Which Lower For a Colt Upper?

[Kalmah]

I bought a Colt 6920 upper about 10 years ago with the intention of using it to replace the upper on my SP1 carbine. Well, I never did that. I decided I’d rather just keep the SP1 in stock condition, so I packed the 6920 away and really kind of forgot about it.

Now I’d like to get a lower to go along with it. Does Colt make fully assembled lowers, or would I have to go with another manufacturer? I’d rather keep it all Colt, but if that’s not practical, I’ll entertain suggestions on who would make the best lower to mate with it. And would anyone know a good place to buy a such a lower?

Also, I’m not very mechanically inclined, so I’d just as soon not mess around with building something. I’d rather have one that’s already assembled.

Thanks for any help.

[Skintop911]

A Colt OEM lower receiver group is available, as are components to assemble it yourself. You might find it costly.

An LMT lower group seems about the best alternative.

[thedonn007]

how a bout an aramlite lower? I think it is about 160 for a stripped lower from armalite.com, which is about 60 bucks more than a stag lower.

[Javelin]

+1 for Armalite

[Sierra]

I'm with Skintop911, LMT.

[Tacticalweapon]

The strongest and best made lower on the market.


Patriot Ordance Factory inc. Generation lll lower reciever.



http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/L1XX29A/DSC0306758.jpg

[ShaneS]

I would by a complete LMT lower anytime. Quality is top notch and affordable. I can feel a difference between the LMT and my Bushmaster lowers in trigger pull and the safety switch. LMT is much smoother. I like the Bushmaster too, though.

[Kalmah]

Thanks for the input. Any good links for a lower? What are complete lowers going for these days?

[CatsMeow]

If you really want a Colt lower, Florida Gun Works has them.

http://www.floridagunworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FG&Product_Code=414&Category_Code=ARA+R

http://www.floridagunworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FG&Product_Code=415&Category_Code=ARA+R

[Kalmah]

If you really want a Colt lower, Florida Gun Works has them.

http://www.floridagunworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FG&Product_Code=414&Category_Code=ARA+R

http://www.floridagunworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FG&Product_Code=415&Category_Code=ARA+R
Damn! They sure think highly of those lowers. I could get a complete Stag rifle for what those cost.

Maybe keeping it all Colt isn't necessarily the way to go.

[Kalmah]

I’ve pretty much ruled out a Colt lower. I just can’t justify the cost.

Stag, DPMS, Rock River, Bushmaster, and Armalite lowers are all roughly in the same ballpark as far as price goes. LMT and Patriot lowers are a bit more.

Now my question is, how much difference is there really between the different manufacturers? I don’t mind paying a little more if it means a little better product, but I don’t want to pay extra just for a name. Are LMT or Patriot really worth a few extra dollars over the other brands? Or are any of them just as good as any other? Are there any I should definitely avoid?

I’ve only owned Colts, so I’m not familiar with the quality of other companies.

[ShaneS]

Any of the lowers you listed will do. I personally think the LMT lowers are worth a little extra if you can find one at a reasonable price. I got mine for just a little over the price of one of the other brands at a local store.

Compared to my stock factory Bushmaster lower, I think the LMT is slightly better:

The stock fits tighter around the buffer tube.
The safety switch and trigger are smoother.
The ERGO grip is very comfortable.
The fit and finish are great.
I think the LMT is closer to milspec since they produce for the military.

[RyanNREMTP]

Doesn't Colt use different connecting pins than other manufacturers?

[sundance43.5]

LMT makes some of the best lowers on the market. You are paying a tad more because of the name, but it really is a quality lower. Also, try to get a forged lower, as I think the billet lowers do not offer any real advantages for the cost.

[84S]

I put a Colt 6520 upper on my Rock River Arms lower and it works great for me. Any lower will work most likely

[Onmilo]

If your Colt upper has the large diameter through hole, you can buy a upper receiver bushing from DPMS that will allow it to be installed on any lower that has the .250" diameter pivot pin.
You can buy these direct from DPMS or from Brownells or Midway.

Brownells stock number is 231-000-181