There are several different manufacturers of aftermarket parts and components for AR 15 weapons that make a variety of different kits. Kits, as the name implies, include all the various parts required to customize or modify a part of the weapon. Most commonly the AR 15 kits that are in the greatest demand and most readily available are those for replacing the lowers on the weapon.
When choosing AR 15 kits, there are several different factors to keep in mind. As these are moderately pricey purchases, taking the time to research, evaluate and compare options in kits will always be worth a bit of time online.
Buying From the Manufacturer or an Approved Distributor
The top companies in the United States offering their own kits will typically sell directly to the public through their website. They may also offer their kits through specific retailers across the country.
When buying AR 15 kits, always choose to buy from these two options. Avoid buying from third-party online sites. This will limit the assistance you can expect and can result in problems if there are any problems with the kit parts matching those required for your weapon. Often the kits sold by third-party sites online are imported from other countries and may not be designed and manufactured to the quality standards that are required of US-based companies.
Helpful Features
Some of the best manufacturers of kits go out of their way to make these very user-friendly options. For example, they may provide a color coding option that clearly groups the larger components and the small fasteners and parts as to the general area of use on the weapon.
This is a very important feature for those just getting started. Failing to use the required nuts, washers and springs in the right place can cause problems in assembling the new lower, resulting in frustration and a greater risk of damage to the parts during the process.