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Let's talk about uppers shall we?

Bassbob

Bassbob

Emissary
So I think we've all seen the typical lists of "Best uppers". They generally divide them into 3 tiers. The top tier includes Daniel Defense, Noveske, BCM, Colt, etc. The middle tier, Aero, Spikes, Rock River, Sig, S&W etc., etc.. Usually PSA is either in the 2nd or 3rd tier. Bear Creek is in the 3rd tier.

So let's assume someone wants to build a "Sleeper", focusing mainly on the important parts, but keeping it largely mil spec and they don't want to spend $1800 on a Daniel Defense upper. Aero Precision and BCM both seem to have reasonably priced uppers ( without BCGs). They're not too far above PSA prices in some cases, although PSA usually comes with a BCG, probably not as nice as BCM BCG, but...

I'm already thinking I'd like the BCMGunfighter Enhanced Lower Build Kit. So I am leaning more towards a BCM upper as well. Or an Aero.


I'm talking complete uppers here by the way.


Yeah, I put together my first stripped lower and now I want to put together some more. I'm not dumping a ton of money on tools, but I want a few things. I didn't have any problems with the lower, but one of those hollow punches for starting roll pins would have made it easier. One of those armorers blocks seems like a good thing. And I'm going to get a mid grade gun vise and one of those things you stick in the mag well to hold it.

Man my wife is going to divorce me isn't she?
 
Talyn said:
I've used Tier 1 & 2 brand lowers & upper. As well, I've been pleased with Anderson brand lowers ans uppers.

I seperate barrels and triggers out since that's a whole different ball-game to think of regardless of upper/lower brand.
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I'm using Anderson stripped lowers for the next couple. Apparently. :) My Witch Doctor is an Anderson lower too. The one I put together last weekend was a PSA and it went smooth.

I'm not trying to dive into stripped uppers yet, but I want a good barrel, hence why I was thinking about BCM.
 
As someone who's built a lot of PSA rifles. It's kind of a roll of a dice what you'll get regarding BCG. If you're lucky you'll end up with a toolcraft, with a MPI/HPT c158 bolt. Which will likely be as good as anything the higher tiers are offering. If not, you'll get some mystery BCG. They also have toolcrafts that are nitride coated, with 9310 bolt which may or may not be HPT/MPI. These may actually be better than "mil spec".

The "important" part is the barrel. Your higher tier ones will usually be CHF chrome lined, while the PSA tier stuff with be nitride coated, or even bare stainless. Funny thing though, the nitride and bare stainless barrels are often more accurate. You're paying for the longevity with CHF CL barrels, these are the "mil spec".

Brownells often has Colt uppers for around half the price of a DD, and those were the actual "mil spec", until the military switched to FNC.
 
Bassbob said:
I'm using Anderson stripped lowers for the next couple. Apparently. :) My Witch Doctor is an Anderson lower too. The one I put together last weekend was a PSA and it went smooth.

I'm not trying to dive into stripped uppers yet, but I want a good barrel, hence why I was thinking about BCM.
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but I want a good barrel, hence why I was thinking about BCM.

I have a couple BCMs with their fine CHF/CL barrels.

The last few years I've moved exclusively to builds with CHF, CL barrels for my Tier 1 platforms. FN & Spikes mainly, but I did use a couple of Strike Industry CHF "stainless steel" nitrided when they made them the last few years. But I haven't seen them in the last year so they may have been only for limited production.

IMO, the receiver is the backbone of the rifle while the barrel is the heart, and trigger the soul.
 
Bassbob said:
So I think we've all seen the typical lists of "Best uppers". They generally divide them into 3 tiers. The top tier includes Daniel Defense, Noveske, BCM, Colt, etc. The middle tier, Aero, Spikes, Rock River, Sig, S&W etc., etc.. Usually PSA is either in the 2nd or 3rd tier. Bear Creek is in the 3rd tier.

So let's assume someone wants to build a "Sleeper", focusing mainly on the important parts, but keeping it largely mil spec and they don't want to spend $1800 on a Daniel Defense upper. Aero Precision and BCM both seem to have reasonably priced uppers ( without BCGs). They're not too far above PSA prices in some cases, although PSA usually comes with a BCG, probably not as nice as BCM BCG, but...

I'm already thinking I'd like the BCMGunfighter Enhanced Lower Build Kit. So I am leaning more towards a BCM upper as well. Or an Aero.


I'm talking complete uppers here by the way.


Yeah, I put together my first stripped lower and now I want to put together some more. I'm not dumping a ton of money on tools, but I want a few things. I didn't have any problems with the lower, but one of those hollow punches for starting roll pins would have made it easier. One of those armorers blocks seems like a good thing. And I'm going to get a mid grade gun vise and one of those things you stick in the mag well to hold it.

Man my wife is going to divorce me isn't she?
Click to expand...
Let her finish the roof first, Bob. 🤔👌😆
 
Talyn said:
but I want a good barrel, hence why I was thinking about BCM.

