AR Lower...which one

4396 Views 30 Replies 14 Participants Last post by aziator, Dec 29, 2007

aziator

Discussion Starter · Dec 26, 2007

If you wanted to build an AR which lower would you choose and why? I know most of them are made about the same, but there is a big difference in some of the prices. I was thinking about finally stepping into the AR crowd and building a few up. I was going to get a few Sun Devil lowers and a POF, either Gen 2 or 3 (don't know how bad I need the ambi bolt release).

I will say that I have owned a few ARs but it has been years and I have never built one. Someone wiser than me told me that if you plan to SBR an AR make sure you get a lower that is good as you will probably keep it for the rest of your life. Just trying to start some conversation on an otherwise slow day.

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Sloan441

· #2 · Dec 26, 2007

There are some pre-production ;D Magpul lowers trickling out. There's a first impressions thread over on 10-8 about it. It looks pretty slick. When anyone will be able to get their hands on real production pieces is anyone's guess. It is Magpul, after all.

Only thing you know for sure is it'll hit the shelves "when it's done."

gunner69

· #3 · Dec 26, 2007

Think I would look on the AR forum for info on forged lowers. I would buy it WITHOUT the lower parts. I'm thinking a McCormich trigger pack so the trigger will be "match" right out of the box. Some of the better manufactures will "march" the upper with the lower, another plus. What caliber? You may want the lower marked for the cartridge of choice (make it worth more if you sell it later). One of the AR's I built is a Doublestar Upper & Lower, tite fit and shoots great. ;D

aziator

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 26, 2007

I just get tired of wadding through all the BS over at AFR.com. There is lots of good info over there but lots of internet commandos as well.

I will defenitely be getting stripped lowers, no way my wife would let me build 4 ARs right now. Plus I will be going to Iraq sooner than later and don't like building stuff just to let it sit around while I am gone. I guess I am just looking to buy some lowers in case they get difficult to come by while I am gone for a year.

I will more than likely get the POF in a multi caliber and the rest in 5.56.

I like the new Sun Devil lowers, they have an adjustment screw to make the upper/lower fit a little tighter.

Again, just trying to strike up some conversation...

TEXAS SOLFTAIL

· #5 · Dec 27, 2007

Last week I bought 2 RRA lowers $125.00 each. Look good, got parts kit today. RRA lowers I think are made by CMT (Continental Machine and Tool) the same people that make COLT & STAG lowers.

aziator

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 27, 2007

2

There is just something real sexy about the POF Lower, though it is a few bills...

I like the Sun Devil because it has the set screw so there is no need for the accuwedge. I guess they are all made about the same and it just comes down to personal preference and how much :2cents: you have to spend.

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ny32182

· #7 · Dec 27, 2007

I buy all my lowers from LMT now; mainly because their roll mark looks better than a snake, horse, deer head, atom, or whatever other goofy thing most companies put on the side of theirs.

These days a lower is pretty much a lower... I can't think of any particular one to avoid. If it is cast, don't get it, but I don't even know where you would find one of those anymore.

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Mick Nartin

· #8 · Dec 27, 2007

I have yet to build an AR (I usually spend more time thinking about building a 1911).

However, I believe that there are some small differences between lowers. The holes for the trigger pins, I believe? Some are small diameter and some are not? Colt comes to mind.

Also, unless you are getting a stripped lower (which is sounds like you are, so this may be a moot point), the gas tubes may be different sizes as well? Mil-spec vs commercial? Like I said, not an issue if you are buying stripped lower.

The only other differences I've seen are the materials. I think all are aluminum, but I believe some are made from T5 and some are made from T6?

va_plinker

· #9 · Dec 27, 2007

I bought 3 Mega lowers recently. They seem to be really nice and I feel comparable to my RRA. They are marked "Multi" for the caliber. I paid $110 from DD's Ranch.

For me it came to:

good review for Mega on ARF
good price for a quality lower
multi markings (something does not feel right to build out a 5.56 marked lower in 6.8)

I have yet to build one out, but I have a RRA parts kit waiting for me to find the time.

