A stripped AR-15 lower receiver is the serialized housing on its own, without the trigger group, small parts, buffer tube or stock. Choose forged, billet or polymer stripped lowers from Spike's Tactical, Aero Precision, Battle Arms Development, Doublestar and more. Every lower ships to your FFL dealer.
What Comes With a Stripped Lower
A stripped lower is the bare receiver. It does not include the trigger, hammer, safety selector, magazine catch, bolt catch, pins, springs, grip, buffer tube or stock. Builders choose it to pick every part themselves. If you would rather pin on an upper and go, start with a complete AR-15 lower instead.
Forged, Billet or Polymer Stripped Lowers
Forged Aluminum
Forged lowers are pressed from a heated aluminum blank and then machined. They follow the traditional mil-spec pattern and fit standard AR-15 uppers and parts. The Doublestar Star-15 product page lists forged aluminum built to mil-spec tolerances, and Spike's Tactical lists 7075-T6 aluminum forgings on stripped lowers such as the Spider and Crusader.
Billet Aluminum
Billet lowers are machined from a solid block, which lets the maker add features and contours. The Odin Works Odin Billet stripped lower is machined from 7075-T6 billet, according to its product page.
Polymer
FMK Firearms makes polymer AR-15 stripped lowers in black, blue and Flat Dark Earth. Polymer saves weight compared with aluminum; check the maker's notes on which parts kits and buffer tubes they recommend.
7075-T6 in the Product Name
Some listings state the alloy right in the name, such as the Yankee Hill 125 and the Diamondback DB15 stripped lowers, both 7075-T6 aluminum. For other lowers, confirm the alloy on the product page.
What You Need to Finish a Stripped Lower
- A lower parts kit with pins, springs, detents, safety, magazine catch and bolt catch. Some kits include a trigger group and grip; some do not.
- A trigger group, if your kit leaves it out. Our AR-15 trigger guide compares mil-spec and upgraded triggers.
- A buffer tube, buffer, buffer spring, castle nut and end plate, plus a stock.
- An AR-15 upper receiver and compatible AR-15 magazines.
For more on forged vs billet, alloys and ambidextrous controls, see the full AR-15 lower receivers buying guide.
Legal and Shipping Note
Stripped 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.
Stripped AR-15 Lower FAQ
Does a stripped lower count as a firearm?
Yes. The lower receiver is the serialized part, so a stripped lower ships to your FFL dealer like any firearm.
What do I need to finish a stripped lower?
A lower parts kit, a trigger group if the kit leaves it out, a grip, and a buffer tube assembly with a stock. Then pair it with an AR-15 upper.
Will any AR-15 upper fit a stripped lower?
Mil-spec-pattern stripped lowers accept standard AR-15 uppers. Billet and proprietary designs can differ, so check the maker's compatibility notes. AR-10 and 9mm uppers need their own lowers.
Is a forged or billet stripped lower better?
Neither is better for every build. Forged lowers are the traditional mil-spec pattern; billet lowers add machined features and styling and usually cost more.