AR 15 Upper Suggestions

[Reloadron]

I have been casually looking around for a good AR 15 lower and considering my last AR 15 was well over a decade ago amazed at how many choices there are out there now. My goal is to build a good quality AR 15 match rifle. I have a nice AR 10 so it needs a compliment.

Yesterday one of those deals you can't say no to came along. I picked up a Colt Sporter Target Model unfired as new for $800 so I figure I got my lower as a part of the complete rifle, nice match trigger.

Has anyone heard of or used LMT (Lewis Machine & Tool) uppers? I have noticed their stuff at gun shows. I looked at their website but didn't see anything with a 20" 1:7 barrel.

I want a high quality upper with a quality barrel. Looking for a 20" barrel with a 1:7 twist. The existing upper is 1:9 and I plan to use it for general shooting but want a real nice quality upper. Be it a turn key solution or if I build it. Somewhere around here I still have my AR tools as I was just getting into ARs when we sold the gun shop. Building an upper should not be a problem but I want good hardware to build with. I also want a free floated hand guard. Centra sights just like my AR 10 will top things.

As to cost? I am not overly concerned about it. Whatever it cost to get where I want to go it cost. With a good flat top I figure around $500 for the Centra sights.

So if anyone has done this I would love to hear about it and suggestions are most desired. I have all winter to build it or put it together, I just want to get it right the first time around.

Thanks
Ron

 

[Walkalong]

LMT is very well thought of.

 

[bikemutt]

I've heard nothing but good things about LMT, except they are always working a backlog. Keep an eye on gunbroker.com, I've see their uppers show up there. Nice score on the Colt

 

[gotigers]

LMT is good stuff. There are others just as good or close. In no specific order: Daniel Defense, Noveske, Bravo. I am sure there are a few others at that level.

For an upper, i would also look at White Oak Armament.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Why are you looking specifically for 1:7 twist? Are you planning on heavier or longer profiled rounds? Nothing wrong with a chrome lined 4140-4150 chrome lined 1:9 barrel. 4140 is less brittle due to less carbon, but 4150 has more refined grain due to the presence of vanadium. 4140 is what FN uses to make SAW barrels.

As for the upper, why are you swapping for another?

 

[C-grunt]

Check out BravocompanyUSA.com

 

[dprice3844444]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=678312

 

[Cemetery21]

High quality 20" match? Consider White Oak Armament.

 

[Okiegunner]

Reloadron...

Based upon the previoius posts, you will not find the LMT Defender lower.

It just so happens, that I have been looking for the exact same thing.

Go to "Golden State Tactical". They show the LMT "Defender" complete lower for $349.00

They show still in stock. If you buy one, please keep me in the loop, as I will purchase one also.

 

[powder]

Franklin, WHite Oak, Knight...

 

[Reloadron]

Many thanks to all of you who provided some great suggestions. To answer a few questions:

meanmrmustard:

Why are you looking specifically for 1:7 twist? Are you planning on heavier or longer profiled rounds? Nothing wrong with a chrome lined 4140-4150 chrome lined 1:9 barrel. 4140 is less brittle due to less carbon, but 4150 has more refined grain due to the presence of vanadium. 4140 is what FN uses to make SAW barrels.

As for the upper, why are you swapping for another?

I plan on loading 80 grain Sierra Match King and other heavy long bullets like some of the Berger flavors. I want to barrel around what I plan for this upper. Thus I am leaning towards a 1:7. As to swapping the upper? I plan to keep and shoot with the existing upper on the rifle, just get another upper more dedicated to the heavier bullets and more in line with match shooting. I'll run with the Colt lower simply because the entire rifle was a good deal that fell in my lap. I am not saying this is the brightest way to go about this, just something I want to give a shot at (pun intended).

Gotigers:

LMT is good stuff. There are others just as good or close. In no specific order: Daniel Defense, Noveske, Bravo. I am sure there are a few others at that level.

For an upper, i would also look at White Oak Armament.

I keep seeing thos names turning up, especially among match shooters and those who I guess to be in the know. I mentioned LMT only because I have seen them setup at the very large Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds gun shows up here in the Cleveland, Ohio area. That show runs next weekend up here. This being a large show I figure or hope to see the other names mentioned in this thread. None of these guys existed 15 or so years ago when I was getting into this stuff. Now I am like wow, what to consider and what is good.

Okiegunner:

Reloadron...

Based upon the previoius posts, you will not find the LMT Defender lower.

It just so happens, that I have been looking for the exact same thing.

Go to "Golden State Tactical". They show the LMT "Defender" complete lower for $349.00

They show still in stock. If you buy one, please keep me in the loop, as I will purchase one also.

I am actually looking for an upper to set on the Colt Sporter match I just had fall into my life. I plan to use the Colt lower. LMT is a contender for what will be my new upper.

I want to thank all who have provided suggestions and information in this thread. Your time and suggestions are most appreciated.

Thanks
Ron

 

[hentown]

The RRA Predator pursuit upper would be my choice, if accuracy is the main goal. Believe it has a 1/8 twist, as it uses RRA NM barrel, but it's a tackdriver.

 

[JustinJ]

I've never seen an LMT in 5.56 with a 20" barrel. I built a similar upper using a SS RockRiver barrel and was quite pleased. Its a good barrel for the price.

 

[mastiffhound]

Palmetto State Armory, 20" upper, 1 in 7 twist, mil-spec or stainless heavy barrel, they have the most bang for the buck. I can't put into words how happy I am with my 20" upper. I can't believe they haven't been mentioned already? They were suggested to me by many people and they really do a fantastic job. They have my praise and business for as long as they are open or my demise. Try them out, they have many satisfied customers here on The High Road. If not them then Bravo Company, I have heard a few problems lately but they have made it right as far as I know.

 

[SpentCasing]

4140 is what FN uses to make SAW barrels.

Where did you learn this? Everything Ive seen has shown its a proprietary alloy (FN only recipe). Ive never once seen that thier SAW bbls are 4140 until now. Im quite skeptical of that claim but curious if you know something I dont. Thanks.

M16/M4 barrel steel milspec calls for 4150CMV (see: MIL-B-11595E). Doesnt seem to make much sense to use a lower grade steel on a SAW weapon.