Should I get an Expensive Lower?

[@11C1P]

I've built a bunch with Anderson & PSA they all run great.

[@Strawman333]

Yeah my local gun store tried to humiliate me for turning my PSA lower into an SBR. Told me that PSA lowers are junk. He may have said that because his store is 10 miles from the new PSA store in Myrtle Beach SC. So obviously their business is now competing with them. But I knew that and kinda understood. But it didn’t change my mind!

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Good for you! PSA lowers, Anderson lowers they are all great. Honestly I have been impressed with the quality of PSA.

[@ajensen1427]

I stamped an Anderson myself, they're every bit as good as higher priced lowers

[@45Gunner556]

What are you building ?

[@Strawman333]

@@45Gunner556 I built an 8” 300 blk out. Ballistic Advantage upper. I set it up for a suppressor… Dead air sandman S. Had to tweak it a little to run subs and supers. Runs nearly flawless. My intention was a “truck/home defense” rifle. I love it. I have so much fun with it at the range. Only downside is asking for permission to set it up from those acronym agencies. I regret that, but I won’t do it again.

[@CompanyHaze]

Tacti-cool arrogance is annoying. Stick to your guns. Pun intended 👍🔥 I love PSA tools.

[@DummyRound]

Poverty Ponys all day over here. For the price, I'd rather get 5 Andersons than 1 Gucci lower.

[@Hypealpha06]

Yep!!! I have 1 complete Anderson build (5.56), an Anderson lower with a BCM (300 Blackout) upper, and an Anderson lower with a CMMG Banshee (9mm) upper. I've never had any problems with anything. I have a few more Anderson lowers for future builds. No issues whatsoever.

[@positivecarry07]

Gucci all the way

[@kevinhullinger8743]

Anderson lowers all day long!

[@DummyRound]

@@kevinhullinger8743 I'll admit I've had to add anti walk pins to the triggers in pretty much every lower I have

[@kevinhullinger8743]

@ I never had this issue on my first build however, I know people who have had pins walk on a regular basis on Anderson lowers. Knowing this I use oversized Standard (0.154") & Oversized (0.1555")pins on other builds as insurance. Priced around $6.00 I prefer AGL defense triggers and they come with oversized pins as well.

[@desertdwellers7294]

Most of the lowers I have are Anderson. They're inexpensive and work just fine. I don't blast hundreds or thousands of rounds out every range day so wear is minimal. I even have a New Frontier Polymere lower that has been working fine for over 7 years now in the AR I shoot the most.

[@dfalk4122]

I have only ever used Anderson receivers for my builds. Honestly the cheapest thing on the build but they work. People who say otherwise generally are just trying to justify their expensive purchase.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

You got that right!

[@Sparks68]

Truly amazing that in May 2024 one can still buy T6061 billet and T7075 forged 80% lowers, plus the fixtures and drilling/milling tools needed to make a nice finished receiver with the trigger pocket milled out to perfection plus precision trigger pin and safety selector holes. The 80% lowers aren't banned, in spite of ATF's best efforts attempting to ban them

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yeah, thank heavens for the courts defending the 2A. GOA FPC and others are getting work done.

[@Ferd414]

* Aren't banned SOME PLACES. Never mind that there's no law against 'em, but try getting somebody to ship you an 80% in WA...

[@e.zmoney1887]

​@@Ferd414 Washington is complete bullshit, I am wondering how many non law abiding citizens are following the rules😂

[@535tony]

My three AR's use Anderson receivers. Now I think some expensive receivers are worth the money, love the Sharps Bros receivers.

[@chrissavage9349]

I have a psa lower, aero upper, giessle hand guard, solgw barrel, radian raptor ch,kryptic bcg ,giessle h2 buffer with the tripple spring ..

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Sounds nice!

[@chrissavage9349]

@@TheLarkinsLair lol its Frankenstein

[@leewilkinson6372]

I built a Frankenstein rifle on purpose for 223 wylde. Runs great! Mid tier parts, for the most part, but blem handguard, and receivers thru cheaper than normal.

