Ambi lower selection - input?

[FUNCTIONAL]

Think I'm going to build a nice pinned 14.5 with lpvo as a do all rifle. I either have 10.5 or 18" spr and want something in the middle that doesn't need a tax stamp.

Debating going ambi on the lower to be a little Gucci but to be honest I can see some benefits of actually having a ambi mag release and bolt stop. The only reason I'd want an ambi bolt stop is to make it easier to lock back the bolt manually.

Can anyone tell me about the ambi bolt stop controls on any of these 3 and their input on the lowers in general? If you have a recommendation for another lower I'm all ears. Honestly the sr15 ambi lower is ideal in my eyes but I'm not paying the cost of what those go for.

LMT Mars L
PWS mk1 mode
ADM uic

If it matters it is going to get a stripped colt upper.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

I'd go ADM, but it's the one I have the most experience with and they're kinda local to me, so I'm biased.

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

If you want really gucci, check out the Radian lower. Full ambi controls and the right side mag release also doubles as bolt stop.


Personally, I run regular non ambi controls on work rifles. The ambi safety gets in the way for me on the right side. And haven't found a situation yet where the other ambi controls would make or break something.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

@Rio Precision Gunworks I looked at the radian and it's the most streamlined of the group but I'm not really looking to spend $500+ on a lower. Gucci may not have been the right word, just looking for the ambi features possibly.

As for the selector I agree, I'll likely switch that out for a one sided or the one with the mini shaved right side version at the most. I've always run standard receivers as well but the bolt stop features are appealing to be able to lock the bolt when pulling the charging handle without having to remove my hand from the grip. A BAD style lever would do it but starting fresh I thought maybe look at Ambi.

I'm not convinced but thought I'd get some feedback.

 

[LRRPF52]

I have the ADM UIC and SilencerCo billet ambi lowers.

ADM UIC is nice because they isolated the ambi bolt hold/catch/release mass, which has proven to cause lack of hold-open with some mags in other designs apparently. PMAGs usually lock most ambi systems back, but some guys have experienced failure to LRBHO with GI aluminum mags in certain lowers with ambi catch features due to the added weight of the catch itself. ADM UIC has a really light ambi catch system.

Here it is on a 10.5” Grendel:

 

[Graves14]

I've been extremely happy with the PWS Mk 1 Mod 2 ambi lower. The design of the controls is very intuitive and I love being able to lock or release the bolt without having to break my grip. I used to use Magpul BAD levers but this is a way cleaner solution.

 

[Stone111]

LWRC full ambi lowers are the bomb... Pretty much switched all mine out for those, Rooftop defense has the best prices...
He is OOS right now but should have more soon, they sell out fast...
https://www.rooftopdefense.com/product-brands/lwrc/

 

[RUTGERS95]

I like the LMT and LWRC ambi lowers. have not played with the ADM so can't comment on that. Given LMT QC issues I'd go lwrc

 

[gro]

Another vote for adm.

Ambi bolt catch/release is easy to reach and activate, and a little different motion then pushing in, so you don't accidentally hit the mag release instead during a drill in front of the whole carbine class...not that I would know anything about that ( "cough" "KAC").

Obviously can be trained around, but ADM seems more intuitive to me personally. Haven't used the LMT or PWS lowers.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Honestly looking harder into it all I'm leaning towards QDM/Griffin mk2. I like the bolt catch design and the port side mag release is nicely tucked away.

I'm also considering just using a standard lower and getting a nicer bolt catch that has the 2 pads instead of the standard 1 pad and nub. As much as an ambi would be cool I'm struggling to come up with a scenario where it would honestly be needed.

 

[Maurygold]

Honestly looking harder into it all I'm leaning towards QDM/Griffin mk2. I like the bolt catch design and the port side mag release is nicely tucked away.

I'm also considering just using a standard lower and getting a nicer bolt catch that has the 2 pads instead of the standard 1 pad and nub. As much as an ambi would be cool I'm struggling to come up with a scenario where it would honestly be needed.

Don’t do this. Lmt or radian are the way.

 

[bigjake83]

I use the PWS Mk 1 Mod 2 on all of my conventional builds with VLOR uppers. Thier Ambi controls are almost identical to the SR15 with a few added bonuses.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Honestly looking harder into it all I'm leaning towards QDM/Griffin mk2. I like the bolt catch design and the port side mag release is nicely tucked away.

I'm also considering just using a standard lower and getting a nicer bolt catch that has the 2 pads instead of the standard 1 pad and nub. As much as an ambi would be cool I'm struggling to come up with a scenario where it would honestly be needed.

GA makes a nice looking lower. Apparently GA designed the ADM lower.

 

[LRRPF52]

LWRC full ambi lowers are the bomb... Pretty much switched all mine out for those, Rooftop defense has the best prices...
He is OOS right now but should have more soon, they sell out fast...
https://www.rooftopdefense.com/product-brands/lwrc/

Do they ever get LWRC Six8 Receivers in?

