I'm totally new to AR-15's. Along with about 1,482,548 other FNGs I've been thinking about getting a stripped lower and starting my own build. As much as anything else seems like it would be a fun project and a good learning experience.
I've found a place that has S&W M&P-15 stripped lowers for $180. I don't see too many people talking about using this lower. Any opinions about it good, bad or indifferent?
Thanks.
Dave
Welcome to the world of evil black rifles, that can cause tears in the space/time continuum all by themselves. Or so I'm told
Not sure who is making the lowers for S & W, but they do put out a very nice AR. Around these parts, north of your northern border

, S & W lowers have been going out the doors at $225

So, is that $180 a good price, compared to around these parts.....uhmmmmmmm.....YEP! I almost gave in and picked one up at that price...but my conscience keeps pulling my hand away from my wallet.
But if you can't find a better price, then I would say yes. If you can wait out the storm and the gamble of maybe getting one or not.....then I'd say no.
Hopefully, this will all wash away, no ban will occur, or at most a modified version of the last ban, but it's anyone's guess at this point. Those of us who waited, may be S.O.L. and not get anything or have to PAY the price. Then again, nothing could happen and it could be back to biz as usual, with lower prices again.
You could pick up that lower, and then find yourself at the mercy of the gougers who want almost that much for a lower parts kit now. Or with diligence and searching the net, you could find all the pieces necessary, albeit at a little higher price than usual, and have yourself a complete AR.
If the name on the lower doesn't mean much, and to tell the truth as JD said, a lower is pretty much a lower, no matter what the salesman tries to tell you. It's all the other pieces in conjunction with it, and how they are assembled that will make the diference. LRB has lowers advertized at $109.95, and there are quite a few others in the sub $150 range. It just takes searching and luck. Then again, you may not want to hassle with having to find an FFL to have a lower transferred to, if you were to order on the net. So maybe that $180 isn't such a bad deal for you then.
Either way you go...Good Luck with your choice, and again, welcome aboard. Anything else we can help you with, just post away. This a good bunch of guys, with a wealth of info and advice, willing to help. So you are in good hands.
Slo