This has probably been covered ad nauseum on other threads, so please feel free to pass on a link.

I'm in the planning stages of a RECCE build, and I'm considering options for the stripped lower.  Being a newb, I'd like to know the limitations/advantages of the various receivers (i.e., Brand "S" doesn't work with a Magpul stock...).  Let's ignore rollmarks and brand loyalties for the purposes of this discussion and focus on physical and finish differences.

Many thanks in advance for your feedback!

Any good forged receiver will perform the same duty. All it does is hold the LPK. There is not a ton of stress on it at all. IMO go Stag or Mega. Both are excellent quality and can be had for under $100.

Quoted: This has probably been covered ad nauseum on other threads, so please feel free to pass on a link. I'm in the planning stages of a RECCE build, and I'm considering options for the stripped lower.  Being a newb, I'd like to know the limitations/advantages of the various receivers (i.e., Brand "S" doesn't work with a Magpul stock...).  Let's ignore rollmarks and brand loyalties for the purposes of this discussion and focus on physical and finish differences. Many thanks in advance for your feedback!

Yes it has been but here's the readers digest version...

All of the current forged lowers will work just fine. The only functional differences are these...

Some will accept a RDIAS, some don't. 99% of us will never have ~$10K to buy one so what difference does it make.

Current Colt lowers use a different size FCG pins. (.170, normal is .155). Almost every parts house and aftermarket trigger have a .170 pin option so again, what difference does it make?

Some lowers have a Teflon finish which won't take most common finishes (if you wanted to camo it). If you are planning on painting it, what difference does it make?

In short... get whatever forged lower you want based off of whatever criteria floats your boat (price, brand, roll mark, etc)

I've used Eagle Arms, Ameetec, and Mega lowers for builds.  I didn't have any issues with any of them.  I hear the Stags are nice too, but something about that deerhead  just doesn't look right to me.  the finish on my DPMS .308 was the best I've seen on any AR type rifle...it's teflon, iirc, and it has a satiny look to it.  

Personally, I'd just try to get the one that's cheapest, or easiest to get.  

I'd say get one in black, with all the holes in the right spot.  Those are the best ones.

Personally, I avoid anything teflon coated (MEGA, DPMS, Ameetec and maybe a few others).  I have had better luck with good old fashioned hard coat anodizing (Bushmaster, Stag, newer PWAs, Colt, RRA, etc.).  YMMV.

Quoted:
I'd say get one in black, with all the holes in the right spot.  Those are the best ones.
...quote]

Yep; that's the one I want!

Was considering Stag, RRA, or LMT/Lauer, but wasn't sure that there were any significant differences.  IIRC, there was a post on the MSTN-custom Stag lower thread regarding difficulties fitting a Magpul stock...  These are the sort of things I'd like to know about.

Thanks guys!  Keep 'em coming.

magpul has said that they upgraded their buffer tubes to work with basically any lower reciever now. but i dont know how much of that holds since i like and usually buy only bushmaster lowers.




i do have a few oddball lowers that i have never had any problems fitting any part into them.


bushmaster
dpms
double star
eagle
ameetec
mega
rra


none of these have given me any problems

Quoted: I'd say get one in black, with all the holes in the right spot.  Those are the best ones. Personally, I avoid anything teflon coated (MEGA, DPMS, Ameetec and maybe a few others).  I have had better luck with good old fashioned hard coat anodizing (Bushmaster, Stag, newer PWAs, Colt, RRA, etc.).  YMMV.

Good advice from a wise man.

Is the teflon avoidance based soley on paintability?

Quoted: Is the teflon avoidance based soley on paintability?

Not really.  It's a tough finish but can chip off if hit just right.  It's a personal preference based on those things.