VLTOR MUR & Upper Flex tests

[bruin]

The improved stiffness and added measure of protection against KBs are why all my upper builds use MUR receiver. The MUR-1s weighs about the same as a regular upper, and I have no problem foregoing the FA. You can get good deals on them nowadays; I got my last 1s for $143. Much cheaper than a billet upper, not much more than a BCM upper.

[wacki]

You can get good deals on them nowadays; I got my last 1s for $143. Much cheaper than a billet upper, not much more than a BCM upper.

Where? Where did you get that deal?

[bruin]

PSA had a 20% off coupon a few weeks ago. If you're patient and have good deal sources, MURs can be had for under 160 or 170.

[JG007]

follow up about the VLTOR monolithic upper,

*Its been a few weeks since I spoke with Vltor, but to the best of my memory-

I thought they said the monolithic upper was developed, and then the MUR followed to give some of the benefits of the upper receiver alone.

If the purpose of the monolithic upper was strength, wouldnt it be even a level better to use this?

And, it seems like there are concerns about uppers billeted out of 6061, but thats what this is made from and ive heard zero complaints.

Basically, is the MUR more popular than the complete monolithic upper for a reason other than convenience and flexibility?

[Slippers]

The MUR is not cut from 6061 billet. It's cut from a 7075 forging.

[Iraqgunz]

Maybe you should just buy a regular upper rather than attempt a Mythbusters episode?

Are they making any claims? I can't find any data whatsoever on the MUR. Any links to the mil request or testing? All I can find is a vague one sentence promise of stiffness from their marketing material. Not the most reassuring reason to spend an extra $100.

I've emailed VLTOR direct and I'm haven't gotten very far. Will prod them again.

As for background, I've got more than enough formal education to look at the data and think critically and plenty of friends with real world manufacturing experience to keep the ivory tower effect in check. So I'm highly interested in impartial data / experiments. Unfortunitally right now I have nothing.

[JG007]

The MUR is not cut from 6061 billet. It's cut from a 7075 forging.

Yep, the MUR is 7075, the monolithic upper is 6061.

[Slippers]

Oh, guess I read that wrong. Sorry. The vltor website does list the monolithic uppers as being made from forgings, too, though. Not sure why they went with 6061.

[ESK]

Correction, the VIS (Polylithic Upper) is made from a 6013T6 forging. 6013T6 is roughly 20% stronger than 6061T6 and is weldable, which assist the bonding process between the rail portion to the upper receiver section.

Yep, the MUR is 7075, the monolithic upper is 6061.

[wacki]

Maybe you should just buy a regular upper rather than attempt a Mythbusters episode?

I don't want to do myth busters. I just want to know the extra coin I'm dropping on the upper is supported by physics and not marketing smoke and mirrors.

There are a lot of people and even manufacturers that think the MUR is a waste of time and money. The truth is nobody really seems to have any data supporting anything. It is a sad state of affairs given the popularity and fervent support this nonstandard upper seems to garner.