Best Upper and Lower for a build

[StraitShot]

I finished my first Grendel build not to long ago and am pretty happy with the way it worked out. I am still working up an optimal load but am taking my time since every rifle has its own unique characteristics and want to reduce the shooters influence as much as possible.

Anyway... here is my question... I am thinking about another build. My first Grendel build was on RockRiver upper and lower. I'd used that brand before to build .223's. However, there seem to be many opinions regarding who makes the best upper/lower and the metal grade they are made from. So, not necessarily looking to stir the pot.. but what does the Horde consider high quality for fit, finish and metal grade ? What say you and why ?

[Bigs28]

All your name brands are going to do what you need them to. I have forged and billets and while my 2a armament billet set is nice it doesn't have any functional advantages. If your looking for fit get a billet set. Precision firearms and 2a armament are great options.

[StraitShot]

2A Armament certainly ups the game... I was looking at Aero Precision as well..... very nice...

[A5BLASTER]

Upper and lower only hold the go bang parts. But what trips your trigger and fits your rifles mission and your budget.

The only time I would say get a certain type of upper, is if your going to hang a 20 inch or long barrel with a hbar or thicker profile on it. If your going to do that then go with the thickest billet upper you can get.

Other then that a dirt cheap poverty pony set will work just as good as a 1000 dollar set. Long as it's in spec there is no difference between dirt cheap and baller mall cop look at me priced reciver sets.

Hope this helps OP.

[StraitShot]

I am considering building another "distance" rifle... my current built has a 20" fluted Lilja and straight Timney adjustable trigger on RockRiver upper& lower. No complaints about RockRiver, they seem to be a little cleaner & tighter than Stag. Just thinking and wondering what might be better to build on...

[Six5x39]

I think your current build sounds like it's setup for distance rifle . How far are you going to be shooting with the new build ?

[StraitShot]

It is... I have a NF 5x20 scope on it...right now I am working it at 200yrd and will hopefully keep working out to 500yrds (the farthest I can go around here)... but I am considering another build and rethinking the foundation of the rifle. It is a nice build but I want to do another... learned a lot on this one...

[Six5x39]

Yeah I hear you . I was one of those why have several rifles in same caliber , but grendel got to me . I have 1 in ar n other in bolt . No regret what so ever

[Popeye212]

I wonder if Mark has any more of the upper lower sets left those were a great deal? I almost started another build when I saw the price on those.

[Klem]

Ranier Arms stock a few different brands of 7075 Billet sets.

[FLshooter]

I just built a 6.5 Grendal that’s a shooter.Started w/a PSA MOE lower.Put in a Geiselle NM adjustable trigger.Then I got a $200 BCA .223 wilde upper w/15” mlok handguard.
Slod the barrel,bolt,gas block and trigger for $100.Installed a Craddock custom 24”Bartlein heavy barrel w/matched JP bolt and a .936 Troy low profile block.
The whole rifle cost me around $1200.But,it will outshoot most anything in twice it’s price range.Right now I have a Nikon X1000 4-16x50 On It.But,I will get a Razor once I am ready.

[Wargrendeleagle]

I'm in the middle of putting together a build with a matched upper and lower from precision firearms. It's a nice set! I know it's going to be a tight fit with my lilja

[Wandering Kermode]

If you're not set on Ambi/something special the AERO M4E1 is hands down the best value and workmanship in a "working"/Duty/hunting" receiver set IMHO. I wish they'd do an "M4E2" with Ambi-BHO but for $200 as a matched set with the small details (the set-screw spring retention/BHO screw etc) and the fit/finish there's just nothing I've come across that's as consistent and well made for the price. FWIW, IMO, The M4 receiver is a known commodity and the TDP/dimensions pretty well disseminated across the industry and the world really. For the most part 9x/10 any solid reputable forge will give you a good, true/square receiver (PSA for instance).

If there's some other hidden gems/great values/less-well-known's out there I'll be interested in hearing/learning along with the OP as I'm about to start ordering parts for a spec/custom-build I've been asked to put together and I'm always excited to hear people happy with what I do/make/etc.

Cheers

Blue

[Pwrbomb1970]

I have an Aero upper/Lowe set, their M4e1. Best bang for the buck on a budget..or otherwise for that matter. I also have an Sons of Liberty Gunworks matched upper/lower set....and it?s just perfect in my eyes. Fantastic workmanship and no need for the adjust screw the Aero has...it fits tight...will hold together without the pins and only comes apart with a bit of wrist work.