I’ve been lurking for a while but have finally started accumulating parts for a new build. I’m looking at a pretty plain Jane build - BCM 16.5" barrel, mid-length gas system for now.
I know it’s been asked to death but my question is about lower receivers. I’ve heard many times that the best way to choose a stripped lower is by the roll mark but at a recent gun show I was able to pick up and examine examples from a few different manufacturers. Long story short, the selection was limited but Rock River seemed to be the nicest in terms of overall machining quality and finish so I went ahead and picked up two (one for a rainy day).
Question is, would any of you have any hesitation about putting one on a BCM upper? Admittedly it is sort of a vanity thing but the RRA lower/BCM upper seems to be pretty uncommon based on what I’ve seen. As much as I’d like a Spikes or even better, a complete BCM lower, I feel the FFL transfer process and fees is a little more money and trouble than I’m looking to go through.
Should I go ahead and get a quality LPK for my RRA or am I missing out on something by not getting a complete BCM lower? Anyone have any experience with this combo?
There is nothing wrong with a Rock River stripped lower. Finished rifles, there are defineately bett er guns than a RR. But for something to build on, RR is fine. I may be wrong, but, I believe Stag makes RR’s lowers.
RRA lowers are just fine, you’ll be very happy with this completed one (and your next one). And do NOT complain about the build you’re working on now, plain jane and quality is something that usually takes people a few ARs for figure out for themselves.
That said, the FFL process is actually quite simple - my local enabler is a great guy, I couldn’t be happier.
The only issue I’ve run into with Rock River lowers is the tighter tolerances toward the rear, where the rear upper receiver lug fits into the lower. Sometimes it’s a little too tight, restricting takedown pin movement.
I would appreciate a snug fit but I definitely don’t have to tools to ream any of the holes should I need to.
For some reason, in a city as big as Houston, a store willing to do an FFL transfer for a reasonable price is pretty hard to come by. I’ve searched a few forums but it seems the nearest store anyone has had a good experience with is 45 minutes away.
I think I’m going to take my chances with the RRA lowers. Maybe at some point if I find I’m really invested in this hobby I’ll go ahead and shoot the wad on a complete BCM lower. As much as I’d like one now, I’m willing to sacrifice a slight measure of QC at the altar of convenience. Plus I want to assemble it myself.
Buy a good lower the first time and be satisfied that you never have to look back. You can get a stripped DD, S&W, Mega, Aero Precision, or Spike’s for relatively cheap.
Don’t even waste your time thinking about buying a lower from RRA, DPMS, Olympic, or any other of the crummy brands out there that lure you in with the promise of cheap quality.
a rock lower will be fine with a bcm upper. you’ll know whether it has tolerance problems right away. chances are you WONT. stake it and you’ll be good to go. period.
I really want a BCM lower, but since they’re still a little while out, I’m trying to choose between a Mega GTR-3S and a DD to go with my new BCM middy upper. The Mega is priced reasonable and sure is a nice looking piece, but I’ve always been happy with everything I’ve ever had from DD also…tough decision for me.
Even though I’ve already dropped a Geissele SSA trigger in my Bushy lower and converted the reciever extension to Mil-Spec (staked)…I still can’t bring myself to being satisfied throwing the BCM on top of it…really doesn’t make sense, but oh well…most things I do probably don’t.
I think you’ll be happy with either one. It’s six of one, half dozen of the other. I’m a fan of DD and they do superb work, so if all else fails and you can’t decide just go for the DD from G&R Tactical.
Even though I’ve already dropped a Geissele SSA trigger in my Bushy lower and converted the reciever extension to Mil-Spec (staked)…I still can’t bring myself to being satisfied throwing the BCM on top of it…really doesn’t make sense, but oh well…most things I do probably don’t.
Why? Does it work well? Put it on your primary training gun so if it gets all scratched to hell (which it will!), you’ll say to yourself, “Well, I never really liked this lower anyways.”
The roll mark on the lower does not mean anything. RRA, Bushy etc… lowers are all good to go. Top it with a quality upper and parts and your carbine will be the equal of any full BCM. It’s hard to screw up a lower as long as you don’t buy some generic brand. The lower does not really do anything but hold all the parts together. I have a bushy lower with a colt upper and all the parts are quality. I have no reservations about it, though don’t get me wrong I would like to have an all matching build, but since mine in a registered lower (I am in CA) I am stuck with it. The only way for me to get a new lower would be to buy one and put a bullet button in it.