 

[Stone111]

No idea brother, shoot him an email he is a good dude.

 

[tom12.7]

The LWRC full ambi and the LMT MARS-L are the best options for that style catch/ release until we see the KS lowers hit the market. If you prefer the 416A5 catch/ release, the Sig SDI X-Series ambi lowers are a nice option.

 

[tucaz]

LWRC full ambi lowers are the bomb... Pretty much switched all mine out for those, Rooftop defense has the best prices...
He is OOS right now but should have more soon, they sell out fast...
https://www.rooftopdefense.com/product-brands/lwrc/

that’s not a bad price for an LW. i think i paid more from a local dude years ago to split his off the upper.

its served me well and has 8-9000 rounds on it without issues on the ambi controls.

 

[ut755ln]

Think I'm going to build a nice pinned 14.5 with lpvo as a do all rifle. I either have 10.5 or 18" spr and want something in the middle that doesn't need a tax stamp.

Debating going ambi on the lower to be a little Gucci but to be honest I can see some benefits of actually having a ambi mag release and bolt stop. The only reason I'd want an ambi bolt stop is to make it easier to lock back the bolt manually.

Can anyone tell me about the ambi bolt stop controls on any of these 3 and their input on the lowers in general? If you have a recommendation for another lower I'm all ears. Honestly the sr15 ambi lower is ideal in my eyes but I'm not paying the cost of what those go for.

LMT Mars L
PWS mk1 mode
ADM uic

If it matters it is going to get a stripped colt upper.

I think LMT is the right answer as all the parts in their ambi lower are 100% USGI. Everyone else has some kind of proprietary parts.

 

[B4forever]

If there’s an ambi lower that’s more beautiful/functional than a Radian I’m not aware of it. That being said, I don’t think it would look great paired with a Colt upper. If I’m not running a Radian lower, I run mil-spec style lowers with a talon safety and BAD lever.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

I'm actually leaning LMT currently if I do an ambi.

Anyone have issues with the ambi bolt catch (starboard side) catching on crap? I'm going to guess no more than the port side, which is never?

 

[ut755ln]

I'm actually leaning LMT currently if I do an ambi.

Anyone have issues with the ambi bolt catch (starboard side) catching on crap? I'm going to guess no more than the port side, which is never?

I have not but I am not wearing a plate carrier with 50 velcro attachments either.

 

[JS8588]

Just going to add this to the conversation.

UTG PRO AR-15 Ambi Billet Lower Receiver [FC-4717385557369]

Cheaper Than Dirt! is America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter, and we live up to that title. Expect bulk ammo deals, discount firearms, parts to build your next gun and more.

www.cheaperthandirt.com

 

[JS8588]

I'm actually leaning LMT currently if I do an ambi.

Anyone have issues with the ambi bolt catch (starboard side) catching on crap? I'm going to guess no more than the port side, which is never?

So, what did you end up doing?

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

So, what did you end up doing?

I did a massive overhaul on my ARs and I built off a gray ghost set. Not ambi. Every ambi I came across had + and - and I figured stick with what I know.

 

[Jack's Dad]

Griffin arms is OEM for adm if it hasn't already been stated

 

[bigjake83]

Just finished this the other day, not a full ambi but she'll do.

 

[tucaz]

I did a massive overhaul on my ARs and I built off a gray ghost set. Not ambi. Every ambi I came across had + and - and I figured stick with what I know.

what do you consider the minuses of ambi’s?

i only have LWRC’s and i can’t think of any minuses as the bolt drop paddle and fenced mag release are perfect for me.

 

[ut755ln]

what do you consider the minuses of ambi’s?

i only have LWRC’s and i can’t think of any minuses as the bolt drop paddle and fenced mag release are perfect for me.

1) More potential failure points 2) This is a preference thing but I like slab sided lowers. I index my trigger finger a lot going from safe to hot and I do not like bumping into things.

 

[putput30]

I have an ADM lower that I basically rotate between my uppers now. Very intuitive and hard to accidentally bump into. I would recommend it. I will say ambi in the grand scheme of things isn’t too major. I haven’t had the situation where I actually needed it but it’s fun to play with imo.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

what do you consider the minuses of ambi’s?

i only have LWRC’s and i can’t think of any minuses as the bolt drop paddle and fenced mag release are perfect for me.

Just personal preference on design honestly. The ideal ambi lower for me is a KAC and I'm not forking out the money people want for those. The next closest was lmt which I could live with but I'm not a fan of a full bolt release/catch on the right side.

All the other ones I either liked the ambi mag or the ambi release but not both. I may eventually pick one up but I've not had issues with standard lowers in my shooting so far to "need" an ambi.