Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
2/2/2015 12:59:33 PM EDT
So i've been researching a bunch of different parts and manufacturers to build my first lower and I keep wondering...
What is the actual performance/quality difference between all of the different brands of lowers? I feel like they have the same specs for the most part just different styles and designs.
Is there an actual performance difference between manufacturers or are the price variations solely because of the big Brand name?

thanks

p.s. I'm a noob and i apologize if this is a dumb question
2/2/2015 1:17:49 PM EDT
[#1]
Hi,
There are no dumb questions. You're exactly right. There are subtle design and feature changes but for the most part, they are all the same. They do the same thing. Prices vary considerably. Pick your favorite animal for the roll mark, and go from there. Some say multi-caliber, some say .223 or 5.56 and others. Take your pick. Don't buy Hesse or Vulcan. -W
2/3/2015 12:34:41 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
So i've been researching a bunch of different parts and manufacturers to build my first lower and I keep wondering...
What is the actual performance/quality difference between all of the different brands of lowers? I feel like they have the same specs for the most part just different styles and designs.
Is there an actual performance difference between manufacturers or are the price variations solely because of the big Brand name?

thanks

p.s. I'm a noob and i apologize if this is a dumb question
View Quote


There are many different things to consider, forged? billet?  most milspec forged will be pretty similar with difference to roll mark and placement of characters.

Billet is a totally different process so, you gotta ask yourself which do you want.
2/3/2015 1:38:49 PM EDT
[#3]
A forged lower from any decent manufacturer should be good to go. Myself, I tend towards plain blem lowers because they're cheap.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
2/3/2015 3:28:01 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
A forged lower from any decent manufacturer should be good to go. Myself, I tend towards plain blem lowers because they're cheap.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
View Quote


This. AIM Surplus always seems to have a supply of inexpensive lowers. They're usually from Anderson but recently they've offered Bushmaster.


2/3/2015 5:46:53 PM EDT
[#5]
Just picked up the two lowers from my FFL that I bought on Saturday. They are Anderson (one closed trigger guard, one open) the only difference I see between the two are the trigger guards, and that the open guard one has a "keyhole" forge mark. They both look great and should go together just fine when I figure out what I'm going to build. Thinking another carbine and maybe a pistol. Built myself a carbine last month on an Anderson lower that came out to just over $500.

I figure 2xstripped lowers for $89 shipped is a good deal.
2/3/2015 8:16:29 PM EDT
[#6]
I agree with the last guy too. I've seen upper/lower sets from JP Rifles for $700! the mil-spec lowers are just that... mil-spec. Which ever lower you end up with it is recommended (not gospel) to get the matching upper from the same company for better fit tolerances.
2/4/2015 11:58:39 AM EDT
[#7]
In the civilian world mil-spec is a buzz word that can mean a lot or very little.
AR Sponsor