Who do we like for properly specc’ed stripped lowers?

[RevolverRob]

Say a guy wanted to pick up a couple of more stripped AR15 lowers for future builds. There are so many MFGs these days, it’s hard to know if any one is better than another. Is there some absolutely yes - these are the best or conversely no these are the worst?

[HCM]

Say a guy wanted to pick up a couple of more stripped AR15 lowers for future builds. There are so many MFGs these days, it’s hard to know if any one is better than another. Is there some absolutely yes - these are the best or conversely no these are the worst?

Mega/Zev,
SOLGW (made by Mega/Zev)
KAC

I’ve had good luck with Aero but some have not. The Mega/Zev one’s are a bit nicer.

ASanderson is a crap shoot.

[OlongJohnson]

I would still go with these

http://www.jsesurplus.com/JSEForgedAR15Lower-MFGBYMEGAARMS.aspx

or the matched pairs.

http://www.jsesurplus.com/JSEMATCHEDFORGEDAR15STRIPPEDUPPER/LOWERSET-BYMEGAARMS.aspx

[Grey]

I would not be buying a non ambi kac lower. They had issues with the forging at the start, not sure if they fixed it. And the fact that's it's still not ambi whats the point unless you are hot for kac but if you are hot for kac why arent you getting the ambi lower...

Radian probably is the best lower, I also like PWS mod 2 lowers. Going forward I would probably only buy Radian lowers.

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[Kram]

Centurion Arms. Small veteran owned business with outstanding products and customer service. I have been so impressed with the stuff I have bought and use from Monty that I don't even bother with other AR manufactures anymore.

[Nephrology]

I'm an AR noob, but I had good luck with my Aero Precision lowers. All 5 had great fit/finish, no issues with function during or after build.

I particularly like the Aero M4E1 lower receiver as the threaded bolt catch pin saves you a decent amount of effort. I was initially worried these might back out vs. a regular roll pin but I have a few thousand rounds through 4 of these lowers and none of the pins have budged. Obviously this may change in the future.

YMMV.

[SecondsCount]

Over the last 15 years I have used Spikes, LMT(MARS-L), and Aero.

All were fine except for two of the Spikes lowers had really tight threads for the receiver extension. They took them back, said they were within spec, but replaced them anyways :cool:

They all have a very similar fit and finish, and have held up well.

[RevolverRob]

I noticed some lowers - like the Centurions and Sionics lowers are marked Cal - 5.56 as opposed to Cal - Multi.

Does that matter?/Does anyone think it matters in the long term?

Both of these lowers are likely destined to not be 5.56 guns. Instead, are likely to be a .458/.375SOCOM gun and the other likely be a 6.5G or 6ARC gun.

[OlongJohnson]

Only if we one day get hobgoblin-of-preachers gun control rules here, like in Japan, EU, and UK/Aus/NZ. But if you think that might be the case anywhere that you end up living as long as you may keep the receivers, act accordingly.

[JRB]

I've built rifles/pistols on the following lowers:

DPMS (90's era as well as new)
Bushmaster (90's and new)
Spike's
Palmetto
Aero Precision
Colt
Anderson
BCM

If I had it all to do from square one, I'd go Aero for a basic workhorse, and for my next 'Gucci' build (whenever that happens) I'm going to give Centurion a try based on the large number of overwhelming positive reviews.

My only beef with the Aero is the finish is a bit glossier than most milspec-ish black finishes from Colt/BCM et al.

I would only bother with an Anderson or a newer DPMS or Bushmaster under duress and without any other options. Pre-94 examples of DPMS and Bushmaster lowers have been surprisingly good to go in my limited experience.
Colt and BCM need no introduction. PSA's and Spike's I'd only bother with if you really liked one of their novelty lowers for a range toy. Otherwise, Aero or Centurion.

[Darth_Uno]

I noticed some lowers - like the Centurions and Sionics lowers are marked Cal - 5.56 as opposed to Cal - Multi.

Does that matter?/Does anyone think it matters in the long term?

Both of these lowers are likely destined to not be 5.56 guns. Instead, are likely to be a .458/.375SOCOM gun and the other likely be a 6.5G or 6ARC gun.

