The reason for the smooth texture of the lower is because of the thickness they go with when anodizing. Most in the industry go for about .001-.003" of coating. Pretty sure SOLGW, Griffin and a few others do .005" of thickness. They probably have a suppllier they trust and rely on to get consistency who does their anodizing. I'm a QC guy who has worked in the industry and there are a lot of shotty anodizers that cut corners or blame the lower for issues. When in reality it's because they don't outgas before they dip which causes surface issues, as anodizing is a chemical reaction.
Nice review. Ive always felt that FULL ambi bolt control is a necessity and a few manufacturers have it done right. The ADM and now Griffin Armament MK-2 system is imo the most intuitive, ergonomic and most integrated full ambi system out there. While the LWRCI, LMT, DD DD5 and others have more mil-spec like, mirrored controls the well protected, low profile lever of the MK-2 is simply easier and more natural to manipulate. Gotta get me a couple for upcoming builds. An ultralight RECCE style and an SPR/DMR.
I understand the ADM controversy. But, I would like an honest comparison. So far, I’ve noted: rolled pins vs set screws, impregnated teflon on the anodizing, and billet vs forged. Already having 2 complete uppers with forged receivers, adjustable gas blocks, a 12.5 & 16” barrels. Already acquired an solgw loyal 9 a5 tube, Tubbs 42 coil ar10, and kynshot rb5005 with FCD a5 castle nut to complete the A5 system. From what I’ve researched the griffin has a dull, chaulky finish, but can be purchased for $210 vs $420!!!
I use one in the Tactical Games and (knock on wood) it's been flawless. I was (am?) an ADM guy but sounds like they may have screwed Griffin on this design back in the day. I like this better than the ADM because it's forged and not billet so there is some weight savings and that is important in the Tactical Games. I'll be buying more soon! Not selling my ADMs anytime soon though. I have mine kitted out with a Criterion Core 14.5 P&W with a Griffin Taper mount in case I want to put a can on it (not in TTG). Also have a Geissele SSA-E trigger with a Sharps BCG and Radian safety and charging handle. Oh, and a Midwest Industries ultra lightweight MLOK handguard. And a Nightforce ATACR up top. Love this rifle!
Well thanks! 😎👊🏻 That piece on the receiver is from Stern Defense, it’s called a RAB-AD. Stern Defense RAB - AD th-cam.com/video/DE6_c-oFZ98/w-d-xo.html
Im currently having an issue with my mk2 lower and it not always locking back. Super frustrating. Iv used a different ambi lower with the same upper and it locks back everytime. Leaning towards something on this mk2 lower being out of spec.
@CalebDowning I did do that. I think it actually might be a gassing issue. I'm running a 14.5 Triarc barrel and carbine buffer and spring and getting 330-4 ejection. Took another trip to the range and found with AAC 556 it seems to lock back each time and with herters 556 it does about half the time. With 223 it does not. I did compare this lower with my other giessele and silencerco and when you lock the bolt back with a magazine in and then pull the charging handle all the way back there is definitely a little more space between the bolt and the mag catch than on the MK2. so I'm thinking with the MK2 lower it does need just a bit more gas to lock back. Also triarc is known for being gassed on the soft side so might just open up the gas port a tiny bit.
Such a good looking lower to then watch you put in an Anderson LPK hurt me inside. With SOLGW or Sionics LPK not being much more and being better quality has just made them the only LPK I would use. Could just be me.
I hear you. It probably does sound like blasphemy to out in budget parts into this level of receiver. I honestly haven’t had any issues with the milspec pins,springs, and detents from Anderson. I suppose if I wanted to put my favorite LPK in then it would have been an Aero… I think people would still have problems with that too 😅
Pretty sure it's the same as the ADM UIC since they are basically the same lower. Because of the ambi bolt catch you need low head trigger pins, standard pins can have issues
@@carsonkouts I have no idea what that means lol I'm sorry - I know TriggerTech has those 2 screws on the bottom (what are those called?) and you CAN use anti-walk pins w that trigger if you want but you do not have to. I saw another video on YT discussing the Griffin and it said you can not use a drop in trigger that uses anti walk pins.
