Jp ctr-02 lower really worth 400?

chevytruck_83

Student of the sport
Full Member
Minuteman
May 3, 2013
241
60
I recently purchased a jp ctr-02 upper from a member on this site. Im super excited as it has everything and more that i wanted from an ar. When i found this upper i fully expected to get the matching jp lower for it... Till i saw that it costs 400 bare. So this brings up my question. Is the ctr-02 lower really worth 400 when you can get ones like the area 53 for 150....
 
All of the JP stuff is great, but in terms of performance, there is no on target difference between a JP forged or billet receiver (uppers and lowers). Unless you have to have them matched for the sex appeal, get a quality forged lower that will hold your trigger, stock and grip and you won't ever see any difference on target.
 
"Worth" is in the eye of the beholder. The ~$400 sticker is excessive unless you are just one of those people who insist on the collars and cuffs matching precisely on your rifle. They are nice and really do look great together (the CTR uppers/lowers that is), but not for me at least to the extent that a more basic lower for a fraction of the price with a Geissele trigger of your choosing is roughly the same price as a stripped CTR lower. Quality forged lowers can be had for ~$120 or less and billet for ~$200-250...no sense paying 2-3x the money for the JP unless you just have to have everything match and look purdy. ;)
 
My thoughts exactly. If money was unlimited i would have purchased a new complete rifle. I didnt want to lose potential by running something other then jp ctr-02. 90% sure ill be ordering the area 53. I like the oversized guard and grip on the front of the mag well. thanks for reassuring my gut feeling.
 
The JP CTR upper matched with a JP CTR lower will have a better fit (no wiggle) then if you put on a different manufacturers lower. You also have the integrated trigger guard and magwell that makes for fast magazine swaps. It really is all in the eye of the beholder; just some peoples eyes have a clearer view...