Finally took the plunge and picked up a stripped Lower from Anderson Mfg. Nothing special, just want to build it out as a standard M4 config.
Lots of Lower Parts kits out there. Which brands would you recommend? Where to buy?
And the same questions for a stock? Which brand, and where to buy.
Not planning on anything fancy, just want to build a spare.
As long as it comes from a reputable seller and reputable manufactor. I have had PSA, RGuns, DG Arms, and others. The PSA was actually ok once I received all the missing parts they shorted me.
Price point ?
I like stag.
I used a Bushmaster LPK, but replaces the trigger/hammer springs and didn't use the grip. Seems better than the DPMS I used last time.
haven't had any problems with CMMG, DMPS, PSA, Spikes, Strikes, stay.
Pop into Tanner Saturday and pick up your parts.
There's usually a few guys selling Magpul furniture at great prices.
You can check out all the stocks they offer. I'm partial to the CTR for a light weight stock if you don't need storage.
I've used psa, dpms, rock river, windham and daniel defense. Most of them feel about the same. The trigger in the dd kit is worth noting for a mil-spec trigger. I didn't like the safety select on windham, moving it felt rough and undefined.
I've tried quite a few. Here's my take on them for whatever that's worth.
Daniel Defense - probably my favorite kit overall. Never had any issues with any of the parts and triggers have all been pretty nice for a factory trigger. Comes with the Magpul trigger guard which I put on all of my rifles anyways so nice to get it in the kit. No pistol grip included but since that is a really personal preference I actually kind of like them leaving it out.
Spikes Tactical - if I can't find a DD kit in stock, this is my next choice. Nice parts and a bit cheaper than the DD kit.
Palmetto State Armory - No way would I ever go this route again. Their shipping and customer service are the worst in the industry. My parts kit was missing some key pieces. One of the dimples on the safety lever where the detent engages was drilled funny and the safety would pop half off on its own. Total garbage if you want my opinion.
DPMS, CMMG, Rock River - I kind of lump all of these ones together as far as quality. They all seem about the same. The quality of the parts doesn't seem as nice as the stuff in the DD or Spikes kits but is perfectly useable. The triggers are usually pretty gritty even after a light polishing. Every once in a while you will find a defective part of some sort in one of the kits that slipped through quality control somewhere. I would say if you were trying to save every penny you could one of these kits would be your best option.
For a solid, no frills set up I would recommend ordering the Spikes kit without the trigger group and then ordering the ALG Defense QMS or ACT trigger.
Stocks are another very personal preference. I prefer one that doesn't rattle around on the tube and that provides a comfy place to rest my cheek. Sling attachment options are nice to have as well. My favorite is the VLTOR Imod. Some people complain about it pulling on their whiskers but I'm pretty much furry faced year round and have never had that problem. Second runner up for me is the Magpul CTR. I actually dislike the Sopmod style stocks due to the ninety degree angle of the butt. I find stocks with a negative butt angle roll up into my shoulder more naturally.
Guys, thanks.......your input is just what I needed. Will go online and check price points. I had a favorable impression of DD, and if prices are not exorbitant, will give them a try. I actually have multiple builds, so I may experiment with a couple of the top mentioned contenders.........as a High power Service rifle shooter, I actually have a couple of spare match triggers around, after I put a Geiselle on my AR for competition...........
Just another option: http://www.tr-enabling.com/ar-15-low...-p/0001lpk.htm
they have an option to plate the FCG with nickel-teflon. I have 2 of these- one was quick and crisp, the other was long and clean- no grit on either one, but the AR10/LR308 FCG was long and more effort than I expected- better after moly paste.
They were on sale when I bought them, not sure they're worth $99 for an LPK with the nickel-teflon.
If you go on Brownells, you can get a LPK with ALG triggers: http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...prod54550.aspx
They also have LPKs sans triggers and grips so you can add your favorites.
Personally, my favorite Buttstock is the MagPul ACS-L. Lighter than the ACS without the storage, very good check weld. Brownells sells MagPul stock kits...butt stock, buffer tube, spring and buffer as a kit.