Best ar15 lower

^^^AP are great quality. IMHO good quality lowers are all pretty much the same. Only a few companies that produce the forgings. Quality lower parts make a big difference, as do barrels.
 
First of all, thanks to the OP for posing the question. I am looking for a lower to go on my new Colt Canada IUR. Right now, I have an ATI OMNI Hybrid Polymer lower on it more as a "place holder" than anything else. I am trying to decide what to put on it for the long term.

Everything that I have read about Aero Precision says that they are a terrific "bang for the buck" (sorry, I couldn't resist) especially at $129. I am also thinking about Alberta Tactical Rifle Supply (ATRS) or CADEX Defence, but those are in the $500 range. The ATRS and/or the CADEX option would give me an all Canadian AR15 but I have to wonder if that only is worth the $400 difference between those options & the Aero Precision.
 
i built 2 ARs. one with the cadex lower and on on the Omni.I have had the CADEX 15 and if you think its better then the Omni hybrid then you just are looking for name and don't care about the actual product.
 
A lower is a lower. They're probably one of the least relevant parts on the rifle, as long as the dimensions are correct and the holes are parallel (the overwhelming majority are) then it's all brand vanity after that.
 
I've had good experiences with the STI lowers from Freedom Ventures. They look good and do what they're supposed to do. You also have the option of buying a matched upper and lower if you're doing a complete build. Both options are fairly priced.
 
If you're buying it complete then I'd go with Stag, the lower I had from them had the nicest factory trigger of all the AR's I've owned.
If you're buying stripped then as enefgee said, a lower is a lower, as long as it's built to spec it really doesn't do much. I like Spikes, Aero, Stag, PWS, Daniel Defense. Best bang for the buck is either Aero or NEA. I have an NEA upper and lower and both are great (both bought stripped and no other NEA parts used).
Just watch the EE and snatch up the first one you see for around $100 as long as it is not Norinco.
 
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I have both a Gen 1 and Gen 2 Noveske and also a Stag which came on a complete rifle (3G)
Both the Gen 1 Noveske and Stag are identical since CMT manufactured both but the Gen 2 Noveske is a cut above with the flared mag well and integrated trigger guard. The Gen 2 is a forged lower compared to the Gen 3 which is billet.
The Gen 2 are still sought after in the USA and Armtac has some in stock for $400.00.

If I was in the market for another lower the Gen 2 Noveske would be my preferred choice.
 
Best bang for the buck currently are the Spikes' ST15s at Questar for $109 before taxes. Just finished assembling one this morn, everything just dropped right in. It has the nicest anodization going on, even over my Noveske.

The NEAs' SRFC blew out last Summer at $80 were a steal. They were non-Z marked (blemished). Minor fitment issue of Upper-to-Lower due to excess anodizing at the rear take-down pin area, but outside of that the LPK dropped in w/no issues. Mine's chugging along at the 500rnd +/- with no hiccups. I think they're listing in the $110 range now.

The Aeros' avail from SGW for $139 before taxes are also worth a serious look. Friend of mine has an older one (orig rollmark) and I'm willing to bet if I put it side-by-side to the Spikes' above you'd be hard pressed to find any differences between them. Not suprising considering Aero has supplied the likes' of BCM, DD and Spikes' at various points in the past and/or currently.

Keep us posted on your choice and ensuing build.
 
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