Best 3 or 4 AR15 Upper Receiver Types?

[David Milisock]

most likely 2 223s but maybe a 6.5 Grendel

The 5.56 or 223 will have a multitude of quality parts available, the 6.5 Grendel and in case you look to 6MM share a common requirement to research your build and make sure you adhere to procedures used by successful builders and manufacturers.

I will say the Aero Precision M4E I got in 6MM ARC is a fine rifle, I bought a factory assembled upper.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

Take a look at Gibbz Arms side chargers. I really like all of mine.

 

[ebb]

Ok here goes, Ive been looking and have questions. Wilde comes in set only, I already have lowers. Loved that they are owned by veterans. BCM like the description, but is it a thick walled receiver? BCA rocket removed from list, was this due to it not being a thick-walled receiver? Rock River EOP could not find this on rock River site, is it still made? Aero enhanced really liked it but thought the handguard mount system might limit me to a hard to find and expensive handguard. Vltor made no mention if it was a thick walled receiver but mentioned that the shell deflector was pinned on and would void warranty if removed. I liked the idea of the Nordic being extruded and they stated that if you were building a bench gun or varmint rifle it was the one to use, so I assume it is thick walled. no dust cover , but uses a standard charging handle. It was reasonably priced. I would think that being extruded it would be stronger and less apt to have metallurgical issues, but what do i know.

 

[ebb]

When i started this question i was hoping everyone would say the same thing and it would be easy, but like all things firearm nothing about it is easy. Thanks for the help

 

[Rocketvapor]

I removed the BCA from the list since most folks won't consider it being in the top tyre.
You asked for the best.
I like the extra thickness from the nose to the back.
7075 and over 10oz for a stripped upper.
Being cheap I also like the $100 price tag for the upper and BCG.
I think BCA has improved the quality of their products lately.

Everything about my favorite AR was cheap
Liked it so much I made a similar one for the wife.
She does OK with it.

 

[alf]

Take a look at Gibbz Arms side chargers. I really like all of mine.

I just picked up my third.....Imma fan......

 

[ebb]

I would be all over a BCA upper receiver but I have no idea if it has the thicker design I am looking for. I am looking for a thick rigid upper that will perform, not a name that will impress at sniper's hide. Unless anybody can give me a reason not to I am liking the Nordic.

 

[stavey]

Aero precision is what Compass Lake Engineering uses, or used to use . I believe it’s also what Craddock precision uses. That’s the 2 top AR upper builders in the country, that I can think of. You can spend more but that doesn’t mean it will perform any differently. Looks like Craddock still sells them. Currently out of stock. Spend the money saved on a good barrel.

 

[Fuj]

Here's my RRA_EOP upper. Even with the higher mount I can
still slam the scope height with the Burris Extreme low mounts.
Scope is a 4.5-30x50 Bushnell XRS Elite.

Truthfully, you do not need to go nuts on a heavier upper. Get the
most perfectly mated fit between the upper and lower and a properly
chambered Krieger.

 

[Rocketvapor]

ONLY BECAUSE YOU ASKED


The Nordic is also a heavy walled upper receiver and not that expensive. Web site lists it @ 10 oz.
and, it does not need an allen wrench.

https://msrarms.com/products/nordic-components-nc15-extruded-upper-receiver/

Now we get into barrels

 

[David Milisock]

When i started this question i was hoping everyone would say the same thing and it would be easy, but like at things firearm nothing about it is easy. Thanks for the help

I understand your situation completely, I researched for nearly a year before settling on my Aero Precision complete upper. Then onced ordered I was settling into a dissatisfaction mode so I would get what I figured.

Lucky it came in with their M4E lower and shot on average 1/2" groups. Now I'm OK. The AR market unfortunately is a mess.

 

[Rocketvapor]

You don't need a heavy upper receiver. I picked one because my barrel is 5.3 pounds and figured a little more aluminum would help. Both rifles are right close to 17 pounds each, about 20 pounds with a home made bipod..
The barrel you pick will make more of a difference in group size.
The wife and I don't regularly do 1/2 inch groups. Closer to an MOA. Maybe with a little more practice
This was 100 yards yesterday at Soarsa Acres range near me.
Wife on the left target, me on the right. Little red dot is 0.6"
Wife is using a Bushnell XRS-2, 4.5-30X56 FFP, I used my new scope an Athlon Cronus BTR Gen2, 4.5-29X56 FFP. Shooting Berger 85.5s @ 2970fps or so.





If I were you, I would go with the Nordic instead of the BCA. Pick a good BCG/Bolt, a good trigger, and a good barrel. Pick the BCA and you will blame me.

 

[jepp2]

Looking to build 2 uppers for accuracy and i have heard that some are thicker than others and more rigid for a precision upper. Is a forward assist a waste of time and money?

Lot more to it than just the upper you select. I try and follow as many of these as I can.

https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2015/05/what-makes-an-ar-accurate-whitley-offers-answers/

 

[ebb]

Rocketvapor the two that you posted that are cut in two, what brands are they I must have missed it somehow?

 

[ebb]

Yes Jepp2 All the parts make a whole. I have retied because i am too crippled to work anymore and i must collect the parts as I can afford them and this is the first part that I can build on. Uppers are ready and this is the next in the many steps. I have done a bunch of lowers and bought assembled uppers, but this will be my first upper.

 

[ebb]

Rocketvapor I had a heavy barrel DPMS varminter that I got used 15 or 20 years ago. It would do a little less than MOA but it has been shot so much I fear the barrel is gone. The friend i bought it from replaced the barrel on a upper he had that was shoot out with an AR Stoner barrel and he says it's the most accurate he has ever owned with maybe the exception of a Colt Hbar he gave his son. i have no idea where to look for a barrel but half the fun is in the details.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Rocketvapor the two that you posted that are cut in two, what brands are they I must have missed it somehow?

Cut in half?
The two that I posted are a BCA and an Anderson sporter (I think).
The problem with Stoner parts is you can't tell where they came from.
Sometimes good stuff at a good price, sometimes not.
I shop them a lot but not for barrels.

What kind of shooting do you plan?

 

[butchlambert]

I think the first 3 or 4 were done by John Holliger at White Oak. Bamban built my Wife's and my Nephew's upper. If I needed one and Nez couldn't do it, I would definitely call White Oak.

 

[Woofie]

Seekins without shadow of a doubt

 

[jepp2]

but this will be my first upper.

Enjoy and learn. I have demonstrated the accuracy difference of the gas tube being centered (exactly) vs it not being exactly centered, so pay particular attention to this. My best shoorting AR has a Krieger single point cut barrel on it, chambered by Krieger.