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Thread: Budget .223/5.56 "Precision" Upper?

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  1. #1
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    Budget .223/5.56 "Precision" Upper?

    Briefly:

    I'm thinking of putting $500-800 into a "budget" precision-y upper, and wondering (1) whether it would be worth it, and (2) what are the best options in that price range.


    Long version:

    I have a couple 14.5" lightweight uppers that are reliable and accurate enough within 100yds. Both are 1:7 and 5.56-chambered, and have USGI-style handguards and 6-position stocks.
    One is iron-only (A2 receiver), and the other has a 2-8x32 Nikon on it. The latter shoots 3-4" groups at 200yds with match ammo (Norma or FGMM), but doesn't like Hornady's TAP or Black Hills well enough to shoot less than 5-6" groups.


    I bought an extra (third) BCM lower and registered it before California banned them. (No, I do NOT want to talk about California's gun laws here.)

    So, with that third lower sitting around, I keep thinking that I might buy a complete "precision" upper to play with...

    I'd be happy with something that would shoot 1.5moa with match factory or handloaded ammo, and I'd be thrilled with something that would shoot 1moa. My local range is 300yds, soon to be expanded to 600yds (!).

    (NB: This is a "would be nice" or "would be fun" project to punch paper, not a "I need" or "I must have" to shoot bad guys or jump out of helicopters. I'm a middle-class guy who reads books for a living.)

    In preparation for all this I bought a Nikon "Black" 4-16x50 scope, though it would be easier to use that elsewhere, if this project doesn't happen.


    Perameters:
    1. I want a complete upper... I don't want to "build" anything. I just want an upper that I can put on that BCM lower (which already has BCM's upgraded trigger, and to which I'll add a MagPul PRS).

    2. 16-18" barrel... I'm ambivalent, but definitely don't want 20" or longer.

    3. M-Lok handguards, free-floated.

    4. Prefer Wylde and/or 5R barrel.

    5. Less than $800, better would be less than $600. If I can't do this for less than $800ish, then I'll probably just do something else. (I'm also thinking of a dedicated .22lr upper, and/or a Ruger American bolt gun in .223/5.56.



    I'm looking at...

    1. BCM... I'm a fan, I figured a BCM SS410 would be the "go-to":

    https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...10-mcmr-15.htm

    Pros:
    a. It would match my spare lower...

    Cons:
    a. It costs $250-$300 more than the other options (>$900, out the door, with BCG and charging handle), and
    b. I'm not that thrilled with the MCMR handguard, and
    c. Having seen this thread, there doesn't seem to be any guarantee of good accuracy...

    https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...t=budget+upper


    2. Aero Precision:

    https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/ar1...anodized-black

    Pros:
    a. It's $600ish out of the door, and <$650 with a BCM Gunfighter charging handle.
    b. It's stupid and superficial of me, I know, but I love the look of the Atlas S-One handguard.
    c. Aero owns Ballistic Advantage and uses their barrels. (Right?)

    Cons:
    a. Mixed reviews of Aero's quality control and customer service... Buyer beware?


    3. Savage:

    https://www.midwayusa.com/product/102006974

    Pros:
    a. It's <$600 out of the door, and $625ish with a BCM Gunfighter charging handle.
    b. 5R rifling, and a Wylde chamber.
    c. Everything that people don't like about Savage's Recon (the stock and the trigger) aren't part of the upper.

    Cons:
    a. The "standard" barrel profile is skinny behind the gas block, and then fat forward of it, which I think is stupid.



    Questions:

    1. Am I missing anything about these options?

    2. What other options am I missing?

  2. #2
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    To 700 yards a 18" upper is not going to do anything any differently/better than a 16" upper. Sure, a 18" SPR upper is a fun, niche rifle, but for 99% of shooters it does zero that a 16" rifle cannot do. A stainless steel "recce" upper with a LPVO would punch the ticket. If you want to remain budget conscious and buy complete, I would get the BCM SS upper.

  3. #3
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    If nothing else, now is the time to shop around, but wait until Thanksgiving and black Friday specials. What is presently outside the budget may fall within the budget.

  4. #4
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    Get a good SS barrel. Quality ammo will also make quite a difference; provided you are doing your part.

  5. #5
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    Your missing White Oak's SPR upper which is better than the BCM and Aero options IMO. If i was buying a complete upper for an SPR this would be it

    https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sho...dm-uppers.html

    They have options for different twist and gas lengths. If you choose a regular upper with no fluting they are $675 and include BCG. Come with ALG v3 handguards which are solid

    If you didnt already have a complete lower teh Larue Ultimate Upper kits are a great value at under $800 for everything but the lower receiver

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by everready73 View Post
    Your missing White Oak's SPR upper which is better than the BCM and Aero options IMO. If i was buying a complete upper for an SPR this would be it

    https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/sho...dm-uppers.html

    They have options for different twist and gas lengths. If you choose a regular upper with no fluting they are $675 and include BCG. Come with ALG v3 handguards which are solid

    If you didnt already have a complete lower teh Larue Ultimate Upper kits are a great value at under $800 for everything but the lower receiver
    Definitely WOA. I do not like the look of their complete uppers, but you cannot argue their quality.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by chuckman View Post
    To 700 yards a 18" upper is not going to do anything any differently/better than a 16" upper. Sure, a 18" SPR upper is a fun, niche rifle, but for 99% of shooters it does zero that a 16" rifle cannot do. A stainless steel "recce" upper with a LPVO would punch the ticket. If you want to remain budget conscious and buy complete, I would get the BCM SS upper.
    ^^^ This.

    You did say you wanted "precision" but you didn't say you needed "long range" capability.

    To gain accuracy, it's not necessary to go with a "longer" barrel, just a "better" one.
    Last edited by daddyusmaximus; 11-01-19 at 09:18.
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  8. #8
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    I know you said you wanted a pre-assembled upper; but...

    I was doing a similar mental experiment for a 16-18" comp/SPR upper. For my research it appears there are two different tiers of barrels. First you have the $200-$300 barrels from Ballistic Advantage, Larue, White Oak, Triarc or even BRT Optimium MPC barrels. For "the best" you are looking at past $400 for a Krieger, Bartlien, or Rainer Ultra Match. Personally I think I am a $200 barrel shooter, because I simply don't bench rest that much and most of my shooting is lesser ammo from lesser shooting positions.

    One of the reasons I suggest building an upper, is besides Rail, Barrel, and muzzle device, everything else should be pretty standard. For those 3 items you get to pick exactly the components that you want, and then you have absolute control over the assembly. Just my preferences for a precision set up.
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by turnburglar View Post
    I think I am a $200 barrel shooter...
    Me, too...


    Quote Originally Posted by turnburglar View Post
    One of the reasons I suggest building an upper, is besides Rail, Barrel, and muzzle device, everything else should be pretty standard...
    Actually, there are really just two variables: the (1) barrel and (2) rail.

    I can install my own muzzle device, and I know exactly what I want there. (Don't laugh: a KVP linear comp.)

    In other areas of life I embrace the DIY ethic, but since there are several good options out there with decent barrels and rails I like, it seems easiest/best to just buy something off-the-rack.

  10. #10
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    Not sure what WOA is currently offering in chambers... but my 16" WOA has a wylde chamber that isn't 5.56 pressured ammo friendly. (I get case buldge with hot ammo)

    I like the option of shooting hot ammo in a "precision" style AR.
    "What would a $2,000 Geissele Super Duty do that a $500 PSA door buster on Black Friday couldn't do?" - Stopsign32v

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