Who makes a good lower with an A2 stock?

[Carter]

I'm thinking about assembling an M-16 look-a-like. However, most assembled lowers come with m4 style stocks. The two I've found are BCM and RRA. The RRA is much more affordable, but idk about the quality of them.

Which lower would you suggest? I don't have the tools or know how to build my own lower from a kit.

By the way I'm going to use a BCM 20" upper, BCM gunfighter charging handle, MOE rifle length handguards (if I can find them), and either a chrome or nickel boron BCG from spikes.

 

[benEzra]

RRA makes pretty decent lowers, and the trigger is nice. BCM is top-tier quality.

IMO, upper choice is much more critical than lower choice when it comes to reliability and durability, and you're doing very well on that by going with BCM.

 

[Crawlin]

Honestly, almost all lowers are the same and as Ben said, it's the upper that is much more important.

The best way to choose a lower is decide which logo you like the best.

 

[Carter]

Well thats good to know. Sadly my favorite logo's are spike's tactical, and they don't offer an A2 stock. Function over form though.

 

[Tirod]

Eitaher would do. The accessories and furniture described will detract from the retro A2 style if that is the priority. Functionally, you'd be ahead. Even more, dump the carry handle and get the A3, but if being stuck with arbitrary iron sights and the difficulty of ever mounting an optic properly are acceptable, go for it.

I had to carry the A2 up to the last day of my service, and could only hope we'd get A3 uppers some day in some form. It's what makes the AR a modern weapon, as opposed to something designed in the '50's.

 

[Jackal]

Why does it matter what stock it comes with? A2 stocks are available cheap. Just get a lower and put whatever stock on it you like.

 

[Carter]

I had to carry the A2 up to the last day of my service, and could only hope we'd get A3 uppers some day in some form. It's what makes the AR a modern weapon, as opposed to something designed in the '50's.

I plan on getting the flat top upper, I just like the A2 stock.

Why does it matter what stock it comes with? A2 stocks are available cheap. Just get a lower and put whatever stock on it you like.

What tools do I need to install it and the buffer tube?

 

[ny32182]

LMT is another option for a built lower with A2 stock; it will also be on the high end pricewise for what it is though.

 

[otomik]

What tools do I need to install it and the buffer tube?

I went with stag arms (CMT made, just like my Rock River upper) because i like the classy untacticool rollmark and i got it in a2 configuration but i later took out the rifle length buffer tube and replaced it with a carbine length buffer tube using an armorer's wrench i got from bushmaster.

most of the lowers are the same except for the superlightweight Cavalry Arms MKII. there's the logo and a few differences in the finish (bushmaster is relatively dull, DPMS rather glossy). you might assemble your lower from parts kits, it is an approachable task that doesn't require much specialized tools unlike the upper which i think it better to buy complete.

 

[jcalys]

I just put together a lower from parts. It was my first experience with the AR platform. I have to tell you, it was really easy. Took about an hour. I really learned how all the parts work together, plus I got all the parts I wanted the first time and didn't have to replace things like the stock and grip down the road.

If you want the Spikes lower, get it. It's $80 for the stripped lower at aimsurplus. Check out the instructions on how to build a lower on ar15.com

 

[jcalys]

Oh yeah... assuming you have no tools at all, you're looking at around a $30 investment to get what you need to build a lower.

 

[as37692]

I just picked up my LMT Lower with A2 stock from my dealer today for an A4 build I was doing. The total out the door with Tax was $335

 

[sarduy]

CMMG or YHM