Rainier Arms UltraMatch Billet Upper?'s

[titus7]

Im looking for pics and opinions on the Rainier Arms UltraMatch Billet Upper. Would like to match it up to my POF Gen1 lower but would like some feedback and pics from people who may have this combination or have experience with the upper.

Thanks

[willardcw4]

Are you dead-set on a billet over a forged upper??-

[Stickman]

Im looking for pics and opinions on the Rainier Arms UltraMatch Billet Upper. Would like to match it up to my POF Gen1 lower but would like some feedback and pics from people who may have this combination or have experience with the upper.

Thanks


I'm friends with the guys at RA (and most manufacturers), but I think its a good looking billet upper. The thing to remember is that just because I like the look doesn't mean that you will.

If you are asking about the quality, I can't of any issues, its got the right materials and anodizing, so it really boils down to looks and whether you want to go billet or forged with your upper.

[m24shooter]

I like mine. Very nice lines, and no problems with it.
The one pictured is a pre-production test unit. There are some differences as far as markings from the actual production models and I think the anodizing is better on the production units too.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/RA%20upper%20and%20ADM/100_1439.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/RA%20upper%20and%20ADM/100_1441.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/RA%20upper%20and%20ADM/100_1442.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/RA%20upper%20and%20ADM/100_1448.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/RA%20upper%20and%20ADM/100_1430.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/RA%20upper%20and%20ADM/100_1432.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a391/m24shooter/afg%20review/DSCF0011.jpg

[John Hwang]

The main difference between the forged uppers and our billet uppers is the tolerance differences. This is taken off our website so you can see what I'm talking about.


The most critical features are:

* Parallelism between the picatinny rail, main center bore and the centerline of the mounting lugs
* Perpendicularity between the centerline of the lugs and the barrel mating face (at the front of the threads)
* Flatness of the barrel mating face

We are holding .0003 or better on all of those measurements. Competitor uppers are between .001 and .003 on the perpendicularity and parallelism.





In terms of real world experience, most forged uppers will work fine. The reason we sell so much of Billet, Hammer Forged Barrels, $300 Match Triggers, parts made from 7075, etc is not necessarily because we need them but because we want them. 95% of the shooters out there would be just fine with an off the rack rifle. (say per say a Stag) for what they intend to use it for. But from my experience, people end up choosing something better because it's their hobby and / or passion and they can afford it. The best example I can use is this; most sportbike riders would be perfectly fine with a standard 600cc sportbike with no modifications with their riding abilities and with the local riding conditions. But most will choose, 100s od aftermarket parts, like pipe, chip, tires, billet adjustable levers, chain, bore out their engines, etc. All of which can be argued as overkill. And logically speaking it probably is. I personally ride a 1000cc bike with many mods. Why you ask? I say Why not? ..

[rebelEMPIRE]

...that is one of the sexiest bikes I've ever seen.

Back on topic: This photo is a bit old, but is still usable. I sort of regret buying it so early on as the new Uppers have a recessed area to accept the Magpul BAD. But then again, I don't own a BAD so it doesn't matter. Just would like to have the option, you know? Now that I'm talking about it, perhaps I'll get one this week for my other rifle.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b179/gentlemenstylez/IMG_0094.jpg

-rebelEMPIRE

[titus7]

How do billet uppers match up to forged lowers? I have a couple of Stags waiting for an upper I was going to buy a POF lower in hopes of it matching up a little better. Any pics of forged lowers with billet uppers?

[Uglyduck]

m24shooters post is of a billet upper and forged lower

[titus7]

Ahh k...looks good. Ima go ahead and build it for the stag but thinking of building another lower with the POF Gen1to use for it later on. Thanks for the help guys

[m24shooter]

m24shooters post is of a billet upper and forged lower
Correct and I should have stated that.
Also, I've got a BAD on that lower with the billet upper, and don't have any problems with it.

[titus7]

Thats alright. And good to know about the BAD because I plan on using one too.

[TehLlama]

The only competition these have is the old VLTOR MUR1A - the newer MUR's are the best forget units, and if you're getting a complete LT upper, go with those billets. I think Rainier also carries the SunDevil slicksides. Otherwise: these.

I don't know where Rainier sourced these (if I had to guess, SunDevil or MEGA MS) - but the one I've seen was extremely nice, and it's hard to beat one of these bundled with a RAC barrel/BCG.

[federalist22]

remeber, no BAD on a Sun Devil Upper (incompatible), but the Phase 5 Tactical EBRv2 will work.

[rebelEMPIRE]

Correct and I should have stated that.
Also, I've got a BAD on that lower with the billet upper, and don't have any problems with it.

That's a huge relief to me. Thanks for sharing this info.

-rebelEMPIRE

[titus7]

thanks guys. My build is going to be the Rainier upper with 14.5WOA barrel, KAC URXII, KAc BUIS, and AAC SPR/M4 blackout, cmt FA bcg(the one Noveske uses) what do you guys think? did I miss anything?