View Full Version : Which stripped lower?
I'm getting ready to start gathering parts for my first build. There are so many stripped lowers out there that I was hoping for some help in which ones are good, & which ones to stay away from.
Here are some brands that I have found...Aero Precision, Spikes Tactical, Palmetto State Armory, CMT Tact Gen 2 UHP 15 Billet Lower Receiver, PWA, Del-Ton.
I have experience with aero, spikes, and PSA and would recommend any of those. No experience with the others.
Mega Gator. Love the texturing on mag well front and tension screw to eliminate wiggle. Lately you can find them for $150 or less.
http://www.northwestfirearms.com/crossroads-arms/137299-mega-arms-forged-gator-stripped-lowers-stock.html
Army Chief
05-18-13, 09:10
There are a number of good choices on the market, and to be honest, any in-spec lower is going to get the job done. What you need to decide is what you're trying to accomplish with the rifle. If you want a nice solid basic AR, then you probably don't need or care much about billet components, ambidextrous capabilities or some of the ridiculous Art Deco or pirate/zombie crap that is out there right now (sorry -- are my biases showing?).
I'm a southpaw, so I appreciate KAC (SR-15) and AXTS (AX556) lowers which offer some enhanced capabilities there. For basic rifles, I tend to prefer a no-frills BCM or Noveske lower -- LMT is another worthy contender here. In general terms, though, the lower itself probably isn't going to make or break your project, as there are far easier mistakes to make when selecting things like barrels and rails.
AC
I want to build a no BS, works when Murphy is trying his damn best to make it not to, 16", 5.56 carbine.
I found a Noveske N4 generation one chainsaw AR-15 stripped lower which I assume would be good to go. What I would like to know though, is does it work with the Gen One P-Mags?
My magazines are comprised of gen one P-Mags & aluminum GI mags, so the lower would have to be compatible with both kinds.
Ditto on the BCM & LMT. But good luck finding them at a reasonable price. A non prestige brand will finish your project now and you can upgrade later. I find that I get attached to some (Mega, LRB) and only match the quality name upper when selling the whole rifle. And if you end up with a spare lower or two, that's a good hedge for the future.
If cosmetics matter to you, Aero Precision makes nice basic lowers.
Army Chief
05-18-13, 09:56
I want to build a no BS, works when Murphy is trying his damn best to make it not to, 16", 5.56 carbine.
I found a Noveske N4 generation one chainsaw AR-15 stripped lower which I assume would be good to go. What I would like to know though, is does it work with the Gen One P-Mags?
My magazines are comprised of gen one P-Mags & aluminum GI mags, so the lower would have to be compatible with both kinds.
No issue there. Where you potentially begin to run into problems is when you move off into the more creative end of the spectrum, such as with some of the more unusual billet lowers. Even then, however, basic compatibility with a USGI or PMAG magazine should not be an issue. At worst, it may take a bit of breaking-in before they will drop free or somesuch, but these kinds of problems are fairly rare these days, nor are they real show-stoppers for most. A Noveske N4 represents something of the gold standard in stripped lowers these days.
AC
Noveske GEN II's are one of the best.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RCVR2
C4
PSA has lowers in stock for a good price. I like mine
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/receivers.html
FWIW, My CMMG lower is in spec, and I cannot tell a difference compared to my S&W lower which turned out to be great as well.
If mags drop free, and Mil-SPEC components can fit without issue (like trigger and hammer pins) , they are good for me.
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 11:45
Out of those listed, the Aero for sure.
I have a PSA that won't mate with a MUR upper without a bit of pounding.
Ditto on the BCM & LMT.
Price it out and normally buying complete LMT lower is quit competitive. Sell the butt stock, replace with what you want. I don't build lowers anymore, just usually get the LMT with the 2 stage trigger.
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Out of those listed, the Aero for sure.
I have a PSA that won't mate with a MUR upper without a bit of pounding.
Interesting. I have no trouble mating an VLTOR MUR to mine
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 13:07
What style selector markings?
Out of those listed, the Aero for sure.
I have a PSA that won't mate with a MUR upper without a bit of pounding.
Poly,
Is it just a sample of one on the MUR and PSA lower? Not bashing. Promise brother but I have multiple MUR's ( no PSA lower but do have access to some) and was curious if you had run into this before.
-Jax
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 14:09
No problem.
:)
Just my sample of one.
The MUR fits on my Aero and BCM lowers as do all of my other uppers.
The pins need to be pounded in on the PSA when mating the MUR.
The lower WAS only $50 though.
Copy that poly and thanks. My best friend has a few and I'll try my MURs out on his lowers tomorrow and see what happens.
-Jax
ETA: Ironically the tightest fit I have run into with my MURs is my Vltor lower. ;) It 'broke in' quickly though.
