to come back by.

Specifications: SilencerCo SCO15 Billet AR-15 Lower Receiver

Caliber:  Multi
Materials:  7075-T6 aluminum receiver, 3D printed 17-Four bolt catch
Finish:  Type III Hardcoat Anodized
MSRP:  $249

Ratings (out of 5 stars):

Overall  * * * * half
SilencerCo’s SCO15 is a good decrease receiver with improbable machining and constant end, plus some distinctive, practical characteristic enhancements. Sure, I’d tweak that bolt catch to make use of a shoulder screw as an alternative of a roll pin, or presumably simply ship the decrease with the bolt catch already put in from the manufacturing facility, however it’s in any other case a really effectively thought-out, very nice decrease.