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The upper part of the AR-15 comes in two different forms. There is the completed upper receiver which comes as a full kit with the upper parts in it. It is a pretty good option for an easy, fix-and-shoot rifle. Just buy, fit together, and fire away.
The second option is the stripped upper receiver, which is a good fit for gun enthusiasts who prefer to customize their rifle for a more personal feel and attachment. This article will focus on this second option as we explore the best AR-15 stripped upper receivers that you can customize to enjoy an elevated shooting experience.
We've got our eyes on the target now. Let's shoot!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Ar-15 Stripped Upper Receivers
- OUR TOP PICK: Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper Receiver
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bootleg Inc Enhanced Lightweight AR 15 Upper Receiver
- HONORABLE MENTION: American Tactical Imports AR-15 Stripped Poly Hybrid Upper Receiver
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Stripped Upper Receivers
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What is a Stripped Upper Receiver?
A stripped upper receiver is the metal casing into which various upper parts of the AR-15 are fit. It houses these parts, some fitting internally and others externally. See the upper parts listed below which go into the stripped upper receiver.
Dust cover
Forward assist
Bolt Carrier Group
Barrel
Handguard
Charging handle
Gas system
Any suitable optics
Some versions come with the dust cover and forward assist installed, even though the latter is not a necessity for the functioning of the rifle. However, it comes in handy in case the bolt carrier group fails to complete its cycle. To be on the safe side, please include the forward assist in your rifle if you use it for hunting, self-defense, combat, or shooting competitions. Note that some models do not have room to install the forward assist.
Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 Upper Receiver
What to Look For When Buying a Stripped Upper Receiver
Other than ensuring the parts listed above are available and flexible in your AR-15, it is important to consider a few more features as discussed below.
Construction Materials and Processes
Aluminum-made AR-15 guns are strong, lightweight, and more affordable. They come in two different alloys, with the 7075 T6 being stronger than the 6061 T6 version. Although you won't be exposing your rifle to damp conditions, the 6061 T6 is more resistant to corrosion than the 7075 T6.
Stainless steel and titanium uppers are much stronger, heavier, and pricier than the aluminum ones. It's hard to get a hold of them as they are quite rare.
The three construction processes for the uppers are cast, forged, and billet. Cast uppers are the cheapest as the making process is the simplest. However, they are still strong to work with zero fears of malfunctions.
Billet uppers are made from solid aluminum which is not at any stage melted. As such, they are stronger than the cast ones and offer room for unique designs and factory manipulations such as inbuilt trigger guards and reshaped magazine wells.
Forged uppers are the strongest of the three construction modes given the use of compressive forces in shaping them. This close compaction boosts their strength, making them your best bet.
A combination of the material and construction process will therefore yield three features for the best stripped upper receiver - forged, 7075 T6, aluminum. That’s strength, lightweight, and affordability all in one.
Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 Upper Receiver
Feed Ramps
The type of feed ramp on the receiver you choose needs to match with that of the barrel extension. If the receiver has an M4 feedramp, you'll have to take an M4 barrel extension. You may also find rifle mode feedramps. The feedramp-extension combinations shown below will be a good fit.
M4 receiver-M4 extension
Rifle receiver-M4 extension
Rifle receiver-rifle extension
Review of the Best AR-15 Stripped Upper Receivers
Let's now look at a close-range review of the best AR-15 stripped upper receivers on the market. We'll take into account the pros and cons of each, its unique features, and the comments of previous buyers.
Best Overall:
Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers so much love the Aero Precision M4E1 stripped upper receiver. Some report that some of the receivers come without the laser engraved T-marks and roll pin. They recommend the upper for fast, super easy installation and excellent fit with the lower receiver from the same manufacturer for a solid and dependable complete rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This aero precision upper receiver is a plus given its laser T-mark engravings which are highly indelible. The threaded forward assist pin roll gives it an upper hand as the threads ensure the pin stays steadfast in its place, with no room for sliding that would lead to reduced shots accuracy and a below-par shooting experience. This threading applies to other parts of the receiver too, which is a good feature for the enhanced overall non-slip interlocking of its components.
Bottom Line
Aero Precision receivers are known for their lightweight 7075 T6 aluminum, mil-spec M4/M16 components, and laser engraved T-marks. The M4E1 stripped upper receiver lives up to these expectations and delivers further on the aero precision promise with the 223 Remington/5.56 NATO caliber. However, it won't be a good fit for you if you like to have the forward assist and port pre-installed.
Runner-up:
Bootleg Inc Enhanced Lightweight AR 15 Upper Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love this Bootleg Inc upper receiver for its fine, durable mil-spec hard anodized finish with the black color. They also love the super lightweight feature even with all the parts in place. There are several reports of the receiver requiring some machining on the front so that handguards from other manufacturers fit well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
At 1.7 ounces lighter than other upper receivers, the Bootleg Inc Enhanced upper receiver stands out from the rest in this review. The use of the captured dust cover door pin which eliminates the necessity of the E clip is another unique feature that sets it apart. The dust cover door is pre-installed and ready-to-use, which means one less part to find when composing the gun. Although the receiver does not fit properly with most handguards, it makes a great combination with the same company's 7" PicLock handguard. Most users love this!
Bottom Line
This upper receiver comes with the unique features discussed above but still manages to remain affordable. It is the best value for your money especially if you are on a budget. Given its improved lightweight character, this Bootleg upper receiver is a good fit if you have been struggling with shot accuracy when using other heavier rifles.
