Monolithic Uppers

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10 years 5 months ago #40418 by OleCowboy
Monolithic Uppers was created by OleCowboy
Another new offering. Not sure of my thoughts on this, neither pro or con at the moment:


Aero Precision COP Monolithic AR15 Upper Receiver

The original AR design was never intended to support optics, and the flat top receivers were a nice AR modification. But some optics require mounts further forward than the flat top can accommodate. There is also the issue that the barrel nut was never designed to be a stress member supporting a cantilevered forend; many feel this stress can effect both overall accuracy and forend mounted optic zeroing.


The Aero Precision COP AR upper solves these problems by offering a purpose built Continuous Optics Platform from the front all the way to the back of the receiver.

The COP is an incredible piece of engineering and has been independently tested by the military to be the strongest monolithic upper available all while being extremely lightweight and completely modular. The innovative COP kit design is supplied with a varied array of ten full and partial picatinny rails and blanks of which some include QD sling mounts. The rails can be slide on and off the female dovetails by removing just the screws retaining that rail. The result is a single platform with near limitless customization that can fit any current need and change easily based on how the shooter’s style or equipment needs change in the future.



The Aero Precision COP monolithic upper build
In the last couple months I have been building a few “high end” AR platforms focused on light weight and 3-gun competition style shooting, but for this build I wanted to lean back a bit into a more defensive oriented, optic-driven build typically referred to as a Squad Designated Marksman rifle. The intent of a specially trained and sometimes specially equipped SDM within a military squad is the ability to precisely place shots at extended ranges while still maintaining the shorter range maneuverable capabilities of the M4/M16. From an equipment perspective, SDM rifles usually are upgraded to a more accurate barrel, free float, and magnified optic.


My intent was to build a more flexible, all-purpose platform which could deliver on both short and longer range, defensive, hunting, and competitive shooting. Because I am a bit finicky about what I wanted yesterday versus today, I also wanted the ability to easily customize the rifle from situation to situation without having to mount or un-mount hanguards just to add or move picatinny rails as needed. The flexibility of the COP was an obvious choice and allows me to change the forend configuration as needed.

For a SDM build you need a very accurate barrel. After speaking with John Hollinger at White Oak Precision (who manufacturers barrels for President’s Cup competitors), he recommended I use one of his 16” heavy fluted Mid-Length SDM barrels coupled with his stainless low profile gas blocks and tubes which have been popular with his law enforcement and military customers. This 1:8 twist barrel is made from a Shilen button rifled blank and finished with White Oak’s own .223 Wylde style chamber which provides reliability and accuracy with both .223 and 5.56 NATO rounds.

John noted the best situation for accuracy would be to upgrade to a longer 20” barrel, however the 16” was designed to provide more maneuverability and less weight (2.5lbs) with minimal loss of accuracy compared to their 18” and 20” models. To finish off the internals, a standard phosphated AR BCG was used, with a DPMS charging handle and Badger Latch, and Quite Brake from PRI. My Geissele triggered SSA-E equipped Aero Precision lower was used which was previously featured in my JP Enterprises build. I wanted a solid dependable day/night optic, so I choose to move my reliable Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4X24 scope over to this build with Tactical Millet Rings.

- See more at: www.alloutdoor.com/2014/01/06/aero-preci...sthash.i9axV8c3.dpuf
The following user(s) said Thank You: jtallen83, NightForce

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10 years 5 months ago #40429 by NightForce
Replied by NightForce on topic Monolithic Uppers
WOW, I am impressed to say the least!! :twothumbs:

Absolutely some of the nicest looking AR components I've seen.... :thumbs:

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10 years 5 months ago #40433 by faawrenchbndr
Replied by faawrenchbndr on topic Monolithic Uppers
Very nice,.....I ran a 10" VLTOR VisA2 for a bit.
Very nice upper....May look into those again

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