@KevinWood44 Yeah the anti walk pins are what I'm talking about. The mk2 and UIC require low head trigger pins In place of standard anti walk pins because of how the bolt catch sits inside the lower. I've put a timney competition drop in trigger in and it works perfect as long as you use the low head pins
After I got done installing geissele super stainless mag catch assembly + its ultra duty mag release button and then I started a function check, and the thing was: when I press the griffin ambi mag release, mag won’t drop at all, I was using my old pmag. Anyone else experienced the same issue? Any help would be appreciated!
Good question 🤔 I’m honestly not sure though. I don’t have a LaRue upper to test fit but every upper I’ve tried has worked so far. I’d be interested to hear if anyone else has had an issue with this lower and that upper.
@@CalebDowning no biggie, just pointing it out for any of the viewers that are looking to buy one. So it not being billet it’s less expensive and lighter
The reason for the smooth texture of the lower is because of the thickness they go with when anodizing. Most in the industry go for about .001-.003" of coating. Pretty sure SOLGW, Griffin and a few others do .005" of thickness. They probably have a suppllier they trust and rely on to get consistency who does their anodizing. I'm a QC guy who has worked in the industry and there are a lot of shotty anodizers that cut corners or blame the lower for issues. When in reality it's because they don't outgas before they dip which causes surface issues, as anodizing is a chemical reaction.
Thanks for clarifying that. Great info! 😎🤙
@@CalebDowning No problem. Been a viewer for a while now, thanks for the awesome content.
@@HedgeMaster26 In your experience, would you steer away from blem parts that have damaged anodizing for any reason, other than cosmetic?
Wisconsin is kind of the place to be if you like "tool" companies ;)
Griffin guys are beast
- Godspeed
Ya buddy 😎👊🏻
Nice review. Ive always felt that FULL ambi bolt control is a necessity and a few manufacturers have it done right.
The ADM and now Griffin Armament MK-2 system is imo the most intuitive, ergonomic and most integrated full ambi system out there.
While the LWRCI, LMT, DD DD5 and others have more mil-spec like, mirrored controls the well protected, low profile lever of the MK-2 is simply easier and more natural to manipulate.
Gotta get me a couple for upcoming builds. An ultralight RECCE style and an SPR/DMR.
Solid observations. And it’s nice that you can get these lowers for sub 200 bucks 👌
Best ambi lower for the cost!
For sure 😎👌
I understand the ADM controversy. But, I would like an honest comparison. So far, I’ve noted: rolled pins vs set screws, impregnated teflon on the anodizing, and billet vs forged. Already having 2 complete uppers with forged receivers, adjustable gas blocks, a 12.5 & 16” barrels. Already acquired an solgw loyal 9 a5 tube, Tubbs 42 coil ar10, and kynshot rb5005 with FCD a5 castle nut to complete the A5 system. From what I’ve researched the griffin has a dull, chaulky finish, but can be purchased for $210 vs $420!!!
That ergo grip shine is hands down most under rated grip.
I didn’t even know they still sold them.
I’ve liked it 👌
Nice set up I would like to do another .300 with ambi controls and Griffin is a good company to work with and it’s reasonably priced.
Thanks man 😎🤙
I’m pretty impressed with Griffin’s stuff as well.
It's not billet. It's forged. That's a plus since forged lowers are stronger.
You are correct. I misspoke in the video 🙊
I use one in the Tactical Games and (knock on wood) it's been flawless. I was (am?) an ADM guy but sounds like they may have screwed Griffin on this design back in the day. I like this better than the ADM because it's forged and not billet so there is some weight savings and that is important in the Tactical Games. I'll be buying more soon! Not selling my ADMs anytime soon though. I have mine kitted out with a Criterion Core 14.5 P&W with a Griffin Taper mount in case I want to put a can on it (not in TTG). Also have a Geissele SSA-E trigger with a Sharps BCG and Radian safety and charging handle. Oh, and a Midwest Industries ultra lightweight MLOK handguard. And a Nightforce ATACR up top. Love this rifle!
Sir good video I’m gonna purchase this lower my question is what’s the name of the end attachment for the buffer system ide like to get that also
Well thanks! 😎👊🏻
That piece on the receiver is from Stern Defense, it’s called a RAB-AD.
Stern Defense RAB - AD
th-cam.com/video/DE6_c-oFZ98/w-d-xo.html
The griffin MK2 is the only lower I'll buy now. Such an amazing value for what it is.
It’s a dang good quality lower 😎👌
I'm curious if this would be a great candidate for installing the new rattler upper onto? If not which would you suggest?
