Options for quality M4 flattop uppers? I want 16 in barrel, 1:7 twist, 5.56 chamber

[juha_teuvonnen]

I am not new to guns, but new to the whole AR-15 thing. I am looking for quality Ar-15 upper receiver with a quality barrel. I don't mind paying a few extra bucks for a quality product. I would like for it to be mil-spec or better, i.e. forged parts where needed and etc. I intend to shoot 62gr and 77gr bullets.

The spec:

Upper receiver: flattop, M4 carbine type.
Barrel: 16 inches long, 1:7 twist, 5.56 mm NATO chamber. I would pay extra for match grade barrel, unsure if they make them this short or chrome lined.

I am not opposed to actually building it myself from parts, if I can save a an amount that makes it worth the trouble. If someone could point me to how-to or explanations what features I should be looking for, I would really appreciate it.

 

[Varmint]

BCM has tons of configurations, go play around the website. If your budget is $600-800 I'd go that route. Are you in MA, does it need compliance work?

 

[northny]

If you know what you want, why not build it yourself? Not that hard to do to assemble an upper

I went with 1:8 twist, 18" stainless barrel, and wylde chamber (5.56 or 2.23) for more of an accurate longer distance barrel without going with full blown 20" Hbar target set up. I got just what I wanted including an adjustable gas block and the hand rail of my choice.

 

[juha_teuvonnen]

I am in MA, so I will need a muzzle brake permanently attached, or a barrel with no muzzle device. If I will be building the upper myself, I am leaning towards the latter. I wondering what kind of a premium does a preban lower fetch in MA.

Looks like Wylde chamber combines the best features of .223 chamber and 5.56x45 NATO chamber. I have a 700P in .223, I am wondering if I should have that chamber reamed to .223 wylde as well.

 

[mac1911]

What do you want from this rifle.
You already know you want to shoot 62-77 grain bullets so 1/8 or faster will be fine.
Are you dead set on a muzzle device. I have grown to like my target crowned barrels on my ARs.
Building is a very good option. My last build was a "varmint" build. 20" stainless Heavy match barrel 223 Wylde 1/8 twist. Saved about 400$ vs buying equal quality upper.
Group buy upper receiver 40$
RRA chrome BGC 80$
Parts kit for upper 18$
Barrel wilson Arms with gas block , gas tube 280$ add 50$ for matched headspaced bolt
Rifle length round hand guard with bipod mount $75
With shipping into it for 575$

 

[mac1911]

What do you want from this rifle.
You already know you want to shoot 62-77 grain bullets so 1/8 or faster will be fine.
Are you dead set on a muzzle device. I have grown to like my target crowned barrels on my ARs.
Building is a very good option. My last build was a "varmint" build. 20" stainless Heavy match barrel 223 Wylde 1/8 twist. Saved about 400$ vs buying equal quality upper.
Group buy upper receiver 40$
RRA chrome BGC 80$
Parts kit for upper 18$
Barrel wilson Arms with gas block , gas tube 280$ add 50$ for matched headspaced bolt
Rifle length round hand guard with bipod mount $75
With shipping into it for 575$

Right now I'm torn between 2 ways to go with the odd parts I have kicking around.
1. Will be a A2 rifle built to conform to the CMP Mondern Military Match class. Which basically is a no frills build. No free float tubes and need to use a government profile barrel.
2. Is a compact varmint build. 16" Stainless Bull barrel , no muzzle device. Optic only set up? Set up for 300 yards and maybe some fun matches out to 600?