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Posted: 2/7/2005 10:23:33 PM EDT
| I read a lot about lower recievers, but don't see too much about the uppers. Anything to look for when picking a new upper? I'm thinking about one of the CMT M4 uppers. |
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Well, just like lowers, it's always a good idea to get your upper from a reputable source. The same rules for buying whole guns applies to uppers. Bushmasters and RRA's are popular. Here are some things to look for: Barrel. Try to match the twist rate with what you intend to use your AR for. 1/9 twist is kind of the universal twist. It will shoot a wide range of different grain bullets. Chrome lined barrels are easier to care for, and tend to be heartier than non lined barrels. I don't think target shooters like chrome lining though as all of the 'match' barrels I have seen ween't lined. Barrel length. 16" overall is the legal minimum for a rifle. Finish. You want the barrel to be finished with a durable coating. Flash hider/Compensator/or Post Ban. Again, pick a tip to match your needs. If you choose a 14.5" M4 type barrel chances are whatever tip is on it will be welded in place permenantly. Reciever. Choose a reciever to match your needs. If you intend on getting optics, a A3 or flat top will serve you best. Just like the barrel you want your reciever to have a good finish on it that won't scratch too easily. Since you are getting a new upper, you will have your choice of what type of foregrip you will get. Full floating Aluminum ones are good for target shooting, and the 'regular' plastic ones do what they are supposed to. Some have accessory rails and will make adding stuff like vertical grips, flashlights and even optics easier. I like the added insulation of the M4 foregrips unless I have a vertical grip on the gun. Bolt & carrier. Some uppers don't come with bolt or charging handle. Your bolt is the Heart of your rifle and you want to get a good one. Chrome lined and titanium coated ones are offered, but a good old standard will do. Add an EGRESS bolt upgrade or something similar will make shell extraction way more reliable. Since you are getting a new upper it wouldn't hurt to look into something like that. Stocks. Again you make your choice based on what you intend to use your rifle for. There are other things to look for like bayonet lugs and such, but if you get a "Pre-Ban" or No-Ban you won't have to worry about them not being there. Ask about warranty. I doesn't hurt to ask. **OH! I forgot. Make sure the upper is chambered for 5.56MM and not just .223 Rem. That way you can shoot both caliber rounds. |
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