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11/7/2013 7:26:39 AM EDT
I'm looking at getting a stripped upper for my build. I know I want a flat top and from what I've read I should probably go with M4 feed ramps. So the question becomes who is the premier manufacturer and why? LaRue? Noveske? Rainer? Can someone also explain the difference between a billet receiver and mil spec? Thanks for any help to a new builder. I'm enjoying the journey as I completed my lower the other night!
11/7/2013 7:34:46 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I'm looking at getting a stripped upper for my build. I know I want a flat top and from what I've read I should probably go with M4 feed ramps. So the question becomes who is the premier manufacturer and why? LaRue? Noveske? Rainer? Can someone also explain the difference between a billet receiver and mil spec? Thanks for any help to a new builder. I'm enjoying the journey as I completed my lower the other night!
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Frankly you will probably get the same performance out of any quality manufacturer.  Billet uppers are milled from a raw block  rectangular metal.  Standard uppers are made of forgings which are hunks of metal that are cast in the shape of an upper then finished by a machine shop.

I wouldn't spend much time obsessing over it.  There are a few "fit and finish" type of differences between uppers.  I particularly like the Rainier uppers I've seen but I buy CMT uppers for my shop and builds.  I sell Vltor uppers and they're made to a much higher standard but I don't think they'll tighten your groups, make your manhood any larger, or make you more popular with the ladies.

Now wait for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to answer your question. :^)
11/7/2013 7:56:24 AM EDT
[#2]
The only reason I would get a billet upper is if your lower is also billet; that way they'd "match".

Otherwise, forged (MIL-SPEC) is as good if not better, and less expensive.
11/7/2013 8:10:11 AM EDT
[#3]
Knowing a little about how the grain of the metal flows during the forging process, I never understood why billet was so "special".



Anyhoo... if you're looking for something that works, without breaking the bank, PSA has some "blem" stripped uppers for $40.  I've used uppers from a few different manufacturers, and they've all been good.
11/7/2013 9:39:41 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Knowing a little about how the grain of the metal flows during the forging process, I never understood why billet was so "special".

Anyhoo... if you're looking for something that works, without breaking the bank, PSA has some "blem" stripped uppers for $40.  I've used uppers from a few different manufacturers, and they've all been good.
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^this
11/8/2013 8:50:59 AM EDT
[#5]
Bump for more info. Are M4 feed ramps recommended. Still looking for more opinions on manufacturers. Thanks
11/8/2013 9:04:25 AM EDT
[#6]
BCM blem uppers. $90 bucks and they are in stock. I would recomend M4 feed ramps.
11/8/2013 3:42:04 PM EDT
[#7]
Any of the above or Aero Precision lower blems.  Still can't find a mark on mine and the color and fit match perfectly with the Aero Precision upper.

11/8/2013 5:56:19 PM EDT
[#8]
Palmetto State Armory has stripped blems for sale at $40 a piece.  I bought 2 last week and they are VERY nice.  Blems are hardly noticeable for a rifle that will be used.

I bought 2x blems for my 2x Seekins forged lowers.  They fit great together.  I don't care to much about the finish or the finish matching the lower.

The best part, again, is the $40 price!  And they do have M4 feedramps.
11/8/2013 8:07:26 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
Bump for more info. Are M4 feed ramps recommended. Still looking for more opinions on manufacturers. Thanks
View Quote



the rec feed ramps only matter if your using a barrel that does NOT have m4 feed ramps. m4 feedramps just feed better/less prone to jams.
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