2nd.amendment
05-18-13, 14:16
I know you said stripped, but I would have a hard time passing up a complete LMT lower at the moment . . . such as this one. Includes a LMT LPK, so you are getting a top-tier parts kit, receiver extension, etc. as well.
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=124
If you insist on stripped, the ones mentioned above should all be good. I would add the Seekins forged lowers to the list (Noveske, BCM, Mega, Aero, Rainier, etc.) and they have been available recently for good prices.
Finally, Aero has stripped blem lowers now for $100 if you're okay with cosmetic imperfections.
Finally, Aero has stripped blem lowers now for $100 if you're okay with cosmetic imperfections.
I bought one a few weeks back & it looks pristine as far as I can tell, YMMV. Very happy with it. Btw, thanks Poly.
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I agree with most of the sentiments here, a lower (if in spec) is a lower is a lower.
I'm fond of the Tactical Innovations forged lowers, although not at current pricing, simply for the fact that they don't have an obnoxious roll mark to them.
Chris
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 15:24
I bought one a few weeks back & it looks pristine as far as I can tell, YMMV. Very happy with it. Btw, thanks Poly.
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Würd.
Are Aero uppers good to go like their lowers?
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 15:33
Stripped uppers?
My bad. Yes, stripped upper receiver.
Stripped uppers?
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=131279
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https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=131279
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LOL! Never would have guessed that NY would have that law on the books.
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 15:49
My bad. Yes, stripped upper receiver.
I would imagine they would be fine.
No 1st hand experience.
I've always used the BCM blem uppers.
Keep an eye out for them by signing up for the email notifications.
I also used the BCM blem uppers. They've came with different forge marks. Haven't had any issues. FWIW, I think the Aero's have keyhole marks as does my Colt.
Here's more info if any of that matters: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=5357
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polymorpheous
05-18-13, 16:03
Forge marks have very little bearing on the finished product.
Machining, however, is the end all, be all.
Lowers are forged by the same handful of companies that the uppers are.
You rarely see a forge mark though.
They are usually machined of when milling out the pistol grip boss.
Cerro forge, (keyhole), has been putting their forge mark further forward lately so it doesn't get machined off.
Forge marks have very little bearing on the finished product.
Machining, however, is the end all, be all.
Correct, that's why I included key words as "FWIW" & "...if it matters". My bad for not being more specific. :)
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Thanks for the help all. I went with an Aero Precision stripped upper receiver & stripped lower receiver.
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 16:52
Correct, that's why I included key words as "FWIW" & "...if it matters". My bad for not being more specific. :)
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I hear you brother.
Thanks for the help all. I went with an Aero Precision stripped upper receiver & stripped lower receiver.
I think you should be fine.
Good luck on your build.
What style selector markings?
Pictograms
polymorpheous
05-18-13, 20:11
Pictograms
Same here.
I think you should be fine.
Good luck on your build.
Thanks for the help.
glock30_27
05-19-13, 23:24
Is it the same with the lower part kits? Because I have a spikes lpk in a stag lower,a dpms lpk in a stag lower and a psa parts kit in one gun so my question is are the partskits like the lower that if they fit and work perfectly then everything should be gtg?
polymorpheous
05-20-13, 00:17
DPMS parts are junk.
I have a pic floating around here somewhere of the bolt catch on a lower all chewed up.
My opinion is a shitty heat treat.
I'm slowly replacing those parts out.
I swapped out the FCG 1st.
If the heat treat is poor on the LPK, then my 1st concern is the FCG.
Awaiting the G&R kits to come back around.
I have built three rifles in the last few months. Two with Aero stripped uppers and one with a Noveske stripped upper. Frankly, the finish on the Aeros was better. All three give me no issues with any of my lowers.
I have used lowers by Bushmaster (Maine-produced,) Stag, Del-Ton, Daniel Defense and Colt, and have had no problems out of any of those. Hope this helps.
Once you get over that butt ugly deer, Stag lowers aren't too bad. The one I got is in spec and has a Spikes LPK in it. No issues since I got it last summer.
Noveske GEN II's are one of the best.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RCVR2
C4
I 2nd this. Just picked one up for my 3rd build. Wow.
Noveske GEN II's are one of the best.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RCVR2
C4
i book marked it and was in stock earlier today. i was just about to get one and theyre now OOS. EFFFF!:sad: i snooze i lose
edit- grant, any idea on when the next batch comes?
mkmckinley
05-20-13, 18:17
I recommend a Lancer L15.
Grant, do you ever have any of the FFL's in stock? I haven't seen one anywhere since November.
Edit: Just saw the message above. Dammit!
