Are all AR lowers created equal?

[colagrrl]

I'm hoping this is a simple question.

Are all AR-15 lowers essentially the same or are there certain manufacturers that you should stay away from? Ie: fit, finish, casting marks, etc.

My FFL called and left a message on my answering machine this afternoon telling me to call him, because he has 4 AR-15 lowers available. I got the message after he was already closed, so I figure I'll just stop by his shop on my way home tomorrow. I have 2 Anvil Arms lowers, one built and the other I'm just getting ready to start ordering parts for, but I'd been thinking of buying another lower or two anyway. I don't know what brand the lowers are, but I have a pretty good feeling that someone ordered a specific number of them to get a discount and then asked my FFL if he would sell the rest. Regardless of how the lowers arrived at the shop, if the price is right I'll buy, but I'd just like to know if there are any manufacturers that I should avoid for one reason or another.

[Legion_Prime]

Most of the forged aluminum lowers are made by only two or three manufacturers who then sell them to all the distributors. As long as it's a forged aluminium lower you should be GTG. The only major differences tend to be finish and markings.

[knighthawk06699]

Most of the forged aluminum lowers are made by only two or three manufacturers who then sell them to all the distributors. As long as it's a forged aluminium lower you should be GTG. The only major differences tend to be finish and markings.

And trigger and quality of components if bought complete. No not all lowers are equal.

[XD45]

I can't really speak all of the below info, but it sure does make sense to me, and seems to be the most complete list i've come across of who makes what http://www.ak47.net/lite/topic.html?...=318113&page=5


Originally Posted By truemajik:
For all those of you out there who are wondering here are the facts. There are only a few actual companies that completely mill there own stuff and all the rest are subcontracted- period. I know because I am one of the actual machinists that mill the receivers and I Own the company. I have attached a list of who mills for who so you guys dont get confused.

LMT- mills for
Lauer, DS arms, PWA, Eagle, Armalite, Knights Armament, And Barrett

CMT- mills for
Stag, Rock River Arms, High standard, Noveski, Century, Global tactical, CLE, S & W, MGI, Wilson Tactical, Grenadier, Precision, Colt

LAR- mills for
Bushmaster, Ameetec, DPMS, CMMG, Double star, Fulton Armory, Spikes tactical

JVP- mills for
Double star, LRB

Mega Machine- mills for
GSE, Dalphon, POF, Alexander Arms

Olympic- mills for
SGW, Tromix, Palmetto, Dalphon, Frankford, Century

Sun devil was designed by TKS engeneering

Superior arms mills for superior.

I can't disclose who I am because it would violate the advertising rules but you will see my new ads here soon.
Contact me private message if you have any questions about who mills for who. I can prove it all.



I hope I dont upset anyone but these are the facts

[ar15jules]

I have seen a similar list on AR15.com when I was there a year or two ago. I have no reason to doubt the information. It makes sense to me.
Jules

[TonyF]

I'm hoping this is a simple question.

It is.

Are all AR-15 lowers essentially the same

No.

LMT- mills for
Lauer, DS arms, PWA, Eagle, Armalite, Knights Armament, And Barrett

CMT- mills for
Stag, Rock River Arms, High standard, Noveski, Century, Global tactical, CLE, S & W, MGI, Wilson Tactical, Grenadier, Precision, Colt

LAR- mills for
Bushmaster, Ameetec, DPMS, CMMG, Double star, Fulton Armory, Spikes tactical

JVP- mills for
Double star, LRB

Mega Machine- mills for
GSE, Dalphon, POF, Alexander Arms

Olympic- mills for
SGW, Tromix, Palmetto, Dalphon, Frankford, Century

Sun devil was designed by TKS engeneering

Superior arms mills for superior.

This list doesn't tell the whole story because "customers" using the same "supplier" can have different quality standards.

[RONNIE77]

This list doesn't tell the whole story because "customers" using the same "supplier" can have different quality standards.

Good point....I was going to say the same thing.
It is an interesting list, I did not who milled for who.
But just because you have Stag lower, doesn't mean it is the same level of quality as a Colt or a RRA.
All companys have to have their own certain specifications required and product standards on something that they are going to put their name on. Right?

[Atomic Dog]

Any major manufacturer should be fine. That's an interesting list though......

[ar15jules]

It is.



No.



This list doesn't tell the whole story because "customers" using the same "supplier" can have different quality standards.

I can't argue with that either, Tony.
Jules

[arrrrgh15]

Vulcan = Bad.