I think Aussie mention he might be able to get them. I don't know the lead times, but it seems to be months for Mega dealers like Coleman Tyler.

ny32182

· #10 · Dec 27, 2007

Some Colt lowers have the larger size pin holes. If you have one of these, you have to have lower parts and pins to fit these pin holes.

Get any brand other than those Colt models, and you will have full compatibility with all the standard lower parts.

Mick, I believe you are referring to the buffer tube. Yes there are two sizes, commercial and milspec. The threading is the same though, so this is not something that is specific to the stripped lower. They also use the same size buffers... the difference is in the exterior diameter of the tube itself. The milspec tube is slightly smaller in diameter than the commercial tube. You will need to get a stock that is matched to your tube diameter. Some stocks are made in versions for both tubes, and others are not. You just have to check to make sure they will match before buying.

gunner69

· #11 · Dec 27, 2007

Damn Aziator, That POF lower does look good. Nice trigger guard. Great for Yankees with big ass snow gloves too. I like the POF Piston upper also........ if only they would come the price. I think a "multi-caliber" would pay for itself in the long run. :2rifle:

Mick Nartin

· #12 · Dec 27, 2007

ny,

Thanks. You're right, I mean buffer tube. I was trying to say that if you buy a stripped lower you don't need to worry about it (until you go to buy a stock). However, if you buy a complete lower, and you have a specific stock in mind, than you need to pick your buffer tube to match.

Ranly

· #13 · Dec 27, 2007

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i303

· #14 · Dec 27, 2007

Aziator,

I don't care what anyone says. They're all pretty much the same now. I'd stick to what is currently the more popular and reasonably decent priced ones. I've only owned Colt's, and most of my issued M16's and M4 have been Colt's. Heck, my first one issued A1's was a GM Hydramatic. RRA, CMMG, Stag, Ameetec, LMT, or Bush seems the way to go and they'll all work just as well. With a Colt, you are buying the friggin logo now. It used to make a difference but not anymore. And with the POF and up and coming Magpul, what do they do that is different other than look bulkier with some cool looking logo or selector markings? And I though AR's were supposed to be lighter? It's hard to f-up an AR built. In fact it really isn't a build as much as all you just do is slap parts together. No welding or major fabricating required. Have fun with it.

Just looked up Ar lowers on GB. POF lower for $375!!!??? Puh-leeze!! Gen III?? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over! Gen 3 as opposed to what? When did Gen I or II come about? I guess whatever they'll call it to make an extra buck! And if someone needed extra "finger room" that's why it has that little detent button and trigger guard that swings away, for the last 40 years!

Done bitchin.

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aziator

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 27, 2007

The POF gen 3 has ambi bolt release, gen 2 doesn't. Not sure what gen 1 is. I would not pay that much for them, i am getting them for $300. Yes, it is still a lot of money for a lower but from talking to a few guys that is what some of the teams are using if they can't get HK416s.

44blues

· #16 · Dec 27, 2007

i303 said:
Aziator,

I don't care what anyone says. They're all pretty much the same now. I'd stick to what is currently the more popular and reasonably decent priced ones. I've only owned Colt's, and most of my issued M16's and M4 have been Colt's. Heck, my first one issued A1's was a GM Hydramatic. RRA, CMMG, Stag, Ameetec, LMT, or Bush seems the way to go and they'll all work just as well. With a Colt, you are buying the friggin logo now. It used to make a difference but not anymore. And with the POF and up and coming Magpul, what do they do that is different other than look bulkier with some cool looking logo or selector markings? And I though AR's were supposed to be lighter? It's hard to f-up an AR built. In fact it really isn't a build as much as all you just do is slap parts together. No welding or major fabricating required. Have fun with it.

Just looked up Ar lowers on GB. POF lower for 5!!!??? Puh-leeze!! Gen III?? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over! Gen 3 as opposed to what? When did Gen I or II come about? I guess whatever they'll call it to make an extra buck! And if someone needed extra "finger room" that's why it has that little detent button and trigger guard that swings away, for the last 40 years!

Done bitchin.

Bwahh -LOL! My feelings exactly!

Prizm

· #17 · Dec 27, 2007

If you like the POF get it. Don't let people dictate to you, your preferences. If you think it looks good, and it makes you happy... then get it. You know the rule, if you short change yourself, you won't be completely satisfied with your gun until what you like is on it.

