After having some recurring issues with my DPMS upper, I decided it was time to do an overhaul.  It came at a really strange time in the market.  At first I was going to build one but after a lot of searching and reading, the price gap between building your own and buying a high quality upper assembly is almost nonexistent.  I have the tools to build an AR but the peace of mind knowing it was built by professionals at a reputable company is comforting.  Here's what I ended up with:

BCM Standard 16" Midlength flattop upper
Mil spec 11595E barrel with 1:7 twist (not sure who BCM sources their barrels from but I'm sure they're quality.  In house maybe?)
Chrome bore and chamber
M4 feedramps
13" Troy/Viking Tactics VTAC TRX Battlerail
Low pro gas block and mid length tube

After shipping the grand total was $653.  The only thing not included was the BCG.

I have 1,000 rounds of 62 gr Prvi Partizian M855 that I'm hoping this upper will digest without a problem.

The price was good and I've heard nothing but good about Bravo Company.  I also looked at Oly Arms, Rock River (though they were a bit pricey), DPMS, Bushmaster, etc and this seemed like the best out of the bunch.  So, tell me, did I make the right decision?

Photo of the upper:
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/673/bcmurgmid16vtrx132.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Quick Update:
Had the rifle out for the first time since getting the upper and I'm more than impressed.  Shot about 200 rounds.  Functioned flawlessly and even after some burst fire groups it still held very good accuracy despite the smoking barrel.  Haven't had a chance to take it down and inspect but the accuracy, consistency and feel of this upper are top notch.  I especially love feeding the hotter 5.56 load through it.  Just feels better than a .223.  Gonna clean it up tomorrow and take a closer look at things.  So far so good!
Here's some updated photos, sorry it took so long to get em up.  

http://i53.tinypic.com/2hqtpx0.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/4tlqxj.jpg

And a little creative boredom with the camera (I underestimated how difficult it would be to get the macro to focus on the logo rather than the forward assist).  Took me 30 shots and it's still kinda amateur but you get the idea)

http://i56.tinypic.com/dg2e0l.jpg

You did good, best of the bunch by far.

Although that rail on top is pretty big and I'm not quite sure how to fill it.  I'll mainly be running an ACOG/Red dot/small 1-4x style optic.  I'm not ruling out BUIS or a 16x Nikon when I get the chance, but most of my shooting will be inside 200 yards.  My goal is something multi-purpose.  I want it to be a nice combination of home defense, target shooting, long range shooting and tactical run-and-gun drills.

Very nice upper.  Don't worry about "filling" the top rail.  It's more about having the flexibility to put what you need/want, where you want it.

That is a whole lot more upper than what you had and will work great.  Congrats.

I exaggerated a bit when I said "fill" but for certain situations it would be nice to have certain accessories.  When it's not in the field I would like some sort of flashlight/laser combination for home defense.  For target shooting a bipod would be useful.  I'm not very knowledgeable on slings so maybe you guys could learn me a bit about em and when they're appropriate/useful.

Also, the fit between my DPMS upper and CMMG lower was mediocre at best and while I would assume the BCM will be a vast improvement, what are your thoughts on the Accu Wedge?  If it works it seems like a great investment for $5.

Lower to upper fit is always going to be a variable, but it's also not something you need to worry about, as it won't affect accuracy or reliability.  

You won't miss your DPMS  unit much after you put a case of ammunition through that upper.

Of those listed in your original post, you absolutely picked the best one there.

I have 500 rounds of 62 gr PP M855 waiting for it when it comes in tomorrow.  How does this stuff shoot for you guys?

Yes you made the right decision...post some pics when you receive it

This leaves you with a glut of options. You have chosen very well.

Thanks for bringing it up SuperFupa I am very interested in either this one or the 9 inch light weight barrel version but my biggest question is



Can anyone tell me how a Spikes lower and a BCM upper fit ??? I really hate any sort of wiggle in my ar frame

Original post has been updated with photos and a quick rundown of the first day out with it.

Very nice!

I want to do something similar on my Grendel Recce-ish build, just using a 2-7x instead of an ACOG (all I lack is the rail)

Very slight gap, like paper thickness with mine. I may have a feeler gauge set somewhere, if i find it ill measure...

Im not concerned..

No two will prolly fit alike so it prolly doesn't do any good to advise.

Very nice.

Try running it without the VFG though.  Wrap your thumb over the top and I think you might like that.  Works really well wtih such a narrow tube.

With my old upper I used to wrap my hand around the mag well and it worked for the most part but it was hard to balance the weight on the front with your left hand so far back so I switched to the VFG and I've really come to like it.  It feels like im pushing the rifle into my shoulder versus pulling it into my shoulder with the mag well/front of tube.  Haven't tried that method, though, so I'll give it a whirl next time I go out.  Appreciate the advice!