Should I buy this Armalite upper?

[jasonb]

Hi guys,
I know there's not alot of love for Bushy, DPMS, Oly, etc. However, I do not see much info good or bad about Armalite. My friend's 16in flat top shoots like a house on fire, and I may be interested in this upper:

The M-15A4 Carbine Complete Upper Assembly with black 6" handguard features a double lapped, chrome lined barrel. The Picatinny Rail on the upper receiver allows rapid and repeatable interchange of removable iron or scope sights.

Each ArmaLite Complete Upper Assembly includes a forged upper receiver assembly, barrel assembly, bolt carrier group and charging handle assembly. All complete upper assemblies are test fired as complete before shipping.

Model: M-15A4 Carbine Complete Upper Assembly with Black 6" Handguard
Caliber: .223
Barrel: 16" Double Lapped, Chrome Lined
Rifling Twist: RH 1:9"
Muzzle Device: Flash Suppressor
Front Sight Base: A2 Front Sight Assembly
Upper Receiver: Forged Flattop with Picatinny Rail
Finish: Hard Anodized Aluminum, Maganese Phosphated Steel

That info was liberated straight from the Armalite site. I have e-mailed them asking the following questions:
Is it a rifle upper, or carbine with M4 ramps?
Is the upper T marked?
What is the chrome lined barrel made out of, 4150 steel?
Is it heavy under the handguards?
Is the bolt HPT, shot peened, upgraded extractor, properly staked gas key?

I'm not concerned about the CAR handguards, because I'll probably replace them anyway. I also have been on the fence about 1/9 or 1/7 twist, but I really don't plan to shoot anything heavier than 68gr Black Hills. If it's a good quality piece, I'll probably buy it for $450 delivered(new) with a carry handle. I figure I can save about $200 with this than an LMT. I'm not trying to cheap out or anything, but a good product is a good product, and $200 buys an RAS handguard or alot of ammo.

Sorry for being long winded and thanks for the help.
Jason

[warpigM-4]

I say if it fits your needs and a good price,Go for it.I think (but don't quote me )the 1/9 is going to be 4140 I had to ask for the 4150 upgrade for my chrome 1/7 M-4 govt. profile from J&T.and the 1/7 was the only barrel done in 4150 that matched the M-4 I am building.now you know the Kool-aid drinkers will tell you NOOOOOOOOO don't do it .but again if it fits your needs and budget.just my.02

[Eric]

Is it a rifle upper, or carbine with M4 ramps?
Is the upper T marked?
What is the chrome lined barrel made out of, 4150 steel?
Is it heavy under the handguards?
Is the bolt HPT, shot peened, upgraded extractor, properly staked gas key?

In order...
M4 ramps with matching anodized cuts in the upper.
Yes
4140
M4 profile under the handguards (not HBAR).
Unk on the shot peened, black extractor insert with o-ring. Weak staking.

[jasonb]

Thanks for thye help guys. I think it's a good buy, but, is it a good match for my LMT lower setup?

Eric,
Has your upper served you well? Would you buy it again?

Thanks again,
Jason

Oh yea, this'll be my patrol carbine.

[Eric]

Thanks for thye help guys. I think it's a good buy, but, is it a good match for my LMT lower setup?

Eric,
Has your upper served you well? Would you buy it again?

Thanks again,
Jason

Oh yea, this'll be my patrol carbine.

Mine was purchased as a complete weapon. I've only got a bit over 1k rounds through it, but zero malfunctions. I'm just finishing a review to post elsewhere, but can PM you with a link when I'm done.

[Failure2Stop]

I will not buy from a company that hasn't gotten the word that the gas-key needs to be staked and chambers should be 5.56.

Eagle/Armalite (despite it's insistence that "AR stands for Armalite!") does not adhere to the original design concepts of the AR.

There is a reason that Colt's (and LMT, Noveske, BCM, SDI etc) cost what they cost; it isn't about a status symbol, it's because they are worth it. Read AARs from trainers, Eagle/Armalite tend to do as well as Bushmaster, but better than DPMS or Frankengun.

[MassMark]

Trust me - I fully realize the value of $200.00 as it relates to ammo and accessories. I also recognize how that $200.00 also translates into properly and carefully built. Quality is also a feature whose value is determined by the end user and sometimes overlooked in favor of the bottom line. My AR-15 is being built by an armorer who understands the balance and I suggest you do the same. With a renewed interest in AR-15's being sparked and flames fanned by many on this board, I can honestly say that you'd be well served matching your LMT lower with an LMT upper. Good luck...