02-11-2015, 01:16 AM
I actually think there can be a mechanical advantage with a monolithic upper receiver.
Any stress that is normally transferred from the handguard to the barrel nut, for example, is non-existent with a monolithic upper. This can come from a heavy gun with a bipod, or from a shooting sling where a lot of pressure is applied to the fore end. There are other upper receivers that get around this by offering an extended mounting extension integral to the upper, without any contact with the barrel nut. The Seekins iMRT is an example of that.
It can also offer increased life on the bolt in guns that are run hot with dynamic sling tension, but most monolithic uppers seem to be used on heavier precision guns that aren't used as short ranges blasters, unless we're talking about the LMT MRP.
Free-floating the AR15 pretty much gets rid of this, so the actual benefits may be so small that they are not quantifiable by the consumer or our experiences. The most practical is as Klem mentions, and that is that no consideration for mounting location and cantilever scope mounts is necessary with a monolithic upper. It also offers a unified mounting plane for clip-on optics in front of your day optic, when looking at Thermals and other Night Observation Devices.
From a subjective standpoint, the monolithic upper feels very strong, solid, and gives a secure feeling to the gun in the user's hands.
Any stress that is normally transferred from the handguard to the barrel nut, for example, is non-existent with a monolithic upper. This can come from a heavy gun with a bipod, or from a shooting sling where a lot of pressure is applied to the fore end. There are other upper receivers that get around this by offering an extended mounting extension integral to the upper, without any contact with the barrel nut. The Seekins iMRT is an example of that.
It can also offer increased life on the bolt in guns that are run hot with dynamic sling tension, but most monolithic uppers seem to be used on heavier precision guns that aren't used as short ranges blasters, unless we're talking about the LMT MRP.
Free-floating the AR15 pretty much gets rid of this, so the actual benefits may be so small that they are not quantifiable by the consumer or our experiences. The most practical is as Klem mentions, and that is that no consideration for mounting location and cantilever scope mounts is necessary with a monolithic upper. It also offers a unified mounting plane for clip-on optics in front of your day optic, when looking at Thermals and other Night Observation Devices.
From a subjective standpoint, the monolithic upper feels very strong, solid, and gives a secure feeling to the gun in the user's hands.
NRA Basic, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, RSO
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com
CCW, CQM, DM, Long Range Rifle Instructor
6.5 Grendel Reloading Handbooks & chamber brushes can be found here:
www.AR15buildbox.com