Functionally it doesn't matter, but since you're already asking it'd probably really bug you to shoot anything else out of a lower marked "5.56". I'm the type of guy who says, "Yeah it says 5.56 but it's actually 6.8," but something tells me you can't do that. :D

[RevolverRob]

Functionally it doesn't matter, but since you're already asking it'd probably really bug you to shoot anything else out of a lower marked "5.56". I'm the type of guy who says, "Yeah it says 5.56 but it's actually 6.8," but something tells me you can't do that. :D

I rarely read the side of my gun, to be honest.

I was pretty much just thinking from the point of view of legal issues. I guess I'm thinking, "Go Multi" - because in some hypothetical legal world, that might...maybe...make it easier...That's probably the same world where I need NODs.

[OlongJohnson]

My only beef with the Aero is the finish is a bit glossier than most milspec-ish black finishes from Colt/BCM et al.

That's funny. One of the things that unimpressed me about Aeros I've looked at is the overly flat anodizing, so flat they seemed to have not been sealed properly.

[JRB]

That's funny. One of the things that unimpressed me about Aeros I've looked at is the overly flat anodizing, so flat they seemed to have not been sealed properly.

All of my Aero lowers were purchased in the 2015-2016ish timeframe - perhaps that's changed in the years since.

[TAZ]

Ive built up rifles using Aero, MegaArms (billet), Stag and BCM lowers. The ONLY issue I have run into is my WOA upper does NOT like the Aero lower. You have to pretty much take a hammer to get the rear pin through (I dont, just saying you would) The rest work well together, so I'm going to go with a tolerance stack between the WOA upper and Aero lower.

[Grey]

I rarely read the side of my gun, to be honest.

I was pretty much just thinking from the point of view of legal issues. I guess I'm thinking, "Go Multi" - because in some hypothetical legal world, that might...maybe...make it easier...That's probably the same world where I need NODs.

Pretty sure they get transferred as a "receiver" and no caliber designation anyway...

[SecondsCount]

Does the marking matter if it is an SBR?

[OlongJohnson]

No. Even the "pistol" marking on some lowers is wholly irrelevant to the Form 1 process.

[Wonder9]

Aero Precision has had the best fit and finish IME, but there really isn't a difference in standard forged 7075 lowers. Well maybe the occasional purple anodized Bushmaster lowers back in the day.

[OlongJohnson]

I've looked at Aero Precision, and found many little machining details were just much nicer on the Mega forged receivers. Like chamfers and bevels that would fall under the "fit and finish" as far as the design details go. Not to mention the anodizing appearing not right on the APs, because I already did that earlier in the thread. In total, it was enough for me to decide that the Mega lowers were a no brainer at $35 higher cost. Never looked back.

[Dennis]

I am very impressed with V Seven's GI spec lower. Great fit and finish with a modern touch of square edging and just the right amount of flared magwell.
https://www.vsevenweaponsystems.com/v-seven-ar-15-gi-lower/

Mega is really nice too and more traditional.

I have various old school Bushmaster, Armalite, Eagle, and Colt lowers. Also multiple newer Aero, Anderson, BAD, Brownells, Mega, and V Seven lowers.

Dennis.



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[ScotchMan]

Are PSA good to go? They have lowers for $49.99, seems to be the best price by far.

[Darth_Uno]

Are PSA good to go? They have lowers for $49.99, seems to be the best price by far.

I’m hardly an expert, which means I should probably just shut up, but I know tons of people with PSA lowers. I’ve yet to see any issues with the lowers themselves. Opinions online range from “they’re the same as any other forged lower” to “cheap garbage”, but nobody’s been able to explain very well why they’d be so bad.

PSA uppers are a little more suspect.


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[Jay585]

Got an e-mail from Brownells that Geissele is now selling receivers

Upper/lower set https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-15-super-duty-stripped-receiver-sets-5-56mm-prod136320.aspx

Stripped lower https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-15-super-duty-stripped-lower-receivers-5-56mm-prod136319.aspx

[Dennis]

If you are chasing bargains then I would say that the vast majority of lowers will work just fine for a shooter.

However, if you want something a bit nicer with a higher level of QC then it will naturally cost more.

They have tighter tolerances for better chance at close/correct fit with a range of quality uppers, trigger guards, safeties, grips, pins, springs, RE, and triggers.

