Ok, its been a while since I started my AR-15 build, but I finally got around to getting the upper and finishing it. I researched everything: stripped uppers, upper parts kits, bolts, bolt carriers, hand guards, and most importantly barrels. I spent most of my time looking for upper receiver assemblies and thought about building my own. Finally I ordered my upper, installed it, mounted the scope and shot the rifle.
First off I researched everything about the upper receiver assemblies, and had already decided on a flat top. Second I looked at the parts kits, nothing of interest there, unless I built my own. Next was the bolt and bolt carrier, and I decided that I wanted a a forward assist and serrations on the carrier. Hand guards were an area where I was tempted to go wild, after all I was tempted to go with the tacti-cool penta rail free float with a whole bunch of accessories. but I decided on a free float tube style with nothing but a bi-pod stud. Finally I came to the barrel, and here is where my research got complicated. I decided I wanted a 1-8 or a 1-7 twist rate for heavier projectiles, stainless steel, and from a well known manufacturer.
After determining that I did not wish to build the upper from scratch at this time I looked at upper assemblies from Bushmaster, DPMS, even found an unused Remington R-15 take off upper, and several off brand manufacturers. I found flame wars for every manufacturer that sells uppers all of which had good stories, bad stories, the “I wouldn’t own one because my friends wife’s uncle’s step-son’s bosses nephew…” stories, and so forth. Finally I found a manufacturer that had two things I liked. They were in Texas, and they used E.R. Shaw barrels. Now I read all kinds of stories about them but decided to give them a try anyway. So I ordered a complete upper assembly with bolt carrier, bolt, and charging handle from Model 1 Sales. It came it exactly one week from when I called in my order and mailed my payment with a 41 cent stamp.
After getting notification from work (I had it delivered there in case I wasn’t home and didn’t want UPS just leaving it in front of the door) that my package was there I went and picked it up. I assembled the upper to the lower and mounted the scope in the parking lot. I then went out to some private land we have permission to shoot on and fired 4 rounds. After that little bit of time too many people showed up and wind was getting out of hand but every shot was on paper, and the fourth shot was a bulls eye at 50 yards.
Since I have gotten this far I may as well mention my thoughts on it so far. Everything works smoothly, smoother than any production AR-15 I have ever shot. The extended/tactical latch on the charging handle is a must for a low mounted scope on an AR-15. Fit and finish on the upper is excellent. I did have to clear some debris from the charging handle guide channels in the upper, but that was a minor issue. Everything was packaged well (in a box that could almost carry the entire gun. I got what I payed for, and was very pleased in the end.
