AR side charging uppers
- Thread starter dtucker
- Start date
Dan,
Both 6061 and 7075 are just fine for parts of this type. Both manufacturers use T6 grade aluminum which has a high tensile strength. 7075 is a bit stronger due to the addition of zinc in the alloy content, which also makes it a bit more brittle. 7075 is also close to double the cost in material cost due to the zinc and higher copper content.
I think the more important features of a billet upper are; how are the tolerances and how good is the anodized finish. Both Mega and Sun Devil provide a very good product that will last a lifetime as long as you don't run over them with a bulldozer.
JS
Both 6061 and 7075 are just fine for parts of this type. Both manufacturers use T6 grade aluminum which has a high tensile strength. 7075 is a bit stronger due to the addition of zinc in the alloy content, which also makes it a bit more brittle. 7075 is also close to double the cost in material cost due to the zinc and higher copper content.
I think the more important features of a billet upper are; how are the tolerances and how good is the anodized finish. Both Mega and Sun Devil provide a very good product that will last a lifetime as long as you don't run over them with a bulldozer.
JS
Quentin and Sun Devil mill but they don't anodize. So, it's possible when you hear they just got a bunch in, they are back from the anodizer.
The early Sun Devil uppers and lowers had a good deal of slop. He originally started making just lowers and he spec'd them to fit a wide variety of uppers. When he made uppers, they were spec'd the same thus added slop to fit everything (not that it really makes a difference). Not sure how his uppers to lowers mate now, but you may want to request a matched tight fitting set if he actually makes such a thing. Mega has always been tight from the sets I own and so are Quentin, as Quentin makes complete guns and he doesn't like slop.
The early Sun Devil uppers and lowers had a good deal of slop. He originally started making just lowers and he spec'd them to fit a wide variety of uppers. When he made uppers, they were spec'd the same thus added slop to fit everything (not that it really makes a difference). Not sure how his uppers to lowers mate now, but you may want to request a matched tight fitting set if he actually makes such a thing. Mega has always been tight from the sets I own and so are Quentin, as Quentin makes complete guns and he doesn't like slop.
I really thought I needed a side charger, so I milled my own froma LoPro upper. I got tired of having to unscrew the charging bolt to remove the bolt for cleaning or jams etc.
A left side charger with a milled catch in the bolt I believe is a much better idea. Then the charging knob moves in a slide raceway and stays with the upper. Bolt can then be removed without tools.
Like a FAL..
A left side charger with a milled catch in the bolt I believe is a much better idea. Then the charging knob moves in a slide raceway and stays with the upper. Bolt can then be removed without tools.
Like a FAL..
Mistake Corrected:
I just realized that I made a mistake in my last post. The upper receivers that I offer are NOT $430, the are $345. It includes a Mega billet receiver, PROPERLY modified bolt carrier assembly (complete with bolt), and charge handle block piece.
It is the best you can buy anywhere and priced right!
The higher price is for the left handed receiver due to the higher cost of parts. Sorry for the typo.
ddkearney,
For the record, Robert does not perform the modification and to my belief, the smith that does it for him does not use a carbide tap which is very evident from the improperly threaded hole in the carrier. Also, some have the holes located too low to work with a Mega SBU upper. I know these things first hand from the several that I have gotten in to repair the tapered thread channel that is the result of using HS tooling on a carburized part. Carbide taps are very expensive and are very brittle resulting in easy breakage if not used properly, but if you want the job done properly, you must use proper tooling. I have broken more than one 1/4-28 tap a few years ago to the tune of $125+ each, but have since gotten very efficient in using them which results in a perfect threaded hole in a hard piece every single time.
JS
I just realized that I made a mistake in my last post. The upper receivers that I offer are NOT $430, the are $345. It includes a Mega billet receiver, PROPERLY modified bolt carrier assembly (complete with bolt), and charge handle block piece.
It is the best you can buy anywhere and priced right!
The higher price is for the left handed receiver due to the higher cost of parts. Sorry for the typo.
ddkearney,
For the record, Robert does not perform the modification and to my belief, the smith that does it for him does not use a carbide tap which is very evident from the improperly threaded hole in the carrier. Also, some have the holes located too low to work with a Mega SBU upper. I know these things first hand from the several that I have gotten in to repair the tapered thread channel that is the result of using HS tooling on a carburized part. Carbide taps are very expensive and are very brittle resulting in easy breakage if not used properly, but if you want the job done properly, you must use proper tooling. I have broken more than one 1/4-28 tap a few years ago to the tune of $125+ each, but have since gotten very efficient in using them which results in a perfect threaded hole in a hard piece every single time.
JS
i have used these upper and lower receivers on several builds. very happy with the quality.
https://www.cmttac.com/AR-15-Receivers?product_id=122
https://www.cmttac.com/AR-15-Receivers?product_id=122
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Surely by now he found one.
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