I desire to build a quality lower using BCM parts kit and extension tube. I have a choice of 2 stripped lowers. One is an Anderson for $50.00 and the other is a Spikes for $81.00. Which would you get, or does it matter? Keep in mind that I don’t care about the looks, just the quality, strength and functionality of the lowers.
I’d recommend the Anderson, I have two and they are good lowers. I personally prefer the one with the integral trigger guard.
If you don’t already have the parts, a BCM complete with a Mod 0 stock is only $395 from Grant/G&R Tactical, $340 if you get a blem, which is in stock right now.
Grant has the BCM lowers with:
-QD End Plate (worth $17)
-H Buffer (worth $12)
-Mod 3 Grip (worth $18)
-BCM RE (worth $58)
-BCM LPK (worth ~$70)
-and can get the Mod 0 Stock for $15 (worth $55)
If you built the same thing, it’d be $230 plus a stripped lower, so about $300 all said and done. I was planning the same as you, but figured for a few bucks more, might as well just get a complete and save the hassle of building.
I’ve been happy with Anderson lowers. A local shop has them at $200 for 5.
To buy or build isn’t any easy answer. Like Inebriated posted you could have a BCM for about the same price already built. That seems like a really good option. Don’t forget to factor in the transfer fee when comparing. I personally like to build but I’m a bit of a tinkerer.
Thanks for the responses so far; but I would like to build this time. I did consider what Grant has available; but, if I build, I can fork out just a little money at a time which will be easier on me. I did purchase a complete Colt upper from Grant in the past, and was very pleased with the purchase.
I was told recently that all forged lowers are equal. There are only 3 forgeries (if that’s what they’re called) in the country and that each manufacture just owns their dies to have forged said manufacturers lower. Basically the stamp/logo and roll marks on it. So a Colt is a Spikes is a BCM forged lower. The different icons stamped into them tell which forgery (if that’s what a forging place is called) did it. They’re usually “A” or an hour glass looking symbol etc.
I’m not sure I’m speaking facts. I was a bit surprised to learn this myself. I’m sure somebody will come along that actually knows. Please note this is for forged parts not billet. That’s a whole 'nother animal. Also the info came from someone in the industry, at a manufacturer.
They’re called forges. There may only be three - that’s been circulating for a while now. So, fine, three companies make the actual forgings and those are all made decently. It’s the machining of the raw forgings that really matters and can vary WIDELY in quality. Right now a lot of places do it just fine, but it’s not accurate to say that all forged lowers are the same, or that there aren’t brand differences.
OP: I have no experience with Anderson, and limited but good experience with Spike’s uppers (none with their lowers). Chances are either one would be fine, and hopefully enough people can chime in from direct experience as to those brands.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=165570
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=165193
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=81263
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?99381-Spikes-tactical-GTG
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=128941
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?14319-Best-AR-Lower
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?152853-what-s-the-best-value-on-a-stripped-lower
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?43019-stripped-lower-comparisons
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?124092-spikes-tactical-lower-any-good
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?152340-Best-value-stripped-lowers-in-current-market
If you aren’t having luck using the search button on the site, try typing “site:m4carbine.net (insert question here)” in google.
To answer your question. There may be only a few places that supply forgings for lowers, but QC can vary greatly. You may luck out and get a good one from a cheap place, or you may get a bad one from a good place. Who do you think will take care of you in the event of an issue? You get what you pay for.
If it were me I would not skimp on a lower.
Spikes lower for $65.
http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1e9b83d8d0e2c49cb1d565bae&id=8bb247b7d7&e=d6ac1dc5b3
…Where are you getting a BCM parts kit?? Cheapest lower I’ve been able to find is an anderson.
As pointed out above, numerous threads about lowers and relative discussions.