BudsGunShop.com - Putting an upper on an AR15
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Bud's prices on entry-level AR15s are great. How hard is to add an upper in a different caliber?
3 Answers

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Warren, as others have mentioned it's very simple. All you have to do is remove the old upper by removing two pins and then put the new lower on and push the pins back in. The only time you would need to change anything on the lower is if it's not cycling properly. Then you might have to change buffer weights to accommodate that caliber but I've used multiple calibers on one lower and haven't needed to change the buffer/buffer spring. Lets say you buy a AR-15 in 5.56/223 you can easily use the same lower and just buy a complete upper in 300 blackout, 224 Valkyrie, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8spc, and so on and just swap it out with the original upper and have multiple calibers using one lower. The AR-15 is a great platform. I bought one and now own quite a few. When you first start it can seem overwhelming cause there's so much information and upgrades but I assure you they're very simple. I recommend watching lots of YouTube videos and you'll be fine. The first one I bought was a cheaper option and slowly started upgrading parts until next thing I knew had a completely new rifle. About 6 months later used the old parts I replaced to build another one. Did it all just by watching YouTube videos. Hope this helps.
Hi Warren, it is very easy Sir. An upper in a different caliber takes just the disconnect of two pins and about 10 seconds. The AR platform is very adaptable to multiple uppers in different calibers. Welcome, cheers and stay safe! bearcreekarsenal.com/blog/ar-15-calibers-explained.html
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Warren, it is very easy to swap out uppers, it's just a matter of pulling 2 pins. Depending on the caliber, you may also need to change you BCG (bolt carrier group) if it is not included with the new upper, buffer and/or buffer spring, and a magazine conversion kit. For some calibers, such as .300 Blackout, you can use the same BCG and lower without modification as well as the same magazines. Good article here >>> pewpewtactical.com/best-ar-15-calibers-conversion-kits/