Expensive AR lower worth it?

Skillet,
That lower won't put rounds on target any better than your $40 lower. If you want it because it looks cool, and the finish might be nicer, then yes, it is worth it.

Demos

If it is made to the specs, it will work properly, period. It doesn't matter what roll marks are on the magazine well.

With "expensive" stuff, you are (usually) reducing the chances for getting stuff not made to specs or defective stuff.

You are also paying a little extra to ensure that if you do get something bad getting it replaced will be handled quickly and politely.

This leads me to the point of the thread, is a custom $275 forged lower worth it?

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The one you linked is machined from a billet, not forged. Nearly everything else including the Anderson is forged.

My understanding is it isn't a super high grade lower for the price, but a machined from billet with extra work for the skull thing and therefore expensive lower. I haven't heard of the reason billet is supposed to be better than one machined from a forging, but in any event, I dont think Spikes is exactly a top tier lower.

So, only you can decide if its worth it. I don't think a good case could be made that its "better" and therefore worthwhile.

ETA: didn't see your last post until after I posted. If you like it and realize its basically for the cool factor, then its your choice. If faced with the cjopice, I'd probably be willing to spend a little more to have something I liked more rather than simply the cheapest thing I could find. My inclination would be more towards something like Colt, Noveske, BCM, or DD if the name or the likability factor was at play.

As a piece of art I suppose its up to the eye of the beholder and how fat his wallet is.

Heres an engraved skull from Stoner Arms. I think I gave $100 for it and really because my dealer only had those in stock at the time.

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I stick with forged lowers. I would not want a billet lower.

I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a lower but I'm not skillet. If it doesn't make the rifle more usable or comfortable I don't need it. Want is another matter.

If it makes you happy then go fo it.

Worth it? No. But a McLaren F1 isn't worth it, either. But I want one anyway.

From a practical standpoint, it's a waste of money, just like that beautiful car would be on my daily drive to and from work.

Sometimes we want things just because they're nicer, rare, unusual, beautiful, whatever. Only you can decide if that lower has the "It Factor". If so, it's worth it to you. If not, logic will prevail and you'll buy a standard lower.

So what prevents me from owning that car? Think of it as champagne and caviar. I'm Pabst Blue Ribbon and hot dogs.

I'll opine: I think its atrocious.

I'll save money and buy the plain ole sub $100 forged lowers that seem to abound.

I would say if you are going to this level for the cool factor, go for it just don't cheap out on the rest. A high quality fore grip with some thematic elements to it, or something else exotic looking. Make the rest live up to that lower! Or use the Anderson and put a Giselle trigger in it for the same money.

Guess I'm wondering if y'all would think I'm crazy for dropping that kinda money solely for the cool factor

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I guess what you think is cool is different then what I think is cool!!

Looks like kid stuff I would see in a video game cool.

I would have no interest in it at all.

It's just excess weight leaving unnecessary metal to do the CNC carving.

rc

If you like it and can afford it, get it. Only your opinion matters. Personally, I don't see a reason guns need to be boring.

the fact you ask the question implies you should go with it. Its certainly outstanding in its looks, so if you like it for its looks go for it! It wont do anything the cheap one wont, but has the look. Many will disagree, but Billet usually means cast. That is a slab billet is cast and machined. This results in extreme attention to detail, but unless the billet itself was forged, will not have the slight advantage of worked metal. I would go the forged route if your gonna beat it up, but really, cast/billet/forged wont make a difference even under the harshest real world abuse.

Billet receivers are made from bar aluminum extrusions, not castings. Some company or other offered cast receivers for awhile, but castings proved to make poor receivers

If you think it is worth it then it is. Myself, if I spent that kinda money on a lower it would be for improved function not looks. Flared magwell for faster reloads, ambi mag release etc. But that is my preferences, not yours.

Is it worth it? Only you can decide.

Member GunnyUSMC is working on a weapon using that particular lower, Here is his build thread. Consider it inspiration.

I think it's cool, but I'm not willing to shell out that kind of cash for a stripped lower.

It's your money. Like the saying goes, whatever flips your kilt...

We all have different tastes and far be it for ANYBODY to criticize yours. If you have the bucks and like the lower, get it. I have fleur de lis alumigrips on my Kimber, go figure.

spend the money on your barrel, trigger, bolt, stock, handguard, and optics if you really want to impress people who know what they are looking at
The lower receiver is the last thing to throw money at imo.
A blinged out billet lower with a crappy barrel, cheap bolt, and tasco optic on top is like a 200k mile stock engine honda with a body kit, huge spoiler, and huge rims on cut springs.
All show and no go.

Spikes?

Ripoff.

^^ This I can't stress enough importance in what Walkalong is saying.

Agree as well. You want a roller bearing smooth BCG. Good to buy decent quality and polish and lube the moving parts. Most people don't really notice because most AR's are gassed properly, or really overgassed to keep them running. Most will never notice, or until they run them hard, for awhile, then allow them to cool to outside temps in pretty cold weather. The BCG, really the bolt itself can get pretty darn sticky. Some of the $79 BCG's are OK, AFTER you give them the treatment, but as received are very rough.