Introduction
The AR-15 platform has change into a cornerstone of American firearm tradition, celebrated for its modularity, versatility, and the satisfaction of constructing your individual. From the first-time builder to the seasoned gunsmith, the method of assembling an AR-15 is an extremely rewarding expertise. A basic element on this construct is the higher receiver, and making the proper alternative is paramount to the rifle’s performance, aesthetics, and general efficiency. Right now, we delve into a well-liked and cost-effective choice: the Anderson Slick Facet Higher. This text will present a complete information for AR-15 fanatics trying to perceive, choose, and construct with this streamlined higher receiver.
Anderson Manufacturing has carved a strong repute within the AR-15 market, identified for delivering high quality parts at accessible worth factors. Their dedication to worth, coupled with their repute for reliability, makes Anderson merchandise a frequent alternative for budget-conscious builders and people searching for strong efficiency with out breaking the financial institution. The Anderson Slick Facet Higher embodies this philosophy, providing a no-frills design that appeals to a broad spectrum of AR-15 builders. This information will discover the Anderson Slick Facet Higher intimately, protecting its options, advantages, building, and every thing you must know to find out if it is the proper alternative in your subsequent AR-15 construct.
Defining the Anderson Slick Facet Higher Receiver
So, what precisely is a “slick facet” higher receiver? The time period refers to a receiver design that omits two widespread options discovered on normal AR-15 uppers: the ahead help and the mud cowl. This minimalist strategy streamlines the higher receiver’s profile, leading to a lighter and sometimes extra aesthetically pleasing design. The Anderson Slick Facet Higher embraces this design, providing a clear, uncluttered look favored by many builders.
The Anderson Slick Facet Higher is crafted from high-quality supplies. It’s usually produced from 7075-T6 aluminum, the identical materials utilized in many military-spec AR-15 parts. This aluminum alloy is famend for its power, sturdiness, and resistance to put on and tear. This ensures the higher receiver can face up to the stresses of firing and the trials of normal use. The higher receiver can be usually completed with a tough coat anodized coating. This end will increase the sturdiness of the receiver and in addition protects it from corrosion, scratches, and abrasions. It is a essential benefit, serving to the Anderson Slick Facet Higher stand as much as the weather and preserve its look over time. The meticulous building and ending contribute to a product that’s each practical and constructed to final.
Relating to compatibility, the Anderson Slick Facet Higher is designed to be totally appropriate with mil-spec AR-15 parts. This implies it should readily settle for normal barrels, bolt service teams (BCGs), charging handles, handguards, and different AR-15 components. This universality is a big benefit for builders, permitting them to leverage the in depth aftermarket of AR-15 components. The Anderson Slick Facet Higher follows normal dimensions, adhering to the specs that govern the AR-15 platform. This enables for straightforward and predictable integration with numerous different components and ensures a easy and trouble-free meeting course of.
Benefits of Selecting the Anderson Slick Facet Higher
The Anderson Slick Facet Higher presents a number of compelling benefits that appeal to AR-15 builders. One of the crucial important is weight discount. By omitting the ahead help and dirt cowl, the higher receiver is lighter than its counterparts. This weight financial savings can contribute to an general lighter rifle, making it simpler to deal with, maneuver, and carry for prolonged durations. That is particularly useful for competitors shooters or those that prioritize a extra agile platform.
Past its performance, the Anderson Slick Facet Higher presents a streamlined aesthetic. Its clear, uncluttered strains are undeniably fashionable and visually interesting. The dearth of a ahead help and dirt cowl creates a modern and minimalist look, which is very valued by many builders. This clear look is especially well-suited for builds the place aesthetics are a precedence, similar to these aiming for a selected model or a customized look.
Value is one other important profit. The Anderson Slick Facet Higher is commonly priced decrease than uppers with ahead assists and dirt covers. This affordability makes it a lovely alternative for these on a funds. It permits builders to allocate extra of their sources in direction of different parts, similar to a high-quality barrel or optic, whereas nonetheless having fun with a dependable and practical higher receiver.
Lastly, the design of the Anderson Slick Facet Higher can contribute to simpler set up and upkeep. With fewer parts, the construct course of is commonly simplified. Cleansing can be made simpler as there are fewer crevices and transferring components.
Contemplating the Downsides Earlier than You Construct
Whereas the Anderson Slick Facet Higher presents many advantages, it is important to think about the potential drawbacks earlier than committing to this design. One essential level of consideration is the absence of a ahead help. The ahead help is designed to manually push the bolt service group ahead into battery within the occasion of a failure to completely chamber a spherical. That is usually wanted if there may be particles stopping the bolt from utterly seating. With out a ahead help, the shooter must manually retract the charging deal with and try and chamber the spherical once more.
