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best bare lower for ar 15

Bob munden

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 19, 2012
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what do you all think is the best lower reciever bare to build off? i dont know if anyone asked this yet but any help would be great. and does anyone sell a kit that has everything for the lower minus the trigger? i want to put my own stock, trigger and pistol grip on it? thanks for the help
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

They're all the same. I've built off of super cheap lowers and high end lowers. The end result is all the same. It serves it's purpose.

It's kind of like way back in High School. Some 'cool kids' think it's better to buy brand name while the cheap brand serves the same purpose.
laugh.gif


I've built tac driving ARs off of Aeroprecision lowers that cost me $69 plus tax.

On the other hand, I've owned exactly 1 high end lower, and sold it to buy 3 others after realizing I had spent way too much on the 'High End' lower.

Ninety-nine percent of the time you are buying the name and machine time. At this time there are only 3 major foundries in the US making billets. Colt being one of them, but even they outsource to Alcoa on occasion.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

the trigger in a standard lower parts kit accounts for 5$ out of the total and is worth what you pay, throw it in the trash or keep it for an emegency spare - you can just order individual parts instead of the kit - it only costs about double
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Seekins Precision is easily the best. Thank me later.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigCarrot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Seekins Precision is easily the best. Thank me later. </div></div>

After building a couple of rifles for customers, I would have loved to kiss Glenn for his idea of using allen keyed pins for everything. I was sitting there slapping parts in and saying the "damn this man is a genius, this shit is so easy"

Seekins is good stuff, but all my guns are either factory KACs or built off of the cheapest lower I can get at work.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

thanks, any other suggestions please let me know, knowledge is good to have!
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

If you want real working Ambi controls that are designed in the reciever and not bandaids look at Knights Armament, Seekins and Mega billet. The Knights also has built in QD sling mounts on the reciever. You have to buy the Knights as a complete lower and they seem like a lot of money but you will spend more money to get the same features and quality in a home built lower.

Here's something to ponder about cheap/inexpensive workable lowers, How are you going to feel about a $69 lower with a $200+ trigger and $1500 worth of parts hanging off it? Can you really love it? I couldnt.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Do you need to own the "cool" brand of lower?

If so listen to some of the above posts.

If not. Buy whatever lower you find at a great price. Because they are all the damn same.

How would I feel about a $69 dollar lower with $1500 worth of parts hanging off it?

Like a smart buyer. Since I don't want to waste money spending extra on something made the same as damn near every other lower.

And I realize the golden rule. It doesn't matter the names on your gear. It's the results that count.

Matter of fact I talk the talk and walk the walk. I have a home built fully ambidextrous lower with over 4k worth of rifle on top of it.

Oh but wait, it doesn't say Seekins or Knights Armament on it so it must not be good.


Ambidextrous safety $15
Ambidextrous magazine release $30
Ambidextrous charging handle $60

Yep, pretty easy to do in any lower without spending dumbass amounts of money.

 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Definitely look at Seekins. It has nothing to do with being "cool" but has to do with the thought and design put into it. They also aren't "dumbass amounts of money" especially if you are building from the ground up.

Can you use any basic cast $80 stripped lower and make them shoot? Sure but if you are building something that you want to be proud of then why not take the billet machining style and features Glen has added and take advantage of them to build something that isn't like every other run of the mill AR?

http://www.seekinsprecision.com/index.ph...5&Itemid=48

Seekins_Precisio_4f5105099fdfa.png
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Whatever dude.

After a quick search.
http://www.surplusammo.com/surplus-ammo-arms-ar15-stripped-lower-receiver/


And yeah, spending 3-4 times more than you need to on any product is exactly what a dumbass does.


But wait wait. I'll give it a chance.

Why is that seekins lower worth that much more. Please explain it to us?
How exactly does it make you a better shooter or help performance in some way?

Does is weigh 1/8th as much as a typical lower?
Does it improve trigger pull?
Does it tighten groups up?

