Advice on choosing upper

[Arkalius]

So I'm currently researching my choices for my upper for my first build. It will be a bit before I actually buy anything (and with the state of the stock of most places it doesn't look like I have much of a choice anyway). My timing is pretty bad I guess... I'm not buying now because of the election like most people, but I'm suffering just the same for it I guess. Oh well. At least my lowers came in pretty quickly...

Anyway, for my first build I think I want to stick with a 16" barrel. I'm going to go with a BB setup so evil features are not a problem. I'm going to go for a mid-length gas system as I hear that is the better choice. I'm curious about gas piston systems though... I don't usually see many uppers mention that. Is a direct impingement gas system what you usually find on most uppers, requiring an upgrade to a piston system, or are there a good number of uppers that come with a piston system? Would I be better off buying the upper assembly in seperate parts and getting the piston system?

Another question I have is about the concept of a "free floating" handguard. What's the difference between that and one that isn't, and what are the benefits? I'm thinking I want to stick with iron sights for this first build but I would like the option of attaching another optic to it at some later date. I do like the carry-handle look though... but I can live without it if it's easier.

Can I get what I want for under $1000 for the whole upper, based on all of this?

It seems the upper assembly is the toughest part to understand of all this. I understand there are some feature and quality differences between a typical Stag upper and something like a nice Noveske, but I don't get why that difference comes with a cost increase as big as 300% higher. Is it just simply materials and parts quality that is responsible for this jump, or is there something I'm missing from the feature list?

Any and all opinions welcome.

[Crusader]

Yes, DI is much more common, not to mention cheaper, than piston AR systems. I don't really see a problem with direct impingement vs. piston. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I suppose it could be said that piston is more reliable.

I can't testify as to the advantages of free-float barrels, but I know they are usually more accurate. As far as how much of a difference it makes, I'm not sure. I didn't bother getting a free float on my AR build that I'm working on.

My upper cost me $525.01 total from AIM Surplus (one of my favorite online firearms stores ever).
I got a 16" CMMG mid-length assembly, with a chrome-lined chamber and bore, and the full Bolt Carrier Group.

It's probably the cheapest I've seen around for a new upper assembly.

If you're asking which to get, that's up to you. Chrome-lined bores and chambers make the rifle much easier to clean and much less prone to jam due to powder residue. However, on the flip side, they are usually slightly less accurate than chrome-moly bores. And yes, I would recommend the mid-length gas system. I don't think there's much difference between the mid and the carbine systems except that the midlength is closer to what the rifle was originally designed for. Plus, over the lifetime of the rifle, there will be slightly less wear due to less pressure going through the tube.

[dexter9659]

+1 to chrome lined barrels.
Piston uppers are ok, but at this point still pricey. LMT was having a sale on their uppers, though I am nut sure if it is still in effect. I place LMT near the very top of the list. Should you later decide to put a piston in it, LMT offers an "upgrade".

Stay away from POF, I know 3 people who have them, and everyone has had problems, none of them the same.

POF Rep: "We do not know where your rifle is. We are not showing you in the system. Let me run across the street and see if I can find it". .... Screams quality.

[oddball]

I would seriously consider a Bravo Co. upper (I have a M4 config on the way). They also have the midlength upper. Their bolt carrier groups are top notch. Throw in a CMT charging handle and a Daniel Defense Lite free float handguard system and the setup with shipping will be less than a grand. If you want to save a couple of hundred dollars, get the standard handguards instead of the DD.

If you can be patient, since there are long waits for their products, Bravo Co is worth it.

[7222 Hawker]

Go with a Rock River Upper. They are great quality, can feed both .223 and 5.56 and will eat anything you put in them. Worth the wait on the upper - they are backed up like everyone else. I would advise against free float only for one reason - if you get the inside of the handguard muddy or dirty, you can't strip and clean it without major dissasembly of the upper. Standard handguard setup can accomodate your piccatiny rail system but can also be stripped for easy cleaning. I have both systems - like the standard a little better for practical use - free float looks better. Your choice.

[Sleepnosis]

It seems the upper assembly is the toughest part to understand of all this. I understand there are some feature and quality differences between a typical Stag upper and something like a nice Noveske, but I don't get why that difference comes with a cost increase as big as 300% higher. Is it just simply materials and parts quality that is responsible for this jump, or is there something I'm missing from the feature list?

Any and all opinions welcome.

I had a fairly long post but I think two words can explain it:

The Barrel.

And if you like his barrels, then you'd be hard pressed to build one with all the features of his, cheaper than he can sell it to you.

[5hundo]

DPMS uppers were on sale through Midway but I think they're all sold out...

Check back and see if they get more, though... I got my 24" upper from them. It's a thing of beauty...

[randy]

If you have that kind of money to buy an upper before you buy anything go to www.jprifles.com or www.mstn.biz.

Free floating is better for accuracy. The gets dirty part someone posted well if you fall in the muc and mud just pour some water around the guard and you will be fine. And that's not a big deal because if you fall like that I'd rinse my muzzle with water.

Somebody here can explain this better than I. When you put tension on a barrel it changes the harmonics, and can change your POI. If you bind your rifle up in a sling one time then shoot it using the mag as mono pod and then shoot it with a bipod with a non free floated barrel that will change the harmonics on every shot. With a free float tube it won't have any effec because the barrel doesn't touch anything but the receiver.

Another good choice would be to contact AR15 barrels on here and go over your requirements and have him build one just for you.

[baldoHHO]

MGI military has barrel interchangeability with lots of cheap to premium barrel makers-quick detach barrel in 5-15 seconds depending on dexterity or practice.

Much cheaper route later on when moving on to a new(different) caliber.

[X-NewYawker]

Call Addax and get exactly what you want.

[aplinker]

I'd suggest reading through the thread in my signature.

BCM is the best suggestion given. Their 16" mid-length is the way to go on uppers. It's economical and top-notch quality.

MGI military has barrel interchangeability with lots of cheap to premium barrel makers-quick detach barrel in 5-15 seconds depending on dexterity or practice.

Much cheaper route later on when moving on to a new(different) caliber.

No, it's really not. The magwells are as expensive as the parts to build an upper.