who builds the best lowers?

They're lowers, not really a huge difference between them as long as they're manufactured to spec. Plus most lowers are made by only a few companies, and are contracted to brand them. (Kind of how store brand soups are usually canned by campbell, just a different label slapped on).

Here's a bit more in depth explanation:
http://www.ar15.com/mobile/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=318113

Noveske, Larue, Danial Defense,Knights Armament, Colt

I like my rock river and anything billit machined is also good

I don't think I'd brave any plastic lower

Hobo Hilton named them all.

Is there something wrong with LRB lowers? Wideners has them for sale at $99.

This is a loaded question... It's like asking a truck guy what's the best brand... Ford, Chevy or Dodge? I know I left out Toyota and GMC... Admit it! Someone out there thought what about.....? And that's my point, opinions on this are like A$$#oles, Everyone has one and each one is a little different than the next persons. Personally I have had great results with Seekins billet and forged lowers... Spikes tactical forged, 1st generation Bushmasters, Palmetto State Armory and Noveske.

TheTinMan said:

Is there something wrong with LRB lowers? Wideners has them for sale at $99.

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I'm sure they are fine, I bought a PSA for $79 a while back. $120 is about the top end for a normal stripped lower.

Basically a lower is a lower. As stated most are made by a few companies who are established and have the bugs worked out. However certain names (Colt for example) will have higher resale value. But in a panic anything sells.

Some states (CA) have some restrictions on brands, based on if the model / make was on a banned list. But otherwise buy the one with the coolest logo that fits your price range. DI5

Agreed, I would not try a plastic lower..

The Cav Arms polymer lowers were supposedly pretty decent. A bit funky looking though.

I have both a PSA lower on 1 AR and a Vltor lower on another, they both work fine.

I have a Black Rain Ordinance lower which I paid a quality price for. However, I'm pretty sure the bolt catch area is out of spec and the trigger guard is very square where the knuckles of the index finger hit it. Makes holding it with one hand for a reload painful. I had to take a file to it and round it off a bit. I would not buy this brand again.

seekins precision... I have 2, one of their billet and one forged. and to note the upper is top notch

Hobo Hilton said:

Noveske, Larue, Danial Defense,Knights Armament, Colt

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Explain why they are better.

LRB Lowers

TheTinMan said:

Is there something wrong with LRB lowers? Wideners has them for sale at $99.

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No, there is nothing wrong with LRB lowers. I run them. LRB is not a well known name in the Stoner Platform arena. LRB does not "build" the lowers, they re-sell lowers that are made by others. Lots of difference in LRB Stoner and LRB - M14 units. At this time you can not get an LRB lower that is "matched" to an upper. Basically when you use an LRB lower you are just building another parts rifle.

Thanks,

Hobo

You are mostly paying for the logo and coatings. They are just about all the same. Just stay away from the no name stuff with no warranty.

Why they are better

cl60cruzer said:

Explain why they are better.

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IMHO it all boils down to "Quality Control". If you put every part ever for an M16 platform made into a box and had qualified QC people go through them and separate them by approved QC standards (MP, UT, Material tracking, destructive testing, etc) you would come out with the different grades that go into the finished products. The best rifle is built with the best components. The same goes for all other mechanical items produced today.

Thanks,

Hobo

I use Rock River, they are all pretty much the same, but when it comes to resale, the Rock River logo seems to help

I have built many. PSA has my attention currently, due to price. I have only noticed a difference in the RRA. The upper and lower were both RRA, and I had to use a big zip tip fastened to the upper like a handle to get them apart. Extremely tight.... I was frustrated with it at the time, but sooo glad I hung onto this one. Wish I had bought more back in those days. It is a US Property marked lower from "legal transfers", 2002 era maybe.

continental machine and tool makes all the good brands lowers

the vltor is really cool

anything by cmt (rock river , noveske, etc) will be good otherwise go for what you like.

1) Noveske
2) Larue
3) Knights Armament

Colt, LMT, Mega, Seekins, and BCM are putting out really nice products as well.