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Current lead time for custom uppers is 4 weeks
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Our process
Part Sourcing
Most of the parts we use to build your custom upper are not kept in our inventory. Instead, we source AR-15 parts by continuously monitoring market prices with our price tracking system. This ensures we secure high-quality parts at the best prices from trusted suppliers. When we receive your order, we already know where to find your selected parts at the best possible price. Any potential dealer discounts will also be applied to your order after it has been received. In the rare event we cannot source a part you’ve selected, we’ll contact you to discuss a replacement. This strategic approach allows us to offer the best parts to our customers at competitive rates while keeping our overhead and costs low.
Price
In addition to the cost of the parts you’ve selected for your build, our fee for assembly, grouping, and data gathering is $150.00.
Assembly
Inspection and Compatibility: Verify that all parts are present and conduct compatibility assessment. This involves identifying any potential issues arising from the integration of parts from different manufacturers and ensuring the overall coherence and functionality of the build. If any issues are detected in this step, you will receive a call from us to resolve the issues.
Bore and Chamber Check: Ensure the bore is clean, chamber and rifling are in good condition, and headspace is confirmed.
Muzzle Threads Verification: Check that muzzle threads are of the correct pitch and within specifications.
Gas Port Measurement: Measure and record the gas port size for customer reference.
Barrel Test Fit: Test fit the barrel to check feed ramps.
Bolt Carrier Fit: Ensure the bolt carrier fits properly inside the upper receiver and that the carrier key is aligned.
Receiver Preparation: True the face of the receiver.
Barrel Installation: Install the barrel, using Loctite 620 for bedding if necessary, and ensure proper alignment with Midwest Industries URR.
Barrel Nut Torque: Torque the barrel nut with Aeroshell, seasoning the threads.
Gas Tube Installation: Install the gas tube.
Gas Block Installation: Dimple the barrel, degrease threads, apply Rocksett, and secure with knurled screws.
Carrier Key and Extractor Check: Ensure the carrier key is staked, the extractor spring is appropriate, and the firing pin is in good condition.
Handguard Installation: Installed according to manufacturer's specifications.
Muzzle Device Installation: Degrease, shim, apply Rocksett, and torque the muzzle device to 30 ft/lbs or less.
Zeroing
Range: We zero all custom uppers at 100 yards.
Ammunition: We zero with 5.56 match grade 77 Grain*.
Shooting Position: Prone, with bipod and rear bag.
Optic: ADM mounted magnified optic.
Grouping
After zeroing each and every one of the custom uppers we build, we shoot groups at 100 yards using three of the most popular types of ammunition on the market. This will provide you with the potential capability of your rifle, with multiple types of ammunition right out of the box. The targets used for grouping will be shipped with your custom upper.
Range: We shoot each group at 100 yards.
# of Rounds: We shoot 5 rounds per group.
Group 1: Shot with 5.56 55 Grain M193*
Group 2: Shot with 5.56 62 Grain M855*.
Group 3: Shot with 5.56 match grade 77 Grain*.
Shooting Position: Prone, with bipod and rear bag.
Optic: ADM mounted magnified optic.
*Choice of ammunition based on availability. The ammunition used will be recorded for your records.
Ballistics Data Gathering
While shooting the groups, we collect ballistics data. This data provides you the capapbility to calculate your DOPE for distance shooting, increasing your changes to get 1st round impacts at the range. This data will be shipped in paper form with your custom upper.
Chronograph: We use a Garmin Xero C1 for gathering ballistics data.
Data Gathering: For each ammunition type we document the FPS of each shot, the average FPS, the standard deviation, and the extreme spread.
Post-mortem
In this final step after we've shot the upper though our zeroing, grouping, and data gathering steps, we do our final analysis and evaluation to ensure the upper is going to perform as you the customer would expect. If any issues occurred while shooting, or we have any doubts about the upper's capability or performance, we'll contact you to help resolve those doubts and find a solution.
Ship It!
After a heartfelt farewell and a few tears (from us, not the AR-15), we carefully package your new pride and joy. With a final salute, we send it off to its new home, ensuring it arrives ready for action and adventure!
Being transparent about our process helps build trust with our customers. When we openly share how we operate, it shows that we have nothing to hide and are confident in the quality of our work. We hope you'll trust Apogee Rifleworks with your next custom build.
Visit our Build page today to assemble your next custom AR-15 upper using our curated selection of top-tier AR-15 parts!