First AR build, Anderson lower good enough?

[milby76]

Im thinking of picking up an Anderson stripped lower and building my first AR. This will simply be a range gun and back up to home defense as I would reach for my 40 on the night stand first. It would be of 5.56 flavor and I would only build the lower and add a complete upper. Will an Anderson lower fit the bill for what I need considering I can pick one up tomorrow at my LGS? Next question is should I buy two just cause?

[hipower]

My answer...yes. On both questions. lol I have a couple that have been done with Anderson lowers. They work.

As to buying another. Sure...why not. If the price suits you, go for it.

[Wingshooter]

You’ll never regret buying two, but beware... they have a tendency to grow into rifles, lol. 

I have built several Andersons. I never had a problem until recently I got a stripped upper out of spec. It looked like it wasn’t finished and wouldn’t even fit into a lower. I think that was a fluke, and I wouldn’t hesitate to get another. Their lowers have always been good for me. If the price is right, then go for it. If you want a smoother, blacker finish then Spikes or Aero Precision, IMO, but you’ll get a good build from an Anderson.

I especially like the Anderson lower parts kit. With some polishing, low power springs and a long adjustable grip screw, I can get a really good crisp trigger. 

 

 

Edited March 9, 2018 by Wingshooter

[Garufa]

Anderson’s are as good as any other.  

[Murgatroy]

I have PSA, Anderson and now ARFiveSeven (ARFifteen) lowers on my build. I have not honestly found a difference on them. If I were going for a high end matched billet upper and lower set, maybe. 

I have built a half dozen ARs, all with PSA uppers of various flavors. It is addictive. IMO the upper (and quality of parts therein) is more important than the lower. I have several PSA uppers as mentioned, and there is a marked difference in their premium line and their lower line.

 

I am going to assemble my next AR complete, upper and lower. Ronald_55 posted a site https://22mods4all.com/ that seems to scratch that itch at a really reasonable price. 

 

 

For what it is worth, I have a higher end PSA I built, with several custom parts beyond the 'catalog' choices. It is my GO TO carbine. 

 

[Fourtyfive]

Ha ha. Let the addiction begin!

[milby76]

Thanks guys, that puts my mind at ease about them. Im hoping to make it to my LGS today to pick up one or two of them and finally start building.

[jwhjwh54]

both of my SBR's are Anderson lowers. I've fortunately cured my AR building addiction but it was costly and lasted a couple years 

[ReeferMac]

Anderson lower and upper, great rifle. Felt good knowing I was supporting a US Machine shop by buying American Made product as well.

[analog_kidd]

With as cheap as they are now lately, you'll pay nearly as much for the background check and FFL fee as you will the lower. You might as well just have them throw one onto your order any time you buy any kind of gun. At least you'll save on the BG check.

[Wingshooter]

42 minutes ago, analog_kidd said:

With as cheap as they are now lately, you'll pay nearly as much for the background check and FFL fee as you will the lower. You might as well just have them throw one onto your order any time you buy any kind of gun. At least you'll save on the BG check.

Can’t believe I haven't been doing that. Good idea 

[Bubba Fett]

Anderson lowers are like cats.  Once you've got one and you start to get comfortable with it, more start to follow you home.  Next thing you know, you're sitting in your room going "Where did all these come from?  And how am I going to feed all of them?"

But like, in a GOOD way.

[milby76]

I wasnt able to make it to the gun shop until today, I ended up buying a Spikes Crusader lower.

 

[TnShooter83]

18 hours ago, milby76 said:

I wasnt able to make it to the gun shop until today, I ended up buying a Spikes Crusader lower.

 

They are fine. I'd focus more on the barrel and BCG.

Dolomite is the go to guy here. He'll tell you what you need know. 

[Ehunt]

Anderson Manufacturing is good indeed. I had one in 300 Blackout, and a S&W M&P 15 Sport II (in 5.56 NATO). I liked them both, but unfortunately I was forced to sell them because I had lost my job and had bills to pay. Recently, not wanting to be without a rifle, I built two from Aero Precision.

They are slightly more than what I spent on the Anderson, especially the Enhanced M4E1 line that Areo offers, but I do notice a big difference. Aero makes their stuff to tighter tolerances than most others, and they run exceptionally smooth!

I hope this helps, happy building Sir! :-)

[tntnixon]

One of these days I’m gonna decide what to do with this one 

[tntnixon]

Hit send too soon

[Ehunt]

Hmm... I foresee a 300 Blackout? lol.