I don’t have access to the newer Rattler(I’m assuming that’s the Rattler LT) But I do have an older Legacy upper and I’ll see if it fits.
@@CalebDowning thanks bro
The Pws ambi lower is very nice. But it’s $80 more. These look great.
👌
How long did it take them to send yours out? Been waiting on mine for almost 7weeks.
I think it took a couple weeks from the time I requested it.
cmc anti-walk pin set will fit this lower receiver?
I’m not sure 🤔 The ambi mag release might get in the way.
Do you prefer these or the silencer co lowers?
Good question. I haven’t had the chance to fondle the SilencerCo lowers so I’m not sure how they’d compare.
Im currently having an issue with my mk2 lower and it not always locking back. Super frustrating. Iv used a different ambi lower with the same upper and it locks back everytime. Leaning towards something on this mk2 lower being out of spec.
Hmm 🤔 I wonder if you completely stripped the lower and put it back together, if that would fix it 🤷♂️
@CalebDowning I did do that. I think it actually might be a gassing issue. I'm running a 14.5 Triarc barrel and carbine buffer and spring and getting 330-4 ejection. Took another trip to the range and found with AAC 556 it seems to lock back each time and with herters 556 it does about half the time. With 223 it does not.
I did compare this lower with my other giessele and silencerco and when you lock the bolt back with a magazine in and then pull the charging handle all the way back there is definitely a little more space between the bolt and the mag catch than on the MK2. so I'm thinking with the MK2 lower it does need just a bit more gas to lock back.
Also triarc is known for being gassed on the soft side so might just open up the gas port a tiny bit.
@4RunnerRigatoni Gotcha, that makes sense 👍
Such a good looking lower to then watch you put in an Anderson LPK hurt me inside. With SOLGW or Sionics LPK not being much more and being better quality has just made them the only LPK I would use. Could just be me.
I hear you. It probably does sound like blasphemy to out in budget parts into this level of receiver. I honestly haven’t had any issues with the milspec pins,springs, and detents from Anderson. I suppose if I wanted to put my favorite LPK in then it would have been an Aero… I think people would still have problems with that too 😅
Is the anodizing close to a Zev or SOLGW?
I’ve handled one SOLGW rifle and I would say they are on the same level from what I remember 👍
I heard this lower can be fussy with a few triggers. Do you know if it will fit the TriggerTech? Thx
I haven’t heard that 🤔 I’ll update later if I run into issues.
Pretty sure it's the same as the ADM UIC since they are basically the same lower. Because of the ambi bolt catch you need low head trigger pins, standard pins can have issues
@@carsonkouts I have no idea what that means lol I'm sorry - I know TriggerTech has those 2 screws on the bottom (what are those called?) and you CAN use anti-walk pins w that trigger if you want but you do not have to.
I saw another video on YT discussing the Griffin and it said you can not use a drop in trigger that uses anti walk pins.
@KevinWood44 Yeah the anti walk pins are what I'm talking about. The mk2 and UIC require low head trigger pins In place of standard anti walk pins because of how the bolt catch sits inside the lower. I've put a timney competition drop in trigger in and it works perfect as long as you use the low head pins
@@carsonkouts perfect that is what I needed to know, thanks
What pistol grip are you using ?
That’s an ERGO grip. Got it from AIM Surplus.
After I got done installing geissele super stainless mag catch assembly + its ultra duty mag release button and then I started a function check, and the thing was: when I press the griffin ambi mag release, mag won’t drop at all, I was using my old pmag. Anyone else experienced the same issue? Any help would be appreciated!
The only thing I can think of is if you installed the mag catch a little too tight. I’ve don’t this before and it makes the mags stick.
Is this compatible with the LaRue match grade upper? I've heard some ambi lowers have issues with the bolt catch to fit with the LaRue.
Good question 🤔 I’m honestly not sure though. I don’t have a LaRue upper to test fit but every upper I’ve tried has worked so far. I’d be interested to hear if anyone else has had an issue with this lower and that upper.
Its not a billet lower, its forged.
Correct. Did I say billet? 😬
“Machined from Custom Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum” It says it right there in their site. My bad. Thanks for the catch.
@@CalebDowning no biggie, just pointing it out for any of the viewers that are looking to buy one. So it not being billet it’s less expensive and lighter
Fuck it I’m buying it
Do it!
I just bought one I’m excited, their website is trash though
It’s a pretty sweet lower 👌