If you own an AR-15 or are considering the purchase of one, you will probably be thinking about upper receivers, as well. Here, we are going to look at the definition of an upper receiver, its types, and some of the more popular AR-15 upper receivers on the market.

What Is an Upper Receiver?

The top portion of your AR-15 is referred to as the upper receiver. It contains a forend, barrel, charging handle, bolt carrier group, and any optionally mounted accessories you want to mount – a scope, for instance. Locate your gun’s lower receiver; this is where the upper receiver attaches. For your favorite AR-15 parts, your upper receiver is customizable.

For the most part, various brands of lowers and uppers are compatible with AR-15s. If you have a specialty receiver, however, assembly of your rifle may prove difficult.

If you're looking for an AR-15 and lots of accessories in one neat bundle, consider the purchase of a tactical kit or package.

Types of Upper Receivers

Upper receivers for AR-15s come in four types; each has its own distinct advantages, design, and disadvantages. The four types are as follows:

• A4 – Similar to the A3, but the A4 differs, courtesy of M4 style feed ramp inclusion. In today's market, this is the most common model.
• A3 – The flat configuration of this model distinguishes it from others. The carrying handle is detachable. These models feature a Weaver or Picatinny rail for mounting accessories. The feed ramp also includes rifle cuts and forward assists.
• A2 – Take the A1, upgrade it, and you've got this receiver. Also equipped with a forward assist and carry handle, it differs from the A1 because it's heavier and adjustable.
• A1 – Developed for use by Vietnam War soldiers, this is the original upper receiver. It features a fixed carry handle, forward assists, and a light profile barrel.

Preferred AR-15 Stripped Upper Receivers

A "stripped" upper receiver is the main solid piece of metal or a no-frills upper. An assembled or complete upper adds on the forward assist button and the ejection port door.

For the reasons specified, these are some of the most commonly chosen stripped AR-15 upper receivers:

• Battle Arms Development Lightweight Upper – lightest weight option
• Aero Precision Stripped Upper Receiver – Mil-Spec goodness
• VLTOR MUR Upper Receiver – very durable
• Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper BLEM (blemished) – best budget choice
• Bootleg Inc. Upper Receiver – best billet receiver
• Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped Upper Receiver – considered a top choice

Complete Upper Receivers – Top Choices

• Stag Arms 15L Tactical Upper – good choice for lefties
• Faxon ION Upper – great lightweight upper
• Palmetto State Armory 10.5” – great short barrel budget option
• Bravo Company (BCM) 18” Upper – good varmint/precision/3G gun
• Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Upper – very good 16-inch assembly

Points for Toughness and Durability

Clearly, there are numerous high-quality AR-15 upper receivers. If you're looking for toughness and durability, however, for the money, the Aero Precision Mil-Spec AR 15 Upper Receiver may well be your best bet. It features 0.250 takedown pinholes and M4 feed ramps and is built to M-16/M4 specifications.

Where’s the Best Place to Purchase a High-Quality AR-15?

That's the easiest question of all to answer: TacOp Shop.

In addition to AR-15s, we carry pistols, handguns, AR-10s, scopes, magazines, clips – you name it. Currently on a budget? No problem. We offer both layaway and payment options.

Don't shop anywhere else until you check out our impressive inventory.

Got questions? Would you like to place an order? Please contact us at 801-980-4862 or email us at info@tacopshop.com.

You can also use our convenient online form to open lines of communication if you need more information. Fill out the form, send it in, and we will reach out to you.