[@chrissavage9349]

@@leewilkinson6372 223 wylde is a solid choice that was my first build 18 inch aero upper ss cqc and that thing was a dart gun it was very accurate but found i didn't like the length and changed it up

[@Brett235]

I have bought both expensive lowers and inexpensive lowers and what I have come to realize is that you get what you pay for most of the time. I don't do billet lowers simply because I don't know what aluminum mixture was used is forming the billet. Forged lowers are fine. Put your money in a quality barrel, good trigger and quality bolt and carrier. Also, get a good h2 buffer system with a springco blue spring.

[@kevinhullinger8743]

Fact !

[@rileyreed5118]

My first AR build was with an Anderson lower and the pin holes for takedowns were out of spec. Just get a mid grade one if you can afford it. Personally I'm only spending my money on quality

[@Caderic]

As someone that has more of a "magazine education" on the topic, I have heard the old Andersons had a lot of problems. I also know they actually make lowers for other really expensive brands, and it has been said, the Anderson branded lowers were the culls from the other brands. From what I have read (not my own experience), the Anderson branded lowers are MUCH better lowers. Again, this is just what I have read and heard, so take that for what it is worth...some guy online talking out his butt. LOL Abraham Lincoln once said, and I quote, "Everything on the internet is true." So trust me!!!

[@tbjtbj4786]

Personality i think the mony best spent in the moving parts and barrels

[@TheLarkinsLair]

You got that right!

[@user-mp8ff6mv3p]

What else are they trying to get us to ship through an FFL TOO???

[@TheLarkinsLair]

To be honest, for now it is just the lowers. However the ATF wants to serialize all sorts of parts including uppers and barrels. Which would make it a real pain to engage in legal firearm activity.

[@willholly7526]

August 2024. 80% AR lowers are less than $50 online almost everywhere. So where did the "they'll be illegal in two weeks" crap come from?

[@TheLarkinsLair]

The ATF was going to make 80% lowers illegal, however they lost the court battle over it.

[@willholly7526]

@TheLarkinsLair They've got almost nothing but "L"s the past few years. Trump might not be the biggest 2A guy but his court appointees are definitely making progress in restoring our rights. When I heard 2 weeks, I was under the impression that a state passed a law that was to take effect in 2 weeks. Was curious what happened. I thought I missed something.

[@maskedrebel9670]

I thought it was because of Harris? I think she said something about signing an executive order to confiscate "assault weapons" if she gets voted into office.

[@MannibalLector]

I mean you can buy stripped lowers lots of places for sub 50 bucks. Then you don't have to mill a thing, unless it's out of spec...

[@Ziptietechnician]

​@MannibalLector some like the idea of not having the purchase on record. And some just like the milling as a project.

[@njrivetelite]

I ordered an Aero Precision lower specifically because I wanted it to match my upper.. Saying that.. My BCG, Charge handle, buffer spring & buffer, & trigger are all different manufacturers. My lower should get to my ffl in a week or so.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Nice! As long as all the parts come from decent manufactures it should all work. ARs are like Barbie's for boys...

[@njrivetelite]

@@TheLarkinsLair Fully Agree Lower Aero Complete Upper Aero w Chromoly barrel Toolcraft Nickel Boron BCG (bought this impulsively before deciding on going Aero Precision route.. I know they make a decent BCG) PSA Match Drop In Trigger ( Another impulse buy with decent reviews. If I don't like it I'm going to probably buy a Rise 4lb drop in Trigger) Radian Raptor Comp Charging Handle Damage Inc Buffer Spring Spikes Tactical T2 Tungsten Buffer Grip, Stock, Iron Sights & Sling are Magpul I am probably going to get the Holosun Red Dot & Magnifier kit. This is my first build so I hope I chose well and that she runs great.

[@user-mp8ff6mv3p]

I got a Bad Attitude Department low key with just selector markings for less than $100 not including my FFL fee.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Nice, looks like a great lower.

