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Quality/price question

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  • CodyK

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    I’ve built a couple very economic AR’s, and I’ve been looking at putting one together with some higher quality parts. As far as lowers go, is a Spikes that’s $100 better than an Anderson that’s on sale for $40? I’m guessing that unless I want a billet lower, a forged lower is a forged lower. And on the lower parts kits, unless I want an ambidextrous safety or something, are there kits that are better? I know that with the trigger assembly, bcg, and barrel, there are definitely differences between companies, but I don’t know much about what would constitute a high quality forged lower.


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    pronstar

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    The going rate for lowers revolves around material, ambi and the brand roll mark, methinks.

    There may be some discrepancies and variances, but generally mil spec makes them interchangeable.


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    easy rider

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    There is very little pressure involved with uppers and lowers. As long as it isn't defective or built proprietary, I wouldn't worry too much. Of course if you are thinking about selling it later, bigger names will sell quicker, but I'm not sure you would make much off of it.

    To me, it's what's inside that makes it better.
     

    zackmars

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    You are less likely to have problems with a spikes or contemporary than an Anderson. At least some of that money goes back in to making sure a product conforms to specifications.

    As for LPK's, outside of a select few components, milspec from a reputable name is more than good enough.

    Coughing up $50 for a radian talon short throw ambi might seem silly, until you actually use one, and realize it blows the standard selector out of the water. That said, i find add-on ambi mag releases and bolt releases clumsy and awkward. You are better off tracking down a lower with those features built in.

    Generally, forged is better than billet, but if the company knows what they are doing, and why they are doing it, billet can more than match, and in some circumstances, perfom better than forged receivers, though realistically you aren't going to see any difference.
     

    CodyK

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    Coughing up $50 for a radian talon short throw ambi might seem silly, until you actually use one, and realize it blows the standard selector out of the water. That said, i find add-on ambi mag releases and bolt releases clumsy and awkward. You are better off tracking down a lower with those features built in.

    Kinda what I was thinking. It will make for a lot better finished product if it has those features built in, rather than deciding later and having to bolt it on. And even though I can’t see selling it now, you never know, and those are definitely nice features to have. Another question I forgot to ask is, is it better to get a lower with the trigger guard part of the lower?



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    gshayd

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    I have some Anderson builds I have had no trouble with. I am most impressed with BCM uppers and the barrel fit. Snug as a bug in a rug.
     

    Big Green

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    Almost all lowers and uppers will serve you well.

    A difference would be the tolerances. One thing mil-spec means is that parts should all be interchangeable due to keeping tolerances in spec.

    Some brands due a better job at keeping specs tighter than others. If trying to squeeze out the most precision, receivers with tighter tolerances may assist in that.

    Spikes and Aero generally do a better job than Anderson. Others like Noveske, Zev, and Sons of Liberty Gunworks (a Texas company), among others, do better than those.

    Forged is more than sufficient. One problem with billet is the interesting contours may not be compatible with some bolt catches, hand guards and other parts. That’s not to say billet is bad, just be cognizant of that when ordering parts.

    I’ve built with a lot with these parts, and others over the years. If you would like more information, please ask. It’s a long list for one post.
     

    Big Green

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    If you haven’t looked into the Aero M4E set, I recommend them. It’s a billet look without the price.

    FYI: My next build will be with a SOLGW set.

    Also, my go-to LPK is SOLGW, sans FCG.
     

    zackmars

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    Kinda what I was thinking. It will make for a lot better finished product if it has those features built in, rather than deciding later and having to bolt it on. And even though I can’t see selling it now, you never know, and those are definitely nice features to have. Another question I forgot to ask is, is it better to get a lower with the trigger guard part of the lower?



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    I prefer seperate trigger guards, but for no strong reason. Mainly i like having my trigger guard match the stock
     

    Bambulance Man

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    Aero, Spikes, or tactical innovations is all I use for lowers. Unless it's bullet there are only 3-4 companies that actually make ar forged lowers. The rest buy the blanks from them and rebrand em as their own. Lower parts kits come in three flavors IMO. Regular milspec, plated (like Nickel boron aka Spikes enhanced) and two stage or specialty triggers. I really enjoy the Spikes enhanced lpk as the break is super crisp. It's a heavier break but that's what I prefer.


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    Maverick44

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    I mainly use PSA lowers. I've never had an issue with them.

    I currently have both a Spike's Tactical and an Anderson lower I have yet to do anything with. I cannot speak to how good the tolerances and such are, but I will say that the PSAs and and Spikes lowers look and feel a bit nicer. It's kind of hard to explain why, it's just subtle things like the size and the crispness of the stampings, the roll marks, and the finish itself. The finish on the Anderson seems to be a bit less durable than the finish on my other lowers. It has done nothing but sit in a padded case for a few years, and yet it some how managed to get some minor scuffs and flaws in the finish. The color also seems to be a different shade of black than other lowers/uppers (it's darker), so if a nearly perfect match between the upper and lower is important to you, this may annoy you.

    These are all little inconsequential things that really don't matter if all you want is a working gun. Function wise, you should be fine either way.

    I'm going to use my Anderson lower for a budget build with a PSA upper.
     

    deemus

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    Ive had a few shitty andersen lowers but Ive never had a bad aero or spikes lower

    Was about to post this. I won't use Anderson stuff anymore. I have in the past, and their customer service is decent. But I have never had to contact CS for Aero Precision, Daniel Defense or Spikes, or for that matter, even
    Palmetto Arms.
     

    CodyK

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    Appreciate all the info. I will probably end up with either a spikes or an aero precision. I really like the looks of the M4 from Aero, but the different markings on the spikes are pretty cool too! I just saw someone online has the Aero lower with a parts kit for $119 I think. Only problem is then I have to pay another $25 for the transfer. The range/gun store I go to has all the Spikes lowers but not the Aero. May have to see if I can find one locally.


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    easy rider

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    Appreciate all the info. I will probably end up with either a spikes or an aero precision. I really like the looks of the M4 from Aero, but the different markings on the spikes are pretty cool too! I just saw someone online has the Aero lower with a parts kit for $119 I think. Only problem is then I have to pay another $25 for the transfer. The range/gun store I go to has all the Spikes lowers but not the Aero. May have to see if I can find one locally.


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    0114181817.jpg

    My 300BLK with Aero Precision upper, lower and Atlas-S handguard. I, of course, painted in the lettering.
     

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