Whether or not the shortage of a ahead help is a priority largely depends upon the supposed use of the rifle and the working atmosphere. If the AR-15 is primarily utilized in a clear, well-maintained atmosphere, the ahead help may not be a essential characteristic. Nevertheless, if the rifle is utilized in dusty, soiled, or demanding situations, the ahead help could be extra fascinating.
The absence of a mud cowl is one other issue to think about. The mud cowl protects the interior parts of the receiver from mud, filth, and particles. With out a mud cowl, these contaminants can extra simply enter the receiver, doubtlessly inflicting malfunctions. If the rifle will probably be utilized in a dusty or sandy atmosphere, the absence of a mud cowl may require further care and upkeep.
The Anderson Slick Facet Higher is commonly greatest fitted to particular functions. It’s a fashionable alternative for competitors builds the place weight and a modern look are necessary. Additionally it is superb for builds the place the shooter desires a minimalist aesthetic. For individuals who prioritize most robustness in excessive situations, a standard higher receiver could be a better option.
Placing the Anderson Slick Facet Higher Collectively
Constructing with the Anderson Slick Facet Higher typically follows the identical steps as constructing with any normal AR-15 higher receiver. Assuming you could have already assembled the decrease receiver, you may want the next parts:
- Barrel
- Bolt Provider Group (BCG)
- Charging Deal with
- Handguard
- Fuel Block
- Fuel Tube
- Muzzle Machine (e.g., flash hider, muzzle brake)
- Higher Receiver Components Package (contains ahead help and dirt cowl)
- Meeting Instruments (e.g., torque wrench, barrel nut wrench, roll pin punch set)
The fundamental steps embrace:
- Putting in the barrel: Correctly torque the barrel nut to the producer’s specs.
- Putting in the gasoline block and gasoline tube: Align these parts and safe them.
- Putting in the handguard: Choose a handguard that enhances the modern strains of the Anderson Slick Facet Higher.
- Putting in the bolt service group and charging deal with: Making certain easy operation.
- Attaching the higher receiver to the decrease receiver: Verifying correct alignment and performance.
All through the method, it is essential to make use of the suitable instruments and observe the producer’s directions for every half. Taking your time and dealing methodically will assist guarantee a profitable construct. In terms of handguard choice, free-float handguards are a superb alternative for the Anderson Slick Facet Higher. They improve accuracy and complement the receiver’s clear aesthetic.
Evaluating the Anderson Slick Facet Higher to Different Choices
The Anderson Slick Facet Higher stands out as a cheap and aesthetically pleasing choice, nevertheless it’s necessary to grasp its place inside the broader AR-15 market. In comparison with normal M4 higher receivers, the Anderson Slick Facet Higher presents a lighter, extra streamlined design. It lacks a ahead help and dirt cowl, which may be a bonus for some builders, however an obstacle for others. The usual M4 higher gives extra options, nevertheless it typically comes at the next worth and a barely heavier weight.
There are different slick-side higher receivers out there from completely different producers. These choices could supply options like completely different supplies, finishes, and even proprietary designs. Nevertheless, the Anderson Slick Facet Higher typically distinguishes itself by its worth. It gives a high quality product at a aggressive worth, making it a superb entry level for builders and those that respect affordability.
Discovering Your Anderson Slick Facet Higher
Discovering an Anderson Slick Facet Higher is usually simple. Many on-line retailers specialise in AR-15 components and parts, and so they usually have a number of Anderson merchandise. Respected on-line shops often carry the Anderson Slick Facet Higher, offering numerous choices and sometimes aggressive pricing. Native gun outlets may also be a very good supply for these uppers, offering the chance to deal with the product.
Earlier than buying, all the time confirm the retailer’s repute, return insurance policies, and transport prices. Additionally, analysis costs to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Wrapping Up: Is the Anderson Slick Facet Higher Proper for You?
The Anderson Slick Facet Higher is a compelling alternative for AR-15 builders searching for a light-weight, streamlined, and cost-effective higher receiver. Its clear aesthetic, mixed with its compatibility with normal AR-15 parts, makes it a well-liked choice. Nevertheless, builders ought to fastidiously contemplate the absence of the ahead help and dirt cowl. Whether or not these omissions are a profit or a downside depends upon the supposed use of the rifle and the shooter’s particular person preferences.
If you happen to prioritize weight financial savings, a clear aesthetic, and cost-effectiveness, the Anderson Slick Facet Higher from Anderson Manufacturing is a wonderful choice. Take the time to analysis completely different components and choices. Keep in mind that constructing an AR-15 is an gratifying and rewarding expertise. So, whether or not you are a seasoned gunsmith or a first-time builder, the Anderson Slick Facet Higher could possibly be the proper alternative in your subsequent construct. Now, get on the market, begin your construct and benefit from the course of!