[@Thesusoperator]

I had a psa lower and psa/aero upper and no matter what i did the upper would still wobble. Saved up a bit and bought an aero lower and the aero upper has been pussy tight. Sold my psa lower and upper via consignment a day after for more than i bought it. People love low cost stuff but you get what you pay for.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yeah, that is true. From all the comments it seams like Anderson lowers are pretty good for the most part, but their QA probably isn't amazing so every once and a while you get one that isn't great. Glad you got a good Aero lower.

[@MannibalLector]

What the fuck is pussy tight? Not all pussies are created equal... Some of them are blown out and tired. I feel like this isn't the greatest descriptor for tightness between an upper and lower.

[@soliduss109]

Aero lower, BCM blem upper (to save a few bucks), rosco 13.7 .223 wylde barrel, solgw muzzle device, geissele lpk, larue trigger, superlative arms adjustable gas block. Geissele mk4 rail, b5 grip and stock. Things a laser

[@TheLarkinsLair]

That sounds like a great build!

[@leewilkinson6372]

I know this is older, but if you're still monitoring..... what's your experience with Rosco so far? I typically use Balistic advantage but they don't have the barrel I'm looking for stocked and Rosco does. I've only seen one review on them so far.. ..

[@jeffreyengle2762]

I purchased a Colt upper for my POF lower and found that the front take-down pin wasn’t working properly….. is there another manufacturer that makes a lower that mates up to that colt upper at the front take-down pin the way it should (without that adapter bushing, that is?)

[@TheLarkinsLair]

If it is mil spec it should work. What does "not working properly" mean? Like the pin doesn't align? Or is the detent holding the pin so hard you have to use a hammer to get it in/out. If it is an alignment issue, you may have to reach out to Colt/POF. If you have another lower lying around you could see if it is the POF lower that is the problem. Sorry it is hard to help without seeing it. Good luck!

[@MannibalLector]

PoF makes great stuff. Could you describe how that take down pin isn't working properly?

[@jeffreyengle2762]

@ colts forward takedown pin is larger, and the POF takedown pin is smaller. Therefore, you have to use a special bushing in order to make both of these mate up together. Does that make sense?

[@nickbryan217]

Unless you’re getting a Billet Lower because you’re wanting to look Gucci there isn’t much advantage to paying more for a standard forge lower

[@tbugher62]

Been working on these for 45 years now,Anderson on sale is $40 and they make some of the best lowers you can get,they also make lowers for a lot of other brands. With expensive lower's you are just paying for the looks and too have a (look at me) brand name stamped on it,NONE of them are better than the cheaper Anderson.

[@durtyboizpinkfiddysos4359]

$29 on my site 🥹

[@TheLarkinsLair]

100% agree. Although some others in the comments are pretty opinionated in the other direction.

[@actionjksn]

You cannot buy Daniel defense lowers, they don't sell them. I'm sure some Anderson lowers are fine but one of them that I assembled would not allow magazines to drop free. Other than that it functions fine but still that's not normal. It would drop free with metal magazines but not Magpul.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Odd, sometimes their QA isn't amazing. I would find whatever is holding it up and take a file to it. Sounds like it isn't off by much.

[@5273X]

So i my ploymer lower is as good as my daniel defense

[@Timothy-g7k]

You can get a good or a bad lower from any maker. If you get a bad one - return it.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yep, QA is always an issue. But any good company will replace it for free.

[@Blueknight1960]

I have a PSA lower that I bought back in 2017, it is now home to a 50 bmg upper and it has held up fine with over 100 rounds through it. The only problem I've ever had and it still is, the takedown pins, I need a plastic hammer and punch to get them to move. I've even put new pins and detents in and it still needs the hammer and punch.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

PSA lowers are great! As for the pins sometimes you can try filing them down so the detents don't stick into the take down pin as far. But only do it if you have a spare detent lying around just in case you mess it up.

[@leewilkinson6372]

50 bmg....? How? Was 50 AE meant?

[@Blueknight1960]

@@leewilkinson6372 No, it's a 50 bmg upper. Look up big kahuna guns.

[@kansasgardener5844]

I couldn't agree more. This is really good advice especially for new builders. I also used Anderson uppers on my builds. Spend your money on a better quality BCG and barrel. Im not saying Anderson doesn't build quality parts they are just less expensive.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yep!

