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6/28/2009 10:00:49 AM EDT
Hi Guys,

I am thinking about doing my first build and was wondering how does the lower receiver impact the accuracy of the rifle ? The reason I am asking I have a standard AR and the one I am thinking about building would be used for varmint hunting.

Thanks,

BTH
6/28/2009 10:25:40 AM EDT
[#1]
You can could recently buy lowers for $75 to $100 that will fit any upper & take any LPK.

Or, you can buy customized, artsy, or CNC gimmicky lowers for $200, $300 or more.  For that extra money, these lowers do:  exactly the same thing.  

Paying extra for fancy lowers is very foolish IMHO.  If you want accuracy, put the $$$ into a good barrel with a matched bolt and DO NOT expect top accuracy from Wolf (ie - use good ammo or reloads).
6/28/2009 10:32:38 AM EDT
[#2]
People make too big a deal about play between lowers and uppers and those accu wedge gimmicks.  Put your money into a quality barrel, upper, BCG, FF tube and ammo and you'll be in great shape.  

My first experience with this platform was in bootcamp and I could practicaly read a newspaper between my upper and lower.  Still managed to qualify with a score of 243 (out of 250).
6/28/2009 4:07:23 PM EDT
[#3]
I'd buy the least expensive lower, or two, and build a rifle.  I have a pretty rollmark on one of my lowers and the other is less expensive.  both take the same magazines and both shoot the same bullets.  I wouldn't be concerned with accuracy since I'm not doing that level of competition and I'm not good enough for it to make a difference.
6/28/2009 4:37:03 PM EDT
[#4]
In my experience the most important parts of a lower that contribute to accuracy are: # 1, operator. # 2, FCG.
The tightest fitting lower with the best matched parts can only do so much.  It cannot cure basic faults of the other factors.
6/29/2009 7:59:15 AM EDT
[#5]
only time I would spend a larger chunk of money on a lower would be when I was going to get a stamp and have it registered and engraved for SBR duty.

Otherwise, get what you can unless you hear bad stories about fitment issues with a certain brand of lower. I have CMMG, DPMS, and S&W lowers and other than a slight finish difference, they all work and fit almost exactly the same. The CMMG and S&W seem to fit my uppers better than the DPMS if that concerns you at all.
6/29/2009 8:37:40 AM EDT
[#6]
As stated, biggest influence of the lower is a good trigger. Tight fit upper to lower "can" help some, but only if the fit is really sloppy. Reason being, its difficult to get repeatability if things are wobbling around. Same goes for a collapsable stock. For most, it will not matter, but if your cranked in on the sling, it can make a difference. Shooting from the bench, not so much.
6/29/2009 12:11:47 PM EDT
[#7]
To summarize the above, the lower has NOTHING to do with accuracy.

In order of importance for accuracy,

1)  Good barrel
2)  Good trigger
3)  Floating the barrel with free float tube.
4)  Good sights, or sighting system.

Wrench it together.   The rest are details.
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