rating pre-ban lowers

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Ive noticed a number of pre-ban lowers (stripped and complete) across the way on ar15.com.
Im fairly new to the world of AR15s. Any advice on which lowers to look for and which to avoid, average values, etc anyone might be able to add would be appreciated.

Also, I assume these things can be re-finished to look nice again, is that correct?
 
IMO... As far as preban goes. I would look at Colt, Bushmaster, Armalite. There a tons of lowers out there, most are good enough.

I would avoid Century, Enterprise unless you really know what to look for. It does not mean they did not make good stuff, but QA is spotty.

Also, there are many many resources out there, validate the date of the serial number before you buy it. A lot of "preban" lowers are not in fact reban. Do your research.

Best is to buy the lower, get the upper and have them both finished together, otherwise they will always be a bit off.
 
The safest bet is to buy a lower from a company that was in business and still is in business today like others mention above. That can easily verify your lowers build date in thier archive and provide documentation on company letter head for a small fee that it was a complete rifle when shipped from the factory and before the ban was enacted.
 
The older colts had the non standard pins right?
What effect does the sear block have? I cant get a full auto sear anyway right? Does it cause issues with mating parts?
 
The safest bet is to buy a lower from a company that was in business and still is in business today like others mention above. That can easily verify your lowers build date in thier archive and provide documentation on company letter head for a small fee that it was a complete rifle when shipped from the factory and before the ban was enacted.

Who cares? Remember that knife cuts both ways. If the company doesn't exist, the bad guys are going to have a hell of a time proving you're not in compliance, and they might be forced to take your assertion at face value.

-Mike

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The older colts had the non standard pins right?
What effect does the sear block have? I cant get a full auto sear anyway right? Does it cause issues with mating parts?

Sear blocks become a pain in the ass if you want to use an M16 bolt carrier, which a ton of guns use nowadays, even semiauto guns, because it is reputed to be more reliable. If you have a sear block the gayness on top of the block will stop the bolt carrier from going back all the way; sear blocks also may prevent the installation of certain types of semiautomatic fire control groups. (this is less likely though, usually just having the chunk of shit milled off the top of the block is good enough in most cases for most uses. )

-Mike
 
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Look for forged over cast receivers.

In terms of average value, pay what you're willing to afford and be happy you got what you wanted. I would only be concerned about market value if I intend to profit from a purchase.
 
About 4 years ago I bought a built AR, having no idea about the brand of lower. Turns out it's a Frankford Arsenal which were known for their excellent quality. As they went out of business in '87, they are all pre-ban.
 
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