.223/5.56 vs. .308/7.62 and rifle recommendations

[Pistolgrip Pump]

What should I be looking for in a stripped lower? Just that its mil spec?

[Ackrite]

Seriously though z.z what's are good brands..I don't want to buy a lemon.

Spikes, JD, Stag, LMT, Noveske...The list goes on. Literally, just get whatever is in stock and priced at whatever you are willing to spend. Ideally you can get the 10/22 and the stripped lower at the same time to avoid paying DROS twice. Like everyone else I would also recommend a 22 because you seem to be new and you will probably be taking friends or family with you who will be newly introduced to guns as well. A 22 is perfect for any first time shooter. Also, once you assemble the lower you can also put a 22 upper conversion on it. That is tons of fun to do mag dumps while only costing you about $.90/mag.

[GM4spd]

I would build a 5.56 the ammo is WAY cheaper

This--if you live in SOCAL non magnetic(range safe ammo) in 762x51(308)
is getting scarce and expensive,even if you can find it. Pete

[TANK1135]

Instead of a 10/22 the Marlin 60 is a gteat gun and you should be able to get one for about a 100 dollers used.If you want to taci-cool it the 10/22 has more after market parts but that would run you almost as much as a cheap AR or AK.