Quality AR Lowers *Updated*

[cartisdm]

I'm looking to start building my AR. It's going to be a long process because I don't want to spend $1k up front but I don't mind piecing it together over time.

My goal is to build a quality lower then slap on a completed .22 Upper (further down the road I'll build a 5.56 upper as well but I want cheap plinking fun to start with). Right now a local NC group is doing a group buy on Barnes Precision stripped lowers. Online these list around $120 but with the group discount they are expected to be around $85 out-the-door, including FFL fees. I've also heard rumors that PSA is doing another $49.99 deal soon.

What are your thoughts on lowers? If I'm going to build something, I want quality parts through-and-through. Another reason I'd like to build one is so I can learn about ARs inside and out (I'm fairly new to their platform). Anyone have a Barnes Precision or PSA? Other good deals floating around?

:assaultri

 

[mwlabel]

I used a PSA lower for my build, and am perfectly happy with it. If I were to do it over though, I would have ordered several of them for the price - $49.

It's an election year, remember. In 08, companies such as Spike's raised their prices through the roof to take advantage of the panic buying. While I hate that the community destroys itself with this fear buying, it's supposed to happen again this year. If you find a sale on lowers, buy what you can if you're interested in making a profit later in the year.

 

[cartisdm]

What exactly differentiates quality in a lower? The quality of the metal and how it was forged or are there actually issues with tolerances and features?

 

[mwlabel]

Metal quality, finish quality, tolerances, and features. All lowers are NOT created equal as so many people like to tell you. However, you'll have a pretty hard time finding a lower that does not have proper tolerances.

 

[Mickeymorris626]

Quality really only effects the builder. With all my time around the platform, i have only seen one lower fail (crack in the magwell). That being said, i enjoy building on a quality lower. Lowers such as Noveske, DD, LMT. Everything goes in so much smoother, you lessen the risk of marred parts or mangled roll pins.

for my most recent build, I went with a spikes. Just because i have started a ton of builds for people on them, they seemed to have a decent finish, and i was able to get one for $67 shipped. Do i fully endorse the brand, no. But to a certain degree, a lower is just a lower. There are only a handful of brands that aren't made at the same 4 factory (LMT, CMT, LAR and MMS). If i were to select one manufacturer to go with, it would be LMT. They have the best client list in my opinion.

 

[cartisdm]

What is everyone's take on Lightweight receivers? Someone suggested I take a look at a New Frontier lower which comes completed for only $99.

Until about an hour ago I didn't know there was such thing as "lightweight" lowers so I'm doing some research now. It appears they are just made out of polymer instead of forged metal. Thoughts?

 

[mwlabel]

Avoid them, avoid them, avoid them.

 

[cartisdm]

blah, I figured it was too good to be true

 

[cartisdm]

maybe they would be fine for a strictly .22 setup but I imagine there would be problems when I add the 5.56 upper

 

[mwlabel]

Precisely. They're just not worth the effort. Unless you absolutely need that extra weight removed, there is no reason to go with them.

 

[cartisdm]

I was going to build my Lower first then worry about the Upper but I got the opportunity to have a skilled AR gunsmith help me out. He offered to help me build a dedicated .22 upper for free so I gave him a parts list. Here's the breakdown:

• DSA Stripped Upper
• Forward Assist and Ejection port door
• CMMG 16'' .22lr Barrel and Bolt
• Nordic Components Handguard
• CMMG Bolt Hold Open upgrade
• CMMG Anti-jam charging handle
• A2 Flash hider and crush washer

How does that look?

 

[cartisdm]

Just ordered my last part for my AR. Parts are starting to roll in but I don't have anything to assemble yet. Price total came out to $759 including all shipping, FFL fees, and parts. Can't wait to show it off!

• Spikes Stripped Upper receiver
• Forward Assist & Ejection Port Door
• CMMG 16" .22lr Barrel & Bolt
• Nordic Components Handguard (Backordered)
• CMMG Anti Jam Charging Handle (Backordered)
• (2) BDM Magazines
• A2 Flash Hider & Crush Washer
• PSA MOE Lower Parts Kit w/out Fire Control Group
• PSA MOE stock kit
• ALG QMS single stage trigger

:rifleaim::rifleaim::rifleaim:

 

[mwlabel]

You're in for a worse slippery slope than cigars, my friend. :thumbsup: