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Posted: 7/7/2016 8:17:53 AM EDT
| I am in the process of building a "accuracy" build. When I say "accuracy" build, I am buying the best quality part on the parts that I feel affect accuracy (barrel, trigger, etc.) while going with the more standard issue type part for everything else. I already have a Spikes lower and was thinking that I would just go with a Spikes upper for no apparent reason other than it is the same brand as the lower. I was wondering however if there is anything better than the Spikes and if the upper receiver truly has a lot to do with the accuracy of the build. I do realize that Spikes is considered a fairly decent brand, but there are a lot of different brands out there and there may be a better option. I was also wondering if there is any reason to purchase a billet receiver over a forged one? Thanks for any comments back. |
| At one point spikes was putting out some good stainless barrels. Not sure if they still have them or not. Haven't really kept up with spikes since I sold my spikes lowers. In fact, I don't see as much of there stuff at any of the places I shop online anymore except lowers. |
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I have a precision build on a Spikes upper. The upper is just fine for the task. I do have a different match barrel from another company, however. I also sourced the free float rail from yet a different company and the BCG from another, and the charge handle also from a different one. Each component was selected for quality, regardless of brand.
But the bare upper receiver is Spikes and it is good enough for any precision build. With benchrest quality handloads and carefully selected components, the Spikes upper receiver, itself, will not degrade accuracy. The only thing I did to the actual forging was to lap the receiver front face to square it to receive the barrel extension. I guess I am trying to say that Spikes makes good stuff, and beginning with a complete upper is a good starting point. You may be satisfied as is, depending on just how you define "accuracy" and what barrel you choose. Over time you may find that you will want to improve the barrel or other components, but the forged bare upper receiver will continue to serve you well as you progress. |
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I think I am just going to go ahead and order a Spikes stripped receiver. I have been looking around to try and narrow my choices of a lower down and I am just simply not coming up with anything that I feel would be any better than the Spikes. The only option that I entertained was possibly going with the Spikes billet receiver, but after reading several comments, I don't think I will gain anything in the accuracy category, so I am simply just going to go with the forged model. Next comes the decision of which barrel I think I am going to go with for my build....Kreiger, Bartlein, or a LaRue Tactical, but that will have to wait for another day.
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Quoted:
I think I am just going to go ahead and order a Spikes stripped receiver. I have been looking around to try and narrow my choices of a lower down and I am just simply not coming up with anything that I feel would be any better than the Spikes. The only option that I entertained was possibly going with the Spikes billet receiver, but after reading several comments, I don't think I will gain anything in the accuracy category, so I am simply just going to go with the forged model. Next comes the decision of which barrel I think I am going to go with for my build....Kreiger, Bartlein, or a LaRue Tactical, but that will have to wait for another day. The upper receiver will not make a difference. Buy a forged upper from whoever has the best price. Spend your money on a barrel. LaRue is the best bargain going until the end of the year. I have 2 and will be getting more. |
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Quoted:
I think I am just going to go ahead and order a Spikes stripped receiver. I have been looking around to try and narrow my choices of a lower down and I am just simply not coming up with anything that I feel would be any better than the Spikes. The only option that I entertained was possibly going with the Spikes billet receiver, but after reading several comments, I don't think I will gain anything in the accuracy category, so I am simply just going to go with the forged model. Next comes the decision of which barrel I think I am going to go with for my build....Kreiger, Bartlein, or a LaRue Tactical, but that will have to wait for another day. Good decision. Lilja makes a pretty decent 16" Recce barrel. I'm still working on the 100 yard load, but this may turn out to be it. Hope to shoot more later today. 
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| I have done a lot of builds using Spikes stripped uppers and have ZERO complaints. However, I have switched to Aero stripped uppers because, IMO, they are as good as any and a lot cheaper. The only stripped upper or lower I have had problems with are Olympic (lower, which I was able to fix) and one DPMS upper which was promptly replaced NQA with another DPMS which was perfect, just like the other DPMS ippers I have built on. |
| Gentleman, forged upper receivers are usually all made by the same OEM company and rebranded by other companies. It really doesn't matter where you buy it from as long as its a reputable company. Put your money into the barrel as that is the only way you will affect your rifles accuracy. In that regard, you will be hard pressed to find a better shooting barrel for the money that Ballistic Advantage. Their SPR profiled 416 stainless barrels consistently shoot sub MOA and usually better with good shooter and ammo. |
| I have used uppers/lower combo (not matched) from spikes, vltor and aero precision and the areo precision is a mile ahead as far as finish and fit. I was shocked that my vltor had wobble and a tiny gap between the upper and lower and the aero is tight as a drum and nice finish and of the 3 they are the least $$$$$ |
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