Does a AR platform lower really matter

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Shadow 7D

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I can get a CNC machined lower for 70 dollars, or a compete lower for 130, it's off brand, but in spec, and basically looks like every other one out there.

Now, barrel, bolt, camber, and action tightness/lockup
that's were you accuracy is, so my question is, if you are building, as long as the lower is in spec, does it really matter?
 
For the most part, a lower is a lower. As long as the holes are in the right places, it really doesn't matter, although I have seen some that were 6061, rather than 7075 aluminum. What I would be cautious of is the complete lower. The trigger group and associated springs, buffer spring, buffer tube and buffer itself could be substandard.

Personally, I wouldn't have much of a problem going with a cheapie lower. Aero Precision has some nice ones out. I'd just go with that and then add the parts to it from a reliable source. Many tout the Stag lower parts kit as a good bang for the buck. Then just add a good milspec buffer tube, buffer and spring.
 
Curious myself. So far, I've bought CMMG and Doublestar and had no problems. They go together nicely and look no different than the rest...sooo, what's wrong with them?
 
i've build about 10 guns from Essential arms stripped lowers and had no problems with any. Built two from tactical innovations lowers and had problems with both.

as long as they are machined properly, it doesn't matter, but apparently not all of them are machined properly.
 
My opinion is no. Not for standard forged aluminum lowers at least
I would buy a Palmetto State Armory for $80 ($50 when on slae) or Surplus Arms and Ammo from AIM ($60).
Also Aero Precison is about $80. Whatever rollmark you like best really

Lower parts kits can be better than others however. I wouldnt buy a DPMS parts kit or some other off brand.
Palmetto State Armory has inexpensive, good quality parts kits (About $55 and seemingly always on sale), also Daniel Defense LPK are about $75 if you really wanna be sure its good.
 
I used two surplus arms and ammo lowers and had no problems. Like others stated make sure that the holes are where they should be and that they are the right size.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk
 
If it is in spec and inspected then no it doesn't really matter. I have only seen a few int he last couple years that were not. I only avoid Oly, DPMS and Doublestar.
 
Ah, just wondering, big NAME makers (known for NOT being the best)
compared to the best (actually not that much more)
versus no name (or something like Aero, who makes them for lots of other well known makers)

I guess as long as you KNOW what you are buying, its fine, as I don't mind having a custom name if the price is right, or something that NOBODY has heard of is fine as long as it's in spec.

(I'll just tell the range nannies 'no you haven't heard of them, they ONLY do custom builds, mostly for special military contract' or some similar BS)
 
I guess as long as you KNOW what you are buying, its fine, as I don't mind having a custom name if the price is right, or something that NOBODY has heard of is fine as long as it's in spec.
Click to expand...
That's exactly what matters. A little while back someone posted a link to fat wallet forums where I found out about the Aero manufactured, Surplus Ammo & Arms marked stripped lowers for $56 from Karri's Guns. The thread over on fat wallet just had an email address & contact info. Karri's website is now up & running, and they still have the lowers for $56 (link below). I bought a few for myself, and the folks there were great to deal with. The lowers are exactly what I'd expect from an Aero lower. The roll mark isn't the coolest, but, heck, they're Aero lowers for $56. I know what they are, and I could care less if an ignorant range commando doesn't know what they are.
http://www.karrisguns.com/new-ar15-stripped-lower-receiver

I look at them like the former Chevy / GEO Prizm & Pontaic Vibe. They were actually the Toyota Corolla & Corolla Matrix, respectively, but the GM branding meant you could buy them for significantly less than the Toyota branded cars. Never owned either myself, but a fellow Airman's wife had one of the last Prizms with the same VVTi engine as that generation's Corolla. We had a good laugh when someone who owned an otherwise identical Corolla made fun of that Prizm. :evil:
 
With most quality manufacturers, no it doesn't matter. I would stick with known names. I have seen a few less known brands that have holes out of position. If you plan on using a high power cartridge, i would stick with aluminum.
 
There is nothing wrong with DPMS lowers.... don't believe all the hype you read on the internet....
 
my dad and i bought three aero precision lowers from zimmerman arms and they have been great, fit tight look great and im getting damn good groups out of the gun, very happy with them for 65 bucks each
 
I saw somewhere that a guy cut one out from an old plastic commercial cutting board and it worked fine.
 
There is nothing wrong with DPMS lowers.... don't believe all the hype you read on the internet....
Click to expand...

I present photographic evidence to the contrary.

DPMS1.JPG


These lowers with the plethora of other reported DPMS problems make me question even their lowers now.
 
My CMMG was tight, but well within spec. Good stuff. PSA's are fine. Surplus Arms and Ammo are pretty cheap, $60 if I recall, nothing but good I've heard.
 
stay away from Roggio Arsenal lowers,bought 1 and the buffer thread's were wrong.sent it back they fixed it....mag well is a touch tight also
 
PSA carries two kinds of lowers. One is made by Aero. I forget the other, but I think the company has the initials LW. I prefer the Aero over the other one because it's got the bullet pictograms instead of "safe" and "fire." The PSA and the Spike's lowers I have are both tighter than my M&P lower in regards to the takedown pin holes, but they all work.
 
that one picture notwithstanding, i wouldn't hesitate to buy a DPMS lower for a build, assuming the price was right. it's their tactical uppers i stay away from
 
I am going to build an AR15, too. On good advice, I purchased a Spike's Tactical lower. I bought it direct from Spike's, and they are SEVERELY back-ordered. I won't receive mine until December, if I'm lucky.
 
Aimsurplus also has Spikes Blem lowers for $60 or $70

Absolutely no reason to wait for a lower, order a PSA or Surplus Arms and Ammo or a spikes from AIM

All under $70 and good quality
 
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