Spikes STLS022 Crusader Stripped Lower Receiver: The Ultimate Foundation for Your AR-15 Build

Are you embarking on the exciting journey of building your own AR-15? Perhaps you're looking to upgrade an existing rifle, or you simply demand the highest quality and versatility for your next custom firearm project. If so, the Spikes STLS022 Crusader Stripped Lower Receiver, a multi-caliber foundation engineered from robust 7075-T6 aluminum with a durable black hard coat anodized finish, stands as an unparalleled choice. This isn't just a component; it's the very heart of your future AR-15, offering the flexibility and resilience needed for a truly personalized and high-performance weapon system.

Why Choose a Stripped Lower Receiver for Your AR-15?

For many firearm enthusiasts, the decision to build an AR-15 from the ground up, starting with a stripped lower receiver, is both a rite of passage and a strategic choice. But what exactly is a stripped lower, and why would you opt for one over a complete lower?

A stripped lower receiver, like the Spikes Crusader, is the serialized component of an AR-15 platform, meaning it's the part legally considered the firearm. It comes as a bare receiver, lacking any internal components such as the trigger group, buffer tube, stock, or pistol grip. This minimalist starting point offers unparalleled advantages for the discerning builder:

• Ultimate Customization: By starting with a stripped lower, you gain complete freedom to select every other component of your rifle. This allows you to handpick the trigger that suits your shooting style, the buffer system optimized for your chosen caliber and barrel length, and the stock and grip that provide the perfect ergonomics. It's the ideal path for those who envision a truly unique AR-15 tailored precisely to their specifications and preferences.
• Cost-Effectiveness (Potentially): While the initial outlay for a stripped lower may seem modest, the ability to shop for individual components, often on sale or from various vendors, can lead to significant cost savings compared to purchasing a pre-built rifle or even a complete lower receiver.
• Deeper Understanding of the Platform: Assembling an AR-15 from a stripped lower provides invaluable insight into the mechanics and functionality of the platform. This hands-on experience not only builds confidence but also enhances your ability to troubleshoot and maintain your firearm effectively.
• Future-Proofing Your Build: The multi-caliber design of the Spikes Crusader lower means you're not locked into a single ammunition type. This versatility allows you to easily swap out upper receivers to experiment with different calibers – from the standard .223/5.56 NATO to .300 Blackout, 9mm, or even larger calibers, provided the upper receiver and magazine well are compatible.

Engineered for Excellence: The Spikes Crusader Advantage

Spikes Tactical is a name synonymous with quality, durability, and a commitment to the modern sporting rifle platform. The STLS022 Crusader Stripped Lower Receiver embodies this ethos, making it a highly sought-after component for builders ranging from first-timers to seasoned professionals.

Precision Machining and Material Superiority:
At the core of the Crusader lower's exceptional performance is its construction from 7075-T6 aluminum. This isn't just any aluminum; it's a high-strength, aerospace-grade alloy renowned for its superior toughness and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

• What is 7075-T6 Aluminum? It's an aluminum alloy with zinc as the primary alloying element. The 'T6' designation indicates that the aluminum has undergone a specific heat treatment process to achieve its maximum strength and hardness. This makes it significantly stronger than more common alloys like 6061-T6, which is often found in less demanding applications.
• Benefits for a Firearm Component: For a lower receiver, which endures significant forces during firing and cycling, 7075-T6 aluminum provides unparalleled structural integrity. It resists bending, twisting, and wear, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your firearm even under rigorous use. This material choice is a clear signal of Spikes Tactical's dedication to engineering components that can withstand the demands of real-world scenarios.

Unmatched Durability: Black Hard Coat Anodized Finish:
Beyond the strength of its base material, the Spikes Crusader lower features a black hard coat anodized finish. This isn't merely a cosmetic coating; it's a crucial layer of protection that enhances the receiver's resistance to wear, corrosion, and environmental elements.

• Understanding Hard Coat Anodizing: Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. Hard coat anodizing, specifically Type III Class 2 per MIL-A-8625 standards, creates an incredibly dense and durable ceramic-like layer that is significantly harder and more abrasion-resistant than standard anodizing.
• Protection Against the Elements: Whether you're operating in dusty desert conditions, humid environments, or simply want your rifle to maintain its pristine appearance over years of use, the hard coat anodized finish provides a robust barrier. It prevents scratches, scuffs, and safeguards the aluminum from oxidation, ensuring your receiver remains functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Enhanced Aesthetic: The deep, matte black finish not only offers superior protection but also gives the Spikes Crusader lower a sleek, professional appearance that complements any AR-15 build.

