I have been researching for my first build–well, half-a-build–and I’m getting close to purchasing my first stripe lower probably within a few months. But I’m not sure about a few things in picking the right lower. Let me state that I am wanting a mid-length 14.5"-16" upper from either Noveske, BCM, or possibly a Colt; really leaning for a Noveske with a switchblock (hopefully after college and the loans paid down I can spring for a suppressor just grins and envies).
My first question is about receiver choices and fitting of uppers. I haven’t seen a chart or a discussion thread about this, or I’ve missed it somewhere. Is this an issue with using a different lower receiver and upper? For instants, I’m leaning towards a Noveske (if I can afford one), Spike’s, or Colt lower. Is there a preferred “match” with uppers, or does it not matter?
I can’t go hog wild like the rest of you all, so I have to limited here some (I am smart enough not to go with DPMS, Bushmaster). College these days are getting expensive and it is criminal for the price of books. Speaking of broke, anything to watch out for in buying a used upper? Will try to do it here on M4 if I can.
As a current fellow student, I can attest to the immense expense of college… But that’s where budgeting comes in! :laugh:
DO NOT CUT CORNERS WITH YOUR RIFLE NOW BECAUSE YOU WILL REGRET IT LATER.
It is very very very very likely (because nothings definite) that any “in spec” lower will fit with any “in spec” upper receiver. Just some will be a tighter fit than others.
Personally, I have a put my Colt and Daniel Defense uppers on my Spikes Lower and my Daniel Defense upper on my Colt lower with complete success.
But, I’m no expert by any means and I could be wrong so I’d advise getting a second, more qualified opinion.
The beauty of the mil-spec (or better) weapon…uppers and lowers are pretty much interchangeable, especially if you stick with “current issue” (standard pin) uppers…as long as you don’t actively seek out an old Colt “big hole” upper, you should be OK.
And I 2nd dail621’s comment on scrimping: unless you really don’t care (but your comment about us guys going crazy with our weapons leads me to belive otherwise) then building a “crappy” gun will just be a waste as you will want to upgrade it later.
You don’t have to go crazy to get some real nice hardware these days. BCM is selling blem (you would have a hard time finding the “blem”) lowers for <$300 and standard uppers for <$500. To that you would have to add either a carry handle or a rear BUIS + handguards.
I would just buy a JD Machine lower receiver. They make the lowers for a couple of the companies you were looking at and they are less expensive but same quality. Just my 2 cents
I guess I should have some back ground: I do own an 14.5 " carbine. it is a custom built, but not by my hands. Comes complete with a Spikes lower, Key Hole upper, and a Midwest free-float hand guard. It’s nice, I love it, but I’d like to have something as middy, and something just try this build.
I’m going for a DD trigger system and VLTOR buffer tube and mod-stock. So no, I’m not skimping on the important stuff, just looking to get a complete upper for a little less than retail.
Thanks for the advice everyone, now I just need to look carefully I get mil-spec components.
As stated above uppers and lowers are interchangable, the color may not match if you get different companies (ie I have a Colt upper receiver on a Noveske Lower and they do not match color wise). For lowers is a DIAS a concern? Because if it is you will need to get a lower that has a low shelf for a DIAS (if you don’t you will have to mill out the lower for the DIAS to fit), if not get whatever rollmark you like best. Personally I would get a Colt, Noveske, Daniel Defense, or BCM. Noveske sells this: Matched Upper and Lower
Go 16" so your not limited on Muzzle devices, if you got 14.5 you’ll have to get it pinned (just a suggestion).
BCM is pretty much one stop shop, I would take a close look at their already assembled uppers.
This is the general idea of what I’m looking to build. Mid that I couldn’t properly align the switchbolck, or get it in the proper location of where it is suppose to be. I’m using the SR-25 barrel because it is as close to a Noveske Afgan and the like pimp-my-rifle has. nice program to see what you are looking for for a build. Built this from the ground up.
I don’t know anything about the Spike’s LPK but I personally have the DD LPK in my gun and it is very good. All the parts were nicely machined and fit very well. Also, the DD LPK is about half that price.