Some of the nicer details I have noticed in better forged milspec-ish lowers:

- Balance of magwell flaring vs magwell edge thickness/material removal

- Rear magwell/front trigger guard pin junction edge not being too sharp

- Trigger guard pin fitment with various trigger guards with no sharp edges

- Rear trigger guard ears blending with grips for no exposed edges

- Safety ledge detents not too sharp

None of these details will make a lower "shoot" better but it's nice to know when a manufacturer cares about the details.

Dennis.



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[Maca]

+1 for V Seven.

[Old Man Winter]

Probably one of the nicest lowers for the money is the Wilson Combat mil-spec forged lower. Under $100, excellent quality, multi-cal marked, and has a cool kid rollmark.

[Darth_Uno]

Some of the nicer details I have noticed in better forged milspec-ish lowers:

- Balance of magwell flaring vs magwell edge thickness/material removal

- Rear magwell/front trigger guard pin junction edge not being too sharp

- Trigger guard pin fitment with various trigger guards with no sharp edges

- Rear trigger guard ears blending with grips for no exposed edges

- Safety ledge detents not too sharp

None of these details will make a lower "shoot" better but it's nice to know when a manufacturer cares about the details.



That's pretty much it. Short of having oversized or misaligned pin holes (which is far more rare than the internet would have you believe), there's not much functional difference between a "good" lower and a cheap one.

I've owned and/or built with Aero, Spikes, RRA, TBRC, BCM, PSA, CMMG, and maybe others I forgot. Can't really say how one or the other would hold up to 20,000 rounds, but for "normal" range/SD use I can't say one's functionally better than the other. Finish niceties may or may not be more apparent, but they don't make the gun go boom more or less often.

[UNM1136]

IIRC there are only a few forges making lowers and uppers. The finishing may be the difference...

pat

[OlongJohnson]

Probably one of the nicest lowers for the money is the Wilson Combat mil-spec forged lower. Under $100, excellent quality, multi-cal marked, and has a cool kid rollmark.

I am not planning on buying parts for any more builds, but I would try that at the price. Will hopefully be assembling one of their barrels into a Mega upper soon, and it's a nice piece. In distribution, the price is excellent for what you get.

I can't find anyone else selling the receivers at discounted prices, only marked up, which suggests WC is selling them retail with reasonable margins and not discounting them into distribution.

[johnson]

What about preferences for parts kits with or without the trigger? The only thing I could see separating the differences by feel is quality of the detents and how smoothly the safety selector operates.

[Wake27]

What about preferences for parts kits with or without the trigger? The only thing I could see separating the differences by feel is quality of pins and springs and how smoothly the safety selector operates.

There are huge differences between triggers, unless you’re only talking milspec.


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[johnson]

There are huge differences between triggers, unless you’re only talking milspec.


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I think my baseline would be an ALG ACT unless you're lucky and happen to get a smooth and consistent mil-spec trigger. It would be really hard to not spend the extra $11 on a LaRue trigger for $80.

[WobblyPossum]

What about preferences for parts kits with or without the trigger? The only thing I could see separating the differences by feel is quality of the detents and how smoothly the safety selector operates.

Sionics Weapon Systems and Sons of Liberty Gun Works are my picks for lower parts kits. Affordable and really high quality.

[Tokarev]

No love for VLTOR?

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[Casual Friday]

No love for VLTOR?

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In terms of $400 Gucci lowers, they're great but aren't really the kind of thing most people are gonna buy 4 of and toss them in their safe for later.

[Tokarev]

In terms of $400 Gucci lowers, they're great but aren't really the kind of thing most people are gonna buy 4 of and toss them in their safe for later.https://www.vltor.com/shop/vulcan/vn-vra-vulcan-stripped-lower-receiver/

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[Tokarev]

Here's another option:

https://greysmoketacticalfirearms.com/product/ruger-stripped-lower-receiver-ar-556/

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[Casual Friday]

https://www.vltor.com/shop/vulcan/vn-vra-vulcan-stripped-lower-receiver/

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That's a $200 blemished lower that isn't even in stock.

[Tokarev]

That's a $200 blemished lower that isn't even in stock.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200628/c928cd98d52a1323685f31daa794500e.jpg

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[HCM]

Sionics Weapon Systems and Sons of Liberty Gun Works are my picks for lower parts kits. Affordable and really high quality.

