Going to build a pistol. Who's lower does the collective prefer?
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Going to build a pistol. Who's lower does the collective prefer?
The cheap one that's not polymer
Well let's expand on that shall we? Or rather let me be more specific. I'm leaning towards a Spike's lower. Any reason not to or is there another METAL lower I should look at?[Coffee]
I'm interested in input on this as well. Certainly no expert, but isn't mil-spec, mil-spec? Is there any basis for paying more for a lower than a 7075 Anderson at $35?
I would buy 2.
Only cause Mrs bo has been back into AR lately and "has an idea" for a rifle.[emoji33]
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If you're on a budget buy away. IF you want that forged, or milled tier 1, get something else. They're all almost the same item, different roll mark. Like an AK you're paying for a name, model, quality as price goes up. If you want to build a 9 or 22 project, there's nothing wrong with a polymer lower. Or use on that 223 project. I've had 1 or 2 poly lowers. Using basic usgi lower parts kit, they ran fine.
Look for a broached and not machined mag well, some machined wells have mag fitment issues.
I would go with a Spikes, S&W if you can find one, Colt, Noveske.
Buy once, cry once.
I do see some complaints about mags not dropping free on the Andersens (especially magpul)... not all may do it, but you're much less likely to have that problem with a broached magwell (and/or better QC- do you really think they're doing extensive QC on a $35 lower?)
Steve I sent you a pm as it's late so just text or call me tomorrow as I have you covered.
Just did a build using one of the inexpensive Anderson lowers. Everything fit just dandy. The upper to lower fit was spot on as well. PSA premium upper.
Magpul mags dropped free with no problem.
I can recommend Rock River and Aero Precision as well.
I recently found a stripped Sabre Defense lower in my safe that I picked up several years ago. Apparently Sabre Defense is not in business anymore. From what I remember they are said to be very good quality, guess we'll see! I've also used Rock River and have been very happy with their products. If anyone is looking for any parts Rock River is having a sale right now, there are some GREAT prices, check it out if you're in the market. Their shipping is 2 to 3 weeks out but worth the wait for the price.
https://www.rockriverarms.com/index....ategory_id=647
I have had good luck with my palmetto lower and my aero lower.
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I have seen Anderson lowers with the selector lever hole drilled in the wrong place. I personally miked one a couple months ago that was one mm low from where it should be. This means the selector lever is pressing on the trigger which is pressing on the hammer and the hammer won't install. Paper weight.
You get what you pay for and there are four parts critical on an AR build: The upper, the lower, the barrel and the Bolt/BCG assembly. Don't skimp on these parts or you will be in Bowers asking us to fix it and hearing that we can't. Spend a little extra cash and get product that's in spec and backed. PSA, Spike's, Aero, Noveske, Daniels Defense, and a few others. Everyone makes a lemon sooner or later. I have yet to see an Aero or Spike's not in spec for just over $100.
I've seen a few out of spec lowers over the last twenty five years. I actually ended up with two of them in recent years. Both of them were Aero Precision. While lots of people seem to love be them and have good luck with them, I personally avoid them. Like you said, everyone makes a lemon occasionally.
I do feel the chances of getting an in-spec receiver from just about any manufacturer are much better than in years past. CNC equipment and processes these days make it difficult to turn out one that isn't right.
The only out of spec lower that I've personally dealt with is R-Guns. I've had good luck with Spikes, Palmetto and don't have any complaints about my $35 TN Arms polymer lower. I'll probably end up picking up a traditional lower for that rifle originally but I wouldn't mind the polymer for a plinking rifle.
Aero makes all of Spike's lowers too. Ultimately, the chances of an Aero or Spike's lemon is really low but not impossible. The chances of a $35 lower being out of spec is much higher. Aero and Spikes are instant returns. We've returned lowers with minor blems on them and just recently an Aero custom kit that the hand guard holes were misaligned. No real issues and very rare. The last Anderson lower we were involved in took three different phone calls and the local dealer ultimately had to step up and make it right. That's the difference.