Are all M4 uppers created equal? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Walt · 10-09-2009, 01:25 PM

I'm in the final stages of piecing together a poor man's SPR from scratch. I've got just about everything but optics and a M4 upper receiver.

While shopping around for uppers I noticed a pretty sizable difference in prices. A stripped Wilson goes for roughly $140. A LaRue for about $230. Vltor for about $250.

I also noticed that Bravo Company USA is selling a generic one for about $85. From what I can see in the pictures, it has the keyhole (Cerro Forge?) marking. I assume that means Cerro Forge kicked out a machined blank to some random manufacturer, who then finished it.

Upper Receiver Assembly - M4 Flat Top

So whats the difference between the $85 generic upper and a Wilson?

The_Dunedan · 10-09-2009, 01:39 PM

Probably the name. I'm not as up on uppers as I should be, but remember that there are only 2 plants in the US that make stripped lowers, which they then sell to all the manufacturers. Colt, DPMS, Rock River, Remington, Bushmaster, Del-Ton, Stag....doesn't matter. The blank itself comes from one of two companies. It may be the same with uppers, but I'm not sure.

Edited to add; one posible exception is the monolithic upper of the Colt 6940. I'll have to do some more digging on that specific example.

remy1492 · 10-09-2009, 04:22 PM

the tolerances, and the finish. Unless you are looking to get sub 1" groups, it wont matter to you. For the hawtness of being tacticool, you can get VLTOR for looks. In the end, many of these companies will be out of business in a year due to low demand and price cuts on almost identical equipment.

---------- Post added at 04:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------

oh also, wait until thanksgiving if you can. except for last year, every year bushmaster, DelTon, DPMS etc have blowouts of 1 deal per day for thanksgiving, 4th of july etc.... I have gotten $800 uppers for $380 shipped. IF you CAN wait, do, deals are about to be popping up as demand drops like a rock.

10-09-2009, 01:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Walt I'm calmer than you are, dude Location: North Carolina	Are all M4 uppers created equal? I'm in the final stages of piecing together a poor man's SPR from scratch. I've got just about everything but optics and a M4 upper receiver. While shopping around for uppers I noticed a pretty sizable difference in prices. A stripped Wilson goes for roughly $140. A LaRue for about $230. Vltor for about $250. I also noticed that Bravo Company USA is selling a generic one for about $85. From what I can see in the pictures, it has the keyhole (Cerro Forge?) marking. I assume that means Cerro Forge kicked out a machined blank to some random manufacturer, who then finished it. Upper Receiver Assembly - M4 Flat Top So whats the difference between the $85 generic upper and a Wilson? __________________ Calmer than you are...

10-09-2009, 01:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Dunedan Junkie	Probably the name. I'm not as up on uppers as I should be, but remember that there are only 2 plants in the US that make stripped lowers, which they then sell to all the manufacturers. Colt, DPMS, Rock River, Remington, Bushmaster, Del-Ton, Stag....doesn't matter. The blank itself comes from one of two companies. It may be the same with uppers, but I'm not sure. Edited to add; one posible exception is the monolithic upper of the Colt 6940. I'll have to do some more digging on that specific example. Last edited by The_Dunedan; 10-09-2009 at 05:22 PM..

10-09-2009, 04:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
remy1492 Crazy Location: CA TX LU	the tolerances, and the finish. Unless you are looking to get sub 1" groups, it wont matter to you. For the hawtness of being tacticool, you can get VLTOR for looks. In the end, many of these companies will be out of business in a year due to low demand and price cuts on almost identical equipment. ---------- Post added at 04:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ---------- oh also, wait until thanksgiving if you can. except for last year, every year bushmaster, DelTon, DPMS etc have blowouts of 1 deal per day for thanksgiving, 4th of july etc.... I have gotten $800 uppers for $380 shipped. IF you CAN wait, do, deals are about to be popping up as demand drops like a rock.