This ^^^^

The best lower parts are made by Schmid tool, it is where most of the quality brands source their LPKs.

In addition to Sionics and SOLGW, they are available from Brownells and under other labels such as BCM.

[Nephrology]

For LPKs I've also had good luck with White Oak Armament and CMMG too.

The Geissele (or maybe ALG branded?) one I bought was awful, for what thats worth.

[Dan_S]

For LPKs I've also had good luck with White Oak Armament and CMMG too.

The Geissele (or maybe ALG branded?) one I bought was awful, for what thats worth.

Awful...how? Not attacking, genuinely curious.

[Nephrology]

Awful...how? Not attacking, genuinely curious.

Bolt catch roll pin was undersized, safety with spring/detent were super mushy, end plate just felt kinda cheap and pot metal-y, PG screw was too short.... Sort of the classic stuff that you would be disappointed by in a lower really.

[OlongJohnson]

I picked up an LPK on Geissele's BF sale, hoping to install it soon. Will post my findings.

[texasaggie2005]

I picked up an LPK on Geissele's BF sale, hoping to install it soon. Will post my findings.

I picked up two on the BF sale. Both were good to go. One in a Geissele lower, the other an Aero.

[ragnar_d]

For LPKs I've also had good luck with White Oak Armament and CMMG too.

The Geissele (or maybe ALG branded?) one I bought was awful, for what thats worth.

My go-to rifle and my SPR both have WOA kits in them, nothing bad to say and they were great since I didn’t have yet another mil-spec trigger or A2 pistol grip to throw in the parts bin. The rest of the guns have DPMS LPKs with ALG ACT triggers and I haven’t had any issues with installing them or parts breakages (though I’m not using most of those guns for anything serious).

Going forward, if I build anymore rifles (unlikely but who knows) I’ll get the parts from SOLGW or one of their vendors.


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[Elwin]

Hmm. I have a new Aero lower on hand and a Geissele LPK on the way from Brownells. Hopefully that works out for me. I'll add my findings here as well, either way.

[Elwin]

I had a surprise day off yesterday, so I was able to assemble my lower in time to test it out at today’s range trip. For me, everything went together just fine. No issues that I can see, aside from the safety fit. I like the safety a lot - it is very, very positive. On my lower though, there is just a bit of play. On the left side of the receiver (as in the side with the bolt catch) the safety has just a bit of back and forth movement. The lever doesn’t rotate at all until you want it to, but the safety drum on this side will move a tiny bit towards and away from the stock, of that makes sense. It isn’t a huge issue, but despite how much I like the positive clicks on it I may replace it down the road. It works fine though and I had no assembly or function issues. Sample of one and all, and Nephrology’s experience plus other reviews I’ve found since buying still seems reason enough for caution.

[RancidSumo]

I had a surprise day off yesterday, so I was able to assemble my lower in time to test it out at today’s range trip. For me, everything went together just fine. No issues that I can see, aside from the safety fit. I like the safety a lot - it is very, very positive. On my lower though, there is just a bit of play. On the left side of the receiver (as in the side with the bolt catch) the safety has just a bit of back and forth movement. The lever doesn’t rotate at all until you want it to, but the safety drum on this side will move a tiny bit towards and away from the stock, of that makes sense. It isn’t a huge issue, but despite how much I like the positive clicks on it I may replace it down the road. It works fine though and I had no assembly or function issues. Sample of one and all, and Nephrology’s experience plus other reviews I’ve found since buying still seems reason enough for caution.

I also installed one yesterday and everything seemed to check out/fit well for me in a Mega lower. That said, I did not use their safety so can’t comment on any issues there.

[DDTSGM]

Probably one of the nicest lowers for the money is the Wilson Combat mil-spec forged lower. Under $100, excellent quality, multi-cal marked, and has a cool kid rollmark.

Going to order one for my wall. I've started collecting cool rollmarks when they are priced within reason.

Back to RR's question: I've built numerous PSA's and a couple of Anderson's (Poverty Ponies) just to be obstinate because, you know the internet sez they'll get you killed on da strretz. They all have worked fine.

I no longer use them because I don't like their rollmarks.

