Lower Parts Kits - brand differences?

[BAC]

Looking at LPKs (the next piece of my own AR build I'm getting), I see a difference in price between kits from Colt, DPMS, CMT/Stag, LMT, Rock River Arms, etc., but I don't really see why. Would someone mind explaining the differences between the kits? Do some companies use better/stronger materials, or is this a paying-for-brand thing?

Thanks,


-B

[Stephen_H]

Originally Posted by BAC

Do some companies use better/stronger materials, or is this a paying-for-brand thing?

Thanks,


-B

A little of both. While many manufacturers get their parts from the same vendors the higher quality companies subject the parts to further testing to ensure reliability. Example: Colt and Bushmaster might get their bolts from the same vendor, but Colt subjects the part to shot peening, High Pressure test shot, and Magnetic Particle inspection before the rifle goes out the door. Bushmaster might only batch test it.

For what it's worth, I've had great luck with LMT or CMT parts kits.

Stephen

[Razorhunter]

Who sells LMT LPK's? I know LMT will not sell them directly. Anyone know?
How about Colt LPK's? Other than SAW, who sells them? Does Brownells have the TRUE Milspec LPK's that would come in a 6920??

[Failure2Stop]

Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo

Who sells LMT LPK's? I know LMT will not sell them directly. Anyone know?
How about Colt LPK's? Other than SAW, who sells them? Does Brownells have the TRUE Milspec LPK's that would come in a 6920??

LMT- G&R Tactical, see HERE

Only know about SAW for Colt LPK, see thread HERE.

[BAC]

Thanks Stephen. I kinda had that in mind, but didn't know if the components in the parts kits were one of those three companies make them, twenty sell them sorta deals (ala lower receivers). That's good to know. CMT were cheaper than RRA LPKs, so if they're good to go then they're good to go.

Paul, Failure2Stop listed both of the ones I know, and they're the only ones I know. I like the LMT kits at G&R; they're pricey but you can swap out what you don't want for what you want. I think my first AR build is going to go budget and get the CMT/Stag kit, and save my pennies for the Noveske build later.


-B

[carbinero]

ADCO has suggested WOA LPK ($40 w/o trigger) for use with the new Geissele SSA, so you don't have to modify the CMT LPK.

[BAC]

I don't think I'll be messing with anything else for this current build (a tinker gun to learn more about the AR, since I can't keep anything mechanical in front of me for long before taking it apart ), but when I finally have enough to start really turning my plans to projects I'll keep that in mind for my SPR. Thanks carbinero.


-B

[losbronces]

Originally Posted by Failure2Stop

LMT- G&R Tactical, see HERE

Only know about SAW for Colt LPK, see thread HERE.

While Browells doesn't have the Colt LPK as such, I order the individual Colt lower components from them and then add the trigger I want.

[ARin]

i generally judge LPKs by the bolt catch. Some of the lesser brands (such as dpms) have a bolt catch with a casting seam right down the middle of the paddle....

others do not.

so in my mind, (whether true or not, i dont know) whenever i see a catch with a seam up the middle, i try to avoid that lpk.

like i said, i have no idea if my theory holds any water whatsoever

i generally try to stick with CMT/STAG lpks. their quality seems consistently good.

although, i could have sworn i saw recently a factory LMT with a seam on the catch......so really, i have no clue.
i bet grant can shed some light on this.....he has probably seen them all.

[C4IGrant]

I rank LPK's in this order:

Colt
LMT
CMT
DPMS

LMT is starting to make a good many things in house and to prove it, they are marking them. I have yet to have any issues with Colt or LMT LPK's.


C4

[comp1911]

Any idea how many outfits actually manufacture the components in the LPK?

[BAC]

I was wondering that myself.


-B

[carbinero]

Grant, do you figure the LMT LPK would accomodate Geissele's SSA without modification?

Also, where would you place WOA on your list?

[johnson]

RRA isnt a decent quality kit?

[Razorhunter]

Well Grant,
I would have figured that, and most people "in the know" would probably agree.
I do have one question however. HOW do you figure Colt is one step above LMT? Is there something that specifically deems it necessary, to put Colt above LMT? Just wondering the difference between the two LPK's? Thanks.

[C4IGrant]

Originally Posted by carbinero

Grant, do you figure the LMT LPK would accomodate Geissele's SSA without modification?

Also, where would you place WOA on your list?

Yes.


C4

[C4IGrant]

Originally Posted by johnson

RRA isnt a decent quality kit?

Not my first choice. Most likely ranks with DPMS.


C4

[C4IGrant]

Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo

Well Grant,
I would have figured that, and most people "in the know" would probably agree.
I do have one question however. HOW do you figure Colt is one step above LMT? Is there something that specifically deems it necessary, to put Colt above LMT? Just wondering the difference between the two LPK's? Thanks.

I always rank Colt above anyone as they has a TDP to follow. The other companies do not have this req to follow.


C4

[jdp710]

Just to chime in I like my RRA LPK trigger a lot better than my Stag LPK trigger.

[Twosons]

Originally Posted by C4IGrant

I always rank Colt above anyone as they has a TDP to follow. The other companies do not have this req to follow.


C4

What is the TDP on the LPK?