Re: Model 1 sales Ar kits
Nothing wrong with the Model 1 goodies. Bought a 16" from them a couple of years ago just to burn up as a practice upper and it did REALLY well. There were some issues with their 6.8 bolts back in the day as they were modified 223 bolts. Not the way to do it and imagine they've rectified the situation (don't know for sure). Their 223 bolts are good enough though. No need to buy an end of the world rifle if you're going plinkin'. Just ask yourself every time folks post up their rifle, "How many rounds do they shoot with such a clean (no scratches, marks, dings, etc.) rifle?".
On the Spikes Tactical lower. For all the fancy, Gucci, Joe Tactical silliness, understand that ALL...and I mean ALL, AR lowers are generally cut in one of like 6 machine shops. As long as the holes line up and are where they're supposed to be, the only decision you have to make is how much are you willing to spend on a receiver that has a spider or has a buck on it? Hell, if you wanted it to say Joe's Killer Zombie Rifle Co., you can contact LAR Grizzly (one of the larger AR lower machine houses) and if you buy like 200 (or 500) they'll put whatever you want on there.
A lot of people make a lot of money for 'ultra mega, death zombie forged' this and matched set that. Here's some info. The upper to lower fit, doesn't affect accuracy on the rifle (sights are mounted to the barrel on an AR, basically) so the "match" fit (or lack thereof) doesn't matter (ask a Highpower shooter, or just cut through it all and do what I did and ask David Tubb).
So...for the price, Spikes are awesome.
Rich
(p.s. sorry for the rant)