Which precision upper?

[mcnabb100]

Hey guys, I'd like to get a new upper for long range precision (100-400 yards), and I was wondering if ya'll had any suggestions. Anywhere from 18" to 24" barrel is fine with me. So far I do like the looks of the BCM mk12. As far as budget goes I would like to keep it under 1500.

[BrigandTwoFour]

100-400 is NOT long range precision. You would be more than fine with a 16" barrel for those ranges, handier too.

That said, there are a lot of great options out there. If your minimum is 18", then my first pick goes to Centurion Arms DMR upper (https://www.centurionarms.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=dmr-uppers.tpl&product_id=80). But you would be just as well served by any of BCM's 18" SS410 (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-18-Rifle-Upper-Group-s/158.htm) options. Spend the rest on decent glass and ammo.

[BigLarge]

Laure Stealth Sniper is a solid option on a similar price point. Not sure on availability tho.

[mcnabb100]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Agnostic]

For out to 400 yards I'd go 16" (non-SBR) or shorter (SBR). I'd say 14.5", but I'm not a fan of the idea of pinned muzzle devices. Edited to add - Watch some of Trident's videos on Youtube, bangin' steel with an SBR at 700+ yards.

I really like my BCM SS410 barrel, but take it for what its worth - I have a lot to learn about precision shooting and cannot yet run this barrel at its potential.

[sjc3081]

How about this.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SS410-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-IB-p/bcm-urg-mid16%20ss410%20ib%20bk.htm

[JohnnyO]

I just received my BCM MK12 MOD 3X just before Christmas. Had a chance to hit the range for a bit before heading out of town.

Ran some 55 gr fmj and Black Hills 52gr match. Nothing to brag about out of either load. Then, moved onto BH 69 gr match. Only had 5 rounds of it. I know, poor. Ha. It came in around .75". No bad.

Time was running out as I was also shooting another rifle and had my son. However, decided to climb up a little and tried some Hornaday 75gr. bthp match. Ah! Shot two 3 shot groups with it. BTW, all groups were shot at 100 yds. First group measured .359" ctc. The 2nd .4". Big smile. Didn't shoot for groups, but shot my mini silhouette at 335 yds. Hitting it was with ease. Will take to 440 next time out.

Seems to prefer heavier bullets, which is what I was hoping anyway. Will try more of this load soon. Then, will give the 77gr OTM a go.

BCM does not offer an accuracy guarantee with their mk12 uppers, but I would have nothing to complain about with this kind of accuracy.

[the_accuser]

Like others have said, 100-400 yards is not long range. I can easily hit steel at 500 yards with my 12.5" Noveske Crusader, Leupold Mark AR 1x4x20 scope and a 77gr bullet. I would get a reputable 16" SS upper. Do you already have optics or is that part of the listed budget? Also, do you hand load or will you be using factory ammo?

[rljatl]

FWIW, my 18" Centurion Arms MK12 upper will easily shoot 3/8" 5 shot groups at 100 yards.

[RSix]

LaRue Stealth Upper is hard to beat. Mine is great; a better barrel than I am a shooter.

[JohnnyO]

As you can see, the problem is not finding one, it's choosing 1 of the many quality candidates. Guess that's a good problem to have.:cool:

[davidjinks]

Why not go custom and have a RECCE upper built by High Caliber Sales?

Disclosure: I've had 3 uppers built by HCS, the last one being a RECCE. Phenomenal work!

[HD1911]

Wes @ MSTN puts out pretty sweet Recce and SPR uppers.

And if you're really only going out to 400 Yards, a 16" would more than serve you well, and could easily fill the Dual Role of DMR and CQB, if you choose the Right Optic Setup like a 1-6x or similiar.

[TurretGunner]

There are a ton of companies that make good shooting uppers.

It doesn't matter where you get it from, you are buying the barrel. Everything else is just preference, around the barrel. Buy the best barrel/Blank you can and fit it as you want. When looking at uppers, its all about the barrel.

Unless you intend to fork out $$ for Krieger's, CLE's blanks, ect...... You cannot beat WOA.

[Hapainwa]

Another vote for HCS. Kevin did me up a 6.8 SPC that smokes. Although, I don't think I'd turn down a CA upper either. ;-)

[Ironbutt]

I have a RECCE BCM build with the ss410 barrel that shoots MOA even with my 65 year old eyes. I highly recommend it.