7 Best Stripped Upper Receivers (2023 Ultimate Resource)

best stripped upper receiver
Alfred Mendoza

Knowing the different parts and components in building an AR-15 rifle must be the first step to customize your own weapon. However, having an informed decision in choosing the parts is necessary.

To perfectly build your AR-15 rifle, you must also find the best stripped upper receiver to achieve a lighter firearm for your next hunting escapade. After days of shooting on the range, we came up with the top choices below. 

OUR #1 RATED

Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Upper Receiver – XL

OUR #2 RATED

Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Upper Receiver

OUR #3 RATED

Bootleg Inc Enhanced Lightweight AR 15 Upper Receiver

1. Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Upper Receiver - XL

The Aero Precision AR-15 Stripped Upper – XL is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum and precision machined to M16/M4 specifications. It also features M4 feedramps, something that perfectly matches AR-15 lower receivers for a solid fit.  

Furthermore, this Aero Precision upper features an enlarged port opening built to fit .458 SOCOM, .450 Bushmaster, .50 Beowulf, and other similar rounds. This  Aero Precision upper also comes with a laser engraved T-mark, .250 takedown pin holes, and an “XL” portion of Aero Logo on Tang.

It works with AR-15 lower receivers, has 100% AR15 port door compatibility, and comes with a forward assist for your firearms/rifles.

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2. Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Upper Receiver

Aero Precision AR-15 Stripped Upper Receiver is also precision machined to fit M16/M4 specifications and forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. This upper from Aero Precision company features a long-lasting black anodized finish and comes with M4 feedramps. 

This  Aero Precision stripped upper doesn’t only work with AR-15 lowers but can also work with M16 components/parts. This  Aero Precision aluminum receiver only weighs 6.9 oz and comes with laser engraved T-marks and .250 takedown pinholes.

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3. Bootleg Inc Enhanced Lightweight AR 15 Upper Receiver

Bootleg Inc Enhanced Lightweight AR-15 Upper Receiver is one of the lightest uppers. It is machined from forged 7075 aluminum and comes with a pre-installed door, ready to be used.

This receiver from Bootleg Inc Company also has an ejection port dust cover pin that eliminates the need for the E clip. This lightweight stripped upper features a black hard anodized finish for extreme durability. It weighs 6.2 oz, which is 1.7 oz lighter than AR upper receivers that have pre-installed hardware.

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4. Yankee Hill Machine Billet Mod2 Stripped Upper Receiver

Yankee Hill Machine Billet Mod2 Stripped Upper Receiver is also one of the best stripped upper receiver options. Like most stripped upper receivers, it is also constructed with 7075-T6 aluminum, the reason why this billet upper receiver is lightweight. It is hard-coated and anodized matte black to mil-spec.  

Moreover, it features M4 style feedramps and is coated with dry film lube inside. This stripped upper also accepts lower receivers and standard upper components. It mod2 styled after the SLR handguards for a better eye-appeal.

Yankee Hill Machine Billet Mod2 Stripped Upper Receiver

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5. Stag Arms AR-15 A3 Stripped Upper Receiver

Stag Arms AR-15 A3 Stripped Upper Receiver is forged with aluminum construction and mil-spec standards. It features black and type 3 hard coat anodizing and comes with Picatinny rails on the top for your accessories. It also features .250 takedown/pivot pins. 

With this upper, you’ll barely see machine marks. It also comes with M4 feedramps. Stag Arms AR-15 upper receivers are also light but feature a durable and solid construction for your home defense weapon.

Stag Arms AR-15 A3 Stripped Upper Receiver

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6. Radical Firearms Mil-Spec Forged Stripped AR-15 Upper Receiver

Radical Firearms Mil-Spec Stripped AR15 Upper features M4 feedramps that prevent overheating and jamming of the cartridge. It also comes with a type 3 anodized hard coat corrosive resistant tested through in-depth quality control.

Its durable finish also holds up to wear and tear for a longer time. This flat-top upper is also an affordable component for your home defense weapon build.

Radical Firearms Mil-Spec Forged Stripped AR-15 Upper Receiver

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7. Luth-AR A3 Upper Receiver

The Luth-AR A3 Upper Receiver is built from 7075-T6 aluminum and features a hard coat anodized finish. It also comes with one Picatinny Rail where you could mount your optics/sights and AR-15 accessories. This AR-15 stripped upper weighs 7.7 oz and caters to calibers like 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington.  

The Luth-AR A3 models also come with a high-quality shell deflector, forward assist housing, M4 feedramps, and barrel extension. They are excellent for a .223 or 5.56x45mm carbine or AR-15 build.

Luth-AR A3 Upper Receiver

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Buying Guide

buying guide

Material & Construction  

The first characteristic you have to look for is the AR-15 upper’s material, billet options, and construction to buy the best stripped upper receiver. You have to ensure that the best ar-15 upper is durable enough to withstand any pressure that your AR-15 barrel could give it.   

For this guide, our team of experts suggests that you look for stripped upper options that are forged from 7075 aluminum alloy to give it a billet look. It is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available, making it valuable in high-stress situations. [1]  

Also Read: M4 vs AR-15

Forward Assist   

Unlike the gas system, gas block, and gas tube, a forward assist is not a necessary component/option of an AR-15 rifle or any AR-platform rifle models. However, like the flash hider, having a forward assist is a bonus to others. It may not be necessary, but something like this could help by allowing a short chamber in the upper.

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FAQs

Based on some reviews, the AR-15 stripped upper receiver brand doesn’t matter because these strippers fit lower receivers all the same. Our team also verified that these brands would make no difference in accuracy or whatsoever. However, your upper’s quality and construction materials certainly will.

There are various brands for high-quality AR-15 stripped upper receivers in the market today. So it’s expected that most gun builders, especially the first-timers, want to know which companies make good AR-15 stripped uppers. Based on our research, Aero Precision, Modular Upper Receiver, Vltor Weapon Systems Daniel Defense, and Palmetto State Armory are some of the companies that make excellent stripped uppers.

What’s Our #1 Choice for a Stripped Upper Receiver?

Our team of experts’ #1 choice for a stripped upper receiver is the Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Upper – XL.  It is forged from 7075-T6 alloy, ensuring extreme durability and precision machined for use with barrels that use M16/M4 specifications.

This upper also features an enlarged port opening built to fit .458 SOCOM and other similar rounds. It also perfectly works with AR-15 lower receivers and even comes with M4 feedramps.

Our #1 Recommendation

Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Upper – XL

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