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Posted: 7/18/2018 12:26:51 PM EDT
Get out your sticks, we're beating a dead horse again!
Going to get the ball rolling on an SBR and trying to pick a lower receiver. I'm trying to keep the gun lightweight (sub 23in and 5lbs), but I do also want to make sure that I'm getting a good lower since it's going to get stamped. So what is the "best" lower receiver, assuming a budget of $200? I'm currently looking at the VLTOR VRA Vulcan lower since it'll be getting paired with a MUR upper, the 9.4oz weight still keeps me at ~76.1oz (4.75lbs), and it has a nice big mag release. My other consideration is the Vorn Lima II, at 7.2oz (73.9oz, 4.62lbs) and about $80 less ($116 vs $200). Is there another I should be looking at, and what is generally the "best?" I've always been in the camp of "in spec is in spec," but figure I'm going to be putting enough into this gun that I'd like to keep it a long time and don't mind splurging a little. 
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Posted: 7/18/2018 12:29:46 PM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 7/18/2018 12:59:13 PM EDT
[#2]
Anderson ftw.
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Posted: 7/18/2018 1:09:21 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anderson ftw. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anderson ftw. Quoted:
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Posted: 7/18/2018 1:32:50 PM EDT
[#4]
I’m interested in the responses myself for the same reason.
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Posted: 7/18/2018 1:35:28 PM EDT
[#5]
aero m4e1
I have a stack of stripped lowers. Anderson for mil-spec and the m4e1 when I want something a bit nicer and classier. sometimes i shoot with my pinky out. |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 1:37:58 PM EDT
[#6]
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Posted: 7/18/2018 4:24:12 PM EDT
[#7]
"Better" lower receiver for $200
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Posted: 7/18/2018 4:42:20 PM EDT
[#8]
Just built out a Primary Weapons Systems Mk1 Mod 2 lower and I am extremely happy with it. Can't find the Mod 2 in stock anywhere, but here is the Mk 1 (Mod 2 is a little thinner and has ambi controls). Even the Mk 1 will save you a couple ounces.
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Posted: 7/18/2018 5:14:03 PM EDT
[#9]
You can pretty much spend any amount you want for bragging rights, but it is really not needed, mil spec is mil spec, the extra money gets you different roll marks and perhaps some unique skull heads or such that can be an attention getter, but they are not needed.
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Posted: 7/18/2018 6:46:01 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can pretty much spend any amount you want for bragging rights, but it is really not needed, mil spec is mil spec, the extra money gets you different roll marks and perhaps some unique skull heads or such that can be an attention getter, but they are not needed. |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 6:49:32 PM EDT
[#11]
Not within your budget of $200 but these are the NICEST Lowers I’ve found and they are 100% ambidextrous....
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Posted: 7/18/2018 6:50:38 PM EDT
[#12]
Of the ones that I've used Essential Arms w/ the tough coat is my favorite
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Posted: 7/18/2018 7:18:42 PM EDT
[#13]
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Posted: 7/18/2018 7:51:48 PM EDT
[#14]
JL Billet 7075 lower
CNC machined from 7075-T6 billet aluminum. Mil-spec component compatible. Ambidextrous bolt release (included) Integrated trigger guard. Flared magwell. Upper tensioning set screw. Screw in bolt catch pin. Trigger reset set screw. Threaded take-down spring hole. Includes set screws 9.02 Oz 
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Posted: 7/18/2018 8:10:28 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/24471820015_30593cf84f_b.jpgMEGAUL1 by FredMan, on Flickr Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/24471820015_30593cf84f_b.jpgMEGAUL1 by FredMan, on Flickr Quoted:
https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/1/5165448716-gremlin.jpg https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/1/5165448716-gremlin_4.jpg https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/1/5165448716-gremlin_5.jpg https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/1/5165448716-gremlin_6.jpg Quoted:
CNC machined from 7075-T6 billet aluminum. Mil-spec component compatible. Ambidextrous bolt release (included) Integrated trigger guard. Flared magwell. Upper tensioning set screw. Screw in bolt catch pin. Trigger reset set screw. Threaded take-down spring hole. Includes set screws 9.02 Oz I think I want to stick with forged for strength (even though realistically I'll probably never beat on it hard enough to matter), but I'm super curious what those mean. |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 8:33:41 PM EDT
[#17]
Brownells has the Aero Gen 2 stripped lowers on sale right now for $47. Not as nice as the really expensive lowers mentioned above, but quite a bit nicer than Anderson for abut the same price. They also have the M4E1 on sale for $65. I personally don't need anything nicer than an Aero lower. YMMV
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Posted: 7/18/2018 9:18:45 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Brownells has the Aero Gen 2 stripped lowers on sale right now for $47. Not as nice as the really expensive lowers mentioned above, but quite a bit nicer than Anderson for abut the same price. They also have the M4E1 on sale for $65. I personally don't need anything nicer than an Aero lower. YMMV |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 10:05:05 PM EDT
[#19]
I hear good things about Mega, but all I can think about when I see their logo is Jimmy Neutron, and it just kills it for me. |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 10:23:49 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not within your budget of $200 but these are the NICEST Lowers I’ve found and they are 100% ambidextrous.... https://i.imgur.com/NdkLNMi.jpg https://i.imgur.com/s2UVN8T.jpg Anyway, I paired it with a couple matching AXTS uppers and handguards. A shorty in .300 Blackout and 16" barrel in 5.56 :) Rudy |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 10:26:21 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: One of the reasons I picked up a few MEGA lowers was specifically because of the atom rollmark. I love it. Rudy |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 10:48:06 PM EDT
[#22]
Who has the best price on mega lowers?