Most recently I've been using Alexandria Pro-Fab's because they only have the minimum markings required by BATFE (plus safe and semi). They are marked - Cal - Multi. I like them, a lot.

https://alexprofab.com/product/ar-15-lower-receiver/

I've also used Centurion, CMT, Sionics, Aero, and Noreen (back then they were also minimum markings but now I see they have their logo on the receiver and are apparently going the billet rather than forged route).

Myself, I would stick with forged lowers with whatever rollmark you like. I'm pretty much going with the Alexandria's from this point forward - replacing my cool logo receivers with them so I can use the logos on the wall.

For the upper, go with BCM blemished uppers at $59.95 complete unassembled.

JMO

[Shoresy]

For the upper, go with BCM blemished uppers at $59.95 complete unassembled.


Are these still available somewhere? BCM's site has them listed as sold out (https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-upper-receiver-m4-flat-top-m4-feedramps-complete-unassembled-demo-scratched/).

[WobblyPossum]

I’m waiting for Primary Arms to get some SOLGW Rebellious Stripes lowers back in stock.

[Elwin]

Update: The minor safety fit problem appears to be a tolerance stacking issue between the Geiselle safety and the Aero lower. Swapping safeties with my Ruger AR556 results in two guns with properly fitting safeties.

ETA: On rereading Nephrology’s post I noticed one of his issues was with the trigger guard parts. I used a Magpul trigger guard set so no comments there - the Geiselle set is in a spare parts bin and will likely stay there.

[DDTSGM]

Are these still available somewhere? BCM's site has them listed as sold out (https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-upper-receiver-m4-flat-top-m4-feedramps-complete-unassembled-demo-scratched/).

This has happened several times in the past, they will come back in stock, look in a week or sign up to be notified.

[J0hnny]

Colt LPK. You can order individual parts through Brownells.

[StraitR]

Probably one of the nicest lowers for the money is the Wilson Combat mil-spec forged lower. Under $100, excellent quality, multi-cal marked, and has a cool kid rollmark.

I've never bought lowers during, or as a result of, a panic. Elections, post mass-shootings, never. Somehow, it all feels different now.

At $94.95 with free shipping and in stock, how could I not squirrel some of those away? I like the basic roll marks as well. My kids and I thank you. Not so much the wife, but the rest of us thank you.

[rob_s]

Most recently I've been using Alexandria Pro-Fab's because they only have the minimum markings required by BATFE (plus safe and semi). They are marked - Cal - Multi. I like them, a lot.

https://alexprofab.com/product/ar-15-lower-receiver/


I can definitely appreciate the lack of frou-frou on losers. I don’t need one right now but thanks for the link!

[WobblyPossum]

I've never bought lowers during, or as a result of, a panic. Elections, post mass-shootings, never. Somehow, it all feels different now.

At $94.95 with free shipping and in stock, how could I not squirrel some of those away? I like the basic roll marks as well. My kids and I thank you. Not so much the wife, but the rest of us thank you.

Where are you finding these available for $95 with free shipping? The Wilson web store lists them for $110 and they’re all out of stock.

[StraitR]

Where are you finding these available for $95 with free shipping? The Wilson web store lists them for $110 and they’re all out of stock.


ETA: Here.... https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Receiver-Lower-Forged-Mil-Spec-AR-15-Style-Anodize/productinfo/TR%2DLOWER%2DANO/

[WobblyPossum]

The black anodized models were $94.95, but now appear to be gone. They were still up and showing in-stock after my purchase and post last night.

Thanks. I’ll start checking their web store periodically then. I’m a lower receiver away from assembling my pistol.

[StraitR]

Thanks. I’ll start checking their web store periodically then. I’m a lower receiver away from assembling my pistol.

Found them and edited previous post. See above.

[WobblyPossum]

Found them and edited previous post. See above.

Thanks! I’ll try and place an order today. The page says shipping is $10. How did you get it shipped free?

[StraitR]

Thanks! I’ll try and place an order today. The page says shipping is $10. How did you get it shipped free?

My shipping charge was $0.00 for UPS Ground service, so I just assumed. Maybe because I bought more than one?

[OlongJohnson]

Probably one of the nicest lowers for the money is the Wilson Combat mil-spec forged lower. Under $100, excellent quality, multi-cal marked, and has a cool kid rollmark.


I am not planning on buying parts for any more builds, but I would try that at the price. Will hopefully be assembling one of their barrels into a Mega upper soon, and it's a nice piece. In distribution, the price is excellent for what you get.