[@tonywilfong5409]

The last Anderson lower had to reem the front take down pin hole but 30$ no problem, like other guy said, all day long

[@TheLarkinsLair]

I have never had an issue with Anderson lowers, but it makes since that a few would have issues that get pass their QA.

[@CompanyHaze]

Long as it's aluminum. I turned my old ATI Omni polymer AR into a dedicated 22LR plinker. 👍🔥

[@Lucysdad66]

Nowadays most Manufacturers all have high end cnc machines and are turning out better stuff than say 20 years ago I have a les bear I bought a long time ago at that time les bear was one of the best my new anderson has a better finish and the fit is just as good the anderson doesn't shot as accurate but there is a 26 hundred dollar difference in price today I would not buy a high end AR I would rather build one with averything I want cheaper then buying one and then have to change a few things.

[@colton7665]

abt to put a psa 14.7 chf pin and weld upper on a ati lower. any thoughts?

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Looking at ATI's website at $55 for the lower you can't go wrong with that. As for the 14.7 CHF upper, that is a great barrel they have in that kit. However, I am not a fan of the pin and weld. Sure it lets you put rifle accessories on it, but if you ever get a suppressor it would be pretty sad. After getting a suppressor all my muzzle devises become thread protectors for the most part. Any time I can I shoot suppressed.

[@robertgolden1080]

Thanks for sharing

[@TheLarkinsLair]

You bet!

[@eddycurrent9988]

Nothing wrong with Anderson, I paid $30 more for Aero because it has the tension adjustment.

[@kerrystrunk3194]

if it's mil spec there shouldn't be any difference in the tolerance's and besides that there's only a handful of companies that make complete lowers , just because it's branded with a name doesn't mean it was made by them !!! you can get lowers with your own name on them ,you just got to buy 100 of them !!

[@TheLarkinsLair]

You got it.

[@RealCptHammonds]

I don't usually respond, but you completely ignored is that the more expensive bullet lower is structurally weaker and will not hold their tolerances over heavy use.

[@Critical-Defense]

1:01 Wut? This is flat out misinformation. Have you never seen School of the American Rifle here on YT? Nothing wrong with the low price lowers and they have their place. However, the quality of a higher end lower can easily be felt and seen compared to a cheap one. For those who disageee, take a look at the takedown pin holes, trigger pin holes, and buffer tube thread class first and you’ll have no problem spotting the varying tolerances on the size and shape of the holes and that’s where accuracy and fitment without slop come from. Thread class is important because it’s just important. And a nicer lower will usually have a much nicer coating/finish on it than your standard anodizing. For example, the finish on a buffer tube or lower/upper or hand guard from Geissele is just different and seen as better. LaRue Tactical has similar unique features and quality, even if everything they sell now is overpriced. Also, the lower is the part that “is the firearm” meaning it’s generally the starting point of a build and is what is used to gauge what the entire firearm is. Stick a LWRC upper on an Anderson lower, then try to sell it anywhere. If comparing the value it will sell for against the value of a full LWRC rifle and you’ll realize that even if subtracting the value of the LWRC lower, the firearm will still gain value on top of being far more marketable and desirable. Regardless what any of us believe today, resale value does matter and could come into play with the wrong circumstances.

[@leewilkinson6372]

Sooooo...unpopular opinion here. What is the functional difference? Most of the firing stress is in the upper.

[@standardarm63]

Do you get less wobble with an expensive receiver set?

[@bheckner]

Not always.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yep, that is the truth. Usually Yes... but not always.

[@standardarm63]

@@TheLarkinsLair Do any uppers have front take down tabs have steel inserts? With a maglock I think they get premature wear.

[@DesertTactical]

Short & sweet. Good info.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Thanks! That's the goal more info less rambling.

[@0Logan05]

Forged lowers are much Much stronger structurally than milled bill it lowers.

[@FierceMouse]

Aero precision lowers and blem BCM 14.5 uppers. Larue 2 stage trigger and SOLGW 50°ambi saftey. Raidian Rapture charging handle. Under $1200 all day!

