AR-15 Lowers

[TEX]

I have finally decided to put an AR together. Way back, there was basically Colt and Bushmaster to pick from, but now it seems like everone is building them. Does anyone know of a site where the different lowers are compared or reviewed, or just AR accessories and parts reviewed, etc.

Thanks - TEX

 

[Tarvis]

Good question; I've been meaning to start a new thread asking the same thing.

From what I understand, there are certain specifications (dimensions) a lower is supposed to meet to be considered "milspec." This most certainly dis-includes lowers with "large pin" trigger pin holes and swivel pin holes, as most people understand that Colt has made lowers to their own specs.

From my experience with DPMS lowers, which are the only ones I have dealt with, the only problem I have seen is with the swivel pin detent spring being too long, most likely due to the hole being drilled too shallow. Other than minor differences, is the function of each individual lower any different from one manufacturer to another?

 

[MMcfpd]

There is a comparison of lowers on ar15.com, but I think it's a little dated.

I personally have used stripped lowers from DoubleStar (multiple), CMMG (multiple), Colt, NoDak Spud, Superior, Noveske, Global Tactical and Lauer (LMT) and they have all been fine. Within that group, and including others that people may add with their own experience, the balance between best price, finish and trademark preference probably ought to determine which way you go.

Around here DoubleStar, CMMG and Stag lowers are usually the cheapest. Essential Arms are usually the cheapest online. Magazine fit is one of the more common areas I see gripes about.

 

[BsChoy]

I will have to say, Double Star is a great frame for the money. I bought one for my first build a couple of months ago and for being a 125.00 frame (the cheapest in the case) its fit and finish were outstanding!

 

[drgrenthum]

As MMcfpd said any milspec lower will work for you. I think anvil arms is still selling them at $100 each and they will engrave a design on it for free if you would like. For the most part you are simply picking which trademark you like the best.

My experience has been with dpms and anvil. I like the finish on the anvil the best but both went together with little or no problem.

 

[highorder]

the only problem I have seen is with the swivel pin detent spring being too long, most likely due to the hole being drilled too shallow.

that was the case with my Doublestar. I shortened the spring.

Other than that, the Doublestar is a great lower for $99.95.

www.aimsurplus.com

 

[FreeinAZ]

I am not sure what the end purpose of your rifle will be, but if it is destined to be a varmint/target rifle...
http://www.sundevilmfg.com/

You can buy a matched upper and lower, and the lowers have a tension screw to remove all play. Very nice. That being said, they are pricey. Mine have all been from a local company that just went under unfortunately.

 

[Mot45acp]

It comes down to one thing......What kinda picture do you want stamped on the side.

 

[DougW]

+1 to Mot45acp.

 

[Walkalong]

I think anvil arms is still selling them at $100 each and they will engrave a design on it for free if you would like.

I bought one and it is very nice. I have yet to do anything with it. Bottom line is most of them will do the job. When I inquired about this before buying one everyone told me to pick a logo I liked and get it.

 

[rcmodel]

It comes down to one thing......What kinda picture do you want stamped on the side.

And do you ever want to sell it or trade it off?

Hereabouts, a name-brand lower like a DPMS will add resale value all out of proportion to the difference in the initial price of the lower.

Everyone recognizes DPMS, but nobody ever heard of "Billy-Bobs AR Stop & Shop" lowers.

Even though they might be as good or better, they won't bring near as much money when you try to move them.

rcmodel

 

[taliv]

rcmodel, perhaps not in local gunshops where people buy whatever's on the shelf. but you can resell any of the brands mentioned here on arfcom fairly easily. in fact, it wouldn't surprise me if anvil, sun-devil and some others went for more than double-star and dpms. i haven't looked. just guessing.

 

[DougW]

Research over at AR15.com, and you will find that there are only 5 or 6 manufacturers of lowers. Lots of contract stuff. I have 3 rifles on Stag lowers, 1 one DPMS, and a spare Stag in the safe. We have also built on Rock River. Can't fault any of them EXCEPT Hesse/Vulcan (ask me why).

 

[Ian Sean]

Been thinking about a build myself, put together FAL's, 1919's a 1911 a couple Garands....been thinking of an AR for a while.

Participated in a couple of builds with some friends, the itch may need scratching.

Been hearing a lot of good things about Spike's lowers, any opinions?

Spikes Tactical...http://spikestactical.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=41_23

 

[.cheese.]

I'm sold on Lewis Machine and Tool.

I remember seeing some chart when I went to make a purchase that listed features across the different brands and what was and wasn't mil-spec.

Colt ranked the best on the chart, but I kept hearing about quality issues. Next was LMT, and I heard very few negative reviews. So I went with LMT.

 

[RonE]

These are the least expensive mil-spec forged loweres that I have found. http://www.essentialarms.com/

 

[strat81]

Cheese, that chart pertains to complete rifles, not the lower.

 

[AR-15 Rep]

I have part of the writeup on the lowers from ar15.com:

I see a lot of threads asking these questions about overall quality and suggestions for which brand of receiver any particular person would recommend, so I thought I might document the aesthetics of final finish machining info into an info thread of it's own.

Who makes the best receiver? Which receiver is the best? Which receiver is the highest quality?

Of course the answer is that all of them are pretty much the same. The actual brand of receiver means little to nothing. When deciding on which receiver you should purchase you should take into consideration two factors. Price and manufacturer. Of course if price is not an object, get the receiver that has the logo or emblem that you want. I know that is superficial, but the best receiver really boils down to the one you like the best.

There are currently FOUR manufacturers that produce the majority of lower receivers for the AR market. MMS, CMT, LMT and LAR receive orders from many licensed manufacturers who obtain an ATF variance to have them cut and logo receivers on their behalf. JVP and Superior Arms cut for a couple of different companies as well, but currently I will only focus on the four main manufacturers differences.

LMT = LMT, Lauer(old), DS Arms, PWA, Eagle, Knights Armament, Barrett, Bushmaster (?)
CMT = Stag, RRA, High Standard, Noveske (old), Century (current), Global Tactical, CLE, S&W, MGI (1st batch), Wilson Tactical, (some?) Colt, Ratworx
LAR = Grizzly, Bushmaster (L Prefix), Ameetech, (?)DPMS, CMMG, Double Star, Fulton, Spike's Tactical, Noveske (new)
MMS = Mega, Gunsmoke, Dalphon, POF (forged), Alexander Arms, Stinger, Spike's Tactical(old)
JVP = Double Star, LRB
Olympic = Olypmic, SGW, Tromix, Palmetto, Dalphon, Frankford, (old) Century
Superior = Superior Arms, Lauer (current)