If one was interested in a specific lower that is probably decades old. Supposedly in great, low round condition. What does one look for to determine its actually condition besides pix of it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum,

I'd check for wear in the magwell that would suggest lots of magazine insertions. I also check for "egg'd" out trigger and hammer pin holes.

Lowers are a very low stressed part in an AR.
The upper handles the higher pressure loads.

quote:

Originally posted by KMitch200:
Lowers are a very low stressed part in an AR.
The upper handles the higher pressure loads.

This.

Worn/enlarged hammer and trigger pin holes from very high volumes of (especially full auto) fire is about the only wear concern, other than cosmetics.

Thank you guys. I appreciate it.

Also might try to confirm all the pin sizes. Some weird shit went on in the Clinton years. You can find/buy workarounds, but sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge.

If it's a Colt I'd worry about the non-standard pin hole sizes as that severely limits your options in terms of running different/replacement uppers and triggers.

I wouldn't be too concerned about wear as it's a low wear component like someone already mentioned, and 99% of the civilian population just don't shoot enough to begin wearing one out. If the lower is an ex department gun that might be a different story.

if it is as mentioned, low mileage, etc,

then don't worry,

some early Sendra's had finish issues (they looked a plum color) and had top shelf issues (you had to shave just a bit off the top of the receiver or adjust the upper's rear takedown pin hole,

otherwise, most AR lowers are basically the same,