[@TheLarkinsLair]

You can't go wrong with a build like that.

[@patrickthurs5342]

The upper is the heart of the gun, the lower just holds the trigger.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yeah, I am not sure why people spend 300+ on lowers. Just go get and Anderson and spend the $$ on other parts.

[@njrivetelite]

@@TheLarkinsLair I can see with Spikes wanting a lil personality Or getting an Aero Lower if you just want the gun to match nicely. But for function.. eventually I'm sure I'll have a ton of spare parts that I'll just basically do a spare parts build ....with an Anderson lower lol.

[@alphacentauri1760]

Considering I’m going to pay a $45 transfer fee anyways, I’d rather invest in a better lower.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yikes $45 transfer fee? This last weekend I saw some Anderson lowers on sale for $49 total.

[@travisbennett4091]

TDP?? Metallurgy? Quality of the forgings?

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Nah, send it! I say if the upper seats it yeets!

[@Rayvisin]

A anderson lower with a daimondback upper is a crazy accurate inexpensive build.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Heck yeah!

[@coryflaskamp8794]

where does one find a diamondback upper?

[@Rayvisin]

@@coryflaskamp8794 there wevsite

[@Rayvisin]

@@coryflaskamp8794 their website.

[@canalarmamentista156]

Saudações desde o brasil , sou policial no Rio Grande do Sul ( Texas Brasileiro ) e as pessoas aqui todos que adquirem uma arma é pela marca do fabricante , ou porque a honorável policia Norte Americana usa em serviço , mais o que esperar de um país onde uma glock 17 custa 2,200,00 Dólares né 😅😅 ?, muito bem explicado teu video , nos dias de folga sou armeiro como hobby e ja visitei varios países e concordo com o teu diagnostico , ja vi e atirei com copiar m16 chinesas com mais de 40 anos e funcionan perfeitamente , parabéns pelo seu trabalho e por compartilhar tua didatica, e conhecimentos , forte abraço!

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Thanks for watching, I am fluent in Spanish but not Portuguese. $2,200! Yikes. I suppose the demand is high, and supply, not so much, hence the cost. Thanks for your service as a police officer! Keep up the gunsmithing.

[@dylanmatlock9258]

The only difference would be what it’s made out of and the name. Anderson Poverty Pony with Bravo Co everything lol

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Hey that Poverty Pony is still running 2K rounds with no signs of stopping, so good enough for me.

[@americanmade422]

I would not spend over 100 for a bare lower😂 they always say tighter tolerances blah blah. Look at the material.... same grade aluminum for most part. Psa or Anderson lower with a bcm upper.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yep.

[@HunterStephens-bj6jt]

I love paying a decent amount for stuff like my honey badger but I also love building my cheap lowers too 😆

[@arminiuschatti2287]

An Aero Precision is just as good as a Noveske.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Yep, can't go wrong with an Aero Precision lower.

[@josephquinney8209]

If you build a gun with a radian upper and lower you will see the difference. The quality is undeniable.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

There are exceptions where a paired lower and upper do fit perfectly together with virtually no slop... but I don't think they are worth the money.

[@josephquinney8209]

I'd rather put the money in titanium BCGs, adjustable titanium gas blocks, JP SCSs, titanium or stainless buffers, and inconel gas tubes and high end parts all around and go for quality builds over having 50 500$ ARs. Everyone is different i suppose. It's makes the world good 👍

[@MacDuff99]

One observation not discussed, I spend a little more for the lower for the improved resale value. I'm certain I'll get $200-300 more for my all Geissele, LMT, Daniel Defense upper on a high quality (Ideally same branded) lower than I would with an Anderson or Aero lower. I get to enjoy pride in ownership of the nicer product and often improved features. If I sell later on for some reason, it's paid for itself. If I don't sell, just a slightly larger inheritance for the kiddies...lol. Think about walking into a gun store, seeing a complete LMT rifle, vs an LMT upper on an Anderson and what you'd be willing to pay. Spend a bit more up front, if you can afford the nice upper, you can likely pony up $100-200 more for that nice lower and enjoy it.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

That is something I hadn't considered. It is true if you have nice other components you don't want a single cheep part standing out on your rifle.

