How much difference is there in stripped lowers?

champ198

champ198

Active member
Talking about forged Lowers.
I know there are tons of different brands with each brand having its own logo.
Is one really better than the other?
I have heard that they are all pretty much made in 2-3 facilities. Is that true?
Reason for asking is most of our local shops dont carry much for inventory on Stripped lowers, so I am thinking of ordering a couple from someplace like Joe Bobs or PSA. Most of what they have on the lower price are Anderson Lowers.
Are these Anderson lowers a lesser quality than say an Aero or Spikes etc?
 
By and large, most of the manufacturers get their receivers machined by contracted variance, and so you'll see based upon their volume, the price per unit fluctuate from fairly inexpensive to mediocre. Especially the big box manufacturers like PSA, Anderson, etc.

The forgings will come from generally 2-3 different facilities. Folks like Aero Precision, Anderson, etc., will buy according to their level of commodity grade aluminum, and machine in house to their specifications. The more processes or machine time drives the price up for obvious reasons.

Take that for what it's worth.... The anodizing process is also not generally done in house and is contracted, and the level of quality will differ as well.

All that to say, you choose your budget, and brand preference, and generally speaking you will have parts that fit just like the others on the market. Every once in a while you'll get some lowers that the parts are not as tight fitting as you'd like.
 
For a lower priced lower, I prefer the Aero Precision M4E1 (M4E1 Stripped Lower Receiver - Anodized Black). For around $100 on sale for a basic black anodized version or about $20 more for a cerakoted version, they offer a few nice upgrades/benefits over standard lowers. From their website:

M4E1 LOWER RECEIVER IMPROVEMENTS:​

  • Threaded Bolt Catch Roll Pin - Allows for simple installation of the bolt catch and virtually eliminates the chance to damage the finish during installation (pin included). 1/16" Hex Key required for assembly.
  • Integrated Trigger Guard - Eliminates the possibility of breaking the trigger guard tabs by integrating the trigger guard into the lower, creating a stronger more rigid platform to build upon.
  • Upper Tension Screw - Allows users to fine tune the fit of the upper and lower receiver using a nylon tipped tensioning set screw inserted in the grip tang of the lower receiver. This provides a tight fit with any standard AR15 upper receiver.
  • Threaded Takedown Pin Detent Recess - Allows user to easily install the Takedown Pin detent and spring with the use of a 4-40 set screw (no more launching detents across the room).
  • Increased Magwell Flare - Increased the flare of the magwell to aid in quick and efficient magazine changes.
  • Marked and milled to accept short-throw safety selectors, but will work with standard selectors as well.
These lowers are a little faster and easier to put together due to the threaded bolt catch roll pin and integrated trigger guard. The upper tension screw is nice too in order to keep everything tight. Plus, if you plan on using Aero upper receivers, handguards, etc., they all have a consistent color/finish.
 
Usually I find it hard to save money ordering a lower, as you need to pay the transfer fee. Last few have been local sales specials and poly80's.
 
I've built several hundred AR's over the past twenty years (use to build them for fellow officers for duty use, friends, and family). I've found all the lowers made by recognizable named companies to be the same.

I current have over fifty AR15's my self, all made from various manufactures. I usually pick up PSA lowers when they go on sale... as mentioned, transfer fees can add up, so find a dealer like I have the charges a flat $25 for what ever fits on the 4473. That way, the overall fee is split between the number of units.

PSA have been offering some really great deals lately, recently they had their complete "stealth" lower for $99. Nothing wrong with Anderson, especially when you find them on sale for $29-$39.
 
When it comes to stripped forged lowers, there are indeed many brands, but the differences often boil down to minor variations in manufacturing and finishing rather than significant functional disparities. Most forged lowers, including Anderson, Aero, and Spike's Tactical, are produced in a few well-known facilities, which can lead to similarities in quality and performance. However, brand reputation, customer service, and warranty can vary, influencing overall value.

Anderson lowers are generally considered good quality for the price, often being a budget-friendly option that meets the necessary specifications for reliable performance. In contrast, brands like Aero and Spike's Tactical may offer additional features, aesthetics, or enhanced customer service, which can justify their higher price tags for some buyers. Ultimately, if you're looking for dependable functionality without excessive frills, Anderson lowers are a solid choice, especially if you're considering ordering online from retailers like Joe Bobs or PSA.
 
Lower's stress is primarily the recoil on the buffer/BGC. Only area where strength makes a difference. Everything else is tolerances and QC, which we 'pay' for. Mil Spec minimally means 'to print' dimentions. Mil qualified/certified is something else entirely. So basically, get whatever you want in a lower - BUT - as it is the regestered part of a gun, make sure it works.
 


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