I'll tell you what I wish I would have done differently.
I bought several Superior stripped lowers, strictly as "rainy day" (extra) lowers, and I bought them because they were inexpensive. I occasionally will give a lower away (usually to a young shooter) that has the desire to own one, but not the means ($$). I've found by doing this, I can also get the parents involved in AR's (most of whom know nothing about them), and try to make it a project between a father and son, and at the same time introducing at least two new people into the AR world. The rest of the lowers, I just stash away for "emergencies" if you get my drift! So, I wish I had spent just a few dollars more, and purchased a little higher quality lowers that would better fit into my current "stable" of AR's.
I personally think you'd be happier in the long run spending just a little bit more, and getting a little nicer lower from RRA, Stag, DPMS, and the like etc. Someone just in the last few days had an AR lower manf. by LAR IIRC for $85.00., but can't remember whose lower it was, nor who was selling it, and I strongly suspect it would be more visually appealing. The dollar difference should be quite small between Superior, and the others I mentioned, and again I suspect you would be happier in the long run, say a few months down the road.
Will the Superior lower work for you. Most probably so. I found the overall quality of the Superior lowers to be lacking, mostly in the overall appearance of the final machining, and the anodizing / coating they use. It looks and feels like 300-400 grit black wet or dry sandpaper. Had a very "amateurish" look to it, more like it belonged on an AK, of the SAR type. I usually put little importance on the "look" of the lower, but these look so bad, that when you pin a nice upper to the Superior lower it's quite painful to look at. While appearance has no effect with over all function, this being your first AR, you'll probably have a sense of pride in it, and I would suspect you'd want it to be appealing in all areas, especially since we're talking about such a small difference in money.
To those of you who have Superior lowers, and are satisfied with them, I'm sincerely happy for you, so this is not a "put down" on your choice of AR equipment, so PLEASE don't take my experience as a bash on your gear ! I'm just relating my personal experiences with them, and what i wish I had done differently.
But back to your question(s). Yes, the lower will work just fine should you choose to go to the .204 calibre. Only difference between .223, and .204 is the barrel on an AR IIRC.
If you spend the bulk of your money on a decent barrel, and a good trigger, and sights (whether iron, or glass) you should end up with an AR that will accomplish your desired results.
You're fortunate in that you have plenty of time to aquire the rest of your parts for your build, allowing you to take advantage of "sales", etc. IME buying the best you can afford usually has very positive benefits, and are many times not immediately apparent. You could very well find that after a period of time of shooting it, you're intended use may change from when you initially built it. For instance, if right now you think you want just a "plinker", after you put quite a few rounds down the tube, you may turn into a hunter, or get interested in high power matches, etc., etc. Which is all the more reason to buy the best parts you can afford, as you never know what tomorrow brings, so to speak.
Hope this helps answer some of your questions, and best of luck to you. The AR is quite an addicting platform, so "buckle up and hang on", as your ride is just beginning !
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Hangtime.
ETA: I think I found the lower I referred to that was on sale. Unfortunately, it appears that the sale ended 12/24/07. And I was incorrect, in that the manufacturer is LMT. Apparently they sold a boatload of these @ $85.00, with their regular price being $110.00. If you're interested, you might want to call them and see if you could talk them into still selling you one @ the $85.00 price. Can't hurt to ask. Again, good luck !
http://www.lauerweaponry.com/index.cfm?Category=128&Subcat=LMT%20Lower
