FAQ – Questions & AnswersCategory: AR-15 FAQHow to pick an AR 15 upper receiver?
Colin Rios asked 2 years ago
Are all AR-15 upper receivers the same?

6 Answers
Lewis Staff answered 2 years ago

There are a few things to consider when choosing an AR-15 upper receiver.

1. The first is what type of barrel you want. There are two main types: threaded and non-threaded. A threaded barrel has a male thread at the end that screws into the female thread on the barrel extension of the lower receiver. This type is generally considered more accurate because it’s less likely to loosen over time. A non-threaded barrel doesn’t have the threads and instead has a flange that locks into place on the barrel extension of the lower receiver. This type is generally considered easier to install and remove.

2. The next thing to consider is caliber. The most popular calibers are .223/5.56, .308/7.62, and 9mm. Each caliber has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, .223/5.56 is a lighter caliber that is less likely to penetrate walls and other objects, but it also has less stopping power than a heavier caliber like .308/7.62.

How to pick an AR 15 upper receiver?
3. Once you’ve decided on a barrel and caliber, you can start looking at specific upper receivers. There are many different brands and styles available, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. You should also make sure that the upper receiver you choose is compatible with the lower receiver of your AR-15.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing an AR15 upper receiver, you can start shopping around for the perfect one for your needs. Ammo FAQ has a great selection of upper receivers for you to choose from, so be sure to check us out!

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Olson Staff answered 2 years ago

When you are looking to purchase an AR-15 upper receiver, there are a few things that you will need to take into account.

– The first thing is the caliber of the barrel. The most common calibers for AR-15 uppers are .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO.

– Next, you will need to decide on the length of the barrel. The most popular lengths are 16″ and 18″. Beyond that, you will also need to decide on the twist rate of the barrel. The twist rate refers to how fast the rifling in the barrel spins when a bullet is fired. A slower twist rate (1:9) is generally recommended for bullets weighing 55 grains or less, while a faster twist rate (1:7) is recommended for bullets weighing 62 grains or more.

– You will need to decide on the type of handguard that you want. The most popular options are free-floating and drop-in. Free-floating handguards provide a more consistent accuracy potential, while drop-in handguards are generally less expensive and easier to install.

Ivan Staff answered 2 years ago
When choosing an AR-15 upper receiver there are a few things to consider.
The most important factor is the purpose of the rifle:

  • For home defense, target shooting or hunting a shorter barrel with less recoil might be more appropriate.
  • For self-defense in close quarters or law enforcement use, a 16” barrel is more versatile.

 
How to pick an AR 15 upper receiver?
 
Other considerations include:

  • Weight. A heavier barrel will provide greater stability and accuracy but may be more difficult to carry around all day.
  • Caliber. Higher caliber rifles offer more stopping power but can be less accurate than 5.56 NATO rounds.
  • Gas system length. Rifle-length gas systems are best suited for colder weather environments while carbine-length systems work well in warmer climates.

Choosing the right AR-15 upper receiver comes down to personal preference and intended use. It is important to consult with experts or those with experience before making a purchase.

Jordan Staff answered 2 years ago
When selecting an upper receiver for your AR-15, it’s important to consider the caliber you want to shoot and the barrel length. Upper receivers come in a variety of calibers including .223/5.56, .308 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor. The barrel length also varies and can be anywhere from 10.5″ to 24″.
 
How to pick an AR 15 upper receiver?
 
Other factors to consider include the gas system (piston or direct impingement), handguard type, muzzle device, and rail interface system. It’s also important to make sure the upper receiver is compatible with the lower receiver you have chosen for your rifle build.
If you’re not sure which upper receiver is right for you, consult with a gunsmith or other firearms expert. They will be able to help you select the right upper receiver for your needs.

Cruz Staff answered 2 years ago
When choosing an upper receiver for your AR-15, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider:

  1. The first is barrel length – you’ll want to choose an upper that corresponds with the barrel length of your rifle.
  2. You’ll also need to decide on the caliber of your AR 15 and make sure that the upper receiver you choose is compatible with that caliber.
  3. You’ll need to consider the type of gas system your rifle uses and make sure that the upper receiver you choose has a corresponding gas system.
  4. You’ll need to decide on the type of optics you want to use with your AR 15 and make sure that the upper receiver has a rail system that will accommodate them.

 
How to pick an AR 15 upper receiver?

Antony answered 2 years ago
When picking an AR-15 upper receiver, there are a few things to consider:
1. The first is barrel type. There are three main types of barrels:

  • Government profile. Government profile barrels are the most common and have a medium weight.
  • Lightweight profile. Lightweight profile barrels are thinner and lighter but sacrifice some stability.
  • Heavy barrel. Heavy barrel barrels are thicker and heavier but provide more stability in extreme conditions.

2. The second consideration is caliber. The most popular calibers for the AR 15 platform are .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO, but other calibers such as .300 AAC Blackout and 7.62x39mm are also available. Be sure to pick an upper receiver that corresponds to the caliber of the barrel you select.
 
How to pick an AR 15 upper receiver?
 
3. The third consideration is the handguard type. There are two main types of handguards:

  • Free-floating. Free-floating handguards provide more stability and accuracy but are typically more expensive.
  • Drop-in. Drop-in handguards are easier to install but do not provide the same level of performance.