[indyfan]

For my next build I'm looking at Spikes Tactical completed lowers again, but I'm considering a completed CMMG lower for 100.00 less. What's the difference between the two?

[mjkeat]

It depends on who assembles it and what parts they use to assemble it w/. Who are you purchasing the lowers from?

Also check out www.gandrtactical.com for BCM lowers or www.rainierarms.com. www.palmettostatearmory.com has started assembling their own lowers as well.

[BenLuby]

I think it comes down to a few things. Quality control, who, as MJ said, assembles it, and what you're planning on using it for.
My opinion is best summed up like this. The 1911 is made by dozens of companies. The specs for a 1911 haven't changed. But truth of the matter is, even though, technically, all are the same, the quality differences between the various brands can be extreme.
You can get the $300 special that will throw rounds down range just like the $1,500 ones can. But they are usually less accurate, and also more prone to FTE's and FTF's.
You have less expensive companies in the AR world, and 1911 world, that make solid, reliable equipment. You have high end companies that ride their reputation, but many have earned that reputation by de-bugging their firearms to the point you know you have something that is going to do what it is designed to do, every time, and you never get that nagging wonder in the back of your mind that 'what happens if I need it, and it fails?'
Research what you want it to do, question on this site, listen to those who know, which I count as MJkeat, AgentTikki, Dog, Fsted, just to name a few. You'll, after perusing this section of the forum, quickly learn who knows what they are talking about and who's just wasting pixels and trolling.
I am by no means an expert on the AR, as I'm building my first. But the above named are the ones I've found who provide solid information, and are willing to offer said advice, and guide you down the right path.

[AgentTikki]

There is not much difference in a standard milspec forged lower besides the rollmark and stampings. So long as the dimensions are in spec, they are all pretty much the same.

There are "special" lowers that have integrated trigger guards, flared magwells, billet construction, ambidexterous controls, china doll rollmarks, custom contoured magwells etc. Just keep an eye out fer em.

[BenLuby]

Originally Posted by AgentTikki

There is not much difference in a standard milspec forged lower besides the rollmark and stampings. So long as the dimensions are in spec, they are all pretty much the same.

There are "special" lowers that have integrated trigger guards, flared magwells, billet construction, ambidexterous controls, china doll rollmarks, custom contoured magwells etc. Just keep an eye out fer em.

Oh. I was talking about the parts kits themselves, not the lowers per se. Told ya to listen to Tikki!!

[AgentTikki]

Ya I needs to read a little better. >.<

PSA has pulbically stated that their lower parts kits come from the same supplier for FN. I persoanlly think thing such as roll pins and detents aren't a big deal. But springs, triggers, buffer tubes, hammers are important. So finding out the source is important.

Honestly you can save a good deal of money for yourself by buying a complete lpk from palmetto and a complete buttstock, buffer tube, spring, buffer, castle nut, and end plate package from DSG Arms and putting it together by yourself. All you need is a set of roll punches or allen wrenches, hammer, tape stock wrench, chisel and a razor blade.

[Quentin]

Originally Posted by indyfan

For my next build I'm looking at Spikes Tactical completed lowers again, but I'm considering a completed CMMG lower for 100.00 less. What's the difference between the two?

Got links? Links that detail all the parts that go in to each lower? No way to know otherwise.