Three AR-15 Lower Receivers Worth Checking Out

Building an AR-15 is fun and, if I’m honest, addicting. By the time you’ve completed the first one, you’re already thinking about the next project. What colors and finishes will you use? What model of handguard? What barrel profile? The list goes on and on. Finding each part can be fun, but it can also be frustrating at the same time. There are so many companies and parts to choose from that it gets tiring just looking for them.

When building an AR, you typically start with an upper and lower receiver. When I first started building guns, I used cheap parts to avoid wasting money if I damaged something. So, naturally, I looked for the cheapest set I could find. And by cheaper, I mean much cheaper. I purchased a PSA blemished lower for $29.99 and started ordering the rest of the parts. If you didn’t know you could buy new AR-15 lower receivers for that cheap, you’re not alone. I still have it today and it shoots great. But after my first few builds, I started looking for some better-quality parts. After all, it’s not fun to build the same rifle repeatedly. I wanted something different, so I started shopping. Unfortunately, I never quit shopping for AR parts, but we won’t talk about that right now. Instead, let’s talk about three high-quality lower receivers that are reasonably priced.

1.     Wilson Combat

Wilson Combat is best known for its premium 1911 handguns and accessories. Recently, they have been moving into the CCW and rifle market with some nice-looking AR-15 rifles. I mentioned above that I used PSA as my practice build. I’ve never had any trouble with PSA uppers or lowers, but the name does correspond with cheap to most AR-15 lovers. What I like about Wilson Combat is that they offer a few choices of lower receivers, and some are very affordable. They have the name and reputation of quality firearms but still offer a budget lower/upper set. You can get a matched billet set if you want to spend more money though. I recently found a matching forged set for just $80, which I thought was a mistake by the vendor.

It turns out it was not; that was just their sale price. The set is CNC machined from 7075-T6 from US-sourced aluminum. They both have a black anodized finish and are hand-selected when fitted together. The lower has M4-style extended feed ramps and is marked “multi-caliber.” The finish has a flat, chalky feel, which is normal for basic anodized finishes. It does have the Wilson Combat logo stamped on the right and the company name on the left of the lower receiver.

If you want to stay with a cheaper set but want that Wilson Combat name, the Forged Upper/Lower set is a great deal. Everything is compatible with mil-spec parts, so you can keep it all Wilson Combat or mix it up. If you plan to use all Wilson Combat branded parts, I recommend spending the extra money on a billet set.

2.     Aero Precision

This is one of my favorite AR-15 companies for building your own rifle. Most of their parts are priced reasonably, but their options make them stand out. As mentioned above, you don’t want to build the same rifle as last time. Eventually, I wanted to play with different colors and finishes on my rifles. Aero Precision offers more color varieties than most other manufacturers.

On one of my builds, I wanted to play around with different shades of brown. I ended up using an upper and lower FDE (flat dark earth) and burnt bronze on the handguard. The Maxim Defense brace I selected was FDE but a slightly different shade than Aero Precisions FDE which I liked. I was tired of everything being the same color, so I wanted to change it up anyway. They offered a matching upper receiver without a forward assist, so I went with that to keep it low profile. I also went with an integrated trigger guard for a custom look. Aero Precision uses 7075-T6 aluminum and M4 feed ramps. Their finishes are smooth and clear, and they have plenty of color options if that’s what you’re looking for. Most of Aero Precision’s lowers start at around $150.

3.     Geissele Super-Duty Lower

Geissele is another popular brand for AR-15 builders. They are well known for their after-market triggers, but all their gun products are awesome. If you are doing a complete build, be aware that it’s almost impossible to find a stripped Geissele upper. Most places that carry them are always out of stock. The last time I used a Geissele lower, I matched it with a BCM upper, and it turned out nice.

If you don’t want to build the whole gun, you can purchase complete uppers from Geissele and build the lower yourself. One benefit of building a Geissele AR-15 is the value of the gun when you are finished. A factory-built AR from Geissele averages $2,000, so a custom-built one holds its resale value.

When you use quality uppers and lowers, you will start to see a difference in the play between the two parts. An upper and lower set that feel loose after they are put together may have lower tolerances or matting than a higher-end set. Some lowers also come with set screws so you can adjust the space between the upper and lower. The Super Duty lower from Giessele is available for around $150-$175.

Ready to build?

There are a lot of good companies building AR-15 parts today. If you get into building your own AR, you may want to try different brands. But if you are just starting or looking for some suggestions for your next build, these three are great options. There is a big price difference between the $30 PSA lower and $150 Geissele lower, but even high-end lowers are not overpriced.

It’s much easier to buy a factory-built AR-15 from the store. But it’s not as fulfilling as shooting a rifle that you built with your own hands. The process of selecting each part and making the rifle look and feel exactly how you want is worth the effort. I will warn you again: It’s hard to build just one rifle. But there’s also nothing wrong with having more than one. Have fun with it!