I can't find anyone else selling the receivers at discounted prices, only marked up, which suggests WC is selling them retail with reasonable margins and not discounting them into distribution.

Just looked at the details on the site. Hadn't noticed before, partly because I didn't have a good enough imagination to think of it, that the WC receivers are not anodized. Instead, they get WC's "Armor Tuff" coating finish. That's far enough away from anything like Mil spec for me to look elsewhere.


Black Armor-Tuff® finish. “Multi” caliber marked. Not “T” Marked for a custom look.

GI style Upper and Lower machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum USA-sourced forgings.
M4-style feedramps for flawless feeding.
Will accept all mil-spec parts.
Multi caliber Markings
Armor-Tuff® finish

[rob_s]

ETA: Here.... https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Receiver-Lower-Forged-Mil-Spec-AR-15-Style-Anodize/productinfo/TR%2DLOWER%2DANO/


Just looked at the details on the site. Hadn't noticed before, partly because I didn't have a good enough imagination to think of it, that the WC receivers are not anodized. Instead, they get WC's "Armor Tuff" coating finish. That's far enough away from anything like Mil spec for me to look elsewhere.

the ones linked-to above appear to be anodized.


7075-T6 forgings machined to Mil-Spec Plus tolerances
Mil-Spec type 3 hard anodize black finish

[WobblyPossum]

Just looked at the details on the site. Hadn't noticed before, partly because I didn't have a good enough imagination to think of it, that the WC receivers are not anodized. Instead, they get WC's "Armor Tuff" coating finish. That's far enough away from anything like Mil spec for me to look elsewhere.

Wilson sells an anodized lower. See StraitR’s link a few posts up.

ETA: looks like Rob S beat me to it.

[Old Man Winter]

Just looked at the details on the site. Hadn't noticed before, partly because I didn't have a good enough imagination to think of it, that the WC receivers are not anodized. Instead, they get WC's "Armor Tuff" coating finish. That's far enough away from anything like Mil spec for me to look elsewhere.

All of the Wilson Combat forged mil-spec lowers are type 3 hard anodized finished. You can get straight anodized finish in any color you want as long as it's black or pick from several flavors of armor tuff which is added on top of the anodized finish.

[OlongJohnson]

Wow. Posting something and immediately having three people point out I'm factually wrong in an easily verifiable way is not an experience I'm used to.

Had to figure out what went wrong. I had gone to the WC site directly, and drilled down into their stripped receivers through the matched set category. In the page for matched sets, there is no differentiation in the descriptions. I even went up from the specific product page I quoted and checked the index page again.

Complicated way to figure out that if you want just the basic, anodized version, you have to order them individually.

$160 for an upper/lower combo with WC's likely machining quality doesn't totally suck.

[jtcarm]

Wow. Posting something and immediately having three people point out I'm factually wrong in an easily verifiable way is not an experience I'm used to. .

Welcome to the club.

The only people who are never wrong are the ones who never speak up.

[texasaggie2005]

Get 'em while they're hot;

https://www.gandrtactical.com/BCM-STRIPPED-Lower-Receiver_p_2637.html

[SecondsCount]

Get 'em while they're hot;

https://www.gandrtactical.com/BCM-STRIPPED-Lower-Receiver_p_2637.html

Not trying to kill the messenger but that's a ridiculous price. For another $60 you can have an LMT MARS-L
(https://www.primaryarms.com/lewis-machine-and-tool-mars-l-ar15-stripped-lower-receiver)

[texasaggie2005]

Not trying to kill the messenger but that's a ridiculous price. For another $60 you can have an LMT MARS-L
(https://www.primaryarms.com/lewis-machine-and-tool-mars-l-ar15-stripped-lower-receiver)

Oh I agree about the price. But I know there have been BCM fanbois begging for stripped lowers for years and are probably willing to pay that.

[breakingtime91]

I picked up a no logo spikes lower. Seems to be the same as any other quality lower I've had.

[WobblyPossum]

I ordered the Wilson lower and had my FFL send his license but haven’t heard anything since my initial order confirmation. I think I’ll give them a call today to make sure they got my FFL’s info.

[Hieronymous]

Oh I agree about the price. But I know there have been BCM fanbois begging for stripped lowers for years and are probably willing to pay that.

