Many years ago it seemed like there were not as many brands of striped lower AR 15 receivers on the market. The word was A, B, C (as in Armalite,?, Colt). Today it seems like there are many brands and names and the prices vary significantly. How do you choose something that is going to be in spec and assemble into a complete lower without problems?
AR 15 Lowers?
- Thread starter chkunz
- Start date
I don't see much different in the forged lowers from Anderson on up. If you want to get fancy pick out a billet lower that you like the style of. I've noticed some difference in finish color/appearance between brands on the forged stuff so if you're worried about how it looks, pay attention when matching up lowers and uppers. I'm not an expert by any means but I tinker around with them quite a bit and this is my take on things.
Bushmaster.
chkunz said:
Almost any will work.
One thing to be aware of though is the "large pin" Colt lowers. They are a proprietary thing, and you need to match hammers, triggers, etc to the pins that are different from just about everybody else.
Colt is fine quality, just has this thing about not wanting to play well with others.
I do not care about the cosmetics, I just do not want to get into assembley
Bushmaster, now I remember. I do not care about the cosmetics, I just do not want assembly problems. I also understand the differences with Colt, not an issue as long as a person knows the difference going in.
I would refrain from polymer lowers, otherwise agreed as long as it's made and checked to mil-spec, it'll function.
I might opt for 7075 for better resiliance to firing pin walk over time. A proper hole size does wonders, but wear of the lower can get a fcg caddywhumpus.
-Mac
I might opt for 7075 for better resiliance to firing pin walk over time. A proper hole size does wonders, but wear of the lower can get a fcg caddywhumpus.
-Mac
Why assemble a basic lower when PSA does it for $159. They had free shipping on them this past weekend. I doubt you could assemble any cheaper.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-blem-lower-classic-edition-no-magazine.html
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-blem-lower-classic-edition-no-magazine.html
Aero Precision makes good forged lowers. I just finished a long range 6mm Fat Rat AR with a Seekins billet upper/lower/rail combo I got last black Friday from SWFA, i got a load it likes and its beating bolt guns. If you're not overly concerned with looks or extra ambi features just go with a Aero Precision forged lower. I just picked up an extra Aero AR15 and AR308 receiver just in case.
And do yourself a favor and get a Geissele National Match trigger in the match rifle weight, it's one sweet trigger.
i have never seen a lower that did not work. put them together and go. i also doubt that with normal sporting usage they will ever wear out. they may be tighter tolerances than an ak, but they don't need to be perfect to work.
i put 9000 rounds through my first colt, changed the barrel 5 or 6 years ago and still going. i did upgrade to a timney about that same time.
i put 9000 rounds through my first colt, changed the barrel 5 or 6 years ago and still going. i did upgrade to a timney about that same time.
I sure like the American Gold Trigger. it has done very well for me and friends that I have installed it for.
Shynloco
You can lead a horse to water, but ........
Like in all things, you get what you pay for. Looks is one thing, but accuracy is another. Mixing parts is not something that leads to the best accuracy and smooth functioning, especially in an AR. And the degree of accuracy depends on the person buying the rifle and how much they are willing to pay. If you looking to get away with a shooting AR Rifle that puts together 1.5" -2" groups at 100yds, go buy a completed rifle at your local sporting goods store for less than $1000. But if you are looking for an AR Rifle for serious accuracy, look to spend 2X+ more for glass. Of course, if you have a source with experience putting together an AR from parts they feel work well together, their ability will assist greatly in putting together a decent shooting rig.
And like someone else said, look into a Geissele 2 stage trigger...smooth as silk.
Alex
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Shynloco
You can lead a horse to water, but ........
Barrels I've used and had luck with are Whiteoak Armament, Criterion by Fulton Armory, Mcgowen, Shilen and Rainier Arms (Shilen blank). I got a bad SS barrel from Bravo Company but they replaced it, it looked like barrel was worn out after 40 rounds. I've done 4-5 20" Criterions from Fulton Armory and they've all shot great. I'm gonna buck up and buy a Krieger or Bartlien one of these days.
The only ones I cant get into are the plastic lowers(composite) but I have bought at least 6 or 7 of off brand to main brand and they all worked out fine.
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