Made in America: AR Upper and Lower Manufacturing Boosts Local Economy

Columbia Falls, MT, April 25, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Although a hot topic in government policy these days, AR-15s are incredibly popular with a wide variety of gun enthusiasts for their versatility. Even though these firearms got their start as military combat weapons, they have become a staple at shooting ranges and competitions across the country. Politicians question their use by civilians, but experienced gun users would agree that in the hands of responsible individuals they have many great purposes. Long before the debate even hit the Senate floor, Acutech had been producing AR uppers and lowers.

Acutech is a Montana-owned supply chain manufacturing company incorporating a full service CNC machine shop, precision cutting shop, and metal fabrication and sheet metal fabrication shop in Columbia Falls, Montana. Their machine shop works closely with many industries including aerospace, medical equipment, and pipe drilling systems. In cooperation with several gun makers, Acutech is now producing most AR-15 components.

Acutech has increased its capacity with the addition of a new Okuma horizontal lathe. As stated on Okuma’s informational site, its’ “thermo-friendly design enables the ability to hold tight tolerances and eliminates the need for separate finishing or grinding operations.” The Okuma machinery has allowed Acutech to condense the process of operations.

With this precision machinery, Acutech turns out AR-15 components at an efficient pace beyond the capabilities previously seen in the Flathead Valley. The precision machine shop starts with a solid billet of 7075 aluminum. Some manufacturers use a more dated process of aluminum forging, while Acutech uses state-of-the-art CNC machines to cut and shape the billet. They have streamlined the process from a multi-operational procedure to a quick and efficient process to make AR-15 components.

The AR-15 is one of the most refined and widely used battle rifles on the market and is issued to troops in all branches of the United States Armed Forces as well as the armed forces of approximately 20 other countries. It is valued for its accuracy and ease of customization to specific user needs. It is easily disassembled without the use of tools- there are many AR-15 uppers with barrels of different caliber, weight, and length. Since it has been in use for so long, manufacturers have streamlined the weapon and its’ features for reliable use in nearly all conditions and for all purposes.

The lower is considered the actual firearm piece of the AR-15 because the lower receiver is serialized; however, the uppers can be purchased and used at the owners’ discretion. Some AR-15 parts are even interchangeable with other rifles. This convenience is one of the many reasons AR-15 weapons are as popular and in such widespread use.

Acutech plays a role in the busy world of firearm production, working with innovative new ideas to streamline the process. They take pride in their precision machining and being a part of a manufacturing supply chain for AR-15 uppers, lowers, bolts, and carriers.