Phoenix Weaponry is announcing the release of a new all-billet AR-15 rifle, the “Ariah.” The Ariah’s upper and lower receivers are milled from an aluminum billet, as is the rifle’s 15-inch free floating handguard. The Ariah AR-15 rifle ships standard with a chrome-moly 16-inch barrel and a Magpul MIAD pistol grip and CTR stock.
The American firearms industry generally uses aluminum forgings to produce both upper and lower AR-15 receivers. Forgings are pieces of aluminum that are pounded into coarse receiver shapes and then are “trimmed” out by milling and finishing to each gunmaker’s specifications. On the other hand, a billet is essentially a brick of high grade aluminum that is carved down by CNC mills into the final shape from the start. AR-15 Billet builds typically sell for higher prices than forged receiver rifles as it takes more time and effort to work on them.
However, manufacturers are able to whittle billets down to more exacting tolerances, and since billet receivers do not start their lives with coarse shapes, manufacturers also have the freedom to shape their exterior surfaces in different styles or with different designs for a customized appearance. These are some of the reasons why manufacturers such as Phoenix Weaponry or others prefer to implement them into their more premium or customized AR-15 builds.
The Ariah AR-15 is available in Phoenix Weaponry’s new shadow tiger camouflage Duracoat finish. Customers are also able to select a base finish for their rifles from either a Burnt Bronze or Tungsten base coat. The all-billet Ariah AR-15 rifle has a starting MSRP of $2,200. For further information about the new Ariah AR-15 rifle or other firearms manufactured by Phoenix Weaponry, please visit their website at phoenixweaponry.com.
