best site for AR parts (lowers)

well gents, i suppose its about time I enter myself into the AR craze now that everything is just un-godly expensive. so, a couple questions for the pros:

what is a good, reputable site that i can start to get my good, reputable, CA compliant lower. i just want a lower for now so i can build as information and cash become more available. this cuts into my truck funds

I am the tinkering type but am debating on whether or not to get a stripped lower and throw in aftermarket parts, or just say f it and get one complete to make this process a whole lot simpler. i have never built one of these and am so-far overwhelmed by the amount of manufacturers out there, how do i seperate the good stuff from the crappy stuff?

i am getting into this thinking that i will build nothing short of a mid-length, slick-shooting machine without much regard to cost as i am building on my own time.

another thing that is confusing me right now is that a coworker mentioned that i need to be careful in choosing between mil-spec and non mil-spec parts. . . . pros, cons, any information on that?

i know this is a tall order but any insight at all would be much appreciated. thanks guys

 

lowers r the hard thing to find right now. Palmetto state armory has some good stuff when its in stock. Bravo company is the same. Midway USA is good for just about everything. im sure others will post up more

and you have the option between mil spec and commercial. you shouldnt mix the two. They are machines to different specs. so pick one and stick with it. i went mil spec.

 

is mil-spec much more expensive? and does that apply to just main functioning parts or does it go as far as grips, stocks, rails, etc?

 

Same price. Goes for most of the parts.

 

ok awesome, that just solved a bunch of problems lol

 

Yup. Just keep it all mil spec and u will be fine.

 

and go to
http://www.ar15.com
to read up on the AR. Lots of good tech info but the General Discussion is infested with A**^@les.

Fritz

 

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=121

Put your e-mail on the notify list.

 

Excellent website and manufacturer. Just bought a lower from Rainier Arms. Also check:

www.bravocompanyusa.com
www.gandrtactical.com

 

Daniel defense is good as well

 

right on guys i really appreciate this alot

 

most all ar manufacturers are using parts to build their guns with the huge demand. individual parts are hard to come by. most everything is backordered for months. keep looking . good luck.

 

Sub'd for future insight cause, like the op, I had the same questions.

 

If your close to fountain valley, there's a gun store rifle gear. Fair price and really cool people to get ar parts from

 

I ordered a bunch of stuff from them. They r really good and nice to deal with.

 

I keep looking for places around in my area and every where is out of stock. Guess it's too late to get one now unless I spend $1500 or more.