Accessories

The Best AR Lower Parts and AR Upper Parts for Your Build: A Guide from Milspec Retail

The Best AR Lower Parts and AR Upper Parts for Your Build: A Guide from Milspec Retail

Building or upgrading your AR-15 requires careful consideration of both AR lower parts and AR upper parts. These components not only determine the functionality and performance of your rifle but also its durability, comfort, and customization options. Whether you’re aiming for precision shooting, reliability in tactical scenarios, or general performance enhancements, the quality of the parts you select is critical.

In this article, we’ll break down the best AR lower parts and best AR upper parts available at Milspec Retail, highlighting the top choices to help you maximize the potential of your AR-15. From triggers to barrels, we’ve got you covered. Note: If you need shotgun parts instead, be sure to check out shotgunaccessories.com

Best AR Lower Parts: Foundation of Reliability

The lower receiver of an AR-15 contains some of the most crucial components that affect both the feel and function of your rifle. Ensuring you have high-quality parts for your lower receiver is key to building a dependable firearm that performs smoothly in any situation.

1. Triggers: The Heart of Your Fire Control

A well-made trigger is perhaps the most important part of the AR lower. It directly impacts your shooting accuracy and control. The right trigger can make a world of difference for competitive shooters, hunters, or those who use the AR-15 for self-defense.

  • Geissele SSA-E Trigger
    For those seeking precision shooting and reliability, the Geissele SSA-E (Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced) trigger is a top choice. With its two-stage design, the SSA-E offers a crisp break and a lightweight pull, which greatly improves accuracy. The two-stage mechanism also ensures safety during tactical operations, allowing for greater control under stress.
  • CMC Single Stage Flat Trigger
    CMC Triggers are renowned for their smooth and consistent performance. Their Single Stage Flat Trigger is a great upgrade for those looking for a clean, consistent break with minimal creep. It provides a 3.5 lb pull weight, which is perfect for those who prefer a lighter trigger for faster shooting.

2. Safety Selectors: Ambidextrous and Robust

The safety selector is essential for safe weapon operation, and upgrading to a high-quality, ambidextrous selector can enhance ease of use and ergonomics, especially in high-stress scenarios.

  • Radian Talon Ambidextrous Safety Selector
    One of the best safety selectors on the market, the Radian Talon offers an ambidextrous design, making it convenient for both left- and right-handed shooters. This selector allows for easy engagement and disengagement with a simple flick of the thumb, improving overall handling and speed.

3. Bolt Catch: Reliability When It Matters

A sturdy and reliable bolt catch is critical for ensuring your AR-15 operates smoothly when locking back on an empty magazine or when you need to quickly release the bolt during reloads.

  • Aero Precision AR15/M4E1 Enhanced Bolt Catch
    Aero Precision is known for precision engineering, and their Enhanced Bolt Catch delivers improved ergonomics and reliability. With a larger surface area and extended release tab, it’s easier to manipulate the bolt catch even when wearing gloves, providing faster reloads and better overall rifle control.

4. Buffer Systems: Reducing Recoil and Enhancing Performance

The buffer system in your AR-15 plays a significant role in reducing felt recoil, smoothing out the action, and ensuring reliable cycling of rounds.

  • VLTOR A5 Buffer System
    For shooters looking to reduce recoil while maintaining smooth cycling, the VLTOR A5 buffer system is a standout choice. This buffer system lengthens the recoil cycle slightly, making your AR-15 more manageable during rapid fire, and enhancing durability.
  • Strike Industries AR Carbine Flat Wire Spring
    If you’re looking for a simple upgrade to improve reliability and reduce recoil, the Strike Industries Flat Wire Spring is a great option. Its innovative design offers a smoother and quieter action cycle, contributing to better handling during rapid fire.

Best AR Upper Parts: Maximizing Accuracy and Versatility

While the lower receiver plays a critical role in the AR-15’s function, the upper parts largely determine the rifle’s accuracy, versatility, and performance under various conditions. Components such as barrels, bolt carrier groups, and handguards are crucial to building a rifle that performs at its best.

1. Barrels: The Core of Precision

The barrel is perhaps the most important upper component for accuracy and consistency. A high-quality barrel can significantly improve long-range precision and overall performance.

  • Ballistic Advantage Premium Series Barrels
    Known for their precision engineering, Ballistic Advantage produces some of the finest barrels on the market. Their Premium Series Barrels are made from 416R stainless steel and are ideal for precision shooters looking to get the most out of their AR-15. These barrels are known for sub-MOA accuracy and durability, making them perfect for competitive or long-range shooters.
  • Faxon Firearms Match Series Barrels
    Faxon Firearms offers Match Series Barrels made from high-quality materials, providing excellent performance for both tactical and precision applications. These barrels feature a QPQ nitride finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and wear durability, making them a solid choice for harsh environments.

2. Bolt Carrier Groups: Ensuring Reliable Cycling

A top-quality bolt carrier group (BCG) is essential for ensuring smooth and reliable cycling. It impacts everything from the ejection of spent casings to the chambering of new rounds.

  • Aero Precision 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group
    Aero Precision delivers another top-tier product with their 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group. Built from hardened steel with a phosphate coating, this BCG is designed for high durability and reliability in all weather conditions. It’s a great upgrade for those looking for a reliable and long-lasting component.
  • BCM Bolt Carrier Group (MPI)
    Known for reliability, the BCM Bolt Carrier Group is machined to precise military specifications and includes high-pressure testing (HPT) and magnetic particle inspection (MPI). This BCG is a favorite for shooters looking for a no-fail, combat-ready component that performs in harsh conditions.

3. Handguards: Customizing Your Rifle for Control and Comfort

A good handguard not only enhances the comfort and ergonomics of your rifle but also provides ample rail space for attaching accessories such as optics, grips, or lights.

  • Midwest Industries Free-Float M-LOK Handguard
    Midwest Industries offers a lightweight, rugged M-LOK handguard that’s perfect for both tactical and precision setups. Its free-float design ensures that barrel harmonics aren’t affected, allowing for more accurate shots. Plus, the M-LOK slots provide plenty of room for mounting accessories.
  • BCM MCMR M-LOK Handguard
    Another excellent option is the BCM MCMR Handguard. This slim, modular handguard is lightweight yet sturdy, offering superior control while also providing heat resistance during sustained fire. With M-LOK compatibility, it’s highly versatile and customizable for different shooting styles.

4. Charging Handles: Smooth, Efficient Operation

A high-quality charging handle ensures smoother operation, allowing for quick and efficient manipulation of your rifle.

  • Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
    The Radian Raptor is one of the most popular ambidextrous charging handles on the market, loved for its robust build and smooth operation. Its ambidextrous design makes it easy to use from either side, enhancing versatility and efficiency, especially in high-stress scenarios.
  • Geissele Super Charging Handle
    Built to last, the Geissele Super Charging Handle is another excellent option for anyone seeking a durable, high-performance handle. Its large, textured latches ensure a positive grip, making it easy to operate even with gloves on.

Conclusion: Build the Best AR-15 with Premium Parts from Milspec Retail

Whether you’re building your AR-15 from scratch or upgrading your existing rifle, selecting the best AR lower parts and AR upper parts is essential for optimizing performance, reliability, and comfort. At Milspec Retail, you’ll find a wide variety of premium components from industry-leading manufacturers like Geissele, Aero Precision, and Radian, ensuring your build is nothing short of exceptional.

From triggers and barrels to handguards and charging handles, Milspec Retail has everything you need to customize and enhance your AR-15 for any scenario. Investing in high-quality parts will not only improve your shooting experience but also extend the life of your rifle.