Ar-15 upper question!

[Midnightrider227]

I bought a .223-5.56 nato panther complete upper with barrel years ago. I was wondering since I can't find complete upper ar-15 receivers is it possible to change just the barrel on it?

[damon1272]

Changing out the barrel is pretty easy. Sell the original to finance the new one. Bravo Company and palmetto state are a couple that come to mind that sell barrels and many others.

[dieselpower]

I bought a .223-5.56 nato panther complete upper with barrel years ago. I was wondering since I can't find complete upper ar-15 receivers is it possible to change just the barrel on it?

What are you trying to do? Something tells this is question isnt what it appears to be.

[Midnightrider227]

I have a 20" barrel and I want a 16" but i cant find any complete uppers in the gun stores. So I was wondering if I can just take that one off and put any other brand barrel on the same receiver

[Gut Cassidy]

PSA has some 16" uppers in stock on their website

[dieselpower]

I have a 20" barrel and I want a 16" but i cant find any complete uppers in the gun stores. So I was wondering if I can just take that one off and put any other brand barrel on the same receiver

yes. It just takes a barrel wrench, a pin punch depending on how far you are disassembling. youtube has videos on it

[CreamyFettucini]

A little off topic, but if you change the barrel, how important is it to use a headspace guage to check the fit after installation? Or is it even necessary with factory new parts and torqued to the right specs?

[Intimid8tor]

A little off topic, but if you change the barrel, how important is it to use a headspace guage to check the fit after installation? Or is it even necessary with factory new parts and torqued to the right specs?

Headspace is determined when the barrel extension is screwed onto the barrel. It's never a bad idea to check and verify, but if you buy a barrel from a reputable source and have a good quality in spec BCG, you should be fine.

Key word is "should". You can decide if you trust the manufacturer.

And, I am not a gunsmith so take my thoughts for what they are.

[awiner]

Got to ask because it will make a difference. Does your current upper have M4 Ramps? If not you WILL NEED to find a barrel with out M4 cuts on the extension.

It's tough to find older rifle cut extensions on barrels.