AR-15 Accessories, AR-15 Basics
AR-15 Upper Combo Kits – An Easy Solution to Building an AR-15 Your Way
Aug
Curious as to just what an AR-15 Upper Combo Kit is, and why it’s worth purchasing as you begin you next build? We were too, but know that we know, it’s how we begin most of our builds in 2024. Yes, for firearm enthusiasts and AR-15 aficionados, the quest for the perfect build is an exciting journey. However, it can also be nerve-wracking trying to select the best parts – especially critical components like the barrel, bolt carrier group, and gas assembly. If you choose wrong, or if you don’t know exactly what to look for, you can buy your way into a lot of problems. While building an AR-15 from scratch offers unparalleled customization, it can also be a complex and time-consuming process.
This is where AR-15 upper combo kits come into play, offering a balanced solution that combines customization with reliability. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of AR-15 combo kits, highlight some top options on the market, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
The Artist’s Palette: Customization with a Solid Foundation
Think of building an AR-15 with a AR-15 upper combo kit as creating a masterpiece on a pre-primed canvas. AR-15 combo kits provide the core “operating system” of the firearm – the barrel, bolt carrier group, and gas system – much like an artist’s pre-stretched and primed canvas. This foundation ensures reliability and performance right from the start. However, the rest of the build remains a blank canvas, awaiting your creative touch.
Once you purchase your AR-15 upper combo kit, you’re free to choose your own lower receiver, stock, grip, handguard, optics, and other accessories, allowing you to express your personal style and meet your specific needs. Just as an artist selects their brushes, paints, and techniques to bring their vision to life, you can customize your AR-15 build around this reliable core, resulting in a truly unique and high-performing firearm that reflects your individual preferences and requirements.
Why Build Your Own AR-15?
When you build your own AR from a combo kit, it’s a lot more rewarding that simply buying a complete rifle off the shelf. Again, by selecting each part, you can tailor the firearm to your exact specifications and preferences. Additionally, sourcing parts individually can sometimes be more cost-effective than purchasing a factory-assembled gun, especially if you keep an eye out for sales and discounts.
However, building an AR-15 requires more than just financial investment; it demands time and dedication. From assembling to troubleshooting, the process can be intensive. If you’re not ready to commit to this, you might face frustration. This is where AR-15 combo kits come into play, providing a balanced solution that combines customization with reliability.
The Advantages of AR-15 Upper Combo Kits
AR-15 combo kits take the guesswork out of building a rifle by providing pre-selected, compatible components. These kits ensure that the critical parts of your firearm are designed to work together seamlessly, reducing the risk of malfunction and enhancing overall performance.
For First-Time Builders: The Rosco 16″ Midlength 5.56 Sauce Pack
So, we’ve sold you on the idea of choosing a combo kit for your build. Now you just need to decide which one. If you’re building your first AR-15 and want to minimize guesswork while maximizing reliability, the Rosco Manufacturing Bloodline 16″ Midlength 5.56 Sauce Pack is an excellent choice. This kit provides a solid foundation for a versatile and dependable rifle.
The 16″ barrel length is considered ideal for a first AR-15 for several reasons. It offers a good balance between accuracy and maneuverability, meets legal requirements without additional paperwork, and provides optimal performance for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. The mid-length gas system promotes smoother cycling and potentially longer component life compared to carbine-length systems. For new builders, this 16″ configuration serves as an excellent all-purpose platform, suitable for everything from home defense to target shooting and even some hunting applications.
Other Top AR-15 Combo Kits to Consider
NBS 16″ 5.56 Barreled Upper Combo Kit
This kit is a bit less expensive, but features:
- Upper receiver built from 7075-T6 forged aluminum
- Black anodized finish, flat-top, and mil-spec dimensions
- Mil-spec forward assist and dust cover
- NBS 16″ 5.56 NATO barrel with 1:7 twist rate and mid-length gas system
- Black nitride finish, high-pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected
- Nitride low-profile .750 gas block and stainless steel gas tube
Rosco Manufacturing Purebred 13.7″ Midlength .223 Wylde Sauce Pack
This pack includes:
- A 13.7-inch .223 Wylde Purebred barrel made from 416R stainless steel is an oddball-sized barrel, but when paired with certain pin-and-welded muzzle devices, it makes for about the shortest legal 16″ AR possible.
