5.45X39 AR--should I use this upper?

[VegasND]

I've got a crappy 16" flat top upper I bought used (and pretty cheap). I have taken off the handguards and can't find any marks on it to indicate who made it. This thing is just not reliable--it tends to short stroke and jam. I've followed instructions here and ARF but have only improved the situation, not made the thing dependable.


I know there seemed to be some interest in this a while back; what is the status on converting AR uppers to 5.45? Who is doing this--and if anyone is, would it be false economy to have this no-name upper converted (any numbers on cost)? Are these uppers working well? I'd just use it for plinking so would like to avoid the expense of the one listed from S&W. Any feedback or information would be appreciated.

[Blue]

Here's a link to a discussion on AR15.com about it.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=326139&page=9

[VegasND]

Here's a link to a discussion on AR15.com about it.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.htm...=326139&page=9

Thanks, I had read that but was hoping for something new. And, honestly, the 'overhead' on the comments here about gunsmithing and dealing with modifications/problems tends to be a bit less shrill than ARF sometimes gets.

[cseabass]

smith and wesson released a 5.45 upper recently

[ar15barrels]

smith and wesson released a 5.45 upper recently

Link?
What are they doing for magazines?

[ar15barrels]

what is the status on converting AR uppers to 5.45?

New barrel and the bolt needs to be opened up and shortened.
The firing pin could also be re-worked instead of shortening the bolt.

[double_action]

Link?
What are they doing for magazines?

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=121&t=369012&page=1

http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=381

[VegasND]

New barrel and the bolt needs to be opened up and shortened.
The firing pin could also be re-worked instead of shortening the bolt.

That's what I'd heard on ARF and here. What I want to know is if you, or someone else, is doing conversions. And, if they are, is it worthwhile? Standard 30rd mags are supposed
to work ok w/27 rd 5.45. Some have said a new/modified follower is needed.

Would I be better off to just dump this thing, bite the bullet, and pay for a complete upper. As far as I know, Smith & Wesson and Olympic are the only ones currently cataloging these. Only one who I know of that lists both:

http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=37

[ar15barrels]

That's what I'd heard on ARF and here. What I want to know is if you, or someone else, is doing conversions. And, if they are, is it worthwhile? Standard 30rd mags are supposed
to work ok w/27 rd 5.45. Some have said a new/modified follower is needed.

You can't "convert" the barrel.
You need a new barrel.
You could convert the bolt and firing pin.

I have made a couple of 5.45 uppers and I never got more than 8 rounds to stack properly.
More than 8 and they would nose down into the mag/receiver.

[VegasND]

You can't "convert" the barrel.
You need a new barrel.
You could convert the bolt and firing pin.

I have made a couple of 5.45 uppers and I never got more than 8 rounds to stack properly.
More than 8 and they would nose down into the mag/receiver.

Thanks for the info; it's nice to hear from someone who does this work. I know the barrel must be replaced, but I didn't know about the magazine problem. Does this mean, in your opinion, the conversion isn't worth doing and that you are skeptical of the functionality of those offered by others?

[ar15barrels]

Does this mean, in your opinion, the conversion isn't worth doing and that you are skeptical of the functionality of those offered by others?

I am skeptical of everything until I personally observe it working as stated by the manufacturer.

I have yet to see 5.45 working, but I don't have any of the Cproducts 5.45 mags to test either.
They might turn out to work fine.
In that case, I see no roadblocks to running 5.45 in an AR.

[VegasND]

I am skeptical of everything until I personally observe it working...

That's a prudent attitude.

I may just buy one rather than try to have the one I've got altered. I may hold off until these are around some and see how they work.

Since you do this work, I'll assume a custom build would be cost prohibitive compared to buying off the shelf, and I'm really not looking for anything beyond a plinker.

If you should stock these, please let us know, along with your opinion.

Thanks for taking the time to respond and for providing good information.

[ar15barrels]

Since you do this work, I'll assume a custom build would be cost prohibitive compared to buying off the shelf, and I'm really not looking for anything beyond a plinker.

Due to the bore size requirements being non-standard, custom barrels are expensive.
The last couple were around $400 and made on Pac-Nor blanks.

[Quiet]

S&W M&P-15R 5.45x39mm complete upper
S&W website says coming soon with MSRP of $751.

[Rem1492]

I placed a military order with S&W. I received 2 mags for it in the mail last week, so i think the upper should be here soon.

If I do happen to get it first I will post pics and a range report.