Slick sided uppers

[Dirtrax]

Which reasonably priced SS Uppers are an interference fit?

I don't necessarily mean the cheapest, I would however prefer not to pay an exorbitant amount.

Im looking to build a 22 ARC and I won't be going into battle with it so I can dispense with the fail-safe provision a forward assist affords. That and I just like them!

Thank you in advance.

 

[ARlife4me]

not sure if aero precision still offer slick sides, but the are lots of good brands that do at a decent price ($100 and less). just search and answers will displayed. spikes upper at joe bobs is $85.

 

[tigerwerkes]

I know this will draw fire but i have had really good performance out of the BCA side chargers. Fit and finish is economy grade, but i like the familiarity and ergonomics of the side charger.

 

[cohunt]

Interference fit where/how?

 

[ARlife4me]

Interference fit where/how?

Probably because of the vear creek arsenal? I only have 1 experience with bca (243win barrel).

 

[338 dude]

Probably because of the vear creek arsenal? I only have 1 experience with bca (243win barrel).

I have a couple of their uppers, not the side chargers though, and I've had zero trouble out of any of them.but I do add my custom touch and change out the trigger and the buffer weight and spring.

 

[ARlife4me]

I have a couple of their uppers, not the side chargers though, and I've had zero trouble out of any of them.but I do add my custom touch and change out the trigger and the buffer weight and spring.

I have a uni-throater waiting to lengthen the short throat on it. My issue at this time with it. I bought it for the 8t. Heavy barrel for a fluted. 15.5# ttl w/o mag for an AR.

 

[Dirtrax]

Interference fit where/how?

Barrel to upper. I should have stated that, sorry.

 

[Sergeant Stadanko]

AERO, DPMS (which is now Palmetto State Armory) both have decent slick side uppers that won't break the bank. I have built several with no issues to date.

 

[osok-1k]

I don't think you really want what would be considered an "interference" fit. If your reason for that is accuracy, most of the accuracy in an AR platform is in the upper and slick side is usually just a way to make for less because there's less machining. If you buy a matched set with a tension screw, it will typically be as good as it's going to get in an AR platform. I personally like the Aero M4E1 which are available with or without the forward assist and in a matched set. The is nylon tipped screw in the lower that puts tension on the upper and holds everything as tight as is practical. Too tight and you have a heck of a time assembling and disassembling the upper and lower. For accuracy, my personal favorite is the M4E1 Enhanced upper which has a lot more material around the barrel nut and subsequently should be more stable. I also highly recommend lapping the barrel end of the upper to true it with the bolt bore.

 

[pavementends]

I much prefer the slick sided upper. Aero makes a nice one. I also have BCA side charger upper. The BCA upper to barrel fit and the fit to lower is quite loose. Shims are available to address both issues and the side charger is a nice feature. I built a very light 223 with out a gas system and use it as a straight pull bolt action. I do have to listen to well meaning folks explain how I need to adjust my gas block or buffer weights as the rifle is not ejecting properly. The 22 ARC sounds like a fun build.