- Natural finish with mid-length gas system and M4 contour
- M16-pattern Bloodline BCG with low friction Melonite finish
- Low-profile Bloodline gas block and mid-length Bloodline Melonited gas tube
Rosco Manufacturing Bloodline 11.5″ Carbine 5.56 Sauce Pack
This compact option is ideal for building an AR pistol or SBR, and features:
- 11.5″ 5.56 NATO Bloodline barrel constructed from 41V50 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel
- Black nitride finish with government contour
- M16-pattern Bloodline BCG with Melonite finish
- Low-profile Bloodline gas block and carbine-length Bloodline Melonited gas tube
Why Choose Rosco Manufacturing?
Rosco Manufacturing is known for its high-quality, precision rifle barrels and components. Their products undergo rigorous testing by a team of SWAT/LEOs, U.S. Special Operations members, and competitive shooters. Rosco’s commitment to research, design, and engineering ensures that its components provide unmatched accuracy and performance. We also know that some of our favorite builders use Roscoe barrels in their uppers.
The Genesis of Rosco’s Sauce Pack Concept Upper Combo Kit
Rosco Manufacturing developed the Sauce Pack concept to address a common challenge faced by AR-15 enthusiasts and builders: ensuring optimal component compatibility and performance. Recognizing that many builders struggle with selecting parts that work seamlessly together, Rosco set out to create pre-curated packages that take the guesswork out of the build process. The Sauce Pack AR-15 upper combo kit brings together Rosco’s high-quality barrel, bolt carrier group, and gas system components in one cohesive package, all rigorously tested to work in perfect harmony.
This innovative approach not only simplifies the building process for both novice and experienced builders but also guarantees the level of performance and reliability that Rosco is known for. By offering these carefully matched component sets, Rosco empowers builders to achieve professional-grade results while still enjoying the customization aspects of building their own AR-15.
Other Sauce Packs from Rosco Manufacturing
Completing Your Build: The Importance of a Quality Handguard
It’s important to note that while these combo kits provide the core components of your AR-15, they typically do not include a handguard. The handguard is a crucial component that not only protects your hands from the heat of the barrel but also provides a platform for accessories and contributes to the overall ergonomics and aesthetics of your rifle. To complement the high-quality components in these combo kits, we strongly recommend investing in a premium handguard. One excellent option is the Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) Wedgelock M76 handguard. Another is the Centurion Arms C4 line.
Known for its robust construction, precise machining, and rock-solid attachment system, the M76 offers a perfect blend of durability, functionality, and style. Its M-LOK compatible design provides ample space for customization, while the wedge lock system ensures a secure, zero-shift mounting solution. Pairing a SOLGW M76 handguard with your chosen combo kit will elevate your build, ensuring that every component of your AR-15 meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
AR-15 Upper Combo Kit Conclusion
Choosing an AR-15 upper combo kit from Rosco Manufacturing or NBS not only simplifies the building process but also guarantees that the vital components of your firearm are designed to work together flawlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a first-time assembler, these kits offer the perfect blend of customization and reliability, ensuring a successful build every time.
Once you’ve selected the perfect upper combo kit for your AR-15 build, rest assured that AR15Discounts.com has you covered for the rest of your project. We understand that building an AR-15 is a journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. From high-quality lower receivers and lower parts kits to a wide selection of stocks, grips, triggers, and accessories, our extensive inventory has everything you need to complete your custom build. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you in selecting the right components that complement your chosen upper and meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned enthusiast, AR15Discounts.com is committed to providing you with top-notch products, competitive prices, and unparalleled customer service. Let us help you turn your AR-15 vision into reality – because your dream build deserves nothing but the best.
Legal Disclaimer: It’s important to note that barrels less than 16 inches in length are subject to additional regulations under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Before purchasing or building an AR-15 with a barrel shorter than 16 inches, ensure you are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. This may require obtaining a tax stamp and registering the firearm as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR). Always consult with a legal professional or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for the most up-to-date information on firearm regulations.