I’m not a fan boi, but was glad to have the link to make grabbing two quality lowers happen. I’m fully aware demand is high. I accept the high price is a result of my complaisance. I’ve been around long enough to know I should have grabbed some long ago.

Thanks for posting. I almost grabbed a BCM pistol a few weeks ago from Grant, but waited too long.

[littlejerry]

I haven't examined a lot of lowers. I only had 2 for a long time: A Stag from circa 2007 and an Anderson from 2016. Didnt have a problem with either.

Stopped by a LGS on the way back from a match this weekend. They had a logo less Spikes Tactical for $95, so I picked it up. Didn't examine it too closely as I was worr out from being in the heat and humidity all day.

Examining it in detail today its pretty disappointing. It's missing a radius over the trigger guard and at the front takedown pin. The mag well also has a literall step in it near the trigger guard pin. GI mags can hang up on it depending on the angle of insertion. On the bright side everything fits.

My Anderson by comparison is better overall. Large radii where they should be, properly chamfered mag well, etc. Stag is the same way. Next time I'll pay closer attention.

[RancidSumo]

Is Zev gtg? I've got a Mega billet that I am very happy with and saw two Zev forged lowers in the LGS yesterday for $125 each. Almost took them both but I don't really have a need for either. Starting to regret that a bit and considering going back for them.

[WobblyPossum]

Is Zev gtg? I've got a Mega billet that I am very happy with and saw two Zev forged lowers in the LGS yesterday for $125 each. Almost took them both but I don't really have a need for either. Starting to regret that a bit and considering going back for them.

Zev purchased Mega a while ago. I believe Mega produces all the Zev lowers so they should be good to go.

[Old Man Winter]

Is Zev gtg? I've got a Mega billet that I am very happy with and saw two Zev forged lowers in the LGS yesterday for $125 each. Almost took them both but I don't really have a need for either. Starting to regret that a bit and considering going back for them.

Zev white labels lowers for several companies with cool kid rollmarks. They're typically good to go.

[HCM]

Is Zev gtg? I've got a Mega billet that I am very happy with and saw two Zev forged lowers in the LGS yesterday for $125 each. Almost took them both but I don't really have a need for either. Starting to regret that a bit and considering going back for them.

Zev bought Mega and they have been smart enough to no kill the golden goose.

[OlongJohnson]

JSE Surplus has plenty of Mega forged lowers in stock, both under their own (JSE) and Mega brands.

[Old Man Winter]

For those looking for LPK's, Primary Arms has the SOLGW blaster starter kits (no trigger) back in stock. Hit the Primary Arms link in the menu bar to support PF.

[WobblyPossum]

I mostly assembled my Wilson Combat anodized lower last night. I didn’t find any weird imperfections or odd machining marks so the QC looked pretty solid. The anodizing was a very dark black. The space where an auto sear would install if the lower had a third pin hole is a little narrower than the ones in the Colt, BCM, and PSA lowers I compared it to. I don’t know if you’d be able to install the sear without having to mill out some metal if you were an SOT FFL and felt like turning the lower into a machine gun. The only real complaint I have is that I’ve never had to work so hard to install the trigger guard roll pin in a lower before. This is probably the fifth or sixth lower I’ve assembled and I never remember having to work so hard to get that roll pin installed. I was using a Magpul trigger guard and also found it more difficult than normal to screw in the little set screw at the front of the trigger guard than normal. Maybe the pin/screw were at the larger end of the tolerance range and the trigger guard pin holes in the lower were at the smaller end. Otherwise everything was pretty uneventful. All that’s left is waiting for my castle nut to come in as the manufacturer accidentally left it out of the receiver extension kit I ordered. They immediately sent one out when I contacted them. Shouldn’t be much longer.

[5pins]

Wow, what a difference a month or two makes. I finally gathered what I needed to put together a 9mm pistol. My plan was to swap it and my 5.56 upper back and forth on my pistol lower. However, the mag well is so tight on that lower the 9mm adapter block won't fit. No problem I will just pick up another lower. It didn't take long for me to remember about the COVID/riot pricing and availability. $84.99 as of this moment. They had some for $74.99 yesterday. There is a "kosher" lower for $69.99 but I'm not Jewish.