

Spikes STLS016 Calico Jack Stripped Lower Receiver Multi-Caliber 7075-T6 Aluminum Black Anodized for AR-15
$93.39
Please Allow 4-5 Business Days for In Store Pickup
Building Your Foundation: The Spike's Tactical Calico Jack Stripped Lower Receiver for AR-15
For anyone embarking on the journey of custom AR-15 rifle building, selecting the right lower receiver is the critical first step. It's not merely a component; it's the legal foundation of your firearm, the serial-numbered heart around which your entire rifle will take shape. Whether you're a seasoned gunsmith, a competitive shooter, a tactical enthusiast, or a first-time builder, the pursuit of a reliable, high-performance, and aesthetically pleasing rifle begins here. The Spike's Tactical Calico Jack Stripped Lower Receiver stands out as an exceptional choice, offering a blend of robust construction, versatile compatibility, and a distinctive visual identity that many builders seek.
Why Choose a Stripped Lower Receiver?
Many prospective rifle owners might wonder, "Why opt for a stripped lower receiver instead of a complete lower or a factory-built rifle?" The answer lies in the unparalleled freedom of customization and the intrinsic value of building a firearm tailored precisely to your needs and preferences.
- Ultimate Customization: A stripped lower receiver like the Spike's Tactical Calico Jack provides a blank canvas. You get to select every single component that goes into the lower, from the trigger group and pistol grip to the buffer tube, buffer, spring, and stock. This allows for fine-tuning ergonomics, trigger feel, and overall functionality to match your shooting style, hand size, and intended use.
- Cost-Effectiveness (Often): While the initial outlay for parts might seem significant, building an AR-15 from a stripped lower can often be more economical in the long run than purchasing a complete rifle, especially if you're patient and shop for sales on individual components. It also allows you to upgrade specific parts over time without replacing the entire unit.
- Deep Understanding of Your Firearm: Assembling your own AR-15 fosters an intimate understanding of its mechanics. This knowledge is invaluable for maintenance, troubleshooting, and future modifications. It’s an empowering and educational experience that deepens your appreciation for firearm engineering.
- Compliance and Modularity: For those living in areas with specific firearm regulations, a stripped lower can be the starting point for a compliant build, allowing the builder to ensure all other components adhere to local laws. Its modular design inherently supports various configurations, from standard carbines to pistol builds (where legal and properly registered) or even dedicated pistol caliber carbine (PCC) setups.
Unpacking the Spike's Tactical Calico Jack Lower: Features and Benefits
The Spike's Tactical Calico Jack stripped lower receiver (SKU: STLS016) is engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern AR-15 platforms. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, it embodies the qualities essential for a reliable and durable firearm foundation.
- Premium Material Construction (7075-T6 Aluminum): The heart of any robust lower receiver is its material. The Calico Jack is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum, an aerospace-grade alloy renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and superior resistance to stress cracking. This material is significantly stronger than the more commonly used 6061 aluminum, ensuring that your lower receiver can withstand the rigorous demands of sustained firing, harsh environments, and long-term use without compromise. This choice of material signals a commitment to durability and longevity, making it a trusted choice for serious builders.
- Durable Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish: The receiver features a Mil-Spec Type III hard coat anodized finish in matte black. This industrial-grade coating provides an extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant surface. It protects the aluminum from the elements, prevents wear from handling and other components, and ensures a uniform, non-reflective appearance that seamlessly integrates with other AR-15 parts. This finish isn't just cosmetic; it's a critical layer of protection for the life of your firearm.
- Multi-Caliber Compatibility: A key advantage of the Calico Jack lower is its "Multi-Caliber" designation. This means the receiver itself is designed to accept various upper receivers chambered in different calibers that are compatible with the AR-15 platform. While typically used for popular rifle calibers like .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO and .300 Blackout, it can also serve as the foundation for builds chambered in pistol calibers such as 9mm, .45 ACP, or 10mm when paired with appropriate magazine well adapters and upper receivers. This versatility future-proofs your investment, allowing you to reconfigure your rifle for different shooting disciplines or ammunition types without needing to purchase a new serialized lower.
- Low Shelf Design: The "low shelf" design feature refers to the internal machining of the lower receiver in the area where the trigger group is installed. This specific cut allows for compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket triggers, including those with full-auto or select-fire components (where legally permitted for Registered Destructive Devices (RDIAS) and other NFA items). For most civilian builders, this ensures maximum compatibility with high-performance aftermarket triggers, offering greater flexibility in achieving a desired trigger pull and feel.
