Well,… I only have 2 questions right now and both are about the lower. I want to go with Larue. Purchasing a lower from them is expensive though. Their upper assembly is expensive too but there are lowers on gunbroker for about 100 bucks. That would save me about 150 big ones. As. Much as I would love to have an all Larue AR,… the total price is steep as hell, 2000+ easily. and there’s still more to buy such as mags, red dot, etc. I would feel a lot better if I saved at least some money somewhere through out this purchase.
Now my first question is,… I see rock river, sun devil, dpms, stag, and some others,… which is best? Which should I stay away from? Will they bolt up with a Larue upper? My second question being, some of the lowers or most of them I think have the removable trigger guard such as rock river. Do the Magpul enhanced trigger gaurd fit these lowers?
Just about any 7076 forged/billet lower will work with any upper. The only one’s you have to watch out for are the so called Colt “large hole” lowers, some have different sized take down pins, some have larger sized fire control group pins. They aren’t common though.
You wont find many Colt lowers, they sell complete rifles for the most part. LMT sells complete lowers. The two previous are my favorites. Palmetto State and BCM sell stripped lowers, which are ok. Sun Devil and Mega Machine are billet lowers, they are unique looking but I’ve never used them. The big difference is the rollmarks.
Oh and the trigger guard is held in by a roll pin and a detent.
Here are some lowers that I have used and recommend. Bravo Company, LMT, Daniel Defense, Colt, Noveske and Armalite.
You don’t need a Larue lower. You also don’t need a “red dot”. I suggest you start with a good basic carbine, learn how to use it and the iron sights and then as you progress get into the optics.
I wouldn’t mind a bcm lower or a larue lower but only if I can find them for cheaper than what bcm and larue is asking. I won’t be purchasing a red dot anytime time soon because I’m going to be broke right after this rifle build. I didn’t think it would run me into the 2000 range. Ill search gunbroker for bcm and larue lowers. If anyone knows another place where they can be had cheap, please do share:)
What are you building that is going to cost 2K? Have you already got an upper? I can put together a kick ass gun on paper that will cost you quite a bit less than 2K.
I Agree 100% with IG on both the above posts. I mean if you want to spend 2K on your rifle, by all means go for it. But damn. You can put togeather something nice and reliable for a lot less.
As far as lowers go, I personally like DD, LMT and POF.
I did get a SunDevil last year from a buddy of mine and while it’s nice looking, it does not funtion any better than any of my other lowers. Worth the extra $$? Meh, if you want a billet lower and can get it cheap, sure.
Geissele AR15 Super Semi-Automatic Trigger - Small Pin
$170
Combo / Magpul CTR Mil Spec Stock and Receiver Extention Kit
$153
Combo Sight Set / Troy Front Tritium and plain Rear, BLACK
$250
Magpul MOE RVG (Rail Vertical Grip) - Black
$20
MOE - Magpul® Original Equipment Grip
$21
PMAG 30, 5.56x45 Magazine x 4
$60
Total = $2,199
I think im ok with that. Did I miss anything major? I think this is enough to get the gun operation so that I may start practicing!!! I know I dont need the grips, I just threw those in because I want them. Everything else I will get later such as optics and smaller things like a vest and belt and a sling, gloves, yadda yadda. I am building this for whatever. Range, training, and as 5pins said,… when SHTF. LOL. I love it. You see,… if im going to do this, I want to do it right. WHAT IF,… one day my life did depend on this rifle??? I want to know it work for me regardless. Thats why when I bought my my secondary,… I got a Glock21:) This rifle will be my tool. Not my pretty little toy play thing to shoot beer cans with. After I have everything I need,… it will be time for reloading equipment:) Cant wait!
If your budget is $2K, and this is your first carbine, brother, I’ve got to say that buying a Colt 6920/6720, Daniel Defense, Bravo Co., LMT or Noveske N4 would make a hell of a lot more sense.
With the savings, you can get a very viable optic and mount, magazines, and ammunition.
This won’t be your last AR.
Go with a top quality duty ready carbine to start for around $1-$1.2K and you will be much better served than blowing $2K on a very nice boutique rifle.
Why forging over billet? Forging is stronger? Not as pretty but stronger? Well the Larue is machined fron billet 7075 and BCM is machined from forged 7075-T6. Which one!!?!?
So your saying Larue is crap??? Or is this where all the different opinions start pooring in!!! I was told that Larue and BCM make great stuff period. I dont see what the problem is here!!! What is the difference by my doing what im doing as oppose to just buying one already assembled and ready to go!!! I mean what does it take to assemble a lower and strap it to an already asembled and ready to go upper??? Yes I am spending a bit more money but seriously,… quality wise,… whats the difference!!!
Ok then I’ll go with the BCM lower. It will cost about the same to make that switch. I have a buddy of mine who bought a Noveske and with everything added he paid about what im about to pay. He’s been into this stuff for a very long time and everyone he knows said Larue and BCM are good.