Comparison: Lower Receivers

[Bushwhacker]

I asked this question before. If there is a real tangible difference between your low end (Anderson/PSA), mid range (Ruger/Smith/Aero) and upper end (Colt/BCM/Noveske/KAC) and the general consensus is no. For a regular run of the mill lower you're paying for a lot for the name which in turn translates to potentially better resale value. That said I absolutely would pay $100+ for a lower that I was going to Form1.

This is where I'mat as well. I've built with several different "brand" recievers. Mil-Spec is Mil-spec. In fact I put the least amount of money in the upper/lower. It doesn't essentially 'do' anything accept house all the moving components and the business end. So I don't really care, I tend to really spluge on Barrels, FCG, BCG, Handuards, Muzzle Devices, Charging Handles, even grips but not the receivers. I've got Anderson's with thousands of rounds shot without a single malfunction. Not that big of a deal to me. That being said, if it's a build I plan to Form 1 it will be at least Aero and upper because of finish. If I'm throwing an extra $200 on a stamp I want it to look a little nicer since it will be a more "desirable" rifle anyway because of the stamp.

I done builds with a lot of different makes of lowers. The biggest difference I have seen is the quality of finish (slick and smooth black to grayish easily scratched) and a few extras on certain brands. That being said, Aero is probably one of my favorites. About the only issue I have ran into is having Anderson trigger guard roll pins being oversized and not working. Well beside launching some the springs and detents into never land.

Fit and finish is really the only difference in DI recievers. Aero is my preferred as well, because you get the fit and finish without dropping $300 on a set. I had to buy a couple spring kits because I got tired of scrounging on hands and knees for detent springs... ughhh

 

[greg vess]

A 200 dollar BCG from Daniel Defense will be properly staked. I usually use them because I build a lot of 6.8 spcII's. They have a real nice Bolt carrier group for that caliber. It's real easy to get over confident to and cocky and think you are master builder and miss a small detail or two. Even thought I can't even count how many AR's I have built over the years. Springs in the fire control group even to this day are an area when I often refer to a build sheet. I never hurts to double check. I could probably stand a course in building just to brush up on my build techniques. Seeing another builders tricks is always a good thing. To assume you know everything there is to building is only possibly passing up on a good time to better yourself and your build quality.

 

[Robroyb]

for sure this is an area of concern and I had forgotten about the BCG. One of my factory rifles, an LMT MRP, had some issues when I got it and it took me a while to figure out it was because the factory bolt carrier had not been properly staked. Once that was fixed it ran like a top, but I was very surprised that the factory job had been botched on a "premium" brand. Looked fine but after trying a host of other fixes, we figured out what it was. Now it's been properly staked and won't come loose.

SpeedyR, that is exactly right. My rifle has a factory PSA upper. He found the castle nut without a little grease, unstaked, and improperly torqued. He predicted it all before digging into it. The bcg put together by a friend didn't stake it at all. So, my rifle had all kinds of issues. I'm so glad I took the class. I haven't seen anyone discussing these issues.

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[Jambo]

Technically speaking M1 Garand was only manufactured by Winchester and Springfield Armory (the original in MA).

My H&R Garand begs to differ with you.

 

[Robroyb]

A 200 dollar BCG from Daniel Defense will be properly staked. I usually use them because I build a lot of 6.8 spcII's. They have a real nice Bolt carrier group for that caliber. It's real easy to get over confident to and cocky and think you are master builder and miss a small detail or two. Even thought I can't even count how many AR's I have built over the years. Springs in the fire control group even to this day are an area when I often refer to a build sheet. I never hurts to double check. I could probably stand a course in building just to brush up on my build techniques. Seeing another builders tricks is always a good thing. To assume you know everything there is to building is only possibly passing up on a good time to better yourself and your build quality.

Agreed, just picking who you're going to trust with your time and money to lead you correctly.

William Larson has decades of build and repair experience in military fronts and manufacturing companies. I'd recommend him 100%.

If we were to put together a group of 15, he'd schedule a another class here in the Ga area.

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[TheGman]

My H&R Garand begs to differ with you.

The reference was WW2 on op post


HRA is post Korea
IHC is Korea

 

[TheGman]

My H&R Garand begs to differ with you.

BYW J Jambo I do find that my HRA is my fave.

 

[TapcoFan]

lower is a lower is a lower (forged, milspec)

a good AR is going to have a quality barrel, BCG, and trigger. one of the lessons I have learned over time is not to bother with cheap LPKs. I have assembled a substantial amount of ARs and found that cheap LPKs are often missing springs, detents, or other small items. The roll pins might need a little extra work and sometimes the finish isn't nearly as nice. I will never buy another Blackhawk, PTAC, Anderson, DPMS, or PSA LPK again. Going to stick with CMMG or better. It really IS worth the extra $15.

 

[greg vess]

lower is a lower is a lower (forged, milspec)

a good AR is going to have a quality barrel, BCG, and trigger. one of the lessons I have learned over time is not to bother with cheap LPKs. I have assembled a substantial amount of ARs and found that cheap LPKs are often missing springs, detents, or other small items. The roll pins might need a little extra work and sometimes the finish isn't nearly as nice. I will never buy another Blackhawk, PTAC, Anderson, DPMS, or PSA LPK again. Going to stick with CMMG or better. It really IS worth the extra $15.

I use CMMG as well. All the pins are tapered and it makes a difference when installing. I like use their kits extensively. I always keep a couple extras for possible problems although I have never had a failure with their parts. I will often upgrade the safety and always the trigger.