If you're looking for a source for quality lower receivers with immediate availability, look no further than American Spirit Arms from Phoenix, Arizona. Formerly Sun Valley Traders, American Spirit Arms began offering lower receivers in 1998.

Finish
The finish on this lower was a smooth and even matte black similar to the Bushmaster lowers. There are a few imperfections that appear to be a result of handling mostly around the bottom lip of the magazine well, but these are all under the black finish and no not visible without close inspection. In addition, there were a couple of perfectly round and smooth "dimples" less than 1/8" in diameter under the finish on the right side. Again, despite these imperfections, this lowers finish is as good or better than any other suppliers.

Front The front of the receiver is perfectly clean, with no manufacturing or machining marks at all. Pivot pin detent hole is clean and free of debris commonly found as a result of the finishing of the lowers.

Inside The inside of the lower is as the original mil-spec calls for. No excess metal has been left to prevent mil-spec parts from being installed, as is commonly found in Colt and postban Olympic Arms lower receivers. Installation of a lower receiver parts kit presented no problems.

Left The left side of the receiver features the serial number and manufacturer markings. All markings are smooth and even. The selector area is marked SAFE and FIRE, and the usually raised ovals around the selector are machined into half-ovals.

Right The right side of the receiver is also stamped around the selector for SAFE and FIRE; something not commonly done, but certainly a nice feature when the ambidextrous selectors are used. This lower features all of the latest improvements including the reinforced buffer-tube area and the magazine release fence.

This receiver came in a sealed plastic bag, and free from any dings or scratches to the finish. Quality, matched with affordability and immediate availability makes American Spirit Arms one of the best sources for lower receivers in 1999.

Available From: