ARs for Dummies Question

[IdahoSkies]

Are all AR lowers universally compatible?

I know there are lots of flavors of uppers. But I am wondering can I just buy a random lower and then build up what I want from there, or will the kind of lower I buy limit what I can build?

(Total AR noob, have a little extra cash to start buying parts now).

 

[OpelBlitz]

Generally speaking, yes. I'll let someone more versed in the subject elaborate.

 

[steven58]

Yes. As long as you are using a .223 / 5.56 NATO or similar length cartridge upper. If you want to use a .308 or similar caliber upper then you need a similar lower.

 

[72coupe]

Colt has some lowers that have larger than standard trigger pins. Also some of the Colts have a very large screw in the front instead of a standard size pin.

 

[firesky101]

I have also heard that plumbcrazy lowers are a no go with .22LR uppers. Generally speaking though most lowers will work with most uppers, just do some research before you buy any particular brand. You must train until your google-fu is strong. Besides I have always heard there are no dumb questions, just dumb answers.

 

[rcmodel]

Early Colts were incompatable with any standard uppers.

Today, prettty much anything works with everything, except some of the super-cheap plastic lowers.

Then there are .223/5.56 vis .308/7.62 lowers that only work with specific .223 or .308 based calibers.

rc