I have a couple BCMs with their fine CHF/CL barrels.

The last few years I've moved exclusively to builds with CHF, CL barrels for my Tier 1 platforms. FN & Spikes mainly, but I did use a couple of Strike Industry CHF "stainless steel" nitrided when they made them the last few years. But I haven't seen them in the last year so they may have been only for limited production.

IMO, the receiver is the backbone of the rifle while the barrel is the heart, and trigger the soul.
Click to expand...
I assume you are referring to the upper receiver.
 
Bassbob said:
So I think we've all seen the typical lists of "Best uppers". They generally divide them into 3 tiers. The top tier includes Daniel Defense, Noveske, BCM, Colt, etc. The middle tier, Aero, Spikes, Rock River, Sig, S&W etc., etc.. Usually PSA is either in the 2nd or 3rd tier. Bear Creek is in the 3rd tier.

So let's assume someone wants to build a "Sleeper", focusing mainly on the important parts, but keeping it largely mil spec and they don't want to spend $1800 on a Daniel Defense upper. Aero Precision and BCM both seem to have reasonably priced uppers ( without BCGs). They're not too far above PSA prices in some cases, although PSA usually comes with a BCG, probably not as nice as BCM BCG, but...

I'm already thinking I'd like the BCMGunfighter Enhanced Lower Build Kit. So I am leaning more towards a BCM upper as well. Or an Aero.


I'm talking complete uppers here by the way.


Yeah, I put together my first stripped lower and now I want to put together some more. I'm not dumping a ton of money on tools, but I want a few things. I didn't have any problems with the lower, but one of those hollow punches for starting roll pins would have made it easier. One of those armorers blocks seems like a good thing. And I'm going to get a mid grade gun vise and one of those things you stick in the mag well to hold it.

Man my wife is going to divorce me isn't she?
Click to expand...
I hope not on the latter.

Sleepers of any kind are usually fun stuff? :)

On the armorers block and magwell style rifle stand? If good with wood, could possibly fashion out of some good clear knot free pine lumber? At least as template on stand. Hard wood may be better for that. (Beware of knots.) If really want to get into it could do a gun vice out of wood as well? Have seen some that people have made, look nice and seem to work okay too. Is something have thought of as soon as dig out woodworking tools. Maybe nice rainy day projects?
 
BobM said:
I hope not on the latter.

Sleepers of any kind are usually fun stuff? :)

On the armorers block and magwell style rifle stand? If good with wood, could possibly fashion out of some good clear knot free pine lumber? At least as template on stand. Hard wood may be better for that. (Beware of knots.) If really want to get into it could do a gun vice out of wood as well? Have seen some that people have made, look nice and seem to work okay too. Is something have thought of as soon as dig out woodworking tools. Maybe nice rainy day projects?
Click to expand...


Well I already chiseled up a block of wood to put the trigger guard pin in without breaking the ears off. The armorers block seems like a cheap enough investment though.
 
I'm primarily a budget builder, so my usual uppers are PSA or Bear Creek Arsenal. I've used both PSA and Anderson lowers. I've had good results with both the PSA and Bear Creek uppers, and both are accurate with the proper optics installed. I've been impressed with the performance of the budget builds, but my round count is not high enough to give a full review. When/if the ammo supply returns I'm hoping to put plenty of rounds through all of my builds.
 
