I am wanting to build my own AR....just to learn how and to understand the weapon better as a whole.  I already have the upper (Dtech) and got a bolt and carrier from Bravo Company.

I had (have) the opportunity to get a stripped Bushy for $150....but the guy is dragging his feet and taking forever and I'm getting anxious.  I want to move forward.  I want a high quality lower. SO WHAT SHOULD I GET? I've been looking at LMT (Lewis).

This will be my 1st build and I just want a sweet shooter rifle.

I guess I'm just looking for experienced opinions.  Whatever gets the most votes....I get.

Thanks

just my opinion, $150 is a little steep for a lower. but if that's what you absolutely have to have..

For that price I would get one of the new  billet lowers made by Sun Devil. John/Teknic sells them and they look nice. RRA, Stag, DPMS, CMMG and many more are much cheaper than the BM and just as good in my opinion.

Are LMT's any good?  are they mill spec?

Quoted: just my opinion, $150 is a little steep for a lower. but if that's what you absolutely have to have..

+1 on price issue.

CSP

LCW, did my first build with one, looks good.

Watch that bolt catch roll pin when you put it together.

Quoted: For that price I would get one of the new  billet lowers made by Sun Devil. John/Teknic sells them and they look nice. RRA, Stag, DPMS, CMMG and many more are much cheaper than the BM and just as good in my opinion.

Be advised that Sun Devil lowers are 6061 Billet NOT the 7075T6 Forging that a "mil spec" would be made from.  The tensil strength of 6061 billet is quite a bit "weaker" than 7075T6 nor is it as hard.

Quoted: Quoted: For that price I would get one of the new  billet lowers made by Sun Devil. John/Teknic sells them and they look nice. RRA, Stag, DPMS, CMMG and many more are much cheaper than the BM and just as good in my opinion. Be advised that Sun Devil lowers are 6061 Billet NOT the 7075T6 Forging that a "mil spec" would be made from.  The tensil strength of 6061 billet is quite a bit "weaker" than 7075T6 nor is it as hard.

Didn't know that. Probably won't much matter for most paper punchers though.

i've got several and all are good.

i'm fond of the Superior Arms units.  $97 new on the EE from RB Precision.

i also dig the RRA and Bushmaster.  Colt is good - cost it high.  Stag and Mega i hear about often, but don't own.

HTH.

septic tank

Thanks for the replies.  Now I'm torn!  I really liked the LMT but I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to learn how to build one of these bad boys from scratch.  

Start with the cheapest you can find that way you don't get too mad when you scratch it up

If you want to build one from scratch, that's great.  I wish you nothing but the best, though I should warn you that it's rather addictive and can ruin your financial well-being.

Here's what I've found:

Stag lowers are great in quality.  They are an off-shoot of CMT and you won't find better than that.  The price for a stripped lower is right at $100.

Stag Lower Parts Kits are comprised of some of the best quality I have seen in any LPK's.  I've looked at them all, and I can promise you that I will never use another brand - especially for a single-stage trigger.  These things are incredible.

Building the upper is more problematic in that it requires you to buy tools that you can only use for building AR uppers.  Factoring the price of the tools into the cost of the upper could mean that buying a pre-assembled upper is the better choice.  If you don't foresee yourself building two or more ARs, shop around and find a smith that can put one together to your specifications.  You get the looks and function that you want, but you also get their assurance of quality and function.

Personally, I will be building/buying a mid-length upper just as soon as I get employed again.  It's addictive, for sure.

I appreciate all the comments.  An upper will be my next project for sure.  I bought tools for this project knowing this would only be the beginning.  I had a bushy varminter about a year ago and have kicked myself ever since for selling it.  I agree addictive.

I honestly hate the "stag" on the side of a stag lower.  Does CMT make a lower?  Has anyone heard if LMT will sell a stripped lower?