There is a whole thread dedicated to Spike's. Read it first.
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here, posted this in another very similar thread. you can't go wrong with the DD lower, and it is $126 here when in stock.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin...rchResult.html
also, watch starting at :34 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/user/R0GUEKN1.../0/_dyky83ktZ4
To avoid locally high prices, go to gunbroker.com and find a dealer near you willing to do transfers and order your lower in.
Some lowers I would suggest you consider in addition to those already mentioned:
Seekins:
http://www.rainierarms.com/img/shop/...4f85744027.jpg
Sun Devil:
http://quentin-laser.com/store/image...il%20Lower.jpg
Mega:
http://estore.websitepros.com/stores...llet_Lower.jpg
The AR I just finished was built on a Sun Devil lower...I love it, but I want to try something different this time.
I really like my Noveske lower.................:D
I recommend you avoid gimmicky lowers that make you pay extra for unnecessary things like a set screw to tighten up the lower/upper fit. Other than that, any milspec lower from a reputable source is as good as another in my experience. I've built up Mega, Noveske, LMT, Bushmaster, CMMG, RRA and Sun Devil. I prefer no-frills lowers, but I didn't have any problems with those on my list except for the ridiculous price on the Sun Devil. I recommend a colt or LMT based LPK like a G&R to ensure proper function, I've had too many problems with DPMS and RRA to recommend them. Things like wonky j-springs, poorly machined selectors and disconnectors, and super heavy/gritty triggers put me off the cheaper LPKs.
Not even a Colt LPK eh? Note to self, NEVER live in CA.
Go with the DD, it has a lifetime warranty, the factory guarantees you will be happy with it or return your money/replace the lower. THey make damn fine gear accross the whole spectrum, I have never heard of a problem with them that wasn't operator error, or a QC slip up (Which happens to every manufacturer out there regardless of QC regulation/control methods implemented, there is no such thing as a 100% deffect free manufacturing facility, not even for simple paper clips, anyone who claims otherwise is a fool and a liar.). The flared mag well is really a plus, you can use literally any magazine you could possibly find; I have been trying to find one that gives my DD M4 a problem and I have had no such luck as of yet; they all seat properly and function smoothly, even the older crappy GI mags with 20 years of crap on the outside. The quality of the DD for $120.00 +/- is more than worth it. I think spending $40.00 over the spikes tactical is more than worth it considering the name that DD has for themeselves in teh industry, and hell Larry Vickers designed the DD lower; how could you go wrong?
Really any lower will work though, just don't get a double star or DPMS, I have seen too many problems with those two; especially DoubleStar- they don't mate well to other manufacturers uppers in my personal experience; not sure if anyone else has had those issues though?
Never dealt with Spikes Tac before, but I hear generally bad things from people I trust in the know, that is hearsey though; so take it for what it is worth.