Lower Receiver

[Wreaver]

Okay, if you've seen my posts you know I'm working on my first AR-15. I've got the upper and some other parts but I have a question about the lower.

How important is the stripped lower receiver in the build? My upper is a BCM w/ BCM bcg. I hear a lot about franken rifles and reliability....so in regards to the stripped lower and the lower parts kit, I was going to just use PSA for the whole lower build, or would you do something like a spikes lower build, if I could find a spikes lower that is, lol. And use Spikes parts for the lower?

thanks in advance.

 

[shavedforbattle]

I have a 16" BCM M4 Upper on a PSA lower and they fit together flawlessly. I could not be happier with my rifle.

 

[sepe]

Okay, if you've seen my posts you know I'm working on my first AR-15. I've got the upper and some other parts but I have a question about the lower.

How important is the stripped lower receiver in the build? My upper is a BCM w/ BCM bcg. I hear a lot about franken rifles and reliability....so in regards to the stripped lower and the lower parts kit, I was going to just use PSA for the whole lower build, or would you do something like a spikes lower build, if I could find a spikes lower that is, lol. And use Spikes parts for the lower?

thanks in advance.

As far as the lower, you'll notice different roll marks between Spikes and PSA (from most I've read, that is the only difference as they're machined in the same shop...might have changed since I last searched). Possibly a slight difference in finish (I didn't in my 2 PSA and the 5 Spikes the dealer brought out). The LPK that came in my PSA kit seems like it'll do the job just fine or if you wanted, you could upgrade the LPK. The PSA lower should be a little cheaper than the Spikes (PSA is $79.99 right now Spikes $115-ish).

 

[Hoosier]

I have built many AR rifles, and have yet to find a bad lower receiver. If the lower is mil-spec then you will be fine. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new rifle.
Hoosier

 

[jd4320t]

It doesn't matter but I like things to match when they can. If you want the finishes to match I'd definitely get a BCM lower. If it doesn't matter to you then go with the roll mark you like. I have a RRA LPK and a Spikes Enhanced LPk. Both have good triggers.

 

[mvician]

The lower is a box to house the parts. Some are fancy, some are plain, some are finished better than others. All in all, pick one with a rollmark and price you like and go for it.

 

[vanguard2010]

Have to agree with Hoosier, if they are Mil. Spec. they all work pretty good. Find one you like at a good price, and go for it.

 

[Jpfledderer]

I just put my first lower together. Spikes lower with a DPMS kit. Pretty simple. Watch a video online for easy step by step instructions. Good luck!

 

[brokenbutnotdead]

I have built many AR rifles, and have yet to find a bad lower receiver. If the lower is mil-spec then you will be fine. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new rifle.
Hoosier

+1. There's only around four companies who make them. There all good.

 

[mvician]

+1. There's only around four companies who make them. There all good.

There may only be "4 companies" FORGING them, but there are quite a few more that actually finish them into a working lower receiver.

 

[bullitstang1313]

I have 3 different AR's that I've built using 3 different lowers and haven't had a problem out of any. Like the others have stated, buy the one that you like the most and fits your budget. As far as LPK's go, I've used RRA's, DPMS, and a no name kit from the 1500. All have worked for me.

 

[Don]

Here is my latest build, colt socom 14.5" heavy m4 barrel, pinned and welded phantom FH and colt upper receiver, J&T Dist bolt and carrier, PSA LPK and stock and a MI Flip up rear. It's a total mutt, but should run fine.
Forgot to say I built mine on a no logo Delaware Machine lower as well.

 

[red_zr24x4]

I bought a new Deleware Mach. lower (striped), DPMS LPK, a used no name upper with a Colt barrel, and an unknown BCG. It goes bang every time, and I can hit what I'm aiming at.

 

[AmericanBob]

interesting thread here as i am in the same boat. i'm new to the ar world so i figured, why not just jump in and build one. i've got a spikes stripped lower, a cmmg parts kit and a spikes carbine buffer tube. i'm looking at the s&w 5.45x39 uppers pretty hard. if i don't go that route, it'll be one in 7.62x39.