Ranking AR-15 complete lowers

[Del_Gue]

Looking to mate a custom Adco 16" AR-15 upper with one of the following complete lowers with a collapsible stock. How would you rank these in terms of reliability, fit and finish? Which Colt lowers would be compatible with a small-pin upper receiver?

Bushmaster
Colt
DPMS
Olympic Arms
Smith and Wesson

Thanks,

Del

[Tbag]

Personally, I'd never consider a DPMS or the Olympic. Several Colts would work, like the 6920 just of example, the last couple years of S&W are supposed to be alright too. Many like there Bushies and lot of folks like RRA. I'd likely pursue an LMT or BCM, maybe build a Noveske #2 lower which are very nice. There are a whole host of lowers most which would likely serve well.

[Richard K]

Don't overlook Spike's Tactical. I'll put mine up as equal to or better than any you can find for fit, finish and price.

[StagLefty]

I'm a kool aid drinker but I like Stag Arms.

[ghettodub]

I really can't tell that much of a difference with lowers. Mine is Spike's and I'm happy with it. They all pretty much seem the same to me, but if someone can sell me on features of one over the other, then...

[cstone]

For the price of the Delaware Machine lower, it seems like you could have a few and have it finished very nicely. I'm curious about the nickel boron finish on the lowers. Anyone know if it is worth the difference in price, $65 vs $125?

Sorry about the thread jacking.

[Singlestack]

Don't overlook Spike's Tactical. I'll put mine up as equal to or better than any you can find for fit, finish and price.

+1 on Spikes!!! You can get the stripped lower for $80 and Spikes LPK for $63 from AIM tactical. They are currently out, but said they expect more in the next couple of weeks. Worthwhile to check back.

Singlestack

[Byte Stryke]

I have actually had no problems with my DPMS.

[tmckay2]

this thread is a disaster waiting to happen as people will most likely be pimping their favorite. fact is in general lowers are all going to perform the same. its a non "functional" part of the weapon. i have used five different lowers and never noticed any difference. sure, if you are going to get it stamped, buy something a little more expensive for safeties sakes, maybe lmt or bcm, but frankly for any old rifle pretty much anything will work. ive used dpms, stag, superior arms, del-ton and colt, believe it or not. i never noticed any difference other than finish. id say buy a reputable company, any will do, but find it the cheapest you can. spend your money on barrels, triggers, hammers, and bcgs. most everything else is just flashiness with a fancy name and insignia on it. ive gotten really good deals on lowers from aimsurplus fyi.

[colocowboy01]

Kind of a late post on the thread, but to answer the question you asked. I personally would rate for quality, fit, and function:

1 Bushmaster
2 Colt
3 Smith and Wesson
4 Olympic Arms
5 DPMS

I have owned several of all of them except the S&W(I have a personal grudge against S&W stemming from the 90's and the assault weapon ban.) The Bushy's and Colt's finishes match up better with more uppers I think.