Just a quick question for you all. I'm going to pick up a stripped lower to finish a mid length AR for my dad. The local gun shop has the following: DPMS ($130), S&W ($140), YHM ($140), RRA ($140). Which would you get and why? Anyone have bad experiences with any of them?
which stripped lower would you buy
- Thread starter jeff788
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This one because of the price. There sold out now sorry.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STSLGEN1&groupid=6
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1STSLGEN1&groupid=6
Z-Michigan
Member
Those are all priced a little high.
Several options for $60-80 lowers including DSA (blems) and Spike's Tactical. The Charles Daly Defense lowers are/were really nice and are offered at CDNN for $100 last I knew. Of course shipping and transfer will bring that up to around the prices you're quoting.
If you go with what the shop has in stock, simply put all 4 next to each other and pick the one that looks nicest. For the most part a lower is a lower.
Several options for $60-80 lowers including DSA (blems) and Spike's Tactical. The Charles Daly Defense lowers are/were really nice and are offered at CDNN for $100 last I knew. Of course shipping and transfer will bring that up to around the prices you're quoting.
If you go with what the shop has in stock, simply put all 4 next to each other and pick the one that looks nicest. For the most part a lower is a lower.
Ratdog68
Member
None of the above... I'd go to surplusammoandarms.com and tell them you want an Aero Precision lower, a DPMS lower parts kit and a stock. You'll get a great deal if you buy the package (under $200 for all). If you buy the lower all by itself... you're lookin' at $79.99 for the lower. Excellent piece (forged). It's the lower I'm using for my 6.8 SPC II build. Fit/finish is great.
BTW... this is the same place that AIM gets those lowers from, and they're made by Aero Precision (as I recall).
Quentin
Member
Well there's something to be said for walking in the local shop and walking out with the lower right then. I know you can get them cheaper online but you must factor in the transfer fee, shipping and possible hassles. And it's good to support local businesses so they'll be there when you need something now.
I bought the S&W M&P-15 FTF in the local Impact Guns for $130 last August and have never been disappointed. A fine lower, well finished and fits snug with my ArmaLite upper. I could have saved $20 going with the DoubleStar they had but really wanted the S&W logo and fine machining and finish.
After a few weeks you forget what you paid so I'd say go with what you like best. And BTW your dad may appreciate the S&W logo, it might mean more to him than younger AR owners.
I bought the S&W M&P-15 FTF in the local Impact Guns for $130 last August and have never been disappointed. A fine lower, well finished and fits snug with my ArmaLite upper. I could have saved $20 going with the DoubleStar they had but really wanted the S&W logo and fine machining and finish.
After a few weeks you forget what you paid so I'd say go with what you like best. And BTW your dad may appreciate the S&W logo, it might mean more to him than younger AR owners.
DougW
Member
Del Ton was offering them last week for $69 dealer. Someone should have them for around $89 or so.
thatsteveguy
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Actually the best deal I've seen lately are the PlumCrazy complete lowers with stock for $130 shipped. True, it's a polymer lower but mine is flawless and the reviews have been glowing.
http://phoenix.backpage.com/SportsEquipForSale/classifieds/EnlargeImage?oid=9231097&image=9231093
http://phoenix.backpage.com/SportsEquipForSale/classifieds/EnlargeImage?oid=9231097&image=9231093
Ratdog68 said:
Is anyone else astounded that a forged lower can be had for less than $80? How is that possible given the cost of raw material, forging, machining, anodizing, shipping etc? Heck, it costs me $60 to fill up my car every 10 days with gas and after a couple of weeks I have nothing to show for it! I don't get it.
Z-Michigan
Member
1858 - there is massive overcapacity and overproduction in the AR-15 industry right now. I believe this is the golden age of AR-15 rifles and parts. Whatever you might want, buy it now.
wally
Member
We make it up on volume!
Local gun show had JD Machine lowers for $90. Put one together with a Model-1 sales "dissapator" kit and it was a snap. Shoots great, went together easy.
I agree a lower is a lower unless its Vulcan/Hesse/Blackthorne, otherwise buy on price or the fact you like the markings -- its why I got my Spike's "Infidel" lower.
--wally.
ForumSurfer
Member
Having just assembled my very first EBR starting with a bushmaster lower bough at my friendly local gun store (competitively priced and I support them whenever the price is within $10-$20), I'd say get yourself a Spike's Tactical. They have some really cool custom logos.
My buddy has a similar setup for his upper (all BCM components) with an el-cheapo lower. His "blemished" lower has the same quality fit, finish and specifications as my more expensive Bushmaster. :/ I could have saved a few bucks and gotten a Spike's Tactical with an American flag on it.
My buddy has a similar setup for his upper (all BCM components) with an el-cheapo lower. His "blemished" lower has the same quality fit, finish and specifications as my more expensive Bushmaster. :/ I could have saved a few bucks and gotten a Spike's Tactical with an American flag on it.
Ratdog68
Member
Google up Aero Precision... their bread/butter is machining aircraft parts... the lowers are a side line to their business. It really is some quality stuff. Here's pix of the lower before I built my kit. I blacked out the serial number... it's not a flaw. Everything lined up perfectly too.Is anyone else astounded that a forged lower can be had for less than $80? How is that possible given the cost of raw material, forging, machining, anodizing, shipping etc? Heck, it costs me $60 to fill up my car every 10 days with gas and after a couple of weeks I have nothing to show for it! I don't get it.
I compared SOG Armory, DPMS and S&W at a local dealer, and the craftsmanship and finish of the S&W was notably the best of the three. While I bought it to build up to be paired with a Colt HBAR upper, if/when I decide to acquire a carbine-sized upper, S&W leads the list of contenders, based on the quality of the lower.
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