- RDIAS Compatible: For licensed manufacturers and individuals with proper NFA registration, the Calico Jack's design is RDIAS (Registered Drop-In Auto Sear) compatible. This feature, while not applicable to the vast majority of civilian owners due to legal restrictions, speaks to the receiver's adherence to military-spec dimensions and precision engineering, reinforcing its robust and compliant construction.
- Iconic Calico Jack Logo: Beyond its functional superiority, the Spike's Tactical Calico Jack receiver is instantly recognizable by its distinctive engraved pirate flag logo. This unique aesthetic element adds a touch of personality and flair to your custom build, setting it apart from generic lowers. It's a statement piece for builders who appreciate both performance and character in their firearms.
The Building Process: What You Need to Complete Your Lower
The Spike's Tactical Calico Jack is a stripped lower, meaning it's the fundamental part, but it requires additional components to become a functional firearm. This is where your customization journey truly begins. To complete this lower receiver, you will need to acquire:
- Lower Parts Kit (LPK): This comprehensive kit typically includes all the small springs, pins, detents, the bolt catch, magazine release, safety selector, trigger group (hammer, trigger, disconnector), and pistol grip. Selecting a quality LPK is crucial for reliable operation. Many manufacturers offer enhanced or specialty LPKs with improved triggers or ergonomic grips.
- Buffer Tube (Receiver Extension): This tube threads into the rear of the lower receiver and houses the buffer and buffer spring. It can be a fixed or collapsible (adjustable) type, depending on your stock choice.
- Buffer and Buffer Spring: These components work together within the buffer tube to absorb recoil and cycle the action of the rifle. The weight of the buffer and the strength of the spring are often tuned to the specific caliber and gas system of your upper receiver for optimal performance.
- Stock: The stock attaches to the buffer tube and provides a stable point of contact for the shooter. Options range from fixed A2-style stocks to adjustable carbine stocks, minimalist designs, or specialized precision stocks. Your choice here will significantly impact the rifle's ergonomics and feel.
Purchasing these components separately allows you to select exactly what you want, from a crisp, lightweight trigger for precision shooting to a rugged, adjustable stock for dynamic operations.
Why Builders Trust Spike's Tactical
Spike's Tactical has earned a strong reputation within the firearms community for producing high-quality, durable, and reliable AR-15 components. Their commitment to manufacturing excellence, often exceeding military specifications, ensures that products like the Calico Jack lower receiver meet the expectations of discerning builders. They are known for rigorous quality control and a design philosophy that prioritizes both functional performance and distinctive aesthetics. When you choose a Spike's Tactical lower, you're investing in a product designed for longevity and consistent performance, a foundational piece that will reliably serve as the core of your custom AR-15 for years to come. These products are readily available for builders looking to source the best components at trusted retailers like DEGuns.
The Spike's Tactical Calico Jack Stripped Lower Receiver represents an ideal starting point for anyone looking to build a personalized AR-15. Its robust 7075-T6 aluminum construction, hard coat anodized finish, multi-caliber compatibility, and iconic styling make it a top-tier choice for a wide range of custom projects. By selecting this lower, builders gain the freedom to craft a rifle perfectly suited to their specific needs, preferences, and shooting goals, ensuring a reliable and high-performing firearm from the ground up.
Product Specifications
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Brand | Spikes Tactical |
Series | Stripped Lower Receiver |
Model | Calico Jack |
Firearm Fit | AR-15 |
Platform | AR-Style |
Type | Stripped |
Material | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
Finish | Black Anodized |
Trigger | None |
Weight | 8.60 oz |
SKU | STLS016 |
UPC | 855319005020 |
MPN | STLS016 |
Specifications
Explore the specific details and characteristics
- CATEGORY
- LOWERS
- BRAND
- Spikes
- MODEL
- ST15 CALICO JACK
- TYPE
- STRIPPED
- GUN TYPE
- AR PLATFORM
- MATERIAL
- 7075 ALUMINUM
- FINISH
- BLACK HARDCOAT ANODIZED
- TRIGGER
- NONE
- SKU
- STLS016
- UPC
- 855319005020
- MPN
- STLS016