AR Lower Parts

[ArchAngelCD]

I am planning to build a lower as a platform for multiple uppers. I'm fairly new to AR platform rifles and I'm not sure about quality parts.

I do not want suggestions for the latest and greatest names that are Buzz words for the Internet. I am only looking for quality parts that are reliable at a reasonable price.

I see a lot if sales on parts. The name AR Stoner keeps popping up and I'm wondering if they make parts that are considered quality? If not their parts, who's?

Remember, they don't have to be the most expensive because of the name brand. I'm looking for quality without spending too much. For example, I know Geissele makes a great trigger for between $220 and $279 but their other company ALG Defense makes a trigger that is very close in quality for between $49 and $69. That is what I'm looking for.

 

[Quentin]

PSA lower build kits often go on sale at great prices. I'd buy their premium versions with the milspec 7075 receiver extension. ALG triggers are very good, I have their QMS which truly is a quality milspec trigger.

There are good and bad reports on the Stoner brand, I don't know firsthand.

 

[badkarmamib]

I have assembled multiple rifles with PSA kits. The only issue I ever had was one safety had a piece of flash in the track, so it was a little spongy until I found it and dug it out. I have built one with a kit off EvilBay. This safety likes to hang up halfway between safe and fire, and you can pull the trigger through it, and no amount of track polishing has improved it. Guess what my next AR part purchase will be?!?

As far as parts, just go to a reputable company (PSA, Spike's, DSG, Stoner, BCM, Radical, Primary Arms, etc.) and their parts should be GTG.

 

[md7]

I'd recommend BCM for their lpk and receiver extension. BCM has a solid rep for putting out good parts, and following stringent quality control. The lpk comes with their own trigger, which is similar to the ALG (which is a smooth, crisp version of a mil spec trigger that retains usgi trigger reliability) I think it also comes with their grip, which I like a lot!

Their receiver extension (buffer tube) is made of 7075 series aluminum. Personally, I prefer that as this part is exposed on carbines with adjustable stocks. It's (7075) less likely to dent or bend compared to other commonly used aluminum tubes that are commercially available. They're also mil spec diameter, if that matters. I'm sure there are other companies that also make these in the same material.

Mega and Aero Precision make some nice, forged aluminum stripped lowers. I'm sure that Anderson and PSA do as well. I think Sionics also puts out some from time to time. They're an interesting company based out of Arizona. Encourage you to give a look sometime.

Please do not take my endorsements as the be all end all. I have 2 complete BCM rifles that I've been thoroughly pleased with, and that's simply what I'm familiar with.

The mega and aero recommendations are less recommendations on my part and more of I'm just sharing what I've heard from a few people that have them.

Good luck on your build, ArchAngel.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

I use Spikes Tactical lower parts kits, without the fire control group (trigger assembly).

The ALG ACT trigger is better than many commercial triggers but it's not in the same class as a Geiselle SSA. I have both. I use the ALG trigger in CQC guns and SSA triggers in guns I assemble for accuracy.

I prefer the ALG trigger over the Spikes Battle Trigger as I've had problems with the Spikes trigger developing trigger creep with use.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thank you all for the advice so far. It is appreciated...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Another question, are there big differences between stripped lowers? If yes which are high quality without breaking the bank?

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

Another question, are there big differences between stripped lowers? If yes which are high quality without breaking the bank?

AR lowers are like most things, bottom basement are going to be more prone to issues like being out of spec, medium range in best value, and high end is nice to have but not really necessary for most people.

I've found Aero Precision to be the best value. They are middle of the road in cost but they have a few nice features like upper tension screw which allows you to tune the fit of the upper and lower receiver, they have a threaded rear take down detent hole so you can insert a set screw to hold the spring and detent in while you deal with your receiver extension.

Many say to avoid Anderson but I have no experience so can't speak to it. I've seen a lot of examples of broken poly lowers s I'd avoid them.

If you're ok with a few cosmetic blemishes you can pick up blemished Aero Precision uppers usually for around $65, I picked up 2 of them today as a matter of fact. I rarely am able to find anything significant on them.

I've also always found them to have nice fit and finish and be in-spec. I've also had success with PSA.

 

[redneck2]

PSA has some type of nickel plated trigger group. Sells for +/- $39 IIRC. I have a friend that is pretty gun savvy. He installed it on a new AR and says it's smooth and crisp. I have not tried it.

Appears to be a fiscally friendly alternative and I believe it got really good reviews.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have used Delton lowers $40 Anderson $45 on sale RRA $100 they all worked the same
spend your money on a good Trigger

 

[rodinal220]

Look for LPKs that contain hammers and triggers with an S&S mark on them,these are made by LW Schneider Inc. These are the ones you want if you are looking for a "Mil-Type" trigger.

BCM and ALG use LW Schneider Inc components.They can then add little tweaks like finish or metal treatments.

The better vendors source their parts from companies that make parts for the M16/M4 series for Uncle Sam.

Even Colt is using LW Schneider Inc hammers and triggers in their MSRs,have been for several years now.

The AR15/MSR world is an incestuous one.

 

[badkarmamib]

I have experience with Aero, Anderson, Spikes, CMMG, and Core15 lowers. Pretty much, pick the one that you like the finish and rollmark on, and go with it. One thing that is nice is, if you have your upper and pins, take them with you when you go to pick out your lower, so you can check for fit.

 

[Jeff H]

I know Geissele makes a great trigger for between $220 and $279 but their other company ALG Defense makes a trigger that is very close in quality for between $49 and $69. That is what I'm looking for.

Two of my 3 ARs have Geissele triggers and if I had to do it all over again, all 3 would.

IMHO, get a quality trigger, quality barrel and quality optics. Mil spec parts are good enough for the rest of the rifle.

 

[kcofohio]

Another question, are there big differences between stripped lowers? If yes which are high quality without breaking the bank?

Arch, this thread is 9 years old. So, with all the changes over time, it may not still hold true. But I found it interesting, none the less.
http://www.ar15.com/mobile/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=318113

Basically, at that time, there were 4 main makers of forged lowers.

There are currently FOUR manufacturers that produce the majority of lower receivers for the AR market. MMS, CMT, LMT and LAR receive orders from many licensed manufacturers who obtain an ATF variance to have them cut and logo receivers on their behalf. JVP and Superior Arms cut for a couple of different companies as well, but currently I will only focus on the four main manufacturers differences.

 

[pjeski]

I believe you'll find AR Stoner is MidwayUSA's house brand.

 

[Walkalong]

I have built a couple of Andersons with no issues, same for PSA. I have a Surplus Arms (1st Gen), a Mega, a Rock River (Factory Built), and a Charles Daly (Factory built). All have worked fine. Someone once posted here to stay away from Hessie, and after that, pick the logo you like. There can be minor differences in how the magwell is cut etc.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Again, thank you all for the good information.