Colt AR-15

[671 GRAINS OF DIPLOMACY]

i have a colt AR-15 upper receiver i want buy a lower receiver but i dont want colt there to much where can i find a cheap lower and is colt interchangeable with other lower receivers?

[RoyJackson]

I'm sure the Colt guys will jump in soon but the take down and pivot pins sizes may be different then a non-Colt lower.
There are adapter pins available, I believe.
So, do some more in-depth research before you buy the lower. AR15.com might be a good starting place.

[671 GRAINS OF DIPLOMACY]

thanks ill do some more research

[d90king]

Colt uses different pins on the 6920 in the FCG...

[domagala]

Please dont do that to a Colt!

[671 GRAINS OF DIPLOMACY]

i dont want to do that to colt but they want way to much just for a lower the cheapest ive seen was $850 and i could buy a complete colt for $1,200

[1911shooter]

My vote is sell the upper and build a better AR for the money, I'm one of the few people here who will tell you that colt is junk and all you get is a name when you buy a colt anything.

[671 GRAINS OF DIPLOMACY]

very true my friend i agree 100%

[Legion_Prime]

Well then I'd say go with a Superior Arms stripped lower from AIM Surplus. If you ascribe to 1911Shooters theory on Colt then the cheapest you can throw together will do you just fine. Maybe you can track down someone cheap enough to make a cast lower, I've heard that there are still some companies left out there that actually still make them. There's a reason those who say Colt is junk are a minority.
However if you're actually interested in a quality lower but don't want to drop the scratch for a Colt lower there are many excellent options out there. Do you want a complete lower or are you willing to buy it piece by piece and assemble it yourself? This is the way I prefer so that you can get the grip and stock you want right out of the gate. There are many manufacturers who make quality lower receivers and parts kits. S&W, Sabre Defense, CMMG, Stag, and Spikes Tactical are just a few I know of that sell both stripped and assembled lowers. This is something you'll probably want to shop around for. With the number of quality manufacturers out there these days it may come down to just deciding who puts the coolest markings on their lowers. Many will even do custom rollmarks or engravings. Anvil Arms makes lowers with the PAFOA logo engraved on the magwell. You don't need to buy Colt to buy quality no matter what the Colt purists might say as long as you get a quality Forged lower with a good parts kit assembled correctly you'll do fine. There are plenty of guides and even videos on the net showing how to do if yourself if you feel so inclined. It's easy enough I did my first build at work with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver.
The pivot pin hole may be oversized, but Colt stopped making them a while ago so you probably don't need to worry about it. If you measure it the std size is 0.250" so if it's 1/4 inch you are GTG, if it's larger than that (0.315") then all you need to do is order an offset pivot pin made for mounting large hole Colt uppers on small hole lowers, cost you maybe $5. Hope this helps.

[1911shooter]

The reason i say colts are junk is because all the colts i've had were junk and if you think it has to do with money bet you life its not. I have Stags, Rock River's, Bush masters, and yes one colt left that is going to a friend who thinks they are the cats ass.
I'm not a purist if i was i would only buy armalite rifles i buy and build what i know or have researched to be the best money can buy. and colt doesnt fit that bill for me. i even have a LWRC lower with a Rock River upper that is to me one of the best combo's going.
and i never said the cheapest you could find i said you could build a better AR from parts then what you get from a colt upper or even a complete rifle.