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6/15/2013 6:34:12 AM EDT
What brands do you recommend for a quality lower? Is there a major difference between brands or are they all fairly close in quality? Any brands I should avoid?
6/15/2013 6:36:30 PM EDT
[#1]
Just stick to a known quality brand that is cut to Mil-Spec. dimensions and either forged or billet 7075-T6 aluminum.

Most known quality brands are sourced from 4 or 5 forging houses or milling centers/manufactures...

I would add this though, Aero Precision IMHO makes some quality uppers and lowers for the money...


If you want a lower with a few extra features and often Includes a Integral trigger guard a then
I would opt for the billet lower...

Typically a billet upper is a bit stronger/stiffer and can offer a more accurate upper build/rifle...

Good luck.
6/15/2013 7:19:17 PM EDT
[#2]
here

Im on my phone so hopefully I did the link right
6/15/2013 11:25:58 PM EDT
[#3]
I agree re the Aero...got several uppers and lowers from them, including a blem lower, and all were very well done (and you really have to look to find what's wrong on the blem...ymmv).
6/16/2013 12:10:46 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
What brands do you recommend for a quality lower? Is there a major difference between brands or are they all fairly close in quality? Any brands I should avoid?


Spikes, PSA, UCWRG, Seekins, Mega, Noveske, those are some that I have personally used for builds and I think they are all excellent choices.
6/16/2013 5:17:08 AM EDT
[#5]
I'll add Surplus Ammo & Arms, and any lower made by JD Machine (with their markings or a customer's markings like SOG Armory).  Kaiser Defense was a good brand, but I don't see them around anymore.  And a local firm called Dreadnaught Industries makes a really nice lower, too.

All of these brands, and many others, will be dimensionally accurate, which is the first priority.  Second, the way they look is something some people put a lot of thought into.  Some will have darker or smoother-looking anodizing, others will have different logos or selector markings.  If you stay with one of the numerous brands listed here, you'll have plenty of selection for both the look you want, and availability.

Stay away from anything labeled (or connected with) "Hesse" or "Vulcan" or their successors; they make poo and pass it off as AR parts.
6/16/2013 12:45:49 PM EDT
[#6]
I'll throw in another vote for Aero Precision. They make great stuff with great prices.
6/16/2013 5:45:20 PM EDT
[#7]
Little outdated but you get the point

Alot of the companies dont manufacture their own receivers. I just go with the roll marks I like as long as everything is Mil-Spec.

6/16/2013 7:06:41 PM EDT
[#8]
Just decide if you want a forged or billet and then pick a roll mark you like.



Personally, another +1 from a 13er who used AeroPrecision for the upper and lower. They fit like a glove, and my "blem" lower is impeccable (YMMV). Also, the Surplus Arms and Ammo OEM is Aero, just a diff roll mark, so they've been represented well so far in this thread.



Finally, if you're super concerned about the finish of the upper and lower matching you might consider going with the same company for both (and yeah, yeah, you're not supposed to care...)
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