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Posted: 7/18/2018 11:06:11 PM EDT
[#23]
A little over budget and slightly heavier than mil-spec but this is my current favorite:
https://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/view/product/932/ True ambi and flared mag well, but a few disadvantages like from what I can tell you can't swap the bolt catch and that thing is pretty large. |
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Posted: 7/18/2018 11:32:22 PM EDT
[#24]
LWRC M6IC lowers are nice, but about $500 for the complete lower. Used to be $700+ if you could find one.
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Posted: 7/19/2018 1:00:39 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryCNC machined from 7075-T6 billet aluminum. Mil-spec component compatible. Ambidextrous bolt release (included) Integrated trigger guard. Flared magwell. Upper tensioning set screw. Screw in bolt catch pin. Trigger reset set screw. Threaded take-down spring hole. Includes set screws 9.02 Oz Hold up - what now? I think I want to stick with forged for strength (even though realistically I'll probably never beat on it hard enough to matter), but I'm super curious what those mean. Threaded take down spring hole is for the rear take pin and makes it much easier during buffer tube/end plate assembly. _ |
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Posted: 7/19/2018 4:10:21 AM EDT
[#26]
Being a big LMT fan, I vote....LMT, but I have handled a Radian and they are nice.
Will also add ADM to the list, a very well built lower, and upper. Has tension screw provision already installed for adjusting upper to lower fit. I am looking real hard at purchasing one of their complete rifles. 77 |
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Posted: 7/19/2018 5:07:14 AM EDT
[#27]
If I were to do my SBRs over again, I’d go with KAC, LMT, Noveske, or even Colt. I wouldn’t normally put the Colt in the same category as the others, but it’s got permanent brand recognition and you can even get one with the Commando markings.
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Posted: 7/19/2018 7:37:05 AM EDT
[#28]
I Vote for a full ambi lower. You can get ADM blem lower during a holiday sale for $200. A little less with mil discount.
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Posted: 7/20/2018 7:59:54 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Who has the best price on mega lowers? However, you can get a dumbass double slash roll mark with ZEV. // ZEV gutted the MEGA ARMS line I bought 3 MEGA GATOR lowers for $89 each last year when I heard about the buyout. |
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Posted: 7/20/2018 10:12:15 AM EDT
[#30]
Jse Surplus has some Mega candy. 53 in stock now...
LINKY |
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Posted: 7/20/2018 10:37:12 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryI now remember that site actually having them listed like a month ago at around $80
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Posted: 7/20/2018 10:49:42 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOh man, I'm still not huge on that logo and I think I'd rather stamp a forged (think I'm going with a PWS Mk1), but I may have to pick that up just on principal for that magwell and price.
