First Impressions of Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can
The world of pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) has exploded in recent years, and the AR-9 platform is at the forefront. The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can promises a compact, reliable, and stylish entry into this exciting arena. Brigade Manufacturing is known for its quality components, and this upper receiver aims to deliver on that reputation with its durable forged construction and eye-catching “mini can” muzzle device.
I’ve been wanting to build a dedicated AR-9 for close-quarters training and recreational shooting for some time now. The compact form factor of a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or pistol appeals to me, but I didn’t want to deal with the NFA paperwork hassle. That’s where the Brigade Manufacturing 5.5″ upper comes in – it allows for a very compact build without any legal headaches.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the solid feel of the upper. The Cerakote finish in Flat Dark Earth is flawless, and the overall construction feels incredibly robust. Compared to some budget uppers I’ve handled, this feels like a significant step up in quality. I considered a similar upper from a different manufacturer, but the Brigade Manufacturing unit’s aesthetics, particularly the integrated Mini Can, won me over.
I was immediately impressed by the build quality and the attention to detail. I’m genuinely excited to get this upper receiver mounted on a lower and put some rounds downrange.
Real-World Testing: Putting Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can at my local indoor shooting range. I paired it with an Aero Precision EPC-9 lower and a standard AR-15 pistol brace. I ran approximately 300 rounds of various 9mm ammunition through it, including 115 grain FMJ and 124 grain hollow points.
The upper performed flawlessly right out of the box. There were no malfunctions or failures to feed, even with the different types of ammunition. The recoil was manageable, and the Mini Can did a decent job of directing the blast forward.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Brigade Manufacturing upper continues to impress. I now have well over 1000 rounds through it. There are no signs of excessive wear or tear. The Cerakote finish is holding up remarkably well despite regular cleaning and handling.
Maintenance is straightforward – a quick wipe down of the bolt face and a light lubrication of the moving parts keeps everything running smoothly. Compared to my experiences with some other AR-9 uppers, this one requires significantly less cleaning to maintain reliable function. This upper has consistently outperformed my expectations, proving to be a reliable and enjoyable platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can
Specifications
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can boasts a number of key specifications that contribute to its performance and appeal. It features a 9mm Luger chambering, making it compatible with a wide range of ammunition. The 5.5-inch barrel offers a good balance of compactness and ballistic performance.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 5.5 inches
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1:10
- Muzzle Device: Mini Can
- Finish: Cerakote (Flat Dark Earth)
- Rail: Brigade 5 inch U-LOK Rail (6.88oz w/ nut)
- Bolt Carrier Group: Not Included
- Charging Handle: Not Included
The 1:10 twist rate is optimal for stabilizing a variety of 9mm bullet weights. The Mini Can is more of a linear compensator than a true suppressor, but it effectively directs the muzzle blast forward and reduces felt recoil. The inclusion of the Brigade 5 inch U-LOK Rail provides ample space for mounting accessories, and the lightweight design helps to keep the overall weight down.
Performance & Functionality
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can excels at its primary job: delivering reliable and accurate 9mm performance in a compact AR platform. The blowback operation is smooth, and the upper cycles reliably with a variety of ammunition. Accuracy is excellent for a short-barreled pistol caliber carbine, easily capable of sub-2 MOA groups at 25 yards.
One minor weakness is the lack of a bolt hold-open device on the upper receiver itself. This means that you’ll need a compatible lower receiver to take advantage of this feature. Overall, the upper performs admirably. It surpasses expectations for a sub-$300 AR-9 upper.
Design & Ergonomics
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The forged aluminum receiver feels solid and durable, and the Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish not only looks great but also provides excellent corrosion resistance. The weight is well-balanced, making the upper comfortable to handle and shoot.
The U-LOK rail is comfortable to grip and provides a solid mounting platform for accessories. There is no significant learning curve. This makes it easy to pick up and start using right away.
Durability & Maintenance
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can appears to be built to last. The forged aluminum receiver and durable Cerakote finish should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple – a quick cleaning after each range session is all that’s required.
The design is relatively simple, with few parts that are likely to fail. I anticipate this upper will last for many thousands of rounds with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can is highly customizable, thanks to its compatibility with standard AR-15 accessories. The U-LOK rail allows for the easy attachment of sights, optics, lights, and lasers. It’s also compatible with a wide variety of 9mm bolt carrier groups.
You may want to consider adding a quality red dot sight for optimal accuracy. The upper is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver designed for 9mm use, opening up a world of customization options.
Pros and Cons of Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can
Pros
- Excellent Value: Offers impressive features and performance for its price point.
- Reliable Performance: Cycles reliably with a variety of 9mm ammunition.
- Durable Construction: Forged aluminum receiver and Cerakote finish ensure long-lasting durability.
- Compact Size: The 5.5-inch barrel makes it ideal for compact PDW-style builds.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The Flat Dark Earth finish and Mini Can give it a unique and aggressive look.
Cons
- BCG and Charging Handle Not Included: Requires additional investment.
- No Integrated Bolt Hold-Open: Relies on the lower receiver for this function.
Who Should Buy Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can?
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can is perfect for anyone looking to build a compact and reliable AR-9 pistol or SBR without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for recreational shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a stylish and well-built firearm. This upper is especially appealing to those who want a compact AR-9 without the NFA hassle of a registered SBR.
This product might not be the best choice for those seeking a competition-grade upper or one with all the bells and whistles included. Also, those who are not comfortable sourcing a BCG and charging handle separately should consider a complete upper from another manufacturer. A quality red dot sight and a reliable lower receiver with a bolt hold-open feature are must-have accessories to maximize the performance of this upper.
Conclusion on Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can
The Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can offers exceptional value for the money. It combines reliable performance, durable construction, and a sleek design in a compact package. While it requires the purchase of a separate BCG and charging handle, the overall cost remains very reasonable.
The Brigade Manufacturing upper is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enter the world of AR-9s or build a compact and reliable home defense weapon. I wholeheartedly recommend this upper to anyone seeking a quality AR-9 build. Don’t hesitate – start your AR-9 build today with the Brigade Manufacturing AR Complete 5.5 inch 9mm Upper Receiver Forged No Handle w/ Mini Can!