Does it make a difference what parts kit one uses when assembling a lower? I have used CMMG and Colt - no problems whatsoever. Just wondering if there is a preference amongst you more seasoned builders.
- Thread starter prairiefire
- Start date
Geissele LPKs are expensive, but the quality is apparent, however, you really going to notice much of a difference, functionally, if you go with cheaper one like CMMG? Not really.
That’s being said, I personally use Geissele for the trigger guard, mag release, maritime bolt release, takedown pins and trigger. Radian or BAD for safety selectors. The small springs and detents I’ll just buy CMMG, AR-Stoner, or any other cheaper but reputable company. Same with the receiver extension nut and plate. Vltor A5 buffer system, but with either a Geissele super 42 or JP polished rifle length spring. Ergo deluxe grip, but that is a personal preference. LMT or B5 Sopmod stock, also a personal preference item.
That’s being said, I personally use Geissele for the trigger guard, mag release, maritime bolt release, takedown pins and trigger. Radian or BAD for safety selectors. The small springs and detents I’ll just buy CMMG, AR-Stoner, or any other cheaper but reputable company. Same with the receiver extension nut and plate. Vltor A5 buffer system, but with either a Geissele super 42 or JP polished rifle length spring. Ergo deluxe grip, but that is a personal preference. LMT or B5 Sopmod stock, also a personal preference item.
Forward Controls Design, Geissele trigger. FCD’s products have useful innovation, and are top notch quality.
Another vote for Forward Controls. The Badger C1 safety is nice. All my lowers are fitted with this combo. Larue and Triggertech triggers are also ones to look at.
Guess it depends on what you’re building. Personally, I wouldn’t spend very much on a lower tier AR for plinking. At minimum, CMMG is fine, especially if you like it. You can spend a ton more on brands like Geissele and you’ll certainly see a positive difference. I did. You’d need to decide if it’s worth the money you’re going to spend.
I only use Sons of Liberty, or sionics. They are very candid respecting the parts and use quality parts. I generally get the builders kit because I use different triggers, grips and trigger guards. Forward controls design is excellent and I respect Roger. I always use his bolt catch/release on my builds. If BCM had a builders kit, I would not hesitate to use them--and I have.
Cheers, Steve
Cheers, Steve
You can go Gucci because you want to, go dirt cheap, or somewhere in between.
I have used Aero, WMD, Strike Industries, CMMG and JP.
WMD was for coating (NiB)
I like the Strike Industries enhanced kits which include commonly upgraded parts.
If you just want a solid LPK without bells and whistles and not overpriced, I would go Aero.
I also just get builders kits since I will do something else for the grip/trigger/guard. No reason to pay extra for a MILSPEC trigger you won't use.
I have used Aero, WMD, Strike Industries, CMMG and JP.
WMD was for coating (NiB)
I like the Strike Industries enhanced kits which include commonly upgraded parts.
If you just want a solid LPK without bells and whistles and not overpriced, I would go Aero.
I also just get builders kits since I will do something else for the grip/trigger/guard. No reason to pay extra for a MILSPEC trigger you won't use.
Last edited:
For my personal stuff, most mil-spec LPKs are fine.
I usually always put a G trigger and Badger selector in most of my guns, so finding a reputable place to find a mil-spec LPK works for most guns, since I don't buy into the fancy and often un-needed mag releases, take down pins, etc.
I usually always put a G trigger and Badger selector in most of my guns, so finding a reputable place to find a mil-spec LPK works for most guns, since I don't buy into the fancy and often un-needed mag releases, take down pins, etc.
I use Forward Controls Design. They are quite a bit more expensive but that doesn't matter that much to me personally.
gang
Only a heathen would mix dimples with serrations!
Haha it's what was in stock. I bought the emr-a first for both. There was a long period of time between the ABC-R V2 and V3 where nothing was available. Bought the v3 when they dropped. EMR are serrated as well.
Anderson is actually quite decent and US made.
Part of why I put “higher tier” in quotes. Mo’ money doesn’t always equal mo’ bettah, but people like to spend more and not get more…
Right up until you get an AR-10 bolt catch in your CMMG AR-15 parts kit.
What PSI to get an AR-15 action to cycle?
Who is the maker of the parts kit with the crappy mag release? I believe it was CMMG parts, one of the house brands of "Primary Arms." Usually, they're very good. Although I did get these replacements from Optics Planet.
www.snipershide.com Right now the Aero (builders) kit is 10 less than the CMMG (builders) or Anderson (complete) kits at Primary Arms.
Last edited:
That thread is so full of fail that I would not be at all surprised if the OP bought a large frame kit and was like "same same, right?" I would not take anything from that thread to mean that any part was, in fact, out of spec.Right up until you get an AR-10 bolt catch in your CMMG AR-15 parts kit.
What PSI to get an AR-15 action to cycle?
Who is the maker of the parts kit with the crappy mag release? I believe it was CMMG parts, one of the house brands of "Primary Arms." Usually, they're very good. Although I did get these replacements from Optics Planet.
I would put Aero in the same boat as Anderson and CMMG. Perfectly serviceable, but does not come with the cool factor that DD, BCM, KAC, or other "top tier" brands do. Nor do they come with the exorbitant up charge for branding.
The parts kit is more important than the stripped lower/upper. Springs are the critical part if one runs hard and long. If you are an occasional plinker, doesn't make much difference. Geissele, LaRue, LMT, Barrett, CMMG all make great parts kits.
CMMG is still a solid choice, the Geissele with their safety selector is also nice.
Last December I needed over a half dozen LPKs for various caliber builds. I found WC
LPKs w/o FC parts and dove on them. Forged mil-spec with a finish that
looks and feels like silk.
Mary Poppins Perfect and In Stock.
EDIT: 27NOV21 - $37.47
LPKs w/o FC parts and dove on them. Forged mil-spec with a finish that
looks and feels like silk.
Mary Poppins Perfect and In Stock.
EDIT: 27NOV21 - $37.47
Last edited:
I used one on my last build, they are nice
...if the manufacturer of the particular lower you are using offers a LPK, you could safely assume it will be compatible with their lower. If the lower claims a particular "standard", i.e., meets or exceeds MIL-STD, then chose a corresponding LPK that meets the specified standard.
...FWIW, in my personal experience w/Aero lowers every MIL-STD LPK has functioned reliably. As for triggers, my preferred choice has been Geissele's SSA, G2G, ALG ACT & QMS and the Brownell's branded B-GRF and B-G2S-E, all of which have functioned and fit 100%. The G2G has also fit & functioned 100% in my Aero M5.
...FWIW, in my personal experience w/Aero lowers every MIL-STD LPK has functioned reliably. As for triggers, my preferred choice has been Geissele's SSA, G2G, ALG ACT & QMS and the Brownell's branded B-GRF and B-G2S-E, all of which have functioned and fit 100%. The G2G has also fit & functioned 100% in my Aero M5.