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Posted: 7/20/2018 11:02:24 AM EDT
[#33]
PWS
CMT Noveske LMT That price I would do Billet for sure. |
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Posted: 7/20/2018 11:30:37 AM EDT
[#34]
But it doesn’t do anything my $39 PSA Stealth lower can’t do. |
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Posted: 7/20/2018 11:52:19 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/325471/67D12297-B82A-4FE9-91F2-AABF3ECD1A23-558334.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/325471/849332D2-0B55-4496-B515-9265FC82C74E-558338.jpg But it doesn’t do anything my $39 PSA Stealth lower can’t do. |
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Posted: 7/20/2018 6:05:14 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just built out a Primary Weapons Systems Mk1 Mod 2 lower and I am extremely happy with it. Can't find the Mod 2 in stock anywhere, but here is the Mk 1 (Mod 2 is a little thinner and has ambi controls). Even the Mk 1 will save you a couple ounces. I picked the PWS MK1 MOD2, building it now. They're really nice, forged and 7oz. but cost a tad more than your $200 limit. To burn more money check out their Bootleg enhanced upper receiver too. Capital Armory has the MOD2 in stock. PWS goodness |
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Posted: 7/20/2018 8:11:16 PM EDT
[#37]
I really like the Aero M4E1
It wasnt avalible when I did my form. I went with the Rainier, being how all the markings were on the right side (no longer) and Iv got another Rainier Arms, so I wasnt going in blind. I also thought about the V seven. I agree with you. Why stamp a turd? |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 12:15:51 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I hear good things about Mega, but all I can think about when I see their logo is Jimmy Neutron, and it just kills it for me. They are my favorite having nothing to do with Rollmark. The fit is absolutely perfect (Finish too, but I care less about that). If it were me, any Billet would have to be skeletonized to some extent so it doesn't weigh more than forged, or be for a bench-type gun. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 2:03:21 AM EDT
[#39]
Excellent fit and finish. I made my SBR from one. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 8:40:25 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can pretty much spend any amount you want for bragging rights, but it is really not needed, mil spec is mil spec, the extra money gets you different roll marks and perhaps some unique skull heads or such that can be an attention getter, but they are not needed. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 8:46:49 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
...except when it isn't, like Anderson lowers with the mag well not broached evenly and pin holes that don't line up! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You can pretty much spend any amount you want for bragging rights, but it is really not needed, mil spec is mil spec, the extra money gets you different roll marks and perhaps some unique skull heads or such that can be an attention getter, but they are not needed. Well I found out a few hundred rounds later that the buffer detent pin hole was out of spec (like many others that have been reported here on Arfcom) when the tip of the detent sheared off. Anderson had issues with the location of the hole, which allows the buffer to hit the detent before it hits back of the BCG. I band-aided it with an offset buffer detent and it's not really a big deal now but I'm still wishing I would have went with something better..... |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 9:20:57 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/325471/67D12297-B82A-4FE9-91F2-AABF3ECD1A23-558334.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/325471/849332D2-0B55-4496-B515-9265FC82C74E-558338.jpg But it doesn’t do anything my $39 PSA Stealth lower can’t do. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 9:28:41 AM EDT
[#43]
KAC
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Posted: 7/30/2018 12:09:17 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted: ...except when it isn’t, like Anderson lowers with the mag well not broached evenly and pin holes that don’t line up! Quoted:
I used an Anderson lower for an SBR and regretted it. Even after my buddy said "I would have went with something a bit 'higher end'." I brushed it off and figured as long as it's in spec- what's the difference. Well I found out a few hundred rounds later that the buffer detent pin hole was out of spec (like many others that have been reported here on Arfcom) when the tip of the detent sheared off. Anderson had issues with the location of the hole, which allows the buffer to hit the detent before it hits back of the BCG. I band-aided it with an offset buffer detent and it's not really a big deal now but I'm still wishing I would have went with something better..... I've had great luck evidently, Anderson has been gtg. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 1:06:37 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: ...except when it isn’t, like Anderson lowers with the mag well not broached evenly and pin holes that don’t line up! |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 6:01:51 PM EDT
[#46]
I have been really impressed with Aero Precision lowers. The regular ones have a screw to adjust play and the magazine well is flared.
Their M4E1 lowers are my favorite ones though. They look good, are forged (cheaper,) have an integral trigger guard, selector is set up for short throw, and the magazine well is generously flared. Aero also sells their standard lower with a PDQ bolt release/catch. Add in a Forward Control Design ambi mag release and you will have a completely ambidextrous lower for around $200. Even the blems I have from Aero Precision has had great fit and finish for the money. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 6:05:39 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 6:12:16 PM EDT
[#48]
I like billet U/L and particularly like the Noreen U/L sets which can be bought around $130 I guess (Lowers @ $59.95 at AIM Surplus). The design, fit and finish are very attractive with perfect (note: no FA if that metters).
Alternatively, I have found the older Aero U/L sets very nice - the new generation with trigger guard built in seems quite attractive. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 6:13:35 PM EDT
[#49]
I like billet U/Ls and particularly like the Noreen U/L sets which can be bought around $130 I guess (Lowers @ $59.95 at AIM Surplus or Brownells, uppers at Noreen). The design, fit and finish are very attractive with perfect (note: no FA if that matters).
Alternatively, I have found the older forged Aero U/L sets very nice - the new generation with trigger guard built-in seems quite attractive. |
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Posted: 7/30/2018 6:13:41 PM EDT
[#50]
A lower is a lower!
I prefer Colt for the Nostalgia of the Logo. |
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