Let’s Talk About Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver
The Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver is a complete AR-15 upper assembly designed for those seeking enhanced durability and reliability. Manufactured by Spikes Tactical, a company known for its robust and dependable AR components, this upper receiver promises to deliver consistent performance in various conditions. It’s chambered in the ubiquitous 5.56x45mm NATO caliber and features a cold hammer forged barrel.
I was in the market for a new upper receiver to upgrade my AR-15, seeking improved accuracy and longevity compared to my older, standard-barrel upper. I specifically wanted a mid-length gas system for smoother cycling and reduced recoil. The promise of a cold hammer forged barrel from Spikes Tactical sealed the deal.
Upon unboxing, the Spikes Tactical upper felt solid and well-constructed. The finish was clean, and the components felt tightly assembled. The weight felt appropriate for a 16-inch barreled upper.
I was considering upper receivers from Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) and Daniel Defense as well. I ultimately chose the Spikes Tactical option due to its reputation for quality and the more attractive price point. I was excited to finally try a Spikes Tactical product, having heard good things about their components.
Real-World Testing: Putting Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze, perfect conditions for sighting in a new upper. I fired approximately 200 rounds of mixed ammunition, including both brass-cased and steel-cased rounds.
The upper performed flawlessly during its initial outing. There were no failures to feed, extract, or eject. I was initially impressed by the smooth cycling of the mid-length gas system.
The upper was relatively easy to install on my existing lower receiver. I needed to adjust the sights slightly to achieve zero. There were no major surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver has proven to be a reliable performer. I have put approximately 1,500 rounds through it. The upper continues to function without issue.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after consistent use. The finish on the barrel and receiver has held up well. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward.
Compared to my previous upper receiver, the Spikes Tactical option offers a noticeable improvement in accuracy and overall reliability. I am very satisfied with its performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver
Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, the most common and versatile caliber for AR-15 platform rifles. This allows for a wide range of ammunition choices.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches, which is a popular choice as it provides a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. This is also the shortest barrel length allowed on a rifle without requiring NFA registration (in most states).
- Barrel Material: Cold Hammer Forged (CHF) steel, offering exceptional durability and extended lifespan compared to standard barrels. CHF barrels are known for their ability to maintain accuracy even after high round counts.
- Gas System: Mid-length, providing smoother recoil impulse and reduced wear on internal components compared to a carbine-length gas system. The mid-length system is generally considered more reliable than the carbine length.
- Rail Options: Available with 10″ BAR2 Rail, 9″ SAR3 Rail, or 12″ SAR3 Rail, all offering free-floating designs for improved accuracy. The free-floating rail prevents any pressure on the barrel, enhancing precision.
- Rail Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum Rail with 7075 T6 Barrel Nut. This provides a lightweight and durable platform for mounting accessories.
- Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): Phosphate M16 Complete BCG, offering reliable cycling and durability. The BCG is High Pressure Tested (HPT) and Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI) to ensure quality and reliability.
- Charging Handle: Forged Aluminum, Mil-Spec Type 3 Coating. It is standard and durable.
- Flash Hider: A2 Flash Hider, a common and effective muzzle device for reducing muzzle flash. The A2 flash hider is a simple and inexpensive option.
- Gas Block: Low Profile Gas Block, Solid Billet Steel with Black Nitride finish. The low profile allows for greater handguard customization.
- Country of Origin: USA, which provides the user confidence knowing it was manufactured and assembled with high quality control standards.
Performance & Functionality
The Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver performs exceptionally well. The accuracy is consistent at various ranges, easily achieving sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition. It is incredibly reliable, experiencing no malfunctions even with cheaper ammunition.
The mid-length gas system offers a noticeable reduction in recoil. This allows for faster follow-up shots and improved control. It also helps minimize wear and tear on the rifle’s internal components.
The upper exceeded my expectations. Its performance is on par with much more expensive options.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials used are high-quality, and the construction is robust. The weight is well-balanced, making the rifle comfortable to handle and shoot.
The upper is easy to install and use, requiring minimal adjustments. The free-floating rail provides ample space for mounting optics, lights, and other accessories. The ergonomics are excellent.
Durability & Maintenance
The cold hammer forged barrel is expected to last for tens of thousands of rounds with proper maintenance. The phosphate coating on the BCG and the black nitride finish on the gas block provide excellent corrosion resistance.
Cleaning and maintenance are simple, requiring only basic tools and cleaning supplies. The upper is built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories. Popular accessories include various optics (red dot sights, scopes), weapon lights, foregrips, and rail covers.
The upper is designed to work seamlessly with any Mil-Spec AR-15 lower receiver. The rail system is compatible with M-LOK or Picatinny attachments, depending on the specific rail configuration chosen. Be sure to use bold and italic text where necessary to emphasize important points.
Pros and Cons of Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The cold hammer forged barrel ensures a long lifespan and consistent accuracy. CHF barrels are a significant upgrade for serious shooters.
- Enhanced Reliability: The mid-length gas system promotes smoother cycling and reduces the risk of malfunctions. The mid-length gas system is a major selling point for those prioritizing reliability.
- Improved Accuracy: The free-floating rail design enhances accuracy by preventing pressure on the barrel. Expect sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition.
- High-Quality Components: The BCG is HPT/MPI tested, ensuring reliability and longevity.
- Versatile Rail System: Provides ample space for mounting a wide range of accessories.
Cons
- Price: It is more expensive than some entry-level upper receivers. However, the added durability and performance justify the cost.
- A2 Flash Hider: Some may want to upgrade to a more effective muzzle device.
Who Should Buy Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver?
The Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver is perfect for shooters who demand reliability and durability. This includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and serious recreational shooters. It’s ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their AR-15 with a high-quality upper receiver that will last for years to come.
Those on a very tight budget might consider a less expensive option. Shooters who only occasionally use their AR-15 may not need the added durability of a cold hammer forged barrel.
A quality optic (red dot or scope) is a must-have accessory to take full advantage of the upper’s accuracy potential. Consider adding a weapon light for home defense or low-light shooting scenarios.
Conclusion on Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver
The Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver is a top-tier AR-15 upper assembly that delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and durability. The price is justified by the high-quality components and the extended lifespan of the cold hammer forged barrel. The mid-length gas system is smooth and reliable.
I would absolutely recommend this upper receiver to anyone looking to upgrade their AR-15. It’s a worthwhile investment that will provide years of dependable service. Upgrade your AR-15 today with the Spikes Tactical 5.56 Midlength Cold Hammer Forged 16in Upper Receiver and experience the difference quality makes!