New Billet Stripped Uppers

[ElysiumArms]

Hello guys,

Thanks for looking. We are a new start up company that has been working together with a local machine shop to start production of some top quality stripped uppers.

We are very close to starting production on 7075-T6 Aluminum stripped uppers cut from billet bar stock. Manufactured right here in CALI, on 5-axis CNC's by a top notch aerospace manufacturer.

I would like to include the community in this process by getting some input from you guys on what exactly you would like to see in a billet stripped upper.

Does 6061 vs 7075 make a difference to you guys if it costs more?

Would you prefer standard rounded corners like a Larue or do you like the hard edges that some billets tend to have like Mega or Spikes?

What are your thoughts on slickside with no deflector?

How do you feel about dust cover vs no dust cover?

Laser engraved or milled t-marks and logos or none?

Do you guys think there is even a market for a new manufacturer?

How would you feel about a $200-$250 price point?

We really appreciate your feedback and input,

Elysium Arms

[starsnuffer]

If you produce high quality stuff like Mega then there is absolutely a market.

I prefer a brass deflector and forward assist, but having a slick side version is great for the 3 gun crowd, especially if you use thicker walls.

A great feature that is hard to come by now is extending the 1913 rail all the way to the tail end of the receiver. This allows for mounting the BUIS further back.

Another suggestion is to pick a lower from a manufacturer that outputs consistent quality parts and mate your upper to it for a good tight fit. Don't just go with milspec and hope for the best, you're building a billet upper afterall, not forged.

I'll leave the aesthetics to those who have more of an opinion. I'd go with something that sets you apart but nothing so extreme people think you're selling spaceguns.

-W

[gun toting monkeyboy]

If it is nice enough, the price point isn't bad. The 7075 is usually preferred. I know it costs more, but it also holds up better long term. If I am spending that much on an upper, having one made of better aluminum is something I am going to look for.

As for features, realize that you aren't going to please everybody. That is just the way it is. I like dust covers and FAs, but they aren't essential. If you are going to go with a slick side, you might consider opening up the ejection port enough to make it easier to build uppers for the larger cartridges like .458 Socom and such. And making it beefier or thicker could also be a selling point. Sharp angles and corners may look cool, but they tend to be a PITA when you actually have to use the gun. I build a hunting AR with an extended latch one time, and it looked really, really good. It worked great at the range. When I went to carry it on a hunting trip, the danged thing dug into my side all the time, caught on any branch it went near, and was generally a nuisance. Think about the end user actually using your gun in the field before adding and sharp angles or corners to your design. Anything that will likely scrape a knuckle when you try to work the charging handle or swap a magazine is probably not going to be worthwhile. Good luck, and post pictures when you get that far.

-Mb

[Zartan]

I'd be in. Slickside or deflector would be good. When I saw Billet Upper, I also thought of MEGA. Be sure to have a sick logo.

[Jakeisch]

If you are going to do a smooth sided version make it a side charger.

[WETP]

I bought a the Mega set just to test it in a new built. I can tell you is my favorite.
I do like beefy but light uppers. Like the Vltor MUR and the Mega.
Dust cover or not, is not a breaking point for me.
Do like the deflector.
Milled Logo. Make sure is a cool logo. I own a bunch of Noveske lowers just on the fact I dig the logo.

God Bless you in you start up!

[nothing4u]

Make LR308 uppers

[valley82]

I would be down for several...several more in 308

[weekend_plinker]

I used to have some of the sun devils good quality a well may want to look at there's as well for some ideas
I liked the slick look my self. but the deflector is needed for left handed shooters so the brass does not hit them in the face.
Forward assist is needed for war time environments. It is not needed on a civilian rifle but I could be wrong.

[ott1]

Shell Deflector -> Yes, Forward Assist -> No, Dust Cover -> Yes.

Make a version with no gas tube hole for the blowback crowd.

[ElysiumArms]

Thanks alot guys, appreciate all the feedback please keep it coming.

Already thinking about the LR-308 and if all goes well with this first run of AR-15 uppers, you can be assured the LR-308 uppers will follow.

We are looking to supply high end parts and stay away from forgings made in some other country.

[valley82]

Nice! Keep us informed

[Zartan]

So the first 20 replies get first dibs?

[hr20099mm]

Yes on shell deflectors for us lefties.