USA Carry
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Maps
  • State Guides
    • A-E
      • Alabama
      • Alaska
      • American Samoa
      • Arizona
      • Arkansas
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Delaware
    • F-J
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
      • Iowa
    • K-M
      • Kansas
      • Kentucky
      • Louisiana
      • Maine
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Mississippi
      • Missouri
      • Montana
    • N-O
      • Nebraska
      • Nevada
      • New Hampshire
      • New Jersey
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • North Carolina
      • North Dakota
      • Northern Marianas
      • Ohio
      • Oklahoma
      • Oregon
    • P-U
      • Pennsylvania
      • Puerto Rico
      • Rhode Island
      • South Carolina
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
    • V-Z
      • Vermont
      • Virgin Islands
      • Virginia
      • Washington
      • Washington D.C.
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Store
  • Deals
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Maps
  • State Guides
    • A-E
      • Alabama
      • Alaska
      • American Samoa
      • Arizona
      • Arkansas
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Delaware
    • F-J
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
      • Iowa
    • K-M
      • Kansas
      • Kentucky
      • Louisiana
      • Maine
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Mississippi
      • Missouri
      • Montana
    • N-O
      • Nebraska
      • Nevada
      • New Hampshire
      • New Jersey
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • North Carolina
      • North Dakota
      • Northern Marianas
      • Ohio
      • Oklahoma
      • Oregon
    • P-U
      • Pennsylvania
      • Puerto Rico
      • Rhode Island
      • South Carolina
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
    • V-Z
      • Vermont
      • Virgin Islands
      • Virginia
      • Washington
      • Washington D.C.
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Store
  • Deals
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
USA Carry
No Result
View All Result
  • DAILY GUNS & AMMO DEALS – CLICK HERE!
Home Articles General Firearm

AR Build: Complete Lower Or Not?

Sam Hoober by Sam Hoober
May 17, 2021
in General Firearm
Reading Time: 3 mins read
AR Build: Complete Lower Or Not?
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

If you’re piecing together the various bits you need for an AR build, it’s worth it to ponder whether you should get a complete lower or piece together the parts you want (or can get, anyway) instead.

During more normal times, when parts are actually available, you can actually order specific makes/models of the parts you want, like triggers, specific buffer components, stocks, grips, etc.

Right now…things are a little different.

Which is better? Here are some pros and cons.

A Complete Lower Can Save Money And Time

Credit: AeroPrecision.com

The selling point of a complete lower is that it saves money and time in most instances.

As to savings, you can put together a lower receiver using cheaper components for less money than a complete lower. A lot of different companies make GI-spec parts; you can spend less and get roughly the same GI trigger, buffer and spring, CAR stock, small parts, and so on.

A lot of mil-spec lowers are usually pretty affordable, but everyone has to work out what their budget constraints are.

However, you’ll generally save less money putting together a Gucci lower. Once you start adding the selector, an upgraded trigger, and so on, a lot of companies tend to offer a complete lower with all the bits you want or at least some of them for less than buying them separately.

Cue someone disagreeing in the comments, but you didn’t include tax and shipping charges, did you?

In other words, you’ll save a lot more on lower-end lowers and parts, but you can still save some cash with one that’s far more kitted out.

As to time savings…well, it speaks for itself. The lower ships to a gun store, you fill out your 4473 and pay the transfer fee…which you’ll also pay for a stripped lower anyway, but nevermind.

Anyhow, a definite savings of time and a possible savings of money, though how much depends on a lot of factors.

Also, think about this: you can buy what you might call a working-class lower that works, then upgrade as you go. That way, you spread your costs out over time and you get a working rifle to start with.

Kits And/Or Building A Lower Receiver Piecemeal

Credit: DavidsonDefense.com

If building a receiver piecemeal, the two primary selling points are a possible savings in terms of money as well as total control over the parts that go into it.

You get to pick every single component that goes into the lower.

Add whatever stock you want. A standard CAR stock, BCM Gunfighter, Maxim CQB, whatever that might be.

You can choose the buffer system components. Get an H1 buffer to smooth recoil in a carbine gas system, or add the Silent Capture Spring system to deaden spring noise.

Get the perfect trigger for your intended purpose. Two-stage, single-stage, Geissele, Timney, KE, whatever you want.

For the connoisseur who knows exactly what they want, this is the option for you.

As to savings, well, you run into the situation described above. You can realize a savings by piecing together your own in some instances, but it is an economy of scale; you only really save money if all the stars align.

So, on the low side…you might be able to save some cash. However, once you graduate beyond a poverty pony build, the selling point is control.

IF, that is, you can actually get parts. All the good stuff is and has been sold out for some time.

But Be Aware: Your Lower Receiver, And Your AR Build, Is Only As Good As The Builder

However, the thing with any AR build is that the end product is only as good as the person who puts it together, including the lower receiver.

Assembling the lower receiver of an AR-platform rifle is hardly the most daunting project, but there is a LOT that you can get wrong. The most common failure points in a lower build are the recoil buffer assembly – especially the castle nut staking – and installation of the controls such as the bolt release, magazine catch/release, and the trigger/hammer assembly.

Installing the forward retainer pin is an often three-handed job as well!

A lot of the people who have issues with AR-15 rifles out in the real world often enough are using a shoddy home build, sometimes their own, and sometimes a buddy who “knows what he’s doing.”

That’s an additional risk. If you don’t know what you’re doing or haven’t done it before, the potential risk of completely screwing up the build is something to be borne in mind.

Tags: ar15
Sam Hoober

Sam Hoober

Sam Hoober writes about DGU incidents gun accessories, gun safety, open and concealed carry tips. In his free time, Sam enjoys camping, hunting and spending time at the gun range as often as possible.

Next Post
Woman Shoots Man Attempting to Carjack Her Vehicle

Woman Shoots Man Attempting to Carjack Her Vehicle

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Connect with
Login
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Previous Post

Woman Defends Family After Kid’s Father Breaks in with Knife

Next Post

Woman Shoots Man Attempting to Carjack Her Vehicle

Related Posts

Travel

When Flying With Guns Goes Perfectly [Episode 19] – Spirit Airlines LAS to MSY

June 9, 2025 - Updated On June 20, 2025
9 EDC Mistakes to Avoid
Concealed Carry

9 EDC Mistakes to Avoid

June 4, 2025 - Updated On June 20, 2025
FFLs Can Make an Honest Mistake Now: ATF Replaces Biden's 'Zero Tolerance' Policy
Articles

FFLs Can Make an Honest Mistake Now: ATF Replaces Biden’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy

May 23, 2025
House Passes Removing Suppressors from NFA by One Vote in 215-214 Decision, Urge Senate to Finish the Job
Articles

House Passes Removing Suppressors from NFA by One Vote in 215-214 Decision, Urge Senate to Finish the Job

May 22, 2025

© 2025 USA Carry LLC

Navigate Site

  • State Guides
  • Maps
  • Articles
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Store
  • Deals
  • Giveaway
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps
  • Concealed Carry Permit Guides By State
    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • American Samoa
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Guam
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Northern Marianas
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virgin Islands
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Washington D.C.
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Giveaway
  • Store
  • Daily Deals
  • Contact

© 2025 USA Carry LLC

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps
  • Concealed Carry Permit Guides By State
    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • American Samoa
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Guam
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Northern Marianas
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virgin Islands
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Washington D.C.
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Giveaway
  • Store
  • Daily Deals
  • Contact

© 2025 USA Carry LLC

wpDiscuz
0
0
Join the conversation, please comment.x
()
x
| Reply
You are going to send email to

Move Comment
Gun Deals
Gun.Deals