.223 Complete upper

[rsrocket1]

If you already have a lower you can currently buy 2 or 3 uppers with that kind of budget.

That's a good point. He could get a 20" heavy barrel for "longer range" shooting, a standard 16" and have spare money for optics like a red dot, BUIS, etc.

 

[Skeptic13]

There are so many good choices out there it is hard to narrow it down. for just plinking I am not sure I would spend that kind of cash. Maybe up to $700 but that would be my limit. Aero Precision has some good quality complete uppers. Palmetto State Armory also has great budget choices.

 

[DMW1116]

For my uses PSA has been completely satisfactory. Plinking, practice shooting, learning iron sights on a M16A4gery, and maybe coyote or varmint hunting cover my bases. You can get a really top of the line upper for your budget though.

 

[DMW1116]

Also if you are actually limiting your shooting to 223 instead of 5.56, mine shoot 223 better than any 5.56 I’ve tried. My hand loads are all loaded to 223 specs too.

 

[CapnMac]

Recommendations.

Check Bud's online, Brownell's, PSA, almost all the "bigs" will have uppers.

Also, uppers only run about $250 to $350 in the current market. (Prices are fussy if including bolt control group & stock).
Your $700-$1000 budget is closer to a complete rifle.
Brownell's, $400: https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...rod143602.aspx?avs|Special-Filters_1=In+Stock
PSA, $320: https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...3-5-lightweight-m-lok-upper-w-bcg-and-ch.html
Plenty more. Your LGS might even stock some, too.

 

[James Fonteneaux]

Another vote for PSA here. Their daily deals have been really testing my restraint of late. Found out it needs work. I've had great results with their products, especially for the money. Bear Creek isn't bad either, but I've had more issues with their stuff. With your budget, you could get an upper with an MBUS flip up rear sight that will pin right on your lower and still have lots of coin left over for ammo. PSA's carry handles are good too, if you're so inclined.

 

[Mk-211]

Part of the OP's other question was twist rates.

OP, 1:7, 8 and 9 are the standard twist rates that you'll find. The lower the number, the faster the twist. Faster twist rates are for heavier bullets, the 1:7 will handle up to 90gr. bullets.

1:9 will work well with 55gr bullets but as the bullets get heavier it will struggle with accuracy. 70gr bullets are about max, give or take a few grs.

The above three choices are all good for common ammo you can buy off the shelf. A 1:10 or 1:12 barrel will work for light stuff but then you limit your rifle to 55gr. up to the 60ish grain bullets. Uppers with these barrels will probably be on the cheaper side.

Of course YMMV and everyone will have their own views. This is just my input on twist rates that are commonly used today. The 1:12 are getting harder to find and a 1:14 is probably impossible unless a special order.

 

[sisyphus]

Larue 16" sub moa upper

mods you can lock the thread now, thank you

 

[Golfanaticshooter]

Larue 16" sub moa upper

mods you can lock the thread now, thank you

I don't even need it and I want to buy it!

 

[Texanreloader]

Want to thank everyone for the input, again you guys never fail me!! Today is my B-day and I decide to pop for this,
Primary Weapon Systems MK116 MOD1 AR 15 Complete Upper .223 Wylde 16" Got a really great price I could not pass up.

 

[Demi-human]

Well, Happy Birthday!
A great gift to yourself!

 

[citizenconn]

Midway used to run specials on complete uppers by AR Stoner. I got a 16" complete upper a few years back with the round handguards for $200 but that was a couple of panics ago.

I personally would avoid the Stoner uppers. Your mileage may vary.

 

[d2wing]

Quality Uppers, Del-Ton or BCM.