So...the general consensus that I have seen from the internetz is that Lowers are all basically the same if sourced from "reputable" companies ( Anderson, Noveske, PSA, etc).
How about LPKs? Triggers aside, are pins really just pins? I have seen everything from only use Colt/DD/LWRC to use whatever is cheapest.
Thoughts?
No not all lowers are the same. For your average consumer it may be true though as you'll only see maybe 5-10 lowers. I've seen over a thousand of lowers from Aero, Spikes, Anderson, Mega, Bushmaster, Seekins, and PSA. People say a PSA lower is the same as an Aero lower because Aero makes them. It's not the same lower. It may be from the same forging but manufacturing specs will be different. Tolerances will be different to what the contract states.
Sometimes an Aero lower won't match a PSA upper as tight as with a PSA lower but sometimes it does. Ever install a LPK and it was super easy but had one that was difficult to get the roll pin in? It boils down to tolerance of the specs.
I've had batches of Aero lowers where the forging seams are not grounded down. But the next batch and they are ground down.
Same goes for LPKs. I've seen cheap ass LPKs before. Especially in the safety. If the finish isn't right, there's no tactile feeling of when its set to fire to safe. Roll pins are too big or small. Weak or strong tension in springs.
Best LPK in my experience are RRA. They are consistent. I've sold hundreds of them and not single complaint. Aero lowers are fairly consistent. Best forged lowers are Mega, Aero or Spikes. High end lowers, Noveske is good. Best billet is NFA or Seekins.