Posted on 02/05/2018 10:06:47 AM PST by w1n1
Looking to get an AR lower parts kit? Building an AR can be very satisfying and you don't have to be a gunsmith.
AR manufacturers have opened up the doors for the many home AR gunsmithers or someone just looking to replace a spring.
Anyways, if you want to save money or want a higher quality parts than the stock AR, then have a look at some kits beolow.
Selecting the right AR lowers can be a chore or for some its a fun hobby to put together an optimized AR.
DPMS AR-15 Lower Parts Kit
DPMS is a big name in the AR-15 world and they have lowers to fit most budgets. This kit is a standard mil-spec, though it lacks the bells and whistles the price is affordable.
Designed for the newbie with a simple budget. When they say more bang for the buck, this lower kit means just that.
DPMS can assure you that any rifle built with this kit will reliably go bang for the lifetime of the gun.
Pretty good deal for the price. $39.99
Brownell’s MOE AR15 Lower Parts Kit
Brownell’s the DPMS Lower kit with their premium quality buffer tube assembly, and a Magpull MOE stock and pistol grip to give you a build kit that is several steps above the competition.
Yes, with the enhanced Magpul stock and grip it does make a difference in handling the rifle and is better than the regular mil-spec.
This is considered the complete lower build kit to have! $207.88 See the rest of the AR lower parts kit here. Anyone build out their lower AR?
The majority of ARs in civi hands will never feed enough ammo to warrant anything more than a carbon fiber lower, and those are inexpensive. BUT always install a good spring and pin kit like the DPMS sells.
“Do you customize your AR15 lower?”
Does installing a Franklin Armory BFSII count?
I'm looking forward to my first AR build, and owning my first AR rifle.
The best upgrade to any AR-15 is an aftermarket trigger. My recommendation is a Geissele Hi-Speed National Match - Trigger Set.
Anti-walk pins are a good idea on a polymer lower.
Agreed. I sort of want the SSA-E for my mid-range AR. I currently use an older Rock River two-stage and it’s OK for a general carbine, but my mid-range is shooting dime-sized groups and I think I can still do better.
I bought my first AR in “commemoration” of Obama’s 50th birthday. Wife and I were going in to Gander Mountain when that was being talked about on the news. A few minutes later, while in the guns section of the store, I happened across a S&W M&P 15 that was on sale. I picked it up and told the clerk that I wanted to by it in “honor” of Obama’s birthday. Mama said, OKAY, get it. :-) Done deal!
I am a tightwad, so I haven't been able to justify purchasing an AR, but I got the Anderson lower for $50 OTD, which for a forged 7075 aluminum lower I couldn't say no. That's lower than the prices I've seen for polymer lowers.
Now I'm combing Palmetto State Armory and CDNN for cheap rifle build kits.
MY AR-15 has a walnut stock. It’s pretty, and it’s a lot less scary looking to the morons in my anti-gun state (the People’s Republic of Maryland). Not looking too frightening and aggressive is the best possible upgrade, that and a nice Geissele trigger.
I have both an SD-E on an AR and the Super SCAR on a Mk17S and i highly encourage you to look into the flat bow options over the SSA-E. There is a noticeable difference using the mechanical advantage of the lever. Other than a proper trigger, you’ll want to do a lot of research to try to make the platform rattle, wobble, jiggle, or flex as little as possible to get the most out of your build. You may also want to get a fancier charging handle like a raptor or similar ambi model, and a NiB BCG (http://emptormaven.com/2014/02/the-problem-with-nickel-boron/)
Contrary to popular belief, mil-spec tolerances weren’t/aren’t the greatest for what is the intended usage for civilian rifles. Plus we probably clean ours more often than the average GI (unless they’re in the sandbox or off in the mountains of Afg)
To echo an earlier comment, most of our rifles will NEVER see the number of rounds or circumstances for which higher-end manufacturers or accessories are designed. Although it can’t hurt anything but your wallet to get them.
Geissele also as a S3G (three-gun) trigger that utilizes the flat trigger.
I’ve been building my ARs since 1995, so I don’t slap in parts willy nilly. The only “fancy” charging handle I use is the original Badger Ordinance Tac-Latch, which gives me greater leverage when I need it.
Does it count if someone(I can’t say who) uses a finished 80% lower?
I’ll let you know as soon as I get one.
Trigger spring, hammer spring replaced and bobbed the hammer.
Yep, excellent choice. An improved trigger makes a huge difference in the AR platform.
I've also taken a liking to the Magpul ACS collapsible buttstock for carbines - I like the way the comb is stationary and the stock slides rearward from beneath that surface.
Every one of my builds has the same Hogue grip and RRA 2 stage match trigger. Hence, they all shoot as much like the same gun as I can make them.
What Bushmaster was calling their first polymer guns.
May look into that, some day. They make 5.56 and 7.62 mm compatible lowers.
“mil-spec”: the minimum becomes the maximum, circa 1964.
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