A complete AR-15 lower receiver comes assembled with the trigger group, grip and buffer system, and usually a stock, so it is ready to pin onto an upper. Shop complete lowers from BCM, Spike's Tactical, Radian Weapons and One Horse. Every lower ships to your FFL dealer.
What a Complete Lower Includes
Contents vary by listing, so read each product page. As examples from our listings: the BCM complete lowers include the fire-control group and a BCM stock; the Spike's Tactical complete lower comes with an M4-style stock; and the Radian Weapons A-DAC 15 complete lower comes with a flat trigger and an SBA3 brace. If you want to choose every part yourself, start with a stripped AR-15 lower instead.
Choosing a Complete Lower
Stock or Brace
Complete lowers come with different stocks: BCM Mod 0, Mod 3 and SOPMOD options, an M4-style stock from Spike's, and an SBA3 brace on the Radian A-DAC 15. The BCM Mk2 complete lower comes with a receiver extension but no stock, so you add your own. Check the stock length and cheek weld you want, and whether the buffer tube is mil-spec or commercial if you plan to swap stocks later.
Controls
Most complete lowers use mil-spec-pattern controls set up for a right-handed shooter. The Radian A-DAC 15 has ambidextrous controls, according to its product page.
Caliber
A standard AR-15 complete lower runs 5.56 NATO, .223 Rem and .300 Blackout uppers. The One Horse OH-CL01 is listed for 5.56 and .300 AAC Blackout. AR-10 (.308) and 9mm uppers need their own lowers.
Factory Cosmetic Blems
Several BCM complete lowers are sold as factory cosmetic blems. BCM's product pages describe the marks as cosmetic only. See all of them on our BCM complete lowers page.
Pair It With an Upper
A complete lower plus a complete AR-15 upper receiver is the shortest path to a working rifle. Match the upper's caliber to your magazines with our AR-15 magazine compatibility guide, and compare upgrade handles in the charging handle buying guide. For forged vs billet, alloys and more, see the main AR-15 lower receivers guide.
Legal and Shipping Note
Complete lowers are serialized receivers and ship to your FFL dealer. Orders of $500 or more ship free. Under $500, lowers and firearms ship for a flat $19.99, ammo for a flat $15.99 and everything else for a flat $12.99. Returns are accepted within 60 days with a 15% restocking fee on undamaged items, and a lower or firearm can be returned only before the FFL transfer is completed. Magazine-capacity and other state limits apply in some states; see our Ammo & Magazine Laws page and check your state and local law before ordering. Read how to buy guns online for the FFL steps.
Complete AR-15 Lower FAQ
What is the difference between a complete and a stripped lower?
A complete lower arrives assembled with the trigger group, grip and buffer system, and usually a stock. A stripped lower is the bare receiver, and you add the parts yourself.
Does a complete lower ship to an FFL?
Yes. A complete lower is a serialized receiver, so it ships to your FFL dealer.
Will a complete lower fit my upper?
Mil-spec-pattern complete lowers accept standard AR-15 uppers in 5.56 NATO, .223 Rem and .300 Blackout. AR-10 and 9mm uppers need their own lowers.