The AR-15 is the ideal rifle platform for gun builders and aspiring gunsmiths due to its great degree of modularity and customization. Gun owners construct their own weapons for a variety of reasons. But where do you start?

Black and white image of targets at an indoor shooting range with linear perspective.

Numerous businesses provide whole rifles, components, and assemblies, so you may decide how involved or challenging the process is for you. 

You can purchase the entry-level mil-spec AR15 off the shelf? Common, but convenient. It probably sports a set of plastic clamshell handguards without any connection points and an A2 system with an A2 front sight. An A2 flash hider is probably on it. It looks “old” and clumsy. Your father’s AR15 gun is this one.

So, why should you purchase Standard? Create your own customized left handed AR15 upper to obtain what you want, put it together from the ground up, and have a firearm that suits your style right away.

This is the issue. It takes a lot of effort and money to source components and ensure they satisfy your requirements. You’ll be overwhelmed by possibilities, uncertain about the reliability of overseas vendors, awaiting shipments, and, eventually, spending too much money or time to make the construction worthwhile.

The Challenges Faced by Left-Handed Shooters

The AR-15’s right-side ejection port might be problematic for left-handed shooters. Spent casings are expelled from the right side upon shooting, which left-handed shooters may find unpleasant or even hazardous. Hot brass may strike their face, neck, or clothes as a result.

Among the possible remedies are:

  • Left-handed AR-15s: With the ejection port on the left side, these rifles are made especially for left-handed shooters.
  • AR-15s that are ambidextrous: These rifles may be set up to fire with either the left or right hand.
  • Attached to the rifle, brass deflectors divert spent casings away from the shooter.

Although these solutions are available, not all left-handed shooters may find them economical or easily accessible.

Why Left-Handed Uppers Matter in a Custom AR-15 Build

Most folks who adapt AR-15s for left-handed shooters begin with the upper receiver. For right-handed shooters, a right-eject upper receiver safely discharges shot casings and gases on the user’s right side. This implies that if you fire left-handed, you may end up with a face full of metal and scorching gases each time.

Your face may be shielded from possible burns by switching to a left-eject upper receiver, which enables your rifle to port everything on your left side.

The component of the AR-15 that fires the weapon when you pull the trigger is called the bolt carrier group (BCG). In order to correctly eject your spent casings, it must be compatible with the upper receiver, making it one of the most crucial conversions for a left-handed AR-15.

The charging handle latch, like many other components on a standard, right-handed AR-15, is often on the left side, requiring you to reach awkwardly around in order to engage it. Although left-handed AR-15s may be charged with handles, adding an ambidextrous alternative is an excellent method to guarantee that you always have easy access.

You can easily use either hand to activate ambidextrous charging handles since they have latches on both sides.

Key Features of Left-Handed AR-15 Uppers

An excellent base for an AR-15 upper assembly that is left-handed. This package comes with a factory-installed Stag Arms A3 Left Handed Forged Upper Receiver with Forward Assist and Dust Cover. It also comes with a Left-Handed NBS BCG. Save money by purchasing your Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) and Top Tier Left Handed Upper Receiver together.

Stag Arms A3 Left Handed Upper Receiver

This left-handed upper receiver has a factory-installed forward assist and dust cover, is hard anodized, and is machined from 7075-T6 forgings.

.223/5.56/300BLK M16 Profile Left-Handed Bolt Carrier Group – Black Nitride

For our left-handed pals, this is a premium BCG, so you won’t have to worry about any more bothersome brass flying all over your body. Heavy-duty 9310 alloy steel is utilized to CNC manufacture the bolt, while 8620 steel is used to make the bolt carrier. 9310 steel is around 7% stronger than the Carpenter 158 steel used in the majority of BCGs, and it has a high core and fatigue strength rating as well as a high hardenability rating. The Salt Black Nitride coating on this Bolt Carrier Group offers remarkable resistance to wear and corrosion. For quality assurance, these M16 profile Direct Impingement BCGs undergo magnetic particle inspection. 

They have mil-spec gas keys with Grade-8 screws that are anchored and sealed with Permatex No. 3, as well as firing pins made of hard-chromed 8740 steel. Their D2 steel extractors are case-hardened and shot-peened for dependable operation.

Included:

  • Bolt w/ D2 Extractor
  • Cam Pin
  • Firing Pin
  • Bolt Carrier w/ staked Gas Key
  • Firing Pin Retaining Pin

Technical Specs:

  • Gas system: Direct Impingement
  • Finish: Salt Black Nitride
  • Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO/.223 Rem, .300 Blackout
  • Bolt: 9310 Alloy Steel (High Hardness)
  • Extractor: Shot Peened and Case Hardened D2 Tool Steel
  • Firing Pin: Mil-spec 8740 steel with hard chrome finish
  • Carrier: 8620 Aircraft Grade Steel
  • Gas Key: Mil-Spec w/ properly staked Grade-8 screws & Permatex No. 3 sealed
  • Quality Control: MPI Inspected for QC
  • Cam Pin: 8620 Steel w/ Black Nitride Finish

Tips for Choosing the Right Left-Handed Upper

To guarantee optimum performance and comfort, selecting the appropriate left-handed AR-15 upper requires taking into account a number of parameters. Here are some important pointers:

The ejection port is the most important component. Make sure it’s on the left side to shield your face and neck from hot metal.

Look for features like a bolt catch, magazine release, and ambidextrous safety selector. They make it simpler to operate without switching hands.

For more seamless functioning, think about using a charging handle on the left side. Both left and right-side charging handles are included with some uppers.

Select a twist rate and barrel length based on your planned purpose. While a longer barrel provides more accuracy and velocity, a shorter barrel is better for mobility. The stability of heavier bullets is determined by their twist rate.

Choose a gas system (piston or direct impingement) according to your needs and preferences. While piston systems are cleaner and have less recoil, direct impingement is easier to use and less expensive.

Choose a finish that resists wear and corrosion and a sturdy material, such as steel or aluminum.

Make sure the top and other parts work with your lower receiver.

Decide on a budget and follow it. Take into account the price of the top and any further accessories you may want.

To learn more about various brands and models, read reviews written by other left-handed shooters. For individualized advice, speak with seasoned shooters or gunsmiths.

Try out a variety of left-handed uppers at a range if you can to see which one works best for you and feels the most comfortable.

Conclusion

A comprehensive selection of ambidextrous gun components is available at MidStateFireArms to help you get the most out of your weapon. You may shop online with confidence since we only carry items that we personally use on our own weapons. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. We are glad to assist!

, Building a Custom AR-15: Why Left-Handed Uppers Matter, Days of a Domestic Dad