The vast majority of all AR lowers are forged by a small handful of companies. So the brand name on the lower really doesn't matter. You can spend $40 or $150 on a stripped lower, and the only difference between the two may be the name stamped on the side.
When it comes to caliber, you have a lot of good options. Barrel length can play into it. If you don't mind a 10-11 inch barrel, a 5.56 is great. If you're planning to go shorter, a 300blk or 9mm may be more your speed.
I agree most basic forged lowers are fairly equal from a function standpoint.
But there are many high quality, billet, etc. that are not equal to an Anderson, for example. Different features, better finishes, tighter tolerances, etc.
Just because an Anderson is "in spec" doesn't make it equal to say, a JP or Noveske (not that anyone is saying it's equal).
Nothing to do with pride, it's a matter of quality, functionality, and performance. Just my opinion.
A lower basically just holds parts. I am not really clear on how one would "functionally" be better or "perform" better. Do you mean it will last longer? Pin holes wont widen? The finish wont wear off?
I am not meaning to come across as combative, but its something that has kinda been on my mind. To me, lowers (as long as they are in spec) remind me of coffee mugs. A basic dollar store ceramic coffee cup will hold coffee just fine. And for years if not decades. An expensive coffee mug that is hand turned and painted by an artist does cost more and is "higher quality", but its function is to still just hold coffee.
Now with uppers, barrels, stuff like that that handles a great deal of sheering forces and stuff I can see there being a different story.
If you think the serialized chassis of Ar15's are all the same and like coffee mugs, you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
Well, I was hoping you could provide a little bit of insight. I have never said they were the same.
You said they are "either in spec or not" and they "basically just hold parts" and "just like a coffee cup" and "Who makes it and how much you pay for it is just a matter of pride for many people." That's fine if you feel that way. I do not feel that way. It boggles my mind that anyone feels that way, actually.
Because it is not at all like a coffee cup. It's a vital serialized part that holds an assemblage of more important "parts" that make up a deadly weapon. So, it sounded like you wanted an argument a lot more than you wanted insight, to me anyway.
But, if its insight you want, lets take two popular and fairly inexpensive lowers readily available. The Anderson, and the Aero M4e1.
Here is an Anderson lower.
View attachment 69624
Nothing special about it. Just a basic lower for a low price with quality control you would expect for the price point.
Here is the Aero M4E1 Lower
View attachment 69625
View attachment 69626
Aero lower is better quality. We can tell this just by looking at it. And if you can't, I have had them both in my hands and the quality difference is completely apparent.
Cleaner and more complex machining.
Nicer design
Integrated trigger guard
Threaded bolt catch pin
Has tensioning screw for fit to upper (no roll pin)
Has a threaded detent pin hole
Has a flared magwell (this is huge for competition)
These are "functional" and "performance" upgrades.
I honestly wasn’t looking to argue. Just wanted insight, like you provided, on how one lower can out perform another. I never said one couldn’t be of higher or lower quality. It’s the performance of the two that I am questioning and curious about.
A lot of what you listed are enhancements, no doubt.
And please note, I never said they were just like coffee mugs. I said they reminded me of them because yes, you can buy super fancy coffee mugs with self stirring attachments and no spill lids, but they both still just hold coffee. If my analogy sits poorly with you I’m sorry. I am quite busy and responding hastily so I admit I’m probably not being as clear as I would like.
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Posting fail. Long story short, I’m still not convinced that a $400 lower is functionally superior to a quality $100. At some point you are paying for brand, aesthetics, and notoriety.
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The Aero lower I posted is 80$
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...ripped-lower-receivers-5-56mm-prod113319.aspx