ar lower parts kit opinions

[moto_stevo]

I'm trying to do my homework here.... the problem is conflicting post/opinions. As this is my first build I want to do it right, and in this economy I don't have a lot to spend on trial and error. Ultimately I will be using this in tactical/service rifle competitions. I've got a Spike's stripped lower already.
I am considering the Spikes st/enhanced lpk, RRA lpk with nnm 2 stage trigger, cmmg lpk with 2 stage trigger, or going with a basic lpk (DPMS) and doing a trigger polishing jp springs.
As I have no experience with this I am hoping for some practical wisdom. If my ideas suck I would appreciate better ideas since I am not set in my was. There is no deadline to finish this gun, so if the best results take my saving my money until next year that is what I will also consider.

 

[Quentin]

My last three LPKs have been Stags and each has a surprisingly good military trigger and the rest of the kit is high quality. Very satisfied for the $65-69 price you see from various dealers. Well worth the extra $5-10 over a gritty DPMS trigger.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The best standard LPK you can get readily is the one made by G&R Tactical:

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=GRT-LPK

Note that you would have to configure the options you want. Also, it doesn't include a grip screw, and only includes a trigger guard if you add it.

I've built using a Spike's standard LPK and was pleased with the quality. Of your list, that would be my first choice, as long as you're happy with a standard GI style trigger. If you want a 2-stage trigger, and you probably don't even know yet, I would skip the options you're looking at and instead get the Armalite LPK with their "tactical 2 stage trigger" which is $120 direct from www.armalite.com.

I own and use all of the above, as well as DPMS and Del-Ton. I own but haven't yet used a Daniel Defense LPK, which would be my other suggestion for a top quality basic GI LPK. The Stag LPK is certainly fine as well, though I haven't personally used one.

Don't overthink this or spend too much to start. If you decide you're unhappy with something you can change parts out later (only the hinge pin is a real PITA to swap). The only part you would be likely to want to change is the trigger, and if you do want to change it you may end up wanting to go to something high-end like a Geissele anyway.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have built several ARs with the DPMS lower parts kits. I have no issues with the DPMS kits and cannot comment on any other kits.

I always use a different trigger than what comes in the DPMS kits. Mostly Frank White triggers but also a Bushmaster and a Geissele. I once priced out the individual parts and while there was a little savings, a few bucks, it was more convenient to buy the entire kit and not worry about missing ordering some necessary part.

I would pick the trigger you want to run and build a parts kit around it even if you end p with duplicate parts as opposed to buying a parts kit and compromise on the trigger.

 

[TonyAngel]

Right now, Stag is probably the best bang for the buck in LPKs. It works the way it's supposed to.

 

[SoulLessGinger]

RRA is nothing special, I used it in my build. Fit great, but if I were doing it again, I'd use the Spikes with Battle Trigger

 

[rc109a]

I got the Spikes with battle trigger. Then ordered the lighter springs as suggested. It is a dramatic improvement from my DPMS or RRA single stage kits. I eventually replaced all my single stages with the Battle Triggers and lighter springs.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The ArmaLite LPK with tactical two stage trigger for $120 is the best bang for the buck I have used. ArmaLite has tech sheet for tweaking the tactical trigger to NM specs with some minor hand work.

 

[wnycollector]

I have one lower built with a spikes kit and three others with RRA 2 stage kits. As others have posted spikes makes a high quality kit with a nice smooth single stage trigger. The lower with the Spikes kit is set up as my go to rifle (Cav Arms MK II w/ 14.5 BCM middy upper). My other lowers sport RRA 2 stage triggers and are on rifles set up for long distance accuracy. If you decide to go with the RRA two stage kit check our arguy1 who sells on gunbroker. I picked up my complete two stage kits for ~$115 from him.

 

[helotaxi]

Look at Palmetto State Armory. They stock Daniel Defense and their own house branded LPKs. I've used two of the DD kits before their kits were available. You can option their kits out with a better trigger and you can add various Magpul options as well.

 

[Jaybird78]

I have a factory armalite (single stage).

I drank the cool-aid and bought a G & R tactical for my BCM middy (single stage).

Like mentioned above.... I just ordered a Daniel Defence kit (single stage)from Palmetto state armory for a new build for my daughter.

These last two I am going off internet reccommendations and the first one was factory. I have shot a RRA (two stage).

$25,000 question.....Is one better than another? I have no idea but I hope so.

You can spend as much as you like.

 

[nastynatesfish]

On another forum i just ordered a complete plum crazy lower with collapseable butstock for 125 shipped! Im gonna use it with my 24" 204 upper

 

[nastynatesfish]

You should also check out joebobsoutfitters.com

 

[DougW]

Been using Del Ton for the past few years.