AR Lower Opinion Question....

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tjdrent

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OK this may have been answered before.... In your opinion what is the "Rolls Royce" if you will of AR lowers available in Canada... or is it too close to call?
 
For most part, a lower is a lower. Milled lowers are usually finished to a higher quality. What does this mean? Well, you won't see any flashing marks(the seams visible on many cast and forged lowers) if aesthetics are a concern. Aside from that, some say a milled lower is stronger than a cast or forged one. I can't comment on that. I have both a milled and forged lowers. I'm impressed with the fit and finish of the milled lower(Oberland Arms) but it performs no different than the forged ones.

TDC
 
A forged lower will be, theoretically, stronger than a milled lower. This is because the grain structure will be oriented around the die when it is forged.

But most milled lowers are certainly prettier, with more customs marking. Most run of the mill lowers are roll marked , while the expensive ones have the markings milled.
 
THE BEST AVAILABLE IMHO has to be an Alberta Tactical Rifle lower. Just a solid piece of kit whether you use it for work, comp or fun. I've held literally dozens of AR type rifles and this is just the best i have seen in a while. YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET.
 
The ATR and Dlask lowers both look really damn good..

I think I'll go with an ATR for my next one, they got a nice curved trigger guard and I can pick it up just a few blocks away.
 
Lowers are a matter of preference. For most of us, especially up here in 5/10round mag territory, you won't get failures from commercially available finished lowers. Alot of guys want a big dollar lower because that's what the gun is registered as, makes it sound cooler. Save your money, find the best deal and go with that.

Uppers are a different story, don't skimp on the upper.
 
A lower is a lower...except for the early Dlask and some batches of Olympic Arms with ####ty mag wells and axis pin holes...I haven't had a problem with the newer ones though. They all look them same once you paint them...for the record I am not of a fan of fixed trigger guards...let me decide what to install...
 
sparrow said:
for the record I am not of a fan of fixed trigger guards...let me decide what to install...
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:agree:

From what I've noticed quality is pretty consistant across the board. There are some minor esthetic differences but personally I like to support our Canadian manufacturers like Dlask and ATR. If you want access to good kit you should be prepared to support those local who provide it... and no bs with the border nazis. I know for instance Dlask does for sure and very likely ATR would as well; you can get some custom engraving done, even custom serial numbers.
 
sparrow said:
I am not of a fan of fixed trigger guards...let me decide what to install...
Click to expand...

I am not a fan of broken trigger bows, I have had several break while in use in combat situations. Also the lower is not as structural with the bow being pinned in as opposed to being a part of the lower.
You should handle 1 of ours and you will change your mind assure you.
 
alberta tactical rifle said:
I am not a fan of broken trigger bows, I have had several break while in use in combat situations. Also the lower is not as structural with the bow being pinned in as opposed to being a part of the lower.
You should handle 1 of ours and you will change your mind assure you.
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I'm on a Patrol Rifle course next month...be happy to try one of your lowers Rick, I don't mind eating crow when I am wrong...;)
 
If you really want a lower opinion of an AR, ask a Swiss Arms fan. :D

So far I have had, Stag, RRA, Saber, Dlask, CMMG, and have had the opurtunity to handle Diemaco, Colt, Bushmaster, GM Hydramatic and even FN.
I have to agree with Incorrigible, the modern makers are getting really consistant in good quality. I would like to handle an ATR out of curiosity.
:dancingbanana:
 
Lowers and uppers are both nothing more than cases. Buy what floats your boat, but do it with the knowledge it doesn't affect how the rifle shoots.
 
beltfed said:
Lowers and uppers are both nothing more than cases. Buy what floats your boat, but do it with the knowledge it doesn't affect how the rifle shoots.
Click to expand...

I'm not necessarily convinced of this either. I had a Colt 6920 a few years back that I considered to have more play between the upper and lower than would have been otherwise be preferable. Also handled some out of the box that I'd go so far as to say they were sloppy. It one reason why accuwedges have a market. Manufacturing techiniques have come a long way, even over the last 10 years, but it takes some searching and a bit of luck to find one with proper tolerances, even within a brand line. Its an issue that's exemplifed by mixing providers. It shouldn't but it does.

That's what quailifies a preferred supplier in my mind is consistancy in quality. A little innovation never hurts either...
 
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