I'm all about spending my money on something that gives me tangible results.
So spell it out and hell, I'll buy two.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Don't get your panties in a bunch. Just like any other items in this sport. Why do people use Surgeon actions over Rem 700s? Or any custom item like ARs or rifles? You don't want to use it then don't. Not going to argue it with you as you obviously don't care.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Of course I care!

See the difference between a surgeon action and a remington 700 (I've owned both) is a TANGIBLE difference. The integrated rail is very sweet. See now that is something your actually getting more of for the money your paying.

A custom rifle over a stock one. Chances are it actually does shoot better/tighter.
Follow what I'm getting at?

Not something that does the exact same thing and just looks a little bit different.


Come on now. Don't tell someone to buy something when you can't even say what tangible differences there are.

If it's just because it looks cool then say so.
If you like picking the most expensive option then say it.

If it's for a good reason then by all means educate us.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Sorry not getting baited into an internet fight. Done with that shit. You can look at what the Seekins offers on your own. The link is above.

SEEKINS SP 223 BILLET LOWER

The SP 223 Billet lower feature a unique design geared towards the serious tactical shooter. The oversized winter trigger guard, quick access mag release, beveled mag well, ambi bolt drop and user friendly features make this lower the best on the market. To ease assembly Seekins Precision eliminated the use of roll pins, hammers, and punches and replaced them with custom screw in dowel pins. We installed an upper tensioning set screw, a set screw for trigger reset, relocated and retained take down pin detent under the grip, ambi bolt drop. The unique magwell design allows positive mag changes and our ambidextrous bolt control allows the shooter to quickly drop the bolt or from either side of the firearm. Coated with Hard anodize and perfectly made from 7075 billet aluminum.
MSRP $259

OP buy what you want.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Again, in reference to my previous (post #2) ....

As you can see opinions are across the board on what to do with an AR build. Some people want a cool rifle that looks cool at a shoot, and others look for practicality.

What it all boils down to is what do you want to spend your hard earned money on? Is a lower receiver that important in the mix of things? Probably not! If I were to spend big bucks it would be in the barrel, bolt, and trigger group side of things. Definitely NOT in the lower!

That being said, buy what you're comfortable with. The market is driven by diversity, and you can't go wrong either way.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

The $200 you can save NOT buying a seekins lower will pay for a geissele SSA trigger.

Now THAT is a tangible difference in how that rifle will shoot.


And I'm a huge fan of seekins rings. Best rings for the price by far. Probably better than many more expensive rings too.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: YourMotherTrebek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The $200 you can save NOT buying a seekins lower will pay for a geissele SSA trigger.

Now THAT is a tangible difference in how that rifle will shoot.


And I'm a huge fan of seekins rings. Best rings for the price by far. Probably better than many more expensive rings too. </div></div>

I have a seekins lower receiver and i can honestly say it is nothing outstanding, especially for the price. Also the way the magwell drops in the front of the lower, sometime will make the magazine stick so it is difficult to remove on occasion. I will go with what YourMotherTrebek said. Buy a standard lower and get a geissele trigger. Save the money, unless you just want looks rather than application. Its an awesome lower in theory but that can only get you so far.

Guns0005.jpg


Here is a picture of my AR with the seekins lower.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I have had good luck with LMT, Bushmaster, Spikes, Double Star, and a half dozen that I have forgotten. Get what you feel confortable with and move on. The billet ones are cool, but not nessary. Just my .02. JPG
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I agree and disagree with these posts . If you are building the complete weapon . Get a Matched upper and lower that are fit to each other. If on a budget a cheap lower will do just fine.And slap on a upper. If you are going sbr buy billet and keep it forever. and just change uppers saves on tax stamps. If you are going with a long barrel billet upper and lower. The fit between upper and lower matters more IMO .I hate a sloppy fit.If you are really on a budget a build is the wrong way to go. RRA operators can be had for less than building one and will shoot 3/4 or better in the right hands
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I like the Seekins products and don't mind paying for quality. Not to mention billet over a forged totally different.

I own multiple POF rifles and they are billet as well so yes you pay for billet and quality.