I just bought a POF Gen 2. I love it. It's what I wanted. I got a great deal on it cause the guy was hurting but it's what I wanted. And yeah, it looks good too.

Mick Nartin

· #18 · Dec 27, 2007

May I make an observation?

I like POF, but mainly for their innovative uppers. If you don't care about who makes the lower, you should focus on the upper and internals. Then, instead of building the AR, buy one that has the features you like but also comes with a warranty. One of the reasons that I bought a S&W M&P15T was the lifetime warranty and the knowledge that the parts they use are of high quality.

Just something to think about.

i303

· #19 · Dec 27, 2007

Prizm said:
If you like the POF get it. Don't let people dictate to you, your preferences. If you think it looks good, and it makes you happy... then get it. You know the rule, if you short change yourself, you won't be completely satisfied with your gun until what you like is on it.

I just bought a POF Gen 2. I love it. It's what I wanted. I got a great deal on it cause the guy was hurting but it's what I wanted. And yeah, it looks good too.

First off, I'm not in a bashing spirit, so if this does come accross like that, read on and carefully. And I am thick skinned but I feel the impulse to reply.

"Don't let people dictate to you" comment is typical of the replies that you see in ARFKKOM and SF. If he didn't want his "decision dictated" or I saw it, asking for suggestions and opinions as I gave one, them why ask for it? Just because you have one and you think it's the shitzzle and feel that a "back response" is necessary goes hand in hand with the VB vs. SF and Slag issue. And I side with VB not b/c I think the 556 is a POS, but he stood his ground and those who didn't agree w/him resorted to trash talking and it started out exactly like this. And I actually kinda like the 556.

This is MY POV of the POF lowers only. They are like a Chevy Avalanche pick-up truck, if you can call it that. More crap added to it to jack up the price but yet offers nothing and maybe takes away from it. You are simply buying a "cool looking" feature. I'd agree the pictograms are indeed cool, and if given a choice that doesn't jack it up $100, I'd get it. But in 25 years of shooting the AR/M16/M4 i have yet to look at the selector switch when I'm about to fire it. As a matter of fact they all (other rifles) pretty much flip the same direction to fire.

If the "coolness" factor is top on the list, then my suggestions and opinions should be ignored. I'm all about the "go", and never the "show". That applies to my vehicle's too. I know alot of people who rather have the "cool looking" over a more sensible decision. Oh, well that's them. That doesn't mean I'm an old fart and only things made in the USA, back in the 40's is the best EVVARRR! I'd had pick a FAL over an M14 back then in a heartbeat. And after all, I do have an XCR and I give it an A+ and eagerly waiting for someone else to get the Masada first and then tell me about it.

The POF, Up and coming Magpul, or others are nothing more that show pieces. I'm sure they will work just as fine as 99% of all the other quality lowers but FOR ME they don't add anything of a productive value. The ambi bolt isn't being adopted by any LE agency or MIL probably because it will start to add to the complexity of the weapon and could hinder more than help. Unlike the XCR's bolt release where it's an easy and simple transition and ideal location for a bolt release. If you are a hard core lefty, get a Stag Arms AR or an AUG w/the left bolt. This infatuation with ambi is getting out of hand. Lefties do have a choice. I think trying to add ambi bolt release to a regular AR lower is a bad move period specially when the ones that take up trigger guard room and too close proximity to the mag release. In a stress situation you most likely will hit the wrong one!

No more responses from me about this subject before it ends up on the bottom of the forum. My opinions and suggestions are mine. If someone doesn't like the responses when someone asks "What do you think about..." remember it was asked and not just thrown out there.

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tzoid

· #20 · Dec 28, 2007

I bought 2 Mega Lowers when a dealer over at SigForum did a special group buy.

I got to pick my serial numbers and we decided not to get the Atom logo that usually
is on the Mega Gator Lower. The fit and finish is really nice and matches my Daniel defense upper perfectly.

I'm satisfied since the cost was 120 per stripped lower.

I also have found a source for RRA National match lower parts kits that I believe is the best you can find. 149.99 !!! ;D

I paid 180.00 on my last build until a friend reccomended the following company..

Give Pete a call.

http://www.ar15sales.com/

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