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[pianoman9701]

I think the lowers are all pretty basic. I'm sure you could customize them, but they're like $50 out of the box. Talk to Biggerhammer about them. The reason to get them now is because they're the part with the serial number. Once you build your rifle, that's the identifier. When they start telling us to register our ARs, that'll be it. I believe with I-594, you'd probably have to go through an FFL to purchase on in WA. In OR or ID you can just go pick one up.

[pianoman9701]

I guess Biggerhammer had better answer those questions. I know you can do different coats, etchings, etc. But, I think you can buy a lower without a background check. It might have to be from an FFL, but I don't know why it would. I bet you could find a couple in classifieds. There's some loophole regarding un assembled parts and also, there used to be laws related to the "assault weapons ban" which no longer apply. Ask BH, send him a PM. He helped me build a heck of a predator gun.

[bearhunter99]

The lower with the serial number has had to have a background check, even before 594.  Uppers can be bought and sold with no check but lowers are registered to you. 

As far as quality I will leave that up to those with more knowledge.

[grundy53]

It's the same as buying a firearm. You need to get the background check. Even before 594 you still needed to go through the background check if going through a dealer. Also if ordering online it needs to be shipped to a FFL.

[grundy53]

Bearhunter beat me to it.

[pianoman9701]

It's the same as buying a firearm. You need to get the background check. Even before 594 you still needed to go through the background check if going through a dealer. Also if ordering online it needs to be shipped to a FFL.

Thanks for correcting me.

[Biggerhammer]

Lowers are lowers with the exception of Persenal preference. A $50.00 Anderson will perform the same as any more costly billet. Along with the quality billet lowers come the extras (Ambi bolt catches, tension screws etc). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  The proof on paper and performance when it comes to accuracy is the barrel. The rest is all mass produced mil-spec stuff, sure there are some exceptions, but you would be surprised how many different company names are stamped on AR parts coming off the same machines.

Persenaly I would put the extra $$$ into a quality billet upper receiver before I would a lower. Not a must but it doesn't hurt to have the longer and heavier barrels seated in a stout receiver in my opinion. As for a standard weight or carbine barrel any upper will do. They are all modular and fairly simple once you have done a complete hands on build yourself.

As for the lower it is best to pick one up at a local shop, I know our local shops sell Anderson lowers for $50.00 and the paperwork is included. AIM Surplus carries Anderson lowers for $40.00 bucks usually free shipping but on the other hand our local FFL's charge $40.00 a lower to receiver them and do the transfer.

Mega does quality forged and billet stuff. Griz Precision a board sponsor has some good prices on their own billet lowers.




http://shop.grizzprecision.com/products/ar-15-7075-billet-lower

[grundy53]

It's the same as buying a firearm. You need to get the background check. Even before 594 you still needed to go through the background check if going through a dealer. Also if ordering online it needs to be shipped to a FFL.

Thanks for correcting me.

No problem. I've bought a few...

[pianoman9701]

I'm an expert. I've bought one. 

[stevemiller]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

[jay.sharkbait]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

[batch]

there is not just one manufacturer thats makes all lowers, but there are a few companies that provide lowers to many of the manufacturers. i have an Anderson as well as an Aero Precision lower. they both work like they should and haven't had any fitment problems swapping out components.

[Biggerhammer]

Most tend to blame lowers for fit issues , more often than not its the lowers parts kit parts being out of spec or coated to heavily. This is seen more often when fitting a "Selector switch" when the coating is to heavy on the selector and its a tight fit. Nothing a few minutes and some Emery cloth won't smooth up on the selector. I've seen the results of guys going after the lower will a dremel tool to remedy the issue, not the thing to do.

[jay.sharkbait]

Most tend to blame lowers for fit issues , more often than not its the lowers parts kit parts being out of spec or coated to heavily. This is seen more often when fitting a "Selector switch" when the coating is to heavy on the selector and its a tight fit. Nothing a few minutes and some Emery cloth won't smooth up on the selector. I've seen the results of guys going after the lower will a dremel tool to remedy the issue, not the thing to do.

Always start with the cheapest part.

[stevemiller]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

[JimmyHoffa]

the composite ones are different mfgs.

[stevemiller]

the composite ones are different mfgs.

Yes and these same as billet.A few diff. manufactures MAGPUL got the first patent to make these composite ones.

[6.8mmARHunter]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

Probably not the same company, but maybe the same small number of companies.

See the thread over at AR15.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/318113_index.html

[stevemiller]

  Yes this is more like what I was to understand.Do these 4  Co. also forge their own or does that boil down to just 1 forging co.?

[CAMPMEAT]

I have a New Frontier polymer on one of mine. It works just like the metal lowers. Plum Crazy is another polymer brand too. I paid $125 delivered for my complete New Frontier.

[jay.sharkbait]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

I have observed forged lowers being cut (start to finish) at Aero Precision, MEGA and OLY.

We (Grizz Precision) have been getting quotes from several FFL07 manufacturers to make our branded lowers (Billet and forged) for us on a variance.

[jay.sharkbait]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

Probably not the same company, but maybe the same small number of companies.

