When you build an AR at home, just like you have options with the lower, you have options with the upper.
We’re not talking about barrel length and handguard style. We’re talking about whether you build with a stripped upper or go with an assembled upper to save some time.
There is no right or wrong answer. You could take either avenue. Here are the selling points of either.
Why Build with a Stripped Upper?
A stripped upper is basically a machined piece of aluminum that has nothing attached to it – no barrel, no bolt carrier group, no handguard or muzzle device or any other parts.
There are several good reasons to build with a stripped upper. Here are some of them:
- You can completely customize the build as you go. If you buy an assembled upper, it’s going to come with parts that you might not want. Don’t like a flash hider? If the upper comes with it, too bad. If you go the stripped upper route, you don’t need to worry about that.
- You’ll learn a lot about how the parts of the gun work together, and you’ll get familiar with tools and building procedures you otherwise might not want to.
- If you’re a smart shopper, you might be able to save a few bucks on parts.
With that said, you may need tools you don’t have, and it will likely take longer to complete a functioning rifle, unless you have a lot of experience doing this.
As a result, there are builders for whom an assembled upper might make more sense for a home build project. Here are some of the things to know.
Why Build with an Assembled Upper?
In contrast to a stripped upper, an assembled upper is an upper receiver with most if not all of the parts you need for a functioning upper that can be mated to a lower to create a functioning rifle.
For many builders, using an assembled upper is the right play. Here are some of the advantages of doing so:
- Building with an assembled upper can potentially save you time and money, and it’s definitely more convenient.
- Building with an assembled upper means you’ll have most if not all of the parts you need so you won’t have to think twice about compatibility. It can be hard for beginners to know what parts are compatible with what uppers, but with an assembled AR-15 upper receiver that hard work is done for you.
- This route is probably the better, safer option for those that have never customized or built a rifle before as there are fewer things that can go wrong.
Basically, with an assembled upper, you just drop in the pins, attach the upper to a completed lower, and you’re good to go, with a functional, complete rifle.
With that said, there are still some parts that some assembled uppers don’t come with, so read the product specifics before purchasing and make sure you get them if they’re still needed.
Where to Get an Assembled Upper?
Looking for an assembled upper for your next build? Get it online at MCS Gearup. They carry a wide range of assembled uppers, handguards and rail systems, barrels, and other parts for home builders. They also have build kits and parts kits.
On top of that, they carry a wide range of rifle parts, optics, grips, stocks, slings, and other shooting accessories. Before you start your next project, see what they have in stock. There might be something in their collection that’s perfect for your project.
