ANDERSON MFG UPPER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY AR-15 M-LOK 5.56 10.5″ NO BCG OR CHARGING HANDLE – B2-K625-AC00
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About this product
What is the Anderson MFG Upper Receiver Assembly AR-15 M-LOK 5.56 10.5″? It is a complete, stripped upper receiver assembly built for building a short-barreled AR-15-style rifle or pistol configured for modern accessories. This assembly gives you a functional upper with a 10.5-inch barrel threaded 1/2x28, a 9-inch M-LOK handguard, a carbine-length gas system, and a Knight Stalker flash hider, but it does not include a bolt carrier group or charging handle. For shooters who build their own rifles, this represents a proven, mil-spec foundation on which to install your preferred BCG, trigger, and optic.
What is the Anderson MFG Upper Receiver Assembly used for?
This upper assembly is used to build or upgrade an AR-15 rifle or pistol into a highly maneuverable 10.5-inch-barreled platform for close-quarters use or as a compact, truck-ready firearm. The short barrel and M-LOK handguard make it ideal for mounting a suppressor, a weapon light like a Streamlight TLR-1, and a compact red dot while keeping overall length down. It is specifically configured for the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington cartridge using a carbine-length gas system, which is standard for this barrel length.
How does the Anderson MFG Upper compare to a PSA 10.5″ M-LOK Upper?
The Anderson AM-15 upper is more spartan and purpose-built than a comparable Palmetto State Armory (PSA) 10.5″ M-LOK upper, which typically includes a BCG and charging handle at a slightly higher price point. The Anderson unit provides a no-frills, mil-spec foundation that lets you invest in a higher-quality BCG like a Toolcraft or BCM, whereas the PSA kit offers a more complete, immediate solution. For a builder who already has preferred internal components, the Anderson is the more efficient choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This upper assembly weighs approximately 3.4 pounds (54.4 oz) without a BCG or charging handle installed. The overall length from the back of the receiver to the tip of the threaded muzzle is 18.5 inches, with the 9-inch M-LOK handguard leaving 1.5 inches of barrel exposed before the Knight Stalker flash hider. The receiver is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard-coat anodized finish, and the barrel is 4150 CmV steel with a 1:7 twist rate.
Who is this NOT for?
This upper assembly is not for first-time builders who want a single-purchase, complete upper ready to slap onto a lower and shoot. You must source and install your own bolt carrier group and charging handle, which adds a minimum of $100-$200 and requires basic assembly knowledge. It is also not ideal for those seeking a precision-oriented, long-range upper, as the 10.5-inch barrel sacrifices significant muzzle velocity and is best suited for engagements inside 150 meters.
What’s in the box?
In the box, you receive the complete upper assembly: the forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper receiver, the 10.5-inch 4150 CmV steel barrel with carbine-length gas block and tube installed, the 9-inch M-LOK aluminum handguard, and the Knight Stalker flash hider pre-installed on the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle. It does NOT include a bolt carrier group, charging handle, iron sights, or any mounting hardware for accessories. You will need these components to make the upper functional, similar to how our Glock 3.5lb Modified Cut Nub Connector is just one part of a complete trigger system.
Is the Anderson MFG Upper worth it at $340.99?
At $340.99, this Anderson upper is worth it for builders who prioritize a mil-spec foundation and plan to install their own high-quality BCG and CH, allowing them to allocate budget precisely where they want performance. You are paying for a solid, American-made forged receiver and barrel assembly without paying for internal components you might otherwise replace. Compared to building an upper from individually sourced parts, this represents a significant time and potential cost savings, making it a smart starting point for a serious build, much like starting with a proven Glock-Mod trigger shoe is a smart start for a trigger job.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Forged 7075-T6 aluminum receiver – meets mil-spec for durability under stress.
- 10.5-inch 4150 CmV steel barrel – provides a compact 18.5-inch overall length for maneuverability.
- 1:7 twist rate – stabilizes heavier 62-77 grain bullets commonly used in 5.56 loads.
- Mil-spec dimensions – guarantees compatibility with the vast ecosystem of AR-15 parts and accessories.
Trade-offs
- No BCG or CH included – adds a minimum of $100-$200 and assembly time to complete.
- Basic Knight Stalker flash hider – effective but not a premium muzzle device like a Surefire Warcomp.
- 10.5-inch barrel ballistics – significant velocity drop versus a 16-inch barrel, limiting effective range.
Key attributes
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 10.5 in |
| Barrel Material | 4150 CmV Steel |
| Twist Rate | 1:7 |
| Receiver Material | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Handguard | M-LOK, 9 in |
| Gas System | Carbine Length |
| Muzzle Thread | 1/2x28 |
| Finish | Type III Hard Anodized, Black |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a standard AR-15 lower receiver?
- Yes, this Anderson upper is fully compatible with any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. The takedown and pivot pin holes are drilled to standard specifications, ensuring a proper fit with brands like Anderson, Aero Precision, and PSA. The carbine-length gas system requires a standard carbine buffer and spring in the lower for reliable operation.
- Does it fit a .223 Wylde chamber?
- No, this barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO, which will safely fire both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition. The .223 Wylde chamber is a different, often more precise chamber specification. For most practical shooting, the 5.56 NATO chamber provides excellent reliability and is the more common specification for tactical barrels.
- How long does shipping take?
- GLOCK FRT ships most in-stock items like this upper within 1-2 business days via UPS or USPS. Transit time typically adds 3-7 business days depending on your location. You will receive a tracking number via email once your order is processed and leaves our warehouse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my lower?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for uninstalled, undamaged products in original packaging. Due to the nature of firearms components, items that have been assembled, fired, or modified cannot be returned. If you have a fitment issue with a mil-spec lower, contact our support team first—it's often a simple alignment issue.
- Does this work with a standard AR-15 bolt carrier group?
- Yes, it is designed to work with any mil-spec AR-15 bolt carrier group (BCG). You will need to purchase and install your own BCG and charging handle to complete the upper. We recommend a properly staked, full-auto profile BCG from a reputable manufacturer for optimal reliability with the carbine-length gas system.