AR Lowers

[spistols]

Am in the market for an AR lower, my first build. Have several questions:

1- Which is better to have for a first build that will most likely be a beat on gun and then eventually a truck gun- Billet or Forged lower?
2- Where is the best place to purchase one?
3- What brand to get, or does it really matter? Is Anderson that bad of a lower vs. others? Is it worth it to get a Geissele or an Aero?
4- For a stripped lower, what kind of price am I looking at?
5- Where is the best place to get a complete lower kit (trigger, mag release, etc.?)

 

[CTS Tactical]

All else being equal, forged is always going to be stronger than billet. If you want the same strength from billet you have to make it much heavier. The only reason for billet is that they can cut different shapes into it. Serves no practical purpose, just for looks.
As for what brand, Everyone has different opinions, Technically if they are made to milspec they should all be the same but not always the case. Geiselle is over doing in my opinion, paying for a name. BCM if you can find it. Aero is good. Palmetto is OK. I have had a few problems with Anderson but they are fair, I would stay away from Bear Creek.
For a parts kit, they are pretty much the same. All of them source small parts from mostly the same places.

 

[spistols]

Awesome, thank you!

 

[cmshoot]

Centurion Arms and SOLGW are my favorites in forged receivers.

Aero is a good receiver for the money, I’ve seen very few issues.

I’d take Aero over Anderson. I’ve seen more issues with Anderson than I have with Aero. Aero’s anodizing is much better, as well.

I’d take Anderson over PSA. Quality is comparable, but Anderson’s customer service is much better.

We have Centurion, Aero, and Anderson in stock at TruPrep in Marietta.

I cover all of this in-depth, and a whole lot more. You can even use my tools and assistance to build a complete AR.

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[shootin4fun]

I have built many lowers over the years. I am a Spikes fan, Aero snd BCM for “better than a budget build AR. I snagged a few Noveskes along with way. I have one billet rifle but really prefer forged.

TruePrep is a good place to start.

 

[BigMike]

I'll be that guy and say, for the most part, an in-spec lower is an in-spec lower. Not all lowers are in-spec but not far enough out of spec they can't be built; and some brands are known to have more issues than others. If you have never built one, go see cmshoot and talk to him. Taking the class would be better but it might be like trying to drink from a firehouse if you have not built one before.

My go to lower is an aero billet, it has a few features I like over a standard forged and its priced reasonably. I also like my upper and lower receivers to match in brand and aero fits that bill, also. I've personally never had an issue with an Anderson, but I check them over with a fine tooth comb before buying. Welcome to the world of building. It's a lot of fun.