This updated 2023 guide will show 6 best AR15 stripped upper receivers that will satisfy your custom build plan.
We ranked these based on price, looks, and unique designs.
Disclosure: All products have affiliate links for earning commission to support the website when you purchase
Aero Precision M4E1 - Best Overall
The Aero M4E1 upper receiver is our top choice for people who want the best overall for their money to build an AR15.
The receiver is pretty standard but it comes with slightly edgy cut patterns, which gives the receiver a bit more definition than the original A2 receiver.
Yes, the user can pick the receiver with or without the forward assist is included
For no forward assist receiver, please check out Aero Slick
Material: 7075 T6
Feedramps: M4
Weight: 6.9 oz
Takedown Pin Hole: 0.250"
Color Options: Anodized Black, Burnt Bronze Cerakote, OD Cerakote
BCM - Best For Fighting Rifle Builds
The Bravo Company Mfg M4 receiver is highly recommended for a fighting rifle build even though the receiver is simply just a regular 7075 T6 A2 receiver with extra tighter Mil-Spec tolerance.
Laser-etched T marked on the top rail allows
The BCM logo plus the for some reason it's the go-to pick for a tier 1 operator AR15 build.
Material: 7075 T6
Feedramps: M4
Weight: 6.9 oz
Takedown Pin Hole: 0.250"
Color Options: Anodized Black
TRYBE Defense AR15 Upper Receiver - Best For The Money
TRYBE Defense features the same A2 style receiver design as the BCM is it's just under $90.
Material: 7075 T6
Feedramps: M4
Weight: 6.9 oz
Takedown Pin Hole: 0.250"
Color Options: Anodized Black
VLTOR MUR - Best Aesthetics
VLTOR MUR modular upper receiver is the one to build your dream AR15 rifle on. It's for anyone looking to build a slick and edgy looking tactical AR15 beyond the A2 receiver aesthetics.
This billet receiver is stressed relieved, heat treated and aged twice and cryogenic treated. It's compatible with all Mil-Spec AR15 parts to bring you an unique rifle build.
It also features with or without forward assist. (MUR A - With forward assist, MUR S - No forward assist)
Material: 7075 T6
Feedramps: M4
Weight: 8.7 - 9.8 oz
Takedown Pin Hole: 0.250"
Color Options: Hard coat anodized Black, FDE, Foliage Green
JP Enterprise CTR02UR - Best For Competition
JP Enterprise makes slick and low drag handguard systems for the AR15 platform. The JP brand is the go to for a robust competition AR15 without dustcover panel.
The CTR02UR CNC billet receiver features no forward assist for a clean setup. In addition, the receiver features JP's Thermo-Fit technology to lock up the barrel assembly even tighter for consistent accuracy using heat to expand the receiver a little then cool it down (Aka tension fit).
Material: 7075 T6
Feedramps: M4
Weight: 12.5 oz
Takedown Pin Hole: 0.250"
Color Options: Anodized Black
F1 UDR 15 3G - Best Skeletonized Receiver
F1 Firearm still makes the best skeletonized AR15 receivers on the market. The receiver is bulky and sturdy for a range gun build without dustcover panel.
If you're looking for a slick design, the F1 skeletonized receiver is the way to go.
Material: 7075 T6
Feedramps: M4
Weight: 6.56 oz
Takedown Pin Hole: 0.250"
Color Options: Anodized Black
Forge marks on AR15 represent the company that makes them. The quality among receivers is pretty much the same with very small differences in tolerance.
What's The Most Important Spec For An AR15 Upper Receiver?
Billet VS forged are two different type of receiver.
Billet has better pattern cuts while the forged receiver supposed to be stronger. In our opinion, both works very well, and you won't go wrong with either one.
An AR15 upper receiver doesn't have to be more fancier than what it should be. Another thing to focus on is the M4 feedramp.
Referenced LaRue Tactical
The M4 feedramp is milled into the receiver that extends down the edge of the barrel extension. It should match with the barrel feedramp.
Any mil-spec receivers on the market today should all have this.
Tools Required To Build A Complete Upper Receiver?
To assemble the stripped upper receiver, you need the following tools:
- Barrel torque wrench
- Vise block
- Vise grip
- Allen or Torx wrench set
If you don't have the place to set up a workbench or want to buy tools for just one receiver build. We highly recommend checking out a complete AR15 upper receiver.
If you end up wanting a complete rifle without getting all the tools, please click here
Forward Assist Vs No Forward Assist
Forward assist helps to seat the bolt carrier group if a round doesn't chamber completely on an AR15 rifle. It can come in handy in malfunctioning situations.
A receiver without the forward assist still functions, but make sure the buffer system is strong enough to chamber the round.
If the receiver features the forward assist, we highly recommend using a large size charging handle.