Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant shows us what he describes as the AR-15 upper receiver that sets the standard all other AR-15 uppers must be measured against. It’s the URF-B v2 stripped billet upper receiver by Forward Controls Design. FCD is well known for the quality of their machining and strict adherence to specs. If a batch of parts comes out just a little out of spec, even if it’s “off” in a way that doesn’t affect function, the FCD folks scrap the parts and run a new batch, done right this time. Their AR-15 parts are prized by serious AR fans for being in the top echelon of quality.
Forward Controls machines this upper receiver from a billet of 7075 T6 aluminum alloy, and they give it an exceptionally smooth, uniform hardcoat anodized finish. Up top there’s a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail with laser-engraved T-marks. Relief cuts in the sides of the tang provide extra clearance for easy access to your rear backup sight. Likewise, a cut in the top of the forward assist housing eases access to the right “ear” of an ambidextrous charging handle. Despite the strategic metal removal, this upper is plenty strong because its walls are a LOT thicker than a standard forged upper. That makes it a little heavier than a standard receiver, but the big benefit is significantly greater rigidity.
Metal is cut away at the front to provide clearance for any handguard that fits a standard “mil-spec” upper, as well as free-float handguards with anti-rotation tabs. An extra hole drilled just above the gas tube hole accommodates a handguard that uses an anti-rotation pin, like the M89 Drive Lock Rail by Sons of Liberty Gun Works. Unnecessary metal on the underside of the shell deflector is removed for weight reduction. On the opposite side, an oversized cutout for the bolt catch provides extra clearance for a Magpul B.A.D. Lever or other battery-assist device.
NOTE: This is the newer “v2” variant of the URF-B that omits the over-gas vent port, which turned out to be unnecessary.
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The undercut on the forward assist is more than just weight reduction, it actually allows for ambi bolt catches such as the LMT MARS L
I’m pretty sure that Zev (aka Mega Arms) is the OEM for FCD’s receivers and handguards. I know for sure that they OEM receivers and handguards for SOLGW, as well as Gray Ghost Precision and Triarc. (Possibly Hodge as well, although I might be wrong on them). If anyone reading this is familiar with Mega Arms and their truly legendary fit and finish, this won’t surprise you one bit. They are now owned by Zev Technologies, of course… But rest assured that their ability to hold truly aerospace level tolerances remains fully intact, which is precisely why they are almost universally revered as being among the very best machine shops in the country.
In case anyone is wondering, it’s the anti-rotation pin hole for Mega’s wedgelock rail design, as well as their “true black” type 3 class 2 hard coat anodizing that were the main things that pointed me in Zev’s/MEGA’s direction).
Did Brownells comply with NY and turn over customer info? 🤔
Hey Caleb, is this upper receiver thermo-fit to the build's chosen barrel? I'm hoping it is. That's the one thing that did not get covered in the video that I wanted to know before deciding on this over, say, a BCM or JP upper receiver. It'd be for a duty-oriented build so the extra ounce or two isn't a big deal, but the rigidity plus a thermofit barrel would definitely be what I'm going for here. Thanks.
That's a beauty, but Caleb, is it better than Wilson Combat?
Can you do a product spotlight review on some spikes tactical products and firearms no trust worthy channel's speak about their products
Has anyone tried the FORTIS MANUFACTURING castle nut system, I can't see where they have any slots for staking?
This upper is made by Cross Machine and Tool for FCD and it’s really nice. I built one out to put on a SOLGW FCD lower and everything lines up perfectly. Solid upper
I still prefer my slick Aero upper receiver with no forward assist
I have most of the products fcd put put in the last 5 years or some variation or color. The best products I use on my AR and Roger is the GOAT
thanks
The no forward assist is a bad ass piece
FCD is great, but not buying them from a company like Brownells that willingly shares customer data with federal agencies
I’d like to see strength tests versus billet and forged.
I don't want to fight you, Caleb (secondarily cuz you're 25 years younger than I am and I've got a game foot so's I can't run away). But PRIMARILY because it would mess up our collective hair. I'm a hair spray guy, you're pomade—neither of us want to go there. So, I'll go along with you on the receiver ranking.
I'm not fat, I'm billet shaped.
$200 for a completely stripped upper? Where's the GUCCI label on it? For that much, it requires one.
Is Brownells encouraging Indie Guns to share customer info with the government?
I can no longer support Brownells. I`ve heard that they are giving up private customer information to the feds. BYE-BYE!
Nearly $200 for an upper?!
This is a pure Instagram clout chaser upper.
If only they steel lined it, then it be perfect.
video suggestion-smythbusters episode on shooting steel, concerning the absolute minimum range both in terms of personal safety and minimum range to avoid damaging the target, as these are probably two different ranges.
Do you have to heat it up to get barrel in like a BCM?
You guys should consider starting to output in 1440p and 4K. Sometimes small details like that laser engraving aren't quite visible at 1080p.
Forward control designs with a rear charging Handle?
I like this receiver! Thanks FCD!
Caleb, I think I saw you posted a video asking for ideas. What about an entire series of after initial gun purchase, what do new gun owners need/should have for first range day? Walk through range bag/items needed, eyes and ears, how to overcome first range day jitters, etc. Also, if your wife or someone’s female partner is into shooting, do a series with female shooters. My wife loves to shoot, but we train way differently and look for different things in purchasing. To the point I don’t go shopping with her to skew her purchase. Keep up the good work
i love ur passion and excitement for this company, but i still think my Larue is the best. but FCD would be a close second!
Maybe FCD should take a page out of Fosetechs book, and make it out of that magnesium and aluminum for lighter look but yet more durable than standard alum.
great content great review: I love the aesthetics of the FCD upper receiver. I think more companies should add similar aesthetics to their upper receivers, and get away from that tedious mil spec look, bringing the AR aesthetics more into the 21st century, and a way better looking modern platform. now if someone would just make some Handguards with different more modern styling and shapes not like the same ones of yesteryear kinda like the LDR1 but more.
In todays product spotlight, we got this here AT-4 Launcher from Brownells.
So close I can almost taste those BRN 4 Billet Lowers 😮
I'm not a fan of billet receivers, but if it comes from FCD it has to be good..
First!