AR-15 Lowers? Low $ or High $....

[Mojo-jo-jo]

I am considering purchasing an AR-15 lower receiver, probably stripped, maybe with the trigger group. Eventually I will add remaining parts as money permits to build a complete rifle.

What are the real differences between low price (like DPMS) and some of the higher end receivers?? Is the high end really worth the extra money? Why?

Recommendations please? For the record, I have never shot an AR-15.

Thanks....
M-j-j

 

[clown714]

my next build will be either a stag or essential.

got one of each already

clown

 

[scooterthegreat]

I just got done building an AR - haven't fired it yet as the weather turned very cold and windy. Hopefully this weekend...

I put a model 1 complete upper on a DPMS lower. The lower was complete unassembled. There really wasn't much to putting it all together except for putzing with those springs and pins

When I was researching, and I did a lot which included being able to shoot quite a few different configurations and listening to guys talk about what was good and bad about what they had built - most of the said that they had the least number of problems with DPMS or Stag.

 

[IronSightRot671]

Any affordable Forged mil-spec reciever will do.

DT!

 

[BozemanMT]

Any affordable Forged mil-spec reciever will do.

exactly
There isn't much to an AR15 lower
Just that it's all in the right places

Some names carry more cachet than others, but almost all of them work

 

[ryoushi]

I hate to say it but for me, it came down to the logo. Noveske Rifleworks builds some great rifles using high quality CMT (Stag) parts and I love their whole "Stops Jihad On Cantact" Crusader mentality. So I paid about $50 more for a Noveske lower than I would have paid for a Stag lower.

 

[bender]

my local dealer talked me into getting a bushmaster stripped lower through him. In his opinion they are better quality. I don't know about that, but... he also said that the bushmaster logo on the side helps when selling it later, if you do. Don't know about that either. Anyway, he's my favorite dealer, and has always done me favors and treated me right, so I'm ordering the bushmaster lower through him. Getting the Del-ton complete carbine kit myself.

 

[Gendaito]

don't get a complete lower, get a stripped lower

Mojo, I would recommend against a complete lower, get a stripped lower instead. Putting together an AR lower is really easy, requires no special tools, and gives you a lot of insight into how the rifle works. It's a lot more fun to do it this way and you'll save some a few bucks. Building an upper requires some special tools and a vise to do it right, so most people are better off buying a complete upper half. Connecting a lower to an upper is beyond easy. A stripped lower receiver runs anywhere from $85 to $150 depending on whose name appears on it. CMT/Stag, MEGA, Superior, AMEETEC, Rock River, Noveske, Lauer, Double Star, etc. all have their fans. I do like the Noveske logo. I think resale value on a build-it-yourself rifle may be a little less than a complete rifle (which also usually comes with some kind of warranty) where brand name recognition may matter more, but hopefully you'll be keeping this. 'cuz you put it together and it's your baby.

Complete lower assembly instructions at ar15.com.

AR15.com will be helpful in guiding you to well-regarded AR parts dealers. I've used Global Tactical, ADCO, MSTN, AR15sales.com and bought a complete upper from CMMG.

Good luck, and post pics when you're done!

 

[Essex County]

Can't add much except I've built three all on Stag lowers. All function as well as My Colt..........Essex

 

[Monkeybear]

One forged lower is much the same as another. That said I spent an extra 50$ to get one made by LMT and rollmarked by Lauer. Its no better than a 90$ Stag in my eyes. I agree with what Gendaito says about the upper though, Id buy one ready made.

Ive dealt with Rainer arms, PRFirearms, and Talon Arms in making my AR. They were all prompt and friendly, especially Talon Arms.

 

[Correia]

The AR business is one of most inbred ones that I'm aware of.

CMT owns Stag. CMT also makes Rock River, S&W, and some Colt receivers. Each of those is priced differently.

DPMS doesn't make their own receivers. They are made by LAR. (which most people didn't know made AR recievers, but they are actually one of the highest producing AR manufacturers there is).

We use Stag on all of our custom builds.

 

[soul_rapier]

RRA is a good lower i built one about 2 months ago got a complete lower and stripped upper if you get a stripped upper and get a A2 upper them sights are a pain to get together and i didnt use any special tools and it works great from the time it got together (no head spacing) barrel torqued correctly @55lbs. . If you put it together right the first time it will work without any problems well i did any ways that is i had a master gun smith watching over the project so i cant mess it up