3. American Tactical Imports AR-15 Stripped Poly Hybrid Upper Receiver
Pros
Cons
Buyers who have recently bought this hybrid upper receiver laud it for its lightweight and fair price suitable for people on a budget. There are mixed views on the durability and strength of the receiver's polymer make. Some say it lasts for a long time. Others say it is weak and doesn't go well with heavy power shots.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This receiver is unique given its hybridity. It is made of polymer, a weak material, but which is reinforced with a metal insert to boost its strength. It also accommodates several calibers. For aesthetic values, it stands out with its black color and matte finish.
Bottom Line
If you are on a tight budget or just getting started with shooting, this upper receiver is a great fit for you given its lower price point and lightweight. It is recommended for lower power shooting as there is less chance for such shots to ruin its weak polymer make.
4. Yankee Hill Machine Billet Mod2
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Some recent buyers report that this Yankee billet upper receiver has a poor finish that wears off easily to the extent of some shipments scratching and chipping when transported in low-quality packaging. However, many buyers praise its compatibility with the Spikes Tactical's billet lower receivers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The billet make of this upper receiver makes it stand out from the rest in this review. Billet allows for unique designs or skeletonizing to result in upper receivers and rifles that are stronger than cast aluminum ones. The mod2 designs are made with the SLR handguards in mind to result in a strong appeal to the eye.
Bottom Line
Going for the billet construction process is a plus but the fast wearing down of the black hard anodized finish takes away perfection out of the Yankee billet upper receiver. But it is still a great billet to use in building up your rifle to a lightweight completion even with all the parts installed.
5. Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 Upper Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers laud the Anderson AM-15 receiver for its simplicity, ease of use, and compatibility with multiple lower receivers from other makers. Recommendations are for use with the .223, .556, and 300 blackout calibers without the need to change the bolt but just the barrel. Although it is a good match for color, price, and lightweight, the major disappointment expressed by most buyers is the rough finish which diminishes the aesthetic value of the receiver. Plus it's not so gentle on the hands.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Given its compatibility with multiple calibers and lower receivers from other manufacturers, this upper receiver stands out from the others on our list. Even as it doesn't come with a pre-installed dust cover and forward assist, these parts can be installed. This comes as a relief to most users too who prefer their rifles to have these parts installed, or with space for their installation.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a simple, customization-ready AR-15 upper receiver, then this one's for you. The A3 model will offer you some of the characteristic features of the A3s such as a flat top, detachable carrier handle, or a raised configuration for an enhanced scope at a higher position.
Pros and Cons of a Stripped Upper Receiver
Pros
- Stripped upper receivers offer gun enthusiasts the opportunity to customize their rifles as per their own preferences on the material, finish, intended use, construction process, and manufacturing company. This allows for a personalized feel and a gun the user can proudly identify with. You feel like an assembling company yourself!
- Most stripped upper receivers are compatible with most of the lower receivers and calibers available on the market. You need to check on the various calibers or lower receivers that it fits with so that you select the one with a broader customization range.
- The pricing of a stripped upper receiver is usually lower than that of a complete one, with the individual components also available at cheaper prices. Gun users also have the liberty of selecting high-end parts for an elevated shooting experience.
Cons
- Making stripped upper receivers from relatively soft materials makes them weaker and more vulnerable to mechanical damage especially for heavy power shootings.
- The other major disadvantage is that with stripped upper receivers, you have to source all the constituent parts yourself. This is prone to failures because in some cases, information about these parts and their compatibility is not easily available. It thus at times becomes a trial-and-error customization approach that may lead to buying non-fitting, incompatible parts that are a waste of money.
Bootleg Inc Enhanced Lightweight AR 15 Upper Receiver
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
Information on Constituent Components
Right before buying a stripped upper receiver, you need to know what customization parts will fit into it. Consider factors such as availability, compatibility, and legalizations, as would be the case when looking for the lower AR-15 receivers. For a start, check if the receiver comes with a pre-installed forward assist and dust cover. You may also want to check if it has room for fitting the forward assist. Some receivers don't, but this will be a make or break issue depending on your preference.
Government Restrictions
Please ensure that you know and follow the government restrictions concerning rifles to the letter. You should be ready to comply with existing state, local, and federal laws on gun assembly and usage. Practically, buying and using any of these receivers is an automatic acknowledgment that you understand and agree to such regulations and laws.
Performance and Functions
It's worth noting that stripped uppers are more for enhanced weight reduction and boosting reliability and durability rather than changing the overall performance of the rifle.
Conclusion
We hope your search for the best AR-15 stripped upper receiver ends here in light of the information we have presented to you and our choices of the receivers as reviewed. Now that you know what to look for and consider before buying, it will be easy to pursue a well-informed purchase.
People Also Ask
As usual, we wrap up this review by looking at some of the questions people ask about the products we have discussed. The following are the main ones people ask about AR-15 stripped upper receivers.
What is Needed to Complete a Stripped Upper?
To complete a stripped upper receiver, two major parts are necessary. These are the forward assist and dust cover.
However, as noted earlier, not all of them come with installed forward assists. Such models may or may not have space for installing it, and your choice depends on your preferences and the use for which the rifle is intended.
How Long is a Stripped AR-15 Upper?
The length depends on the manufacturer, with most uppers coming within the 12-16 inches range. The length is not a highly emphasized feature and so most companies do not even provide that information.
How Do I Know if I Have a Stripped Upper Receiver?
The main thing to remember is that a stripped receiver is basically the housing into which components of the upper parts kit fit. As such, it should have empty places into which each of these parts go. Another unique feature of stripped upper receivers is that they have level or flat tops, but with a grated finish.
How Old to Buy a Stripped Upper?
You can buy a stripped upper at any age as long as you have attained the legal age for gun handling. If you are young and energetic, buying it and fitting it with parts sourced from different manufacturers or dealers would be a lot of fun. However, this pleasure may reduce as you advance in age to an extent you shift your preference to assembled uppers to avoid the lengthy process of customizing one yourself.