Colt Canada vs. Aero Precision vs. Spike's Tactical Stripped Lowers

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Hey all,

I'm taking a step down the Rabbit Hole that is the AR15.

I have a line on a basic complete AR (The S&W MP15 II) to start out; however, I am also planning to pick up a stripped lower soon to get it before any crappy legislation changes that may or may not come up in the next month. That way if I want to build a fancy rig later, I have the Restricted piece already.

Looking around and reading as much as possible, I've determined to get a forged 7075-T6 aluminum Lower Receiver.

The three listed (Colt, Aero, and Spike's) are all on the table, and are understood to be good quality, but I don't know if one is worth the added cost over the other.


* I like the Aero as I've read they have a great product at an affordable price, and my local shop is a dealer (deal locally :) ) $99

* I like the Colt as it's Made in Canada and I really have a skip in my step for the look of the Olive Drab 11.6 MRR $224

* I like the Spike's as it has a completely useless, yet highly funny, "Don't Give a ####" Full Auto Safety Position :rockOn: $179


I know the Aero has a flared mag well for easier mag changes, but can anyone shed some light on why someone would choose one over the other?

Thanks in advance for any input.
 
Blastattack said:
All forged AR15 lowers are identical for all intents and purposes. Buy the cheapest one you can find, made by a reputable manufacturer.
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^^^ This
There are only something like 3 forges that make these, then they are shipped to the "manufacturers" who brand them and finish them. What you're paying for is A-Brand name B- final finishing/fitting C-surface treatment and coatings.
Buy whatever you like, you won't be able to tell the difference. I like Cerakote but they all work well and perform well.
 
There are small dimensional differences even between "Milspec" lowers. I've had Aero and other lowers that did not fit Diemaco uppers and vice versa. Others have had a sloppy fit - not necessarily a performance issue but I prefer a tight fit.

If possible, I'd pick the lower to match the brand of upper that you might see yourself buying. If this isn't possible then any of the brands you mention and many more are fine.
 
I would say only buy the CC if you actually plan to build a complete CC rifle, otherwise it will be a waste of money. If you dont plan to build a CC, then I would go with Aero. Ive built 3 Aero lowers and all have been flawless. The fit and finish (dare I say this), is better than that of my Colt Canada lower. You honestly cannot go wrong with Aero
 
The only other thing I would suggest is to make sure you get a quality Lower Parts Kit, I've had issues with a LPK where the manufacturer/vendor has blamed the "cheap" Aero lower before actually measuring their pins and realizing their pins were out of spec on not just my kit but several. Once i sorted out the pin issue I found out my selector wouldn't rotate as the detent hole wasn't deep enough. I'd buy from a site sponsor who has good communication and a good return policy in case your LPK is out of spec. (for the record my defective kit did come from a sponsor here pm me if you want to know who)

Other than my LPK issue my Aero lower has been fine. I have one of the Gen 2 lowers, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of the m4e1 lowers. If you're concerned about play between the upper and the lower the Aero has a tension screw that will get rid of the play, just be aware if you tighten that screw too much you won't be able to push out the take down pins without a hammer and punch.
 
Thanks all for the good info!

I think I will go with the Aero based on the local supply, tensioning screw, flared mag well and the good price.

I guess I can always have a funny inscription engraved on the receiver to satisfy my need for nerdiness.

Thanks again
 
terBC said:
The only other thing I would suggest is to make sure you get a quality Lower Parts Kit, I've had issues with a LPK where the manufacturer/vendor has blamed the "cheap" Aero lower before actually measuring their pins and realizing their pins were out of spec on not just my kit but several. Once i sorted out the pin issue I found out my selector wouldn't rotate as the detent hole wasn't deep enough. I'd buy from a site sponsor who has good communication and a good return policy in case your LPK is out of spec. (for the record my defective kit did come from a sponsor here pm me if you want to know who)

Other than my LPK issue my Aero lower has been fine. I have one of the Gen 2 lowers, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of the m4e1 lowers. If you're concerned about play between the upper and the lower the Aero has a tension screw that will get rid of the play, just be aware if you tighten that screw too much you won't be able to push out the take down pins without a hammer and punch.
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Good advice; thanks for the tip!
 
I have a few Aero lowers, never had an issue with them. The new 'Gen II' models have the tension screw in the lower to take out any slop with the upper, which is a nice added feature.
 
Just a quick chime in on the Aero Precision Gen 2 Lowers with the tension screw:

Out of all our builds through our store using Aero uppers and lowers, we have not had to make use of the tension screw at all. If anyone did have to make use of it, let us know what upper receiver you were using.
 
Saskatoon Gunworks said:
Just a quick chime in on the Aero Precision Gen 2 Lowers with the tension screw:

Out of all our builds through our store using Aero uppers and lowers, we have not had to make use of the tension screw at all. If anyone did have to make use of it, let us know what upper receiver you were using.
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I had a little bit of play using an Aero Anchor Harvy forged upper on a Aero Gen II lower that I had to use the tension screw for.
 
Picked up a set of Aero receivers from Saskatoon for 200 bucks. No frills or bells or anything other then the tension screw. Just a plain, good quality, well machined and well finished, tight fitting receiver set. Not to mention the price was unbeatable.
 
Bang for your buck I don’t think you can beat Aero. Before they came along I would have said Stag was the best value.

Nothing wrong with CC. I would like to pick one up but you’re really paying for the name/rollmark.
 
Thanks all

Spoke to Saskatoon Gun Works yesterday and looks like I’ll be headed there this week for an Aero. Thanks for all the great input.
 
All forged lower and upper come from a few forging companies so the raw forgings are roughly the same.

I know Aero uses Mazak production centers to make their receiver and the quality is excellent. I don't know what CC or Spike uses but I bet they have very good quality jigs, cutters and proven CNC programs.

I don't think any one would know the difference
 
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