See the thread over at AR15.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/318113_index.html

Look at the date on the thread

[6.8mmARHunter]

Yes this is more like what I was to understand.Do these 4  Co. also forge their own or does that boil down to just 1 forging co.?

I'm no expert... I just find it un-likely that all AR15 lowers are manufactured by one company.

From the AR15.com link:

There are currently FOUR manufacturers that produce the majority of lower receivers for the AR market.

MMS, CMT, LMT and LAR receive orders from many licensed manufacturers who obtain an ATF variance to have them cut and logo receivers on their behalf.

The guy seems pretty knowledgeable, and no one rebuked him.  It seems that if you put out bad information on AR15.com there are always lots of people that are more than happy to jump on you...

[6.8mmARHunter]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

Probably not the same company, but maybe the same small number of companies.

See the thread over at AR15.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/318113_index.html

Look at the date on the thread

Yep, my mistake...

So, back in 2007, there were 4 major manufactures.

Now, there are even more.

Like is said, I just couldn't believe all lowers were made by one company.

[stevemiller]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

I have observed forged lowers being cut (start to finish) at Aero Precision, MEGA and OLY.

We (Grizz Precision) have been getting quotes from several FFL07 manufacturers to make our branded lowers (Billet and forged) for us on a variance.

first the grizz stuff looks awesome,Second You say you have seen them cut from start to finish cool but did they come in forged first.If you didnt see a foundry they prob. didnt have one.  ME I am retired Machinist,Engineer after my Military career .Now Foundries are very far and very few between.

[stevemiller]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

Probably not the same company, but maybe the same small number of companies.

See the thread over at AR15.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/318113_index.html

Look at the date on the thread

Yep, my mistake...

So, back in 2007, there were 4 major manufactures.

Now, there are even more.

Like is said, I just couldn't believe all lowers were made by one company.

THE KEY TO THIS HERE POINT IS THAT THEY ALL MACHINE    FORGED    LOWERS.I look at this as the forged lowers come in and then they machine the already forged lowers.Do they all have a foundry?I doubt it lol

[6.8mmARHunter]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

Probably not the same company, but maybe the same small number of companies.

See the thread over at AR15.com

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/318113_index.html

Look at the date on the thread

Yep, my mistake...

So, back in 2007, there were 4 major manufactures.

Now, there are even more.

Like is said, I just couldn't believe all lowers were made by one company.

THE KEY TO THIS HERE POINT IS THAT THEY ALL MACHINE    FORGED    LOWERS.I look at this as the forged lowers come in and then they machine the already forged lowers.Do they all have a foundry?I doubt it lol

I do hear what you are saying. I'm not "in the know" enough to know the answer to your idea. Maybe jay.sharkbait can chime in. I still can't buy that only one Foundry makes them all...

[jay.sharkbait]

The way i understand it is there really is only 1 lower that all other manufactures use (unless of course its billet).The logos and such are just put on when ordered.

Aero
Anderson
Mega
Oly
CMT
LMT

All machine Forged lowers.

I'm sure there are more

I am gonna say this again,The way I understand it is all AR lowers are made by the same company then sent off to the customers to finish except those that are billet.You have proof of other wise I would love to see it.

I have observed forged lowers being cut (start to finish) at Aero Precision, MEGA and OLY.

We (Grizz Precision) have been getting quotes from several FFL07 manufacturers to make our branded lowers (Billet and forged) for us on a variance.

first the grizz stuff looks awesome,Second You say you have seen them cut from start to finish cool but did they come in forged first.If you didnt see a foundry they prob. didnt have one.  ME I am retired Machinist,Engineer after my Military career .Now Foundries are very far and very few between.

I don't know if the forgings were Alcoa, Anchor-Harvey, CAPCO, Cardinal or any of the others.

Thanks for the compliment!

[JimmyHoffa]

A foundry would only be necessary for a casting, not the forging.  You can use a high temp oven for forging.  Don't need to melt, just stress relief.

[Blacklab]

First off want to point out I really don't know a thing about AR's. Somebody told me yesterday I should at least get a couple AR lowers while they are easy to get. So my question to you AR guru's is what brand(s) should I look for and what should I pay for them? I could see myself putting together one in a .223 and one in a 6.5 Grendel when I get to it. Thanks in advance for your help.

6.5 Grendel 223 Wylde     

[6.8mmARHunter]

A foundry would only be necessary for a casting, not the forging.  You can use a high temp oven for forging.  Don't need to melt, just stress relief.

From Wikipedia:

Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces.

[JimmyHoffa]

A foundry would only be necessary for a casting, not the forging.  You can use a high temp oven for forging.  Don't need to melt, just stress relief.

From Wikipedia:

Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces.

Yeah, the foundry will cast your specified alloy and can work it if desired.  Or the next customer can do the working--hot or cold.  I'd imagine that a AR mfg could hammer/press and then relieve in shop.   

[stevemiller]

you are correct to a point.The forgings that you are talking about though are generally solid peices the ar lowers are far from solid.these aluminum forgings though are usually cast first then forged then finish machined.Maybe they do the ar parts diff. but I dont see it.