Best 3 or 4 AR15 Upper Receiver Types?

[Kurz]

What's the best or the best 3 or 4 upper receivers for an AR15​

This type of question usually turns into a popularity contest. We all want to believe that we chose and purchased the best of nearly every component no matter if it's AR or Bolt Action. I like the fact that https://forum.accurateshooter.com/members/rocketvapor.1313157/ came back with a more than reasonable explanation and conclusion about his choice and assembly technique.

Originally I used the POF .308 uppers/lowers kits for accuracy packages. The fit of the extension in the upper was tight. But, along with the other quality features of manufacturing, these kits were capable of astonishing accuracy when combined with Bartlein barrels and custom ammunition. There are videos posted on YouTube which demonstrate this clearly.

If you want the best accuracy available, have a known AR gunsmith create your rifle. Or determine what your actual accuracy requirements are. If you choose to build on your own with parts you select, use the guidelines which offer the guidance necessary to prevent lesser choices.

Above all, enjoy the process!

 

[Rocketvapor]

My requirements for an accurate AR may seem out of line with many recommendations.
I want an AR that I put together, just the scientist and experimenter in me.
I do seem to gravitate to underdogs, red headed step children.
I shoot a 22 Nosler in F-Open (a No-gas upper) Now have the wife on board (wife has gas).
Take my word for it, a 22N is NOT competitive in F-Class Midrange but I shoot for fun and to improve MY skills.
My pick of a side charge upper just fits better for prone Belly Benchrest and the extra metal holding a 28", 1:7, 5R, .219/.224, 5.3 pound bull barrel seemed like a no brainer. I have other lighter uppers in 5.56 but for Mid and Long Range the 22N seems to reach out better. Loaded long with heavy bullets even better than it's little brother the 224V

Best? Nope.
Here's my old upper (about 2500 rounds) about to be replaced with another kitchen build.

I'm almost a 1 MOA shooter (still get some 9s @ 600)
100 yard load experiment pic (5 shot groups). Black arrows are scope adjustments, red marks didn't make 1 MOA.

Didn't have enough quarters handy to cover all the groups.

 

[Sandstorm]

What bullet powder combo do you prefer in the 22N for 600yds.?

 

[Liven The Dream]

Areo .........

 

[Rocketvapor]

What bullet powder combo do you prefer in the 22N for 600yds.?

The 100 yd target shown was with bullets labeled and IMR 4350, about 2850fps with the 88s.
I'm currently working with Berger 85.5 and 88ELD with Staball 6.5.
If I go over 3000fps with either groups open up so 2970fps is where I'm at now.
I'm shooting 32.4 grains in the No-gas with Dogtown brass and 31.4 in 22 Nosgar (6mm Hagar using a 6.8 bolt) in the wife's gas gun.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Here's the List
Defiance Machine
LAR
MEGA
Lantec
IRMT-3
Wilde Arms
Wilson Combat
Aero Precision
Les Baer
DPMS
Nordic Components
Vitor
Rock River
BCM
(removed my BCA suggestion )

 

[okie]

What does Bob Whitley use?

 

[Rocketvapor]

From some old articles
"2. Rigid Upper: A rigid, heavy-walled upper receiver aids accuracy. The typical AR upper receiver was made for a lightweight carry rifle and they stripped all the metal they could off it to make it light to carry (which is advantageous for the military). The net result are upper receivers that are so thin you can flex them with your bare hands. These flexible uppers are “strong enough” for general use, but they are not ideal for accuracy. Accuracy improves with a more rigid upper receiver."
https://accurateshooter.net/Blog/arwhit01.jpg
But that was before all these new fangled impovements.

 

[David Milisock]

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? I don't like the side pull uppers as they need an Allen wrench to disassemble to clean. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Mark

What cartridge?

 

[whatsupdoc]

Here's the List
Defiance Machine
LAR
MEGA
Lantec
IRMT-3
Wilde Arms
Wilson Combat
Aero Precision
Les Baer
DPMS
Nordic Components
Vitor
Rock River
BCM
(removed my BCA suggestion )

IRMT-3 barrel and forend mounting is in a class all its own, everything else uses
the standard AR barrel nut setup the AERO M4E1 is similar design.

Les Baer and Defiance do not make AR uppers.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Just listed all the brands mentioned in this thread.

 

[ebb]

most likely 2 223s but maybe a 6.5 Grendel

 

[Rocketvapor]

Now that you can choose the best upper, got a barrel in mind?

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Who bought Stiller's stuff? Those were excellent. They favor the Mega a lot.

 

[SG4247]

Here's the List
Defiance Machine
LAR
MEGA
Lantec
IRMT-3
Wilde Arms
Wilson Combat
Aero Precision
Les Baer
DPMS
Nordic Components
Vitor
Rock River
BCM
(removed my BCA suggestion )

Les Baer is no longer in the AR business.

I bought the last receiver matched set from them 1.5 years ago. They were out of single barrels before then unfortunately.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I use the Rock River EOP uppers for my 1" bull AR's. I use low
profile Burris extreme rings

Like this matched pair?

 

[jelenko]

Like this matched pair?
View attachment 1390012

The rails on those uppers look awfully high.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Like this matched pair?
View attachment 1390012

What is the purpose of the elevated rail, iron sights?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

What is the purpose of the elevated rail, iron sights?

The rails on those uppers look awfully high.

They are called EOP. Elevated optics platform. Made for putting scopes on there without goofy skyscraper rings

 

[Fuj]

They are called EOP. Elevated optics platform. Made for putting scopes on there without goofy skyscraper rings

Absolutely !! As I mentioned in my earlier post, I use the low mount
Burris Extreme's. Anther advantage is better room to get to the charging
handle when in a hurry. I'll try to get a pic a little later.