A stealth lower is an AR-15 lower receiver that comes without a manufacturer’s logo or branding on the exterior. The term is most commonly associated with Palmetto State Armory (PSA), which sells “stealth” versions of its lowers that are functionally identical to its branded models but lack the company’s cross cannons logo. The receiver itself is the same; the only difference is cosmetic.
Why Choose an Unbranded Receiver
Some builders prefer a clean, unmarked look on their rifle. A stealth lower gives you a blank canvas if you plan to cerakote, laser engrave your own design, or simply want a minimalist aesthetic without advertising the manufacturer. Others choose stealth lowers because they’re building a rifle with mixed parts from different brands and don’t want one company’s logo front and center on the finished product.
It’s worth noting that “stealth” doesn’t mean the receiver has no markings at all. Federal law requires every lower receiver manufactured or imported by a licensed dealer to carry a serial number, the manufacturer’s name (or an abbreviation), and their city and state. These markings must be engraved or stamped to a minimum depth of .003 inch, with the serial number printed no smaller than 1/16 inch. So a stealth lower still has legally required identification. It just skips the optional decorative logo or rollmark that companies use for branding.
How Stealth Lowers Compare Functionally
A stealth lower from a given manufacturer uses the same material, machining process, and dimensional specs as its branded counterpart. At PSA, for example, the stealth and classic lowers are the same receiver. The classic has the cross cannons logo engraved on the magwell; the stealth does not. Internal dimensions, pin hole spacing, and compatibility with standard parts kits are identical.
Most AR-15 lower receivers, stealth or otherwise, are forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. This alloy has a yield strength of about 73,000 psi, nearly double the 40,000 psi of 6061-T6 aluminum, which is used in some budget or specialty receivers. The forging process aligns the metal’s grain structure to the shape of the receiver, giving it better resistance to impacts and rough handling compared to billet-machined alternatives.
Billet lowers, which are carved from a solid block of aluminum, don’t have that same grain alignment, making them slightly weaker pound for pound. In practice, both forged and billet receivers are extremely durable, and neither is likely to be the weak link in your rifle. The more important consideration with billet lowers is compatibility: they don’t always match mil-spec dimensions, so pairing a billet lower with an upper from a different manufacturer can result in a loose or overly tight fit. Forged mil-spec lowers, including stealth versions, are designed to be interchangeable across manufacturers.
Surface Finish and Protection
Stealth lowers receive the same protective coating as their branded siblings. Most quality AR-15 receivers use Type III hardcoat anodizing, a process governed by the military standard MIL-A-8625. This treatment builds up the naturally thin oxide layer on aluminum (normally just 2 to 3 nanometers) to around 50 micrometers, or about 2 thousandths of an inch. The result is a hard, corrosion-resistant surface that holds up well to scratches, chemicals, and weather exposure. The standard anodize color is black, though the bare surface also accepts cerakote and other custom finishes easily.
What to Check Before Buying
Since a stealth lower lacks obvious branding, you’ll want to verify the source before purchasing. Reputable sellers list the actual manufacturer on the product page even when the receiver itself is unmarked. Check that the listing specifies 7075-T6 aluminum (not 6061), forged construction if that matters to you, and mil-spec dimensions. Mil-spec tolerances on critical features like pin holes typically fall within .002 to .006 inches; anything machined outside that range can cause fitment problems with triggers, safeties, and other lower parts kit components.
If you’re buying a complete stealth lower (one that comes pre-assembled with a stock, buffer tube, grip, and trigger), confirm which fire control group is installed. Budget complete lowers often ship with a basic mil-spec trigger, which is perfectly functional but noticeably gritty compared to aftermarket options. Since the lower is the serialized part of the rifle and the only component that requires a background check for purchase, buying a complete stealth lower can simplify your build by reducing the number of separate parts you need to source and install.
Stealth lowers are typically priced the same as or slightly below their branded equivalents. The absence of a logo doesn’t reflect a difference in quality, materials, or manufacturing process. It’s purely an aesthetic choice.