Best place to buy a Matched Set of Uppers and Lowers. And the winner is?

[kilo.juliet]

I have to be honest, I really don't see the need for matched uppers and lowers (think it is marketing hype). Play between uppers and lowers matters not.

If you REALLY want to use the best components for a precision build, stick with a billet upper and lower (like the LT Stealth or VLTOR MUR).




C4

The idea for a matched set is mostly cosmetic in nature.

1. Most lines match up
2. Color is even/same
3. Little or no play between upper/lower
4. Same brand

Means nothing to some and everything to many.

Cheers!

[C4IGrant]

The idea for a matched set is mostly cosmetic in nature.

1. Most lines match up
2. Color is even/same
3. Little or no play between upper/lower
4. Same brand

Means nothing to some and everything to many.

Cheers!

Understand, but my issue with it is that Mega charges extra for this. Any good dealer would do this for a customer for FREE.



C4

[kilo.juliet]

Understand, but my issue with it is that Mega charges extra for this. Any good dealer would do this for a customer for FREE.



C4

I wouldn't know about that. I got mine from a dealer in WA and it did not have an up-charge for this service. I purchased my set for a really good price and am greatful for it.

Cheers all!

[C4IGrant]

I wouldn't know about that. I got mine from a dealer in WA and it did not have an up-charge for this service. I purchased my set for a really good price and am greatful for it.

Cheers all!

Well according to my Mega dealer price sheet, they charge AT LEAST $25 for matching an upper and a lower (dealer price, not retail price).


C4

[kilo.juliet]

Well according to my Mega dealer price sheet, they charge AT LEAST $25 for matching an upper and a lower (dealer price, not retail price).


C4

Hahaha! You know C4IGrant, his idea of a matched set was maybe put a few uppers and lowers together and see which ones "matched" the best!!

MEGA's are of good quality, if not great. All I know is that the upper of the matched set doesn't match the other lower I had purchased together in the sale. Not even if you held them up to a mirror!

All of the pieces were color identical and the lowers were seven numbers apart in the S/N. Go figure.

[Razorhunter]

I'm sure many disagree, but $25 extra to get a matched set is money well spent in my book. I only WISH I would have had this choice with other brands...

[Turbo Supra]

Matched huh? The mag well release matches up very well with the upper

My Mega set is not "matched" as in "hand-picked". I thought the thread poster was referring to the brand/finish of the two components. I would never spend an extra $25 for a matched set. The unmatched ones already exceed my needs.

[Turbo Supra]

I have to be honest, I really don't see the need for matched uppers and lowers (think it is marketing hype). Play between uppers and lowers matters not.

If you REALLY want to use the best components for a precision build, stick with a billet upper and lower (like the LT Stealth or VLTOR MUR)

I would love to know why. I have handled a few billet lowers and uppers. Obviously, the fit and finish is top-notch. However, if receiver play "matters not", what advantage does the expensive billet set offer over a good forged set?

The idea for a matched set is mostly cosmetic in nature.

1. Most lines match up
2. Color is even/same
3. Little or no play between upper/lower
4. Same brand

The upper and lower I pictured above were ordered from John at Rainier Arms. They were not a "matched" set. In fact, the upper was shipped to me on a separate order from the lower. All 4 of your criteria were met, and no extra money was spent. While the mag well release lines up fairly evenly, it lines up even more closely now that the set has been assembled with a parts kit. Excellent fit and finish for the money...

[kilo.juliet]

I would love to know why. I have handled a few billet lowers and uppers. Obviously, the fit and finish is top-notch. However, if receiver play "matters not", what advantage does the expensive billet set offer over a good forged set?

The upper and lower I pictured above were ordered from John at Rainier Arms. They were not a "matched" set. In fact, the upper was shipped to me on a separate order from the lower. All 4 of your criteria were met, and no extra money was spent. While the mag well release lines up fairly evenly, it lines up even more closely now that the set has been assembled with a parts kit. Excellent fit and finish for the money...

Hey Turbo, thanks for posting your pic of your MEGA's. I'm glad your project is turning out for you.

I don't know how experienced you are with all the different brands of uppers/lowers, but I can tell you that some brands are rather mis-matched in every way. They also produce a very loose fit that most precision/match shooters do not like, even if you tell them it doesn't matter. Because it matters to them, a lot. The matched set gives them an edge and security knowing that all has been done to eliminate a possible weak point.

As far as a billet set goes, the theory is that they are made to a tighter tolerance than the forged set. Many good quality forged uppers when placed on a true, flat surface and then straight edged will show some minor to major "warpage" either in the threaded section at the barrel slip or on the flat-top portion of the upper. Needless to say, your barrel will not be pointing as straight as it could be or your sights will be off. This could also cause the BCG to bind and induce feeding problems.

Of course, a billet is only as good as the CNC machine, programer, and machine operator make it. La Rue Tactical stakes his reputation on it. If a forged part is made perfect or to the same tolerance as a billet part, there is no difference as to which is better as far as accuracy goes.

Furthermore, and more important, most forged uppers and lowers were never made to be ultra- precise, they were made more in the realm of Mil-Spec. The billets of today are made especially for precision applications with more controll and tighter tolerances.

[C4IGrant]

I'm sure many disagree, but $25 extra to get a matched set is money well spent in my book. I only WISH I would have had this choice with other brands...

$25 was on the low end. It might go as high as $45! If you want thing to line up and colors to match, as the dealer to try and do it with your choices of uppers and lowers. I am sure they would try and help you out if they can.


C4