I decided recently to build my first AR-15 Lower. I will keep updating this thread with progress and pictures.
So far, here is what I have got together:
–LMT Lower (Lauer.)
–Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard (Rainier modified.)
Here’s what I have that is waiting for install:
–Geissele SSA-E
–BADASS with standard/short levers
–Ambidextrous Ergo Grip
And here’s what is in the mail on its way to my door:
–G&R Tactical LPK
–Vltor A5 EMod stock (“Combo kit”)
Currently, for hunting and paper punching, I have a 20" RRA Predator Pursuit upper with a Mark AR 3-9 Mil-Dot mounted in a Larue SPR mount. In my future, I see a BCM Recce upper, I’m leaning towards a SS410 barrel with a 12" quad rail, either DD or LT.
It would be a Lauer (LMT). Also, make sure the serial numbers match up with it being an LMT, because the majority of Lauer lowers on the market are not LMT. I forgot what brand they are, I think Stag took the contract for Lauer after LMT did.
I checked the Lauer Website, and they also appear to offer Superior Lowers.
My SN is SML-62XX, and it looks exactly like the picture on their website of the LMT lower. It also has the completely flat portion on top of female threaded part where the Receiver Extension attaches. Any other tell-tale signs to look for for LMT? (I did notice mine has a high shelf as it should.) The LGS where I bought it had it labelled exactly how you did, which I should have remembered. Lauer (LMT).
I’m new to this, so please forgive (and correct) any incorrect nomenclature. :no:
I just finished a Noveske lower with a BAD-ASS, SSA, Norgon Catch, Gear Sector endplate, and A5 with an ACS. I rounded it out with Colt parts and sent the Form 1 to the ATF.
I haven’t taken her for a test drive but with the feedback I’ve heard on the A5 it sounds like this will be a great lower regardless of what is sitting on it!
If you haven’t had any experience with the BAD-ASS or the Geissele, you are in for a real treat!
Yup, you got an LMT. SML is the right serial pre-fix (just checked mine). And yea forgot about the high shelf but that’s right also.
It’s definitely a solid lower to say that at the least. I just wish the engravings were a tad deeper, as it’s a pretty cool logo on it, but meh, that’s miniscule.
I ended up just running a CMC FCG in my lower. It was nice because the CMC unit fit ultra snug in the lower (not all lowers are like this, especially with CMC).
I have no experience with a BAD bolt release. However, after reading about the experiences some folks have been having with them, I’d do more research before getting one
I hope this doesn’t upset you, but I’ve got one of these built off an Aero Precision lower. Every other part is the same. Out of all the various lowers I own (many that cost much more), this is the one I chose to SBR.
I have no experience with a BAD bolt release. However, after reading about the experiences some folks have been having with them, I’d do more research before getting one
I hope this doesn’t upset you, but I’ve got one of these built off an Aero Precision lower. Every other part is the same. Out of all the various lowers I own (many that cost much more), this is the one I chose to SBR.
You won’t be disappointed.
Not upsetting at all. I am looking forward to using it.
SSA-E is more of a precision rig trigger. I’d personally put an SSA in an assault rifle given how light the pull is on the SSA-E.
Agreed. I am more interested in the precision rig side of things. Geissele recommends the SSA-E for Hunting, Competition, and Precision shooting. This perfectly sums up my intended uses.
I like the 20" barrel for deer hunting, every extra FPS really helps; I use a 62 TSX handload and keep it inside 300 yards. (Where I hunt I’m lucky to see past 200 anyway.)
Maybe more info than necessary but maybe it will paint a picture of my expectations and intended use.
Got the G&R Tactical LPK today. I went ahead and installed the mag release. I also installed the BAD-ASS and the Ergo Grip. I would have waited if it was a standard safety, but since I can remove the levers I went ahead now.
I’m still waiting for my Brownells roll pin starter, roll pin, & bolt catch punches so I haven’t done the Bolt Catch.
I did do a dry fit of the bolt catch, and upon removal some sand or grit came out. I cleaned the rest of it out.
Not too much a fan of selectors with a allen (or torx) screw on each side. Just one more thing to vibrate loose IMO. I’d make sure to use some blue loc-tite on it to prevent any loosenings and loosing the selector while out hunting.
Also, with the ergo grip, if your using this for hunting in the winter, you might notice the grip is a tad large when using winter gloves. This is the one issue I have found with mine (reason I have a T/D grip sitting in the closet for when it’s glove wearing season).
I will definitely (blue) loctite them, like I did the screws on the trigger guard. I am not too worried now, but if it is a problem, I always have the LMT safety to fall back on from my G&R LPK. But there’s quite a bit of thread on those little screws; they should hold, and if they start backing out it will be readily visible before they fall off.
The Ergo grip is indeed on the large size with gloves, I found this out hunting this year. Luckily I have “XL” hands and it still seems to fit decent.
Now I’ve started daydreaming about my “no-compromises” upper. I definitely want a free floated stainless barrel with a magnified optic. I’m leaning towards a BCM Recce complete upper with a Leupold Mk 4 1.5-5. (Maybe not the sexiest optic but a solid choice I read.) Any thoughts on what kind of handguard? BCM offers DD, LT, and VTAC TRX. All seem respectable.
Update: Bolt Catch installed. Geissele SSA-E installed. Front Pivot Pin installed. No surprises there. ( I figured out a good method for me–I laid the receiver on its side and placed a small piece of paper over the pin hole. Inserted spring and detent, held detent in place on paper with left thumb and forefinger while applying pressure with the Pivot Pin itself. Once detent disappeared, I removed the paper and dropped the pin in the hole. First try, bam!
Changed my mind on the stock; wasn’t terribly impressed with the feel of the A-5. Rifle RE, Buffer, and Spring are ordered, now deciding on stock. Leaning towards Magpul PRS…
I am looking forward to using it.