What is an AR15 Complete Upper?

AR-15 complete uppers come pre-assembled with all of the essential components needed to complete the upper portion of your rifle, including the barrel, handguard, gas system, and often the bolt carrier group and charging handle. These assemblies fit seamlessly with any standard AR-15 lower receiver you already have, allowing for easy customization and upgrades. You’re essentially building your own rifle in two simple parts – an upper and a lower. Opting for a complete upper totally eliminates the complexities and potential pitfalls of assembling an upper receiver part by part, saving you time and ensuring all components function harmoniously. Installing your new complete upper is as easy as popping two pins on your lower in and out.

Key Features to Consider

As you dive into our collection of uppers at Black Rifle Depot, there are a few key areas you should be thinking about. The beauty of the AR-15 is that the configurations available to you are almost endless. Unfortunately, this wealth of possibilities can also make shopping for a complete upper overwhelming. No worries, let's break down some main areas of focus as you determine the right upper for you.

Barrel Length and Material:

This is perhaps the most important question as you begin your journey to create your ideal AR. AR-15 complete uppers are available in various barrel lengths, typically 16", 18", and 20". As you consider purchasing a complete upper, remember shorter barrels offer maneuverability, while longer barrels somewhat enhance accuracy and velocity at extended ranges. As for what a barrel is made of, stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, whereas chrome-moly barrels are valued for their robustness. Several factors influence accuracy, including quality, chambering, and the ammo you go with. With all that said, if you're building your first rifle, you can't go wrong with a 16" at a price point that works for you.

Gas System:

The gas system is crucial to the AR-15's operation, with direct impingement and piston systems being the most common. As you consider purchasing a complete upper, note that direct impingement systems are standard and lightweight, while piston systems offer cleaner operation and reliability under adverse conditions. Most of the uppers you find at Black Rifle Depot operate using the classic direct impingement system, which we believe is the best approach for almost all shooters.

Chambering and Twist Rate:

Popular chamberings include 5.56 NATO, 300 Blackout and .223 Wylde. As you consider purchasing a complete upper, the twist rate, indicating how many inches it takes for the rifling to complete one full rotation, affects bullet stabilization. Common twist rates like 1:7, 1:8, and 1:9 suit different bullet weights and applications. For most, a 1:7 twist is a good place to start.

Reputation Matters:

Selecting a complete upper from reputable manufacturers such as Strike Industries, aero precision, Dirty Bird Industries and Blackrifledepot ensures quality and reliability. As you consider purchasing a complete upper, remember that craftsmanship and performance. If you see a lower that is dramatically more expensive, there is probably a reason, with corners being cut somewhere in the process. It never hurts to follow the old adage, “buy once, cry once.”

Durability and Reliability:

Durability is crucial, and AR-15 uppers are built to withstand rigorous use. As you consider purchasing a complete upper, note that corrosion-resistant coatings, robust materials, and high-quality manufacturing processes contribute to the longevity and reliability of the upper receiver.

Value Proposition

At Black Rifle Depot, the convenience of a pre-assembled upper, combined with the baked-in assurance of quality and performance, justifies the price. At Black Rifle Depot, you can have total confidence in any of the uppers we carry, which are from renowned names such as Aero Precision, Battle Arms Development, Colt, CMMG, Faxon, Foxtrot Mike, Dirty Bird, Geissele, Spikes Tactical, and Sons of Liberty. By choosing one of these AR-15 complete uppers from a trusted manufacturer, you get a dependable, high-performing rifle that meets your specific needs, whether for tactical use, competitive shooting, or hunting.