ArmaLite U15A4CB Midlength upper?

[Quentin]

Hello everyone! I'm building a basic M4 and now need to get an assembled upper to complete it. Have finished my S&W M&P15 lower/stock and picked up a used Bushmaster carry handle.

Anybody have or know anything about the ArmaLite midlength upper? I want a midlength gas system and 1:9" twist barrel (rarely will be using anything over 62gr). Of course most $500 uppers have a few minuses but overall from what I can tell this one looks the best for the money. Of course other suggestions are welcome!

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=U15A4CB&Category=bce7fa68-373e-4afc-b00e-63fe2c75d131
Model: M-15A4CB Carbine Complete Upper Assembly with Black Handguard
Caliber: .223/5.56 mm
Barrel: 16" Double Lapped, Chrome Lined
Rifling Twist: RH 1:9"
Muzzle Device: Flash Suppressor
Front Sight Base: Gas Block with Picatinny Rail
Upper Receiver: Forged Flattop with Picatinny Rail
Finish: Hard Anodized Aluminum, Manganese Phosphated Steel

[tbready]

I've got an Armalite 6.8 midlength upper and it is very nice. Accurate and solid construction. Upper seems to be well in spec.

[Eric]

Somewhat related is the review of the standard 16" carbine version here: http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322.
Not too long ago I received the mid-length version as a complete weapon, which has been running fine. However, the testing is still ongoing and I want to get more rounds through it. My chief issues with Armalite include the mediocre gas key staking, no staking of the end plate whatsoever and lack of markings on the barrel.

I know a lot of folks prefer the 1/7 twist instead of the 1/9, but that is another discussion. I have a BCM mid-length as well in 1/7 and have no complaints.

The specific upper that you linked has a gas block and not a standard fixed front sight assembly, which I prefer. They are typically more robust and problem free.

[Quentin]

Thanks for the feedback guys, that really helps.

Eric, that's a great review on ArmaLite's M4 version! And I'm sure much of it applies its midlength sibling as well. Looking forward to seeing your review on it. It's refreshing to see an honest review of a product, warts and all. So often, especially in the gun magazines, you rarely hear about the negatives.

I know the ArmaLite upper isn't perfect but its flaws do seem fixable with a little staking. A lot of people would say spend a couple hundred more but $500 really is all I can afford now and ArmaLite does seem to give a lot of bang for the buck.

Thanks again!

[Eric]

Let us know how it works out for you. Complete uppers were just about nonexistent just a few months ago, but it looks like inventory is catching up.

[Quentin]

I bought the ArmaLite U15A4CB Midlength upper and their matching gas block sight. Just got the sight today so my first AR build is complete - and well ahead of schedule. Yesterday Amazon.com delivered a cheap Leapers/UTG riser mount so I can play with an old Marlin scope, too. (Was curious what an old scope like this could do.) And for a finishing touch, got the USGI sling off eBay - looked around town a little but didn't find one - which is ok since I need to give some thought to another sling.

I want to thank you guys for helping to bring this rifle together, I really appreciate it! Also it was a pleasant surprise to get this done in a month instead of being backordered forever. Really enjoyed this project and am happy with the finished rifle. The bottom line was about $900, a good price for parts of this quality. Thanks again guys!

Here's the parts list:
Smith&Wesson Model M&P-15 Stripped Lower
Del-Ton Lower Parts Kit
Del-Ton 6-position Buttstock
Bushmaster Carry Handle
ArmaLite M-15A4CB MidLength Upper Receiver
ArmaLite Gas Block Sight
USGI M16 Sling
USGI Magazines
Leapers/UTG Riser Mount
Marlin 336C Scope Model 700A

Below are a few pictures. Time to go shootin'!

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz211/Quentin68/M-15left-200.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz211/Quentin68/M-15right-200.jpg
http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz211/Quentin68/M-15withscoperight-200.jpg