Any AR lower to use besides Double Star or CMMG?

[MMcfpd]

My next, and for the foreseeable future last, project is going to be building an all-Colt flattop pencil barrel upper, with the object being to wind up with a lightweight carbine. In the past I've built ARs with CMMG and Double Star stripped lowers because they appeared to be the equal of just about all of the others out there and they're almost always the cheapest ones.

Well, obviously, I could build a flattop upper for less than what this one is costing, but I just want to do this this way. So, lowest bidder isn't necessarily the winner on this one. But I don't want to get something just to have a high falutin' lower. I'm really just wondering if there's any good reason to consider a different stripped lower, and if so, what.

 

[RedNoma]

You can get Stag and DPMS lower for pretty good prices.

 

[Wayne G.]

See if this helps! (AR Lower Receiver FAQ (56k beware) MMS, CMT, LAR, LMT compared...)
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=318113

 

[PercyShelley]

Maybe look into the Cavalry Arms polymer lowers? They seem to have a generally positive reception, and considering that the stock and grip are integral with the lower, you might be coming out ahead if you buy an assembled one.

They're also supposed to be a pound lighter than a fully assembled conventional lower.

 

[MMcfpd]

Stags are usually amongst the cheaper lowers as well, but their finish doesn't seem to have the definition of the other two.

After going through the linked arfcom thread, I'm starting to feel like Double Star may be the best deal going, but I am going to go research that Cavalry Arms polymer lower.

Thanks.

 

[Wayne G.]

After going through the linked arfcom thread, I'm starting to feel like Double Star may be the best deal going

I came to the same conclusion. The stripped lowers are pretty much the same!

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

A few things about lowers... make sure they are forged and anodized aluminum from a reputable company. Other than that, as long as the holes are all drilled to the correct diameter and in the correct spot, you are good to go.

 

[Mot45acp]

Unless you absolutely have to have a horsey stamped in it there are many others at 1/2 the cost.

After opening up a new Colt, I found my self wondering why does this cost so much more.

I am a fan of RRA LPK's. The difference is the tapered pins.

 

[Onmilo]

I like the panther logo on DPMS lowers and they also teflon coat after anodizing.

 

[MMcfpd]

Well, there's a gun show here the weekend after this and I'll probably get my lower there. I know I'll be able to find a Double Star, but I'll have a look for DPMS. I'm doubtful anyone will have a Cav MKII there, and that one seems a tad iffy for some aftermarket triggers.

The other, higher priced ones, like LMT, etc. don't really seem to offer much that the cheaper tier don't offer as well.

 

[10-Ring]

I have shot Colt, Bushmaster, DPMS, CMMG, Superior Arms, RRA, Stag, LMT, Double Star, Ameetec and Hi Standard and honestly did not notice a difference in their performance. I did like the finish on the CMMG (if that matters)
Good luck choosing

 

[PercyShelley]

For what it's worth, some lowers are made out of six thousand something aluminum alloys, while the more expensive ones are 7075 alloy. 7075 alloy has about double the yield strength and tensile strength of the other stuff.

In practical terms, I am not entirely sure if that has any ramifications whatsoever. Has anyone ever seen a broken lower? Not saying it can't happen, I just seem to hear about other stuff breaking first.

 

[seektruth]

I've used Doublestar and Spike's lowers. FWIW, I really like the Spike's lowers. They are quality, and they tend to fit to my uppers with no slop.

 

[aloharover]

I use DS, DPMS, Stag, and CMMG lowers on the rifles I build. I have not seen a difference in quality. The DPMS seem darker then the others.
I have also used BMs and can see no reason to spend 50-75$ more for those unless you just have to have the snake emblem.
RRA are good, but they take 90-120 days to get.

I sell the DS, Stag, and CMMG for 110 shipped. RRA and DPMS for 125.
Pete

 

[Dionysusigma]

I built mine on a Superior Arms lower. Doesn't seem any different from an Armalite or Bushy.

 

[Will Learn]

I'd get a $100 stag. Rguns( http://www.rguns.net/index.html ) has complete DPMS lowers with 6 position stock for $240, plus they have calendars of naked girls with guns.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Has anyone ever seen a broken lower? Not saying it can't happen, I just seem to hear about other stuff breaking first.

Yes, I have seen broken lowers. Mostly because they were cast aluminum and not forged. Most lowers these days are forged though, not cast.

Most manufacturers make their lowers from 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum, which is milspec.

If I am not mistaken, many of the billet lowers are made from milled 6061 aluminum... Anyone care to confirm or deny this?