Multi-Caliber Versatility:
The designation "multi-caliber" is a key feature of the Spikes STLS022. While designed for the AR-15 platform, this lower receiver is marked to accept various calibers, offering incredible adaptability for future upgrades or specific mission requirements. This means you can confidently build a rifle chambered in:

• 5.56mm NATO / .223 Remington: The most common AR-15 calibers.
• .300 Blackout: A popular choice for suppressed shooting and improved ballistics in shorter barrels.
• 9mm (with appropriate upper and magazine conversion): For pistol caliber carbine (PCC) builds.
• And many more AR-compatible calibers: The multi-caliber marking ensures broad compatibility, offering significant flexibility for your rifle's capabilities.

This inherent versatility means your initial investment in the Spikes Crusader lower receiver is future-proof, allowing you to easily adapt your rifle's role by simply swapping out upper receiver groups.

What Do You Need to Complete Your Spikes Crusader Lower?

As a stripped lower, the Spikes STLS022 Crusader requires a few additional components to become a functional part of your AR-15. This is where the customization truly begins! To complete your lower receiver, you will need:

• A Lower Parts Kit (LPK): This comprehensive kit typically includes all the small pins, springs, detents, and the trigger group (hammer, trigger, disconnector), safety selector, magazine catch, and bolt catch. Choosing an LPK with your preferred trigger (e.g., mil-spec, two-stage, single-stage, lightweight) is a critical step in tailoring your rifle.
• Buffer Assembly: This includes the buffer tube (receiver extension), buffer spring, and buffer weight. The type of buffer assembly will depend on your chosen stock and the caliber/gas system of your upper receiver.
• Stock: From fixed A2 stocks to collapsible M4-style stocks or adjustable precision stocks, your choice will impact ergonomics, length of pull, and overall rifle balance.

Remember, the beauty of building with a stripped lower is that you can select each of these components individually to perfectly match your shooting style, comfort, and the intended use of your AR-15.

Answering Your Questions About AR-15 Lowers

When considering an AR-15 stripped lower, common questions often arise:

• "Is building an AR-15 difficult?" While it requires attention to detail and some basic tools, assembling an AR-15 lower is a rewarding process that many first-time builders successfully complete. There are numerous online tutorials and resources available to guide you. The Spikes Crusader is designed for straightforward assembly, adhering to standard MIL-SPEC dimensions for broad compatibility.
• "What tools do I need for assembly?" Essential tools typically include an AR-15 armorer's wrench, a vise block (lower receiver block), a hammer (preferably brass or nylon), roll pin punches, and a torque wrench. These tools are readily available for purchase.
• "How important is the lower receiver's quality?" Extremely important. The lower receiver is the foundation of your AR-15. Its dimensional accuracy, material strength, and finish directly impact the reliability, durability, and overall function of your assembled rifle. Opting for a reputable manufacturer like Spikes Tactical ensures you start with a high-quality component.
• "What's the best finish for an AR-15 lower?" Hard coat anodizing, specifically MIL-SPEC Type III Class 2, is widely considered the industry standard and best practice for aluminum lower receivers. It provides superior wear and corrosion resistance compared to other finishes.
• "Can I legally build an AR-15 with a stripped lower?" Yes, provided you comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm possession and assembly. Since the stripped lower is the serialized part, it must be purchased through a Federal Firearm License (FFL) holder, just like a complete firearm.

The Spikes Tactical Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

Spikes Tactical has built a formidable reputation in the firearms industry for producing high-quality, durable, and innovative AR platform components. Their commitment to stringent quality control, precision manufacturing, and the use of premium materials like 7075-T6 aluminum ensures that every product, including the Crusader stripped lower, meets the demanding standards of modern shooters. The distinctive "Crusader" shield logo, often found on their lowers, symbolizes strength, protection, and unwavering resolve – qualities reflected in the receiver itself. Choosing a Spikes Tactical lower means investing in a foundation built for performance and longevity.

In summary, the Spikes STLS022 Crusader Stripped Lower Receiver offers an unparalleled starting point for any AR-15 enthusiast. Its multi-caliber capability, aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and robust hard coat anodized finish combine to create a durable, versatile, and highly customizable foundation. Whether you are a first-time builder eager to learn the platform, or a seasoned gunsmith seeking the ultimate in customizability and reliability, the Crusader lower empowers you to build the AR-15 of your dreams with confidence.

Characteristic	Detail
Brand	Spikes Tactical
Series / Model	Stripped Lower Receiver / Crusader
Firearm Fit	AR-15
Receiver Type	Stripped
Receiver Material	7075-T6 Aluminum
Receiver Finish	Black Hard Coat Anodized
Weight	8.60 oz
UPC	855319005075
SKU / MPN	STLS022