Lowers:  Should I buy cast or forged?  What are the differences and what should the price difference be?

Brands:  How does DPMS rank?

Ok, technically that was more than two questions, but it's two subjects, so I should get partial credit.

Thanks in advance to the all knowing bunch that is going to answer my questions.

Forged, don't bother with cast. And DPMS is, to me, below Colt, Bushmaster and Armalite, about the same as RRA. They are very good for the money, and the differances between all top tier makers is very minimal.

Forged.  They are stronger and they tend to be more "in spec" when assembling (ie fewer problems).

Forged, cast are not an option imho. I have put together 6 rifles on DPMS lowers (we got a good deal) & all of them were done nicely & were in spec.I think as long as you stick w/ colt,armalte,bushy,DPMS, RRA your going to get a decent product.

             .......Paul

Forged, there's no reason to buy cast anymore.  Don't forget Eagle lowers, either.  Quantico Arms has 'em for $100 stripped, quite a buy.  They're local to me, so that's even better...no unsightly transfer fee lol.

My only experience with DPMS is with the .308 I got....their finish is very nice...it has a different look, almost like it's powder coated underneath or something.  

FWIW, based on posts by different folks here, you won't have any troube with:
Bushmaster
Colt
DPMS
Eagle
Rock River

Personally, I've got 4 Eagles, and a Rock River.  Can't see any difference from one brand to the other, really.