Noveske GEN II's are one of the best.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=RCVR2
C4
What about LPK? Are TDS LPK any good, or should I wait for the G&R kits?
polymorpheous
05-21-13, 11:51
TDS who?
i book marked it and was in stock earlier today. i was just about to get one and theyre now OOS. EFFFF!:sad: i snooze i lose
edit- grant, any idea on when the next batch comes?
BACK IN STOCK!
C4
2nd.amendment
05-21-13, 12:03
What about LPK? Are TDS LPK any good, or should I wait for the G&R kits?
G&R LPKs are great, when available.
Another option that seems to get good reviews is WOA. Have not used them myself, but generally trust WOA and customer service.
Without trigger
http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/ar-15-m16-1/lower-receivers-parts/lower-parts-kits/woa-lpk-white-oak-armament-lower-parts-kit-no-trigger.html
With a Geissele trigger
http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/ar-15-m16-1/lower-receivers-parts/lower-parts-kits/woa-lpk-aftermarket-triggers.html
TDS who?
http://tdsguns.com/store/
I received my stripped upper & lower receiver from Aero Precision today. I am very pleased with these parts. I went with a new stripped upper receiver, and a "blem" stripped lower receiver. The "blem" is just a slight discoloration in the finish, and it is just a narrow strip located on only one side. Aero Precision could not have been easier to deal with. I highly recommend them.
I received my stripped upper & lower receiver from Aero Precision today. I am very pleased with these parts. I went with a new stripped upper receiver, and a "blem" stripped lower receiver. The "blem" is just a slight discoloration in the finish, and it is just a narrow strip located on only one side. Aero Precision could not have been easier to deal with. I highly recommend them.
How long did it take for you to receive your order? Ordered one last Saturday and I'm just checking to see the time frame I should be expecting.
armed_zebra
05-29-13, 22:55
As for a LPK, can't go wrong with a Daniel Defense.
polymorpheous
05-29-13, 22:58
As for a LPK, can't go wrong with a Daniel Defense.
I haven't seen one in stock since last year at any of my normal vendors.
G&R LPKs are great, when available.
Another option that seems to get good reviews is WOA. Have not used them myself, but generally trust WOA and customer service.
Without trigger
http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/ar-15-m16-1/lower-receivers-parts/lower-parts-kits/woa-lpk-white-oak-armament-lower-parts-kit-no-trigger.html
With a Geissele trigger
http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/ar-15-m16-1/lower-receivers-parts/lower-parts-kits/woa-lpk-aftermarket-triggers.html
My WOA LPK installed without a hitch and everything works smoothly. I paired it with an ALG ACT.
I received my stripped upper & lower receiver from Aero Precision today. I am very pleased with these parts. I went with a new stripped upper receiver, and a "blem" stripped lower receiver. The "blem" is just a slight discoloration in the finish, and it is just a narrow strip located on only one side. Aero Precision could not have been easier to deal with. I highly recommend them.
+1 on Aero Precision. I bought an AP upper to go with my JDMachine lower and the fit is exceptional. No play whatsoever, but the takedown and pivot pins are easily moved with finger pressure. The JD lower is Cerro Forge and the AP upper is Anchor Harvey.
How long did it take for you to receive your order? Ordered one last Saturday and I'm just checking to see the time frame I should be expecting.
I believe it was 8 days. Not bad at all.
+1 on Aero Precision. I bought an AP upper to go with my JDMachine lower and the fit is exceptional. No play whatsoever, but the takedown and pivot pins are easily moved with finger pressure. The JD lower is Cerro Forge and the AP upper is Anchor Harvey.
The AP upper & lower both have the key mark. Which forge would that be?
ridgerunner70
05-30-13, 13:47
The AP upper & lower both have the key mark. Which forge would that be?
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=5357
By this thread it shows Cerro Forge using keyholes.
I've been happy with BCM, Daniel Defense, PSA, and most recently LRB
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t294/myersma2/SOPMOD/IMG_8525_zps3bf5e123.jpg (http://s163.photobucket.com/user/myersma2/media/SOPMOD/IMG_8525_zps3bf5e123.jpg.html)
Berserkr556
05-30-13, 16:53
I like LRB as well. I have a stripped one sitting here now waiting to be assembled. I bought a Geissele SSA, BCM receiver extension,castle nut,action spring,H buffer, BCM Mod 1 grip and a STR stock for it. I'm going to finish it with a Colt LPK minus the FCG here in another week when the Colt parts arrive.
I'm surprised more people don't mention LRB. I have several and they're worth every penny i paid for them.
LRB lowers used to sell for $49 each. :eek:
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=5357
By this thread it shows Cerro Forge using keyholes.
Thanks!
I have built several guns on AreoPrecision lowers. No problems. BCM and DD uppers all work perfectly on them. I used DD parts kits and most of them have Geiselle triggers.
I've heard nothing but good about AP from everyone I've asked.
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