I’m looking for a lower for a plinker. Please choose the one you think is the best-buy. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks.
ARMALITE M-15
ROCK RIVER
SPIKES
SPIRIT ARMS
SURPLUS AMMO (AERO)
BCM blemished from Grant, better quality at equal to better pricing than any of your choices, even for a plinker
None of the above. BCM complete lower from G&R Tactical.
I can appreciate BCM. I own a BCM rifle, as well as a Colt and a Noveske. I understand the “tiers” but I’m asking about the brands listed above in case someone has experience with them.
Out of the list I’d probably choose Spike’s. Off the list I’d go with LMT or BCM.
Then choose the one you want by who has the coolest roll mark.
Thanks for your input.
Winner!
Seriously if you’ve already got a porsche and an audi…what difference does the choice between chevy and ford make?
For a plinker, I’d go with the Aero based on cost. Check out LRB also.
:lol: That’s sig material right there! :lol:
If it’s for a plinker, what ever is in-stock and the cheapest.
with a price tag of $305 for a complete lower i say get the LMT defender 2000 lower.
When you can get a you can get a complete (with buttstock) BCM lower half for $321 from Grant, I fail to see why anyone would look at anything else.
Ive had good luck with a few rock rivers I put together for people a few years back.
Actually, this would be my last pick. RRA is notorious for producing out of spec lowers. Armalite makes an o.k. stripped lower but I would never utilize a complete factory lower from them. Then again, I would never consider a firearm that costs $.30 every time I squeeze the trigger for a plinker. If you can afford to shoot an ar, then you can afford a quality piece. If you can only afford to shoot a case a year, an ar is not for you.
I have a spikes lower and I like it. Nice thing with spikes is you can customize your lower with a list of parts they offer and they will send it to you complete with the parts you chose. I built mine myself off a stripped lower but that is a good option they offer for people not wanting to do it themselves but want some aftermarket parts. The several times I have ordered other things from them they have always been great to deal with.
But I will also reccomend an LMT defender lower as well with the 2 stage trigger and ambi safety. I know its off the list but its also another great lower that own.
Hope this helps.
I’ve assembled and used three on your list- well three+ actually as I bought three SA lowers and three Aero Precision that are basically the same thing except for the rollmarks. I used quality lower parts for all of these:
Among those:
[ul]
[li]Spikes: best finish and lower parts fit very well
[/li][li]Surplus Ammo/Aero: lower parts assembled effortlessly
[/li][li]RRA: Trouble with the bolt catch roll pin and trigger guard roll pin. Appears that the roll pin holes were smaller compared to the other two lowers, but this was several years ago. Lower functions fine.
[/li][/ul]
With my limited samples, all work well. I was surprised with the Spikes (I assembled it for a family member and shot it plenty) and would say their lower is probably the best among the three if you desire a nice robust satin finish. I think the SA/Aero were the least expensive - I purchased two three packs (6 lowers) for $500ish.
If, or rather when, I purchase another it would probably be the Aeros given the cost and fit/function. Additionally, I like to support my local PNW small businesses when I can.
One other low cost lower not on your list that impressed me recently was the Mega forged- not the billet as they’re quite a bit more $. Finish was fantastic and again no issues with assembly or function.
These polls are getting quite silly to be honest. The companies that make a good or in spec lower have been identified time and time again.
In the end it depends on what you want stamped on it.
Where are you finding a complete LMT for $305?
I’m looking at $330, plus ~$15 shipping and $25 transfer fee.
I have Spike’s and Surplus Arms lowers, both function fine. There’s no discernible functional difference between them.
The original Spike’s lower I received had an out of spec mag well (too tight). Spike’s mailed another one out the day after I emailed them with the problem and its fit was perfect, very good CS experience with them.
Good logic.