[@tbugher62]

Resale ,you will be lucky too get 1/4 what you paid back in a resale.

[@Borderline5440]

You sell your guns???

[@Ziptietechnician]

Never have i had a problem with an Anderson lower. 1000s upon1000s of rounds. Only trex arms fan boys buy expensive lowers.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Same here. Andersons have never failed me once.

[@AmericanViking1021]

I gave Anderson a chance. Horrible machining and crappy anodizing. Never again. BUT, I also know that some really expensive lowers are also crap…..so it’s hit or miss. (I was a professional machinist, making metal parts for 20 years)

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Dang, I bought a handful of Anderson lowers and haven't had issues. Could be a bad lot, QA issue, etc. Too bad it didn't work out. But there are other decent lowers out there for not too bad. Aero lowers have been good as well.

[@5273X]

You get what you pay for!

[@Ronin_Noir]

I have very expensive lowers and “economic” lowers (Anderson). I will say the tolerances are tighter with the more expensive lowers. If I couldn’t afford an expensive lower, I would definitely buy more Anderson lowers. I make over 100K a year, 0 debt, single and no children. I would tell anyone else to save your money on the lower and focus on the most important parts of the rifle: Bolt, Barrel and the trigger.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Haha, very true! I have a coworker in your shoes 100K, single, no kids. He just throws money at things some times. I have three kids and a nice Mortgage so Andersons will do for now.

[@5273X]

Forged is cheaper buillit is better

[@motorheadproductions865]

Haha most comments stating everyone is poor, probably don’t even make 100k a year and have everything financed, wouldn’t be surprised if their ammo is even financed.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

Haha! Thank you! I have been thinking the same thing. I am an EE (Electrical Engineer) and do alright. But with 3 kids to feed and a mortgage to pay Anderson lowers do great for now.

[@Buth838]

Assuming folks that have nicer things than you are always financing them? Hmm, you sure you’re not making 100k in pesos because that’s a sad way to think and projecting that insecurity on others is worse. When you shoot more than twice a year you see the benefits of tighter tolerances and metallurgy. . . . Oh wait, you probably think anyone shooting more often “finances” the ammo too huh?

[@thadament6270]

Imagine spending all that money on nice Gucci gear and getting clapped by a poor during the boogaloo with a $400 dollar PSA AR. Fitness is more important than gear cost, otherwise you're a walking loot box.

[@Buth838]

@@thadament6270 imagine thinking someone who values quality tools is out of shape or better yet dumber than a country bumpkin thinking they can beat tactics and tech with jogging.

[@thadament6270]

@Buth838 oh shit its John wick.

[@CoreyandCrew]

Ah, first.

[@dontask8979]

I wouldnt pay $20 for a Anderson. The tolerances and finish is crap AT BEST. Your credibility just dropped like Harris drops to her knees.

[@TheLarkinsLair]

I once talked to a machinist who works at a medical grad machine shop and he said that most firearm parts have very wide tolerances when you look at the mil-spec drawings. It is true that some lowers will be looser then others , and if you want a real snug upper/lower fit you are better off going with an upper/lower combo. But for my purposes Anderson lowers are "good enough." But I also rock $400 PSA build kits as well... so... No Daniel Defense DDM4 for me.

[@shaunc5102]

I have 2 Anderson lowers, and both of them have been great, no issues what so ever..

[@apb2887]

Look at all the poors in these comments. Omg

[@45Gunner556]

Lmfao

[@motorheadproductions865]

I make a 100k a year and I still wouldn’t pay for overpriced Daniel defense garbage. Have fun financing your little pea shooter

[@Buth838]

@@motorheadproductions865bragging about how much you make while still advocating trash purchases is pretty funny tbh. How many times you go out and shoot in a year? Twice? Okay, go on and keep opinions to yourself.

[@DrewD748]

@@motorheadproductions865 same here brother. BCM is about as expensive as I would go. I do like the SOLGW rifles but I don’t think they are worth 2 grand.

[@salvadorflores6631]

😂