AR-15 Lower Receiver Question(s)

[Press Check]

Hey Guys,

I decided to build an AR-15, and wanted to see if there was a general concensus on what the best lowers receivers are.

I looked through the entire AR-15 gallery, and there are so many lowers being used that it's hard to narrow down which is the best quality, and has the best overall fit and finish, assuming that there's any substantial difference between lower receivers to begin with.

The same question applies to a lower parts assembly kit, and bullet button.

Thanks in advance.

[Cen Cal Gunner]

One of the most popular brands ar Spikes,Stag,Aero precistion but like you said there are many to choose from

[prerunners4life]

Everyone likes spikes..

They are prob your best bet for a nice AR lower

[ElvenSoul]

They all come out of the same 3 or 4 shops. The rest are just names put on them. Like Mega is really Aero and all that.

[dieselpower]

the one thats in your price range and sitting in the FFLs cabinet when you go to purchase it.

First find out what all the Local FFLS have...then choose. No reason to put the cart b4 the horse.

[bigred1]

I use Aero, but that is based on price and that I also use Aero uppers.

It all comes down to beatification: Stag has a dark chalky look, CMMG are moly coated and shiny, Aero, Spikes and even S&W look about the same color wise.

[bjl333]

Here's a old thread that might help some. There have been more added to the mix since, but this will give you a good idea! http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=50947

Good Luck with your search. I have/had these Lowers and I don't have any complains: Mega, JD, Kaiser, YHM, Spike, Delaware Machine, TM, PlumCrazy, LAR, DoubleStar & maybe a couple more. They are for most part very similar and I have not experienced any lower related failures.

[slam128]

all lowers are pretty much the same as they are produced with a very specific set of specs. I would just get an inexpensive lower and use the rest of your funds on the upper receiver and your accessories.

[jdmacl]

As stated above, they're all pretty similar, it's mostly just the look that differs. I have built on Spike's, which I am very happy with.

As for LPK, I have only used Spike's enhance LPK, which I like for its added features. You do pay for it though.

[Sumo99]

the one thats in your price range and sitting in the FFLs cabinet when you go to purchase it.

First find out what all the Local FFLS have...then choose. No reason to put the cart b4 the horse.

+1. Unless there is a specific logo you like (or dislike).

As for LPK's the major decision is if you want a standard single stage or 2 stage trigger.
I just got 2 standard LPK's from Palmetto State Armory for $43 each. Or you could spend twice as much on a Daniel Defense LPK and get better roll pins

[Flyingpootang]

+1. Unless there is a specific logo you like (or dislike).

As for LPK's the major decision is if you want a standard single stage or 2 stage trigger.
I just got 2 standard LPK's from Palmetto State Armory for $43 each. Or you could spend twice as much on a Daniel Defense LPK and get better roll pins

+1 on the roll pins

[762.DEFENSE]

the one thats in your price range and sitting in the FFLs cabinet when you go to purchase it.

First find out what all the Local FFLS have...then choose. No reason to put the cart b4 the horse.

PSA is running a sale on their lowers for about $57 out the door shipped to your FFL. (If price matters to you)

[CK_32]

Go mega!

I see them as above most others because they have the gator grip in the mag well. Other than that they are all just logos.

[Press Check]

Wow, I was expecting to be chased away for asking such a common question, so my sincere thanks to everyone for the great insight so far!

In all honesty, I'm not looking for a logo as opposed to a mil-spec lower with a nice fit and finish, and I'm definitely trying to steer clear of the chalky, matte-finished lower receivers.

As for the FFL I use, his store-front is not much more than a hole in the wall, and from what I understand he doesn't stock much, if anything these days. I don't have a price range, but $200 for a stripped lower seems reasonable.

I'm going to research all of the suggestions, but in the meantime, what about bullet buttons?

You guys are awesome.

[bigdrunk92037]

$200 for a stripped lower? It better be a billet upper for that price! Forged lowers (stripped) typically run from $50 on the very, very low end to $100-$125 on average. I guess I am lucky my shop carries a handful of brands with plenty of choices in the $90-$130 range. As others have said, lowers are about the same, but be aware that some lowers and uppers don't play great together. I would recommend buying a upper and lower from the same company so you will be assured the finishes and fit are good.