Lower parts kits, which to choose?

marine6680 · August 16, 2012, 06:10 AM

So I decided... I am going to build my lowers.

But now what part kit to get... there are many. PSA, RRA, DD...

Some are cheaper some not so.

I seen the DD kit going for $70, PSA $55, RRA $70, but I could go much higher depending on option like trigger group and grip type

I just want a basic kit and trigger. I don't need a match trigger, or adjustable pull. Just simple basic parts kit.

So which to get? Lower cost is better, but I am willing to pay more for better quality... within reason of course. If $20 will get me a good jump in quality, then that is worth it. marginally better? Not so much worth the cost.

I do know I am going to end up with a Magpul MOE or MIAD to go with it. (or if it comes with a good grip, I can keep it instead I had a Houge grip I liked once)

thanks

Quentin2 · August 16, 2012, 11:12 AM

I've had best luck with Daniel Defense (hard to find lately) and Stag. And the worst luck with DPMS and Del Ton. I hear PSA is great for the price.

marine6680 · August 16, 2012, 01:59 PM

The price for the DD isn't too bad. Finding it in stock may be difficult.

PSA offers kits that include the magpul grip and trigger guard. The MOE was $70, add $15 for the MIAD. They also say the springs are coated for protection.

So long as the parts are solid and clean, with good spring quality I'm happy.

There are many parts kits I didn't mention... just so many choices. I sure many are commissioned from the same manufacturer. No point in paying more for something just because of the brand name on the box. If there isn't much difference in quality, then paying more just seems silly.

customaquatics · August 16, 2012, 06:01 PM

the gun shop here has CMMG for $60, does anyoen know about them?

BillyJack3 · August 16, 2012, 06:28 PM

Don't know much about the CMMG kit. I just assembled the PSA kit and I like it a lot. Low price, in stock and mine has a nice, crisp break. I only ordered one at the time to try it out but will get another for another lower. I just got the Lower Build Kit which includes the stock, buffer tube and everything you need for your stripped lower. Got the MOE version.

Eghad · August 16, 2012, 07:56 PM

CMMG makes some nice lowers I have bought three fully assembled lowers from them and they have all been nice. I have no complaints with the CMMG triggers and lower parts.

Mobuck · August 16, 2012, 09:31 PM

parts is parts
most come from the same supplier's giant batch bins. The easiest assembly for me has been using RRA match trigger parts kits. Roll pins drive easier and still fit snug enough. Some parts kits' roll pins are like driving 16 penny spikes into oak.

marine6680 · August 16, 2012, 10:09 PM

If they source them from the same place, then spending more is pointless.

Wahoo95 · August 16, 2012, 10:29 PM

Many parts are sourced from the same place......but made to different QC standards. In other words some companies parts kits may include all best of batch pieces while others may contain seconds and thirds in order to keep their pricing down. This is why some brands tend to have more issues with out of spec pins and springs or missing parts. So its really not as simple as parts is parts.

Blame any misspellings on Tapatalk

marine6680 · August 17, 2012, 03:58 AM

Will have to keep looking around at prices and availability.

madcratebuilder · August 17, 2012, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobuck

parts is parts
most come from the same supplier's giant batch bins. The easiest assembly for me has been using RRA match trigger parts kits. Roll pins drive easier and still fit snug enough. Some parts kits' roll pins are like driving 16 penny spikes into oak.

No, not really. Look at the parts from a G&R Tactical LPK and then compare them to a DPMS LPK, night and day difference.

Things to look for are roll pins vs split pins, are the detents double ended? How's the finish quality.

PSA LPK's use parts from LW Schneider, these are good parts.

My personal choice is ArmaLite LPK's, I prefer the fully serrated bolt release and the two stage triggers.

Mrgunsngear · August 17, 2012, 08:04 AM

I've build at least 10 rifles using PSA's kits---all are without issue. I was missing a detent pin once but that's the only issue I ever ran into using them (they sent one out the next day...)