Ok, my turn? I'm not the 1 to spend 3k and up on an ar-15, but do like quality! Aero Precision will not ship if quality isn't met! If your talking 556 AP is great! Just because they don't have double D's they are great! I have s&w, RR, Faxon, AP, CBI and a few more. My best has been the Faxon pencil barrel and held less than 1moa under fast fire rate. It is a 556 not wylde chambered. I haven't tested the AP 20" 1/8twist fluted 223wylde yet, but I'm sure it will be good. All testing has been done with xp193 and 62gr lap factory ammo. I'm not claiming to be an/the expert, just have built more than 50 ar 10s and 15s with several different mfgs. If shooting factory ammo you won't need an adjustable gas block. With phosphate, nitrate and other coated bcg, the nitrate has been great. As far as brands, AP, RCA, Faxon, anderson, odin and jp have all haven't failed me. None are in full automatics or hushers(I wish). Most of the companies listed I have uppers, lowers, bcg, buffers, barrels and other parts used. If you don't but a complete upper, my suggestion would be to get go and no-go headspace gauges. You don't want to find out the hard way what could happen? I could lend you mine if needed? I have had some headspaced incorrectly. Don't but a go gauge and put tape on it to make a no-go. AP is a lower cost high end product to your tier 1 products as you would label it. Not sure on what barrel length you want/need? Just my thoughts and experiences.
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
Ok, my turn? I'm not the 1 to spend 3k and up on an ar-15, but do like quality! Aero Precision will not ship if quality isn't met! If your talking 556 AP is great! Just because they don't have double D's they are great! I have s&w, RR, Faxon, AP, CBI and a few more. My best has been the Faxon pencil barrel and held less than 1moa under fast fire rate. It is a 556 not wylde chambered. I haven't tested the AP 20" 1/8twist fluted 223wylde yet, but I'm sure it will be good. All testing has been done with xp193 and 62gr lap factory ammo. I'm not claiming to be an/the expert, just have built more than 50 ar 10s and 15s with several different mfgs. If shooting factory ammo you won't need an adjustable gas block. With phosphate, nitrate and other coated bcg, the nitrate has been great. As far as brands, AP, RCA, Faxon, anderson, odin and jp have all haven't failed me. None are in full automatics or hushers(I wish). Most of the companies listed I have uppers, lowers, bcg, buffers, barrels and other parts used. If you don't but a complete upper, my suggestion would be to get go and no-go headspace gauges. You don't want to find out the hard way what could happen? I could lend you mine if needed? I have had some headspaced incorrectly. Don't but a go gauge and put tape on it to make a no-go. AP is a lower cost high end product to your tier 1 products as you would label it. Not sure on what barrel length you want/need? Just my thoughts and experiences.
Click to expand...
Thanks buddy. Very helpful. I've just dipped my toes in the water and I want to start off a little slow. At some point I will put together a high end AR, but really I'm just after reliable and accurate. I don't plan on shooting competition. Ringing steel for fun. I will eventually have to get all the tools to do it right and I suspect go/no go gauges will have to come sooner rather than later, but for now I'm looking at complete uppers that come with BCG. I assume they would check headspace at the factory ?
 
Bassbob said:
Thanks buddy. Very helpful. I've just dipped my toes in the water and I want to start off a little slow. At some point I will put together a high end AR, but really I'm just after reliable and accurate. I don't plan on shooting competition. Ringing steel for fun. I will eventually have to get all the tools to do it right and I suspect go/no go gauges will have to come sooner rather than later, but for now I'm looking at complete uppers that come with BCG. I assume they would check headspace at the factory ?
Click to expand...
Yes a complete bcg from manufacturer is ready to snap in place and rock n roll
 
TEXASforLIFE said:
Ok, my turn? I'm not the 1 to spend 3k and up on an ar-15, but do like quality! Aero Precision will not ship if quality isn't met! If your talking 556 AP is great! Just because they don't have double D's they are great! I have s&w, RR, Faxon, AP, CBI and a few more. My best has been the Faxon pencil barrel and held less than 1moa under fast fire rate. It is a 556 not wylde chambered. I haven't tested the AP 20" 1/8twist fluted 223wylde yet, but I'm sure it will be good. All testing has been done with xp193 and 62gr lap factory ammo. I'm not claiming to be an/the expert, just have built more than 50 ar 10s and 15s with several different mfgs. If shooting factory ammo you won't need an adjustable gas block. With phosphate, nitrate and other coated bcg, the nitrate has been great. As far as brands, AP, RCA, Faxon, anderson, odin and jp have all haven't failed me. None are in full automatics or hushers(I wish). Most of the companies listed I have uppers, lowers, bcg, buffers, barrels and other parts used. If you don't but a complete upper, my suggestion would be to get go and no-go headspace gauges. You don't want to find out the hard way what could happen? I could lend you mine if needed? I have had some headspaced incorrectly. Don't but a go gauge and put tape on it to make a no-go. AP is a lower cost high end product to your tier 1 products as you would label it. Not sure on what barrel length you want/need? Just my thoughts and experiences.
Click to expand...
Aero has had their QC issues just like every other manufacturer. They’re a decent mid tier manufacturer, yes, and I’ve used both their uppers and lowers to my satisfaction, but they aren’t anything to shout about.

If we are talking straight, bare upper receivers? Honestly...it doesn’t exist in a vacuum; this is where you start looking at matching receiver sets, preferably billet. Noveske, Mega, Radians...Aero matched sets are decent, too, for the money.
 
Most Mil-spec recievers you pick up will be no better then the next when it comes to quality in the forging as most mil-spec receivers are made from a few different companies and sold to manufacturers that put their rollmark on them including all the big name brands.

I mostly prefer Aero builds with their M4E1 line of uppers and lowers and I've yet to find any issues with their products.

I do have a few other brands I use in a similar price range and above that have no discernable difference in overall function.

Most AR brands now a days have really stepped up their game when it comes to QC and it's much rarer now to find a reciever out of spec.

This kit is probably the best bang for the buck to get started and should have everything you need to put together a quality AR except for Go-gauges.

www.primaryarms.com

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DetailsThe Real Avid Armorer's Master Tool Kit for AR-15 is a fully featured premium kit that contains everything needed to build, upgrade, or maintain an AR-15, and keeps tools organized. Every tool featured in this versatile kit is premium and master grade. The tools and information contained...
www.primaryarms.com
 
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