Spend your money how you feel fit.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

im thinking im probably just going to buy a standard lower{cheap lower} because it doesnt seem that a high end will give you anything that would be worth the money in the end. it might not have a cool name but im not looking for a cool name im looking for a good shooter, thanks for the help guys!
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Check Karrisguns they have Aero lowers at a great price. Have both high and low priced lowers and like both. Beware on uppers, some are showing up with rails so thick an eotech will not attach. A dealer at the gunshow had barrels with no grooves, guess it was a smooth-bore. Hope this helps
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?i...amp;groupid=577

I'd do something like this and just change out the parts you want to.
Trigger, stock, pistol grip, etc

Saves you from much of the pain in the ass of doing a complete build, yet 40 bucks more than a stripped lower. A buffer tube by itself is 30 bucks so you save time and money. You also have a functional lower from the start and so it also allows you to change parts at your own discretion or as the funds present themselves.


In my opinion the only thing your going to really see a drastic difference in is when you change the trigger. That is definitely first.

The gieselle SSA is drop in, non adjustable. dummy proof. Beautiful trigger.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=31960/Product/AR-15-M16-AR-STYLE-SSA-TRIGGER

shop around.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Haven't people learned not to post their suppliers publicly on the hide?
laugh.gif


Ten minutes and they were sold out.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

OP, the lowers are about all the same - AS LONG AS - they are made to spec. Most of the lowers from your normal brand names are likely good to go.

I've had DoubleStar, Essential Arms and BCM. I run 100% BCM rifles now. What matters the MOST on an AR is the Lower Parts Kit (LPK) and the components / features that make up the uppper assy. You can defiantly feel the difference in trigger pull / smoothness between a cheap LPK and one of higher quality components. The ALG triggers are NICE, so much so that I bought them for all my AR's, and like was stated, kept the stock trigger assy for spares.

The upper assy components the the main area that separate the good from the average.

...
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RoosterShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haven't people learned not to post their suppliers publicly on the hide?
laugh.gif


Ten minutes and they were sold out. </div></div>

That's a good point but i also don't mind if it means helping someone out.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Well I paid $120 more dollars for my Mega. What did I get?

1. A properly placed right side bolt release.
2. A reciever that I dont have to run a accu wedge in because it has an internal fit adjustment.
3. I dont have to run a Band Aid magpul Bad Lever on it (if you want full ambi) for a ambi bolt release.
4. I dont need to replace the trigger guard to have a winter trigger, (yea I know you can buy a plastic one for 6 bucks).
5. I have a flared mag well to facilitate mag changes.
6. A unique rifle that matches a billet upper with a stronger extension area.
7. A lower Im confident was made on modern CNC machines.

How does my super expensive $120 more rifle shoot? ~1.25MOA with Federal 55g ball ammo and 1/2" with match ammo (Noveske barrel). How does it run? From zero to 900 rounds with no cleaning and no failures to date. I even burned 5 mags in about 4 minutes at the last carbine class and never missed the kill zones between the boiler room and the control room on the target, shooting strong and week sides. This is not as much bragging as it is to show the capability. For me it would have made the carbine class harder to shoot with a standard lower.

Im not saying that you cant have a capable rifle with a cheap lower, and most any AR can launch a bullet. But for me the performance features of the lower sell me. I wont scrooge myself of effective features for $120 or even $200.

Sorry if that makes people mad, if it does just buy your 79 lower, nobody is going to make fun of you. Guy asked for opinions and he got mine.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I agree with the spend a little extra crowd. I have had too many issues with low end lowers. The biggest issue that tends to pop up is improper machining in the bolt catch area (Superior ) and very loose upper to lower fit ( LRB ).
I have had great luck with Stag and Spikes. Well built lowers make the build process go much smoother.

It is your dollar, but for me it is an easy decision, Buy once cry once.

Just my two cents, flame on if you must......
smile.gif
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

Some very cheap lowers are not to spec, meaning I've seen the holes not in the right places (tolerance-wise). That'll mess you up. But most reputable low-end lowers are fine.

I like nice lowers because I like nice things. But the lower is little more than a housing for your trigger, a place to put your stock and something to which to attach the upper.