Fishbed77 · August 17, 2012, 10:12 AM

You can't go wrong with PSA. I've built a few of their kits, and the lower parts quality is as good as anything else out there. Thier standard AR trigger is actually quite good (for a standard AR trigger). Not particularly light, but a crisp, clean break.

August 16, 2012, 06:10 AM	#1
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Lower parts kits, which to choose? So I decided... I am going to build my lowers. But now what part kit to get... there are many. PSA, RRA, DD... Some are cheaper some not so. I seen the DD kit going for $70, PSA $55, RRA $70, but I could go much higher depending on option like trigger group and grip type I just want a basic kit and trigger. I don't need a match trigger, or adjustable pull. Just simple basic parts kit. So which to get? Lower cost is better, but I am willing to pay more for better quality... within reason of course. If $20 will get me a good jump in quality, then that is worth it. marginally better? Not so much worth the cost. I do know I am going to end up with a Magpul MOE or MIAD to go with it. (or if it comes with a good grip, I can keep it instead I had a Houge grip I liked once) thanks

August 16, 2012, 06:01 PM	#4
customaquatics Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2011 Location: illinois Posts: 678	the gun shop here has CMMG for $60, does anyoen know about them? __________________ 23 year old NRA member AKaholic #158907 , 1942 Ex-Sniper Izzy Mosin Nagant, 1970's Marlin 30-30, Remington 870 tatical, Charter Arms The Pink Lady 38 Special.

August 16, 2012, 07:56 PM	#6
Eghad Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 6,231	CMMG makes some nice lowers I have bought three fully assembled lowers from them and they have all been nice. I have no complaints with the CMMG triggers and lower parts. __________________ Have a nice day at the range NRA Life Member

August 17, 2012, 08:04 AM	#12
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	I've build at least 10 rifles using PSA's kits---all are without issue. I was missing a detent pin once but that's the only issue I ever ran into using them (they sent one out the next day...) __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel

August 16, 2012, 11:12 AM	#2
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	I've had best luck with Daniel Defense (hard to find lately) and Stag. And the worst luck with DPMS and Del Ton. I hear PSA is great for the price.

August 16, 2012, 01:59 PM	#3
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	The price for the DD isn't too bad. Finding it in stock may be difficult. PSA offers kits that include the magpul grip and trigger guard. The MOE was $70, add $15 for the MIAD. They also say the springs are coated for protection. So long as the parts are solid and clean, with good spring quality I'm happy. There are many parts kits I didn't mention... just so many choices. I sure many are commissioned from the same manufacturer. No point in paying more for something just because of the brand name on the box. If there isn't much difference in quality, then paying more just seems silly.

August 16, 2012, 06:28 PM	#5
BillyJack3 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Posts: 423	Don't know much about the CMMG kit. I just assembled the PSA kit and I like it a lot. Low price, in stock and mine has a nice, crisp break. I only ordered one at the time to try it out but will get another for another lower. I just got the Lower Build Kit which includes the stock, buffer tube and everything you need for your stripped lower. Got the MOE version.

August 16, 2012, 09:31 PM	#7
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	parts is parts most come from the same supplier's giant batch bins. The easiest assembly for me has been using RRA match trigger parts kits. Roll pins drive easier and still fit snug enough. Some parts kits' roll pins are like driving 16 penny spikes into oak.

August 16, 2012, 10:09 PM	#8
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	If they source them from the same place, then spending more is pointless.

August 16, 2012, 10:29 PM	#9
Wahoo95 Member Join Date: February 19, 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 62	Many parts are sourced from the same place......but made to different QC standards. In other words some companies parts kits may include all best of batch pieces while others may contain seconds and thirds in order to keep their pricing down. This is why some brands tend to have more issues with out of spec pins and springs or missing parts. So its really not as simple as parts is parts. Blame any misspellings on Tapatalk

August 17, 2012, 03:58 AM	#10
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	Will have to keep looking around at prices and availability.

August 17, 2012, 10:12 AM	#13
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	You can't go wrong with PSA. I've built a few of their kits, and the lower parts quality is as good as anything else out there. Thier standard AR trigger is actually quite good (for a standard AR trigger). Not particularly light, but a crisp, clean break.