I'm going to build a new AR15 rifle - I'm leaning towards the Bushmaster XM15 lower receiver.......Any thoughts?

#1-Les Baer
#2-Bushmaster
#3-Rockriver
#4-DPMS
#5-Armilite

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Death Before Dishonor

Of all the components in an AR-15, I think the lower is probably the least critical, from an accuracy standpoint. All it does is hold the "guts" in place. Your upper is in effect floated, in that there will always be play between the upper & lower. (Tests where they have actually been bedded together have shown no improvement, leading most to say that the play is even better than a perfectly tight fit). It's your barrel, sights, trigger, etc that will make much more difference than the lower. Any good brand name lower will work as well as any other. Whichever one you can get will work. (I shoot Colt, Armalite, DPMS, and Olympic Arms lowers. I'm happy with all of them. My next will likely be a Bushmaster through the CMP, due to it being a good deal).

Gary , it sounds like you are well versed on the AR15 subject. If you wanted a flat top upper with a medium to heavy 20 or 24 inch barrel for informal target or varmint work , what vendor would you buy from ? Cost would be a consideration.

[This message has been edited by sdgunslinger (edited 03-23-2002).]

sdgunslinger-

I just sent you an email. Let me know if I can help further.

Gary,

Question for you regarding the bedding of the lower-to-the-upper: I'm not saying that it is absolutely critical to accuracy, but I'd heard that the Army Marksmanship Unit beds the receivers on their service rifles... all of them. I'd think that if it didn't matter, they wouldn't do it, eh?

Just a thought,

Monte

Essential Arms, made in Krotz Springs Louisiana.

Same basic question here. Have a Rock River lower. Which kit is best for the economical price? Money is a concern here. Pak

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Member NRA, Life NMLRA, Life NAHC

pak-

Check out www.ar15.com for some info on lower parts kits. Sometimes a hard site to wade through, but I bet you'll find what you need. Go to the Equipment Exchange (classifieds) to look for parts for sale, and Forums for info. Or, get hold of a Gun List or Shotgun News. Always lots of dealers selling that kind of stuff. It's actually pretty easy to build a lower. Feel free to email with any questions. Good luck!

CK

Having just recently built up a couple of AR-15's for customers I found that the Rock River upper and lower fit was very precise, in fact I had just ordered a Les Baer fitted set of upper lower units and the Rock River fit was just as good with a lot less money.

Also you might want to obtain a Rock River catalogue, their prices for other parts are competitive with every one else and a little better quality in my opinion.

The best deal on varmit weight SS steel barrels for AR-15's is Lothar-Walther, very reasonable prices and extremely accurate.

I've installed and fitted a few match triggers for these guns the one I like the best is Rock River National Match. It is designed similar to the M-1 Garrand or Mini 14. The one I liked the least is the Bushmaster match trigger. It is a modified AR-15 trigger which puts a lot of pressure on the sear.

I would also go with the Rock River, you get good quality and value.

Here are some links to a couple places that sell uppers & lowers

http://www.gunsmoke-inc.com/index.htm

http://www.greatprices.at/sableco.com

Zak