The knowledge of building a firearm will come in handy when you’re in dire need of defense and protection. However, you need to get your firearms license before you can conveniently purchase or use a firearm. In reality, no online store will offer to sell firearm accessories to you if you don't have a license. 

If you already have a license and find it difficult to get a custom firearm frame or receiver, this article will provide you with options. The truth is that buying a receiver from an online store with 80 lower receivers is as crucial as knowing which one to buy. 

What Is A Receiver?

A receiver is a component of a firearm that houses the shooting system. It can also be referred to as the operating system of a gun. The body section of a receiver can be bifurcated into lower and upper. Each half performs specific functions. While the upper receiver carries the barrel and the bolt, the lower receiver has the magazine and firing mechanism.

The lower receiver is located at the top of the firearm. It's fixed in a slot created in the magazine. It's much more relevant in the firearm than the upper receiver. Given that, if you ever want to get a lower receiver, you'll be scrutinized to determine your fitness and qualification. 

Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Lower Receiver



Before you get to that local store or browse that online firearm outlet for a lower receiver, you should consider some pointers to help inform your decisions. These include:

1. Dimensions And Features

Lower receivers are made in different sizes, each with its unique features. When choosing a lower receiver for your firearm, you must check the size of your firearm to know the dimensions that fit appropriately. You should also study the specification of your gun so you can rightly choose the best features that will give you the best shooting experience. You can use tube housing for a receiver of uncommon size when aligning a jig to make it fit perfectly.

2. Compatibility 

It takes a right lower receiver and firearm to tango correctly. You must choose a lower receiver that goes well with your AR or any other gun you intend to use it on. Moreover, you should know two main things when considering the compatibility of a lower receiver with a firearm. 

First, if you assemble the firearm yourself, you're expected to know the different areas to insert the receivers. To do this, you must know the parts that fit perfectly in the rifle. An error in this could mean a complete waste of money. 

Second, if you're buying a ready-made rifle, you don't need to worry about the nitty-gritty of sizes and shapes. All you need to do is get a lower receiver that fits the firearm's desired part. You can make the same decision for your upper receiver.

3. Source And Materials

Firearm enthusiasts love to satisfy their unending curiosity about the overall features of their rifles. They go as far as requesting a part of the gun to be made with the desired material. If buying from stores, they’d go for the material that suits the taste of their fancied rifle.

Lower receivers, for instance, come in different tag names—billet, polymer, and forged. The billet and the forged are made of aluminum. The forged takes an arduous effort to mold, while the billet is simply carved from a block. The polymer is the most commonly used because it's cheaper than the other two. Polymer lower receivers are made of plastic, making it easier for firearm enthusiasts to work with. 

The various features of the kinds of lower receivers available should guide you in making the best choice for your rifle. Consider the pros and cons of each before concluding the type to purchase. The cheapest lower receiver (polymer) might not be as rugged as the forged lower receiver. Considering the source of lower receivers and raw materials is a tip that you must never go wrong with.

4. Budget And Cost

It's impossible not to consider cost and budget when choosing and purchasing anything at all, including a lower firearm. If your budget is tight, you should go for receivers with pocket-friendly prices. You can also scout for those that come with promotions and deals. However, cheap lower receivers aren't always of high quality. In that case, you should go for quality ones if your firearm budget is reasonable.

Conclusion

Like everyday consumables, firearms require loads of information to guide you when purchasing. The process of buying a lower receiver can be complicated for firearm enthusiasts. However, if you do your research well, like reading through this article, you'll make a sound judgment when choosing a lower receiver.