So, unlike the barrel, bolt and trigger, it's a good place to save money.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bob munden 45lc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what do you all think is the best lower reciever bare to build off? i dont know if anyone asked this yet but any help would be great. and does anyone sell a kit that has everything for the lower minus the trigger? i want to put my own stock, trigger and pistol grip on it? thanks for the help</div></div>

Op, the best lower to build off would be one you machine on a mill and finish yourself. You can have custom engravings and what ever info you want on it. It gives you a sense of pride when you build your own from the ground up, plus no dros. jmho
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I got one of the first Off List Lowers in CA when they became legal here in Ca. A Fulton Armory Lower, but I cannot recommend Fulton. The the trigger pin holes were over-sized. Luckily the KNS oversize pin kit worked. I work as an inspector in a machine shop and these out of tolerance holes bug the shit out of me..
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I have a Stiller Predator, and have nothing but praise for the fit, finish, and craftsmanship. It went together with ease, and runs out of the gate!
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I also bought a Seekins. Extremely fine engineering and machining. I will buy their 308 lower when it is ready.

Glen really uses his head when designing parts. Their quality and attention to detail is impressive.

-s
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sandbogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree with the spend a little extra crowd. I have had too many issues with low end lowers. The biggest issue that tends to pop up is improper machining in the bolt catch area (Superior ) and very loose upper to lower fit ( LRB ).
I have had great luck with Stag and Spikes. Well built lowers make the build process go much smoother.

It is your dollar, but for me it is an easy decision, Buy once cry once.

Just my two cents, flame on if you must......
smile.gif
</div></div>


As was said in another post here. You can go low end from a quality manufacturer and not have to worry about tolerances and poor machining.

There is a difference between quality low end and just plain cheap.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Killerwaffles</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RoosterShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haven't people learned not to post their suppliers publicly on the hide?
laugh.gif


Ten minutes and they were sold out. </div></div>

That's a good point but i also don't mind if it means helping someone out. </div></div>

That's when you hover over the OP's name and click 'Send a PM'.
laugh.gif


You wouldn't believe how many freeloaders lurk, and fail to even join the forum. They just scan it for info that they can use for their own purposes and never contribute.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skkeeter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Op, the best lower to build off would be one you machine on a mill and finish yourself. You can have custom engravings and what ever info you want on it. It gives you a sense of pride when you build your own from the ground up, plus no dros. jmho </div></div>

+1 I like the unmarked qualities the DIY lower can have from the 80% build...
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

The SP 223 Billet lower feature a unique design geared towards the serious tactical shooter. The oversized winter trigger guard, quick access mag release, beveled mag well, ambi bolt drop and user friendly features make this lower the best on the market.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I have a spikes lower and a noveske lower that we're both stripped when I bought them. I can tell you that there is no difference other than price.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

attacking_gladiator.jpg

You need to pay extra for a fancy lower about as much as it matters what shoes Trebek has on when he gets his "point" across.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RollingThunder51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
attacking_gladiator.jpg

You need to pay extra for a fancy lower about as much as it matters what shoes Trebek has on when he gets his "point" across. </div></div>

Exactly. who gives a shit.
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

I can get lowers with the set screw to take up the slack you sometimes get between an upper/lower receiver for around $130
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

You realize that upper & lower fit have nothing to do with the accuracy of an AR right? That said, an Accu-Wedge is like $4 and a piece of rubber wrapped around the front take down pin is like $0.05.

The "fancy" way is to use putty, but again...other than OCD why care?

Rich
 
Re: best bare lower for ar 15

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: uscbigdawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You realize that upper & lower fit have nothing to do with the accuracy of an AR right? That said, an Accu-Wedge is like $4 and a piece of rubber wrapped around the front take down pin is like $0.05.

The "fancy" way is to use putty, but again...other than OCD why care?

Rich
</div></div>

Exactly.

My DoubleStar had a nice and tight upper/lower fit.

None of my BCMs have as tight a fit. Does it effect their accuracy? Nope.
Do I have ANY doubt they will run 100% anytime I need them to? Nope.

A quality AR that meets the specs in the TDP is the aspects to look for for me.

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