First Impressions of Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly promises a blend of lightweight design and reliable performance in the popular 300 Blackout caliber. Jacob Grey Firearms aims to deliver a quality upper receiver at a competitive price point, featuring a sleek design and enhanced features. This upper assembly is designed for AR-15 enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, accurate, and versatile platform.
I was looking for a lightweight 300 Blackout upper to complete a dedicated suppressed build for hog hunting. The appeal of a lighter rifle for long hunts in thick brush was significant. The reviews highlighting the weight reduction and positive experiences with supersonic cycling caught my attention.
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly arrived well-packaged. My first impression was how light it felt compared to my other AR uppers. The machining appeared clean and precise, and the finish seemed durable, indicating a high level of quality.
I had considered similar uppers from Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage, but the Jacob Grey Firearms offering was significantly less expensive. This difference in price, coupled with the reported weight savings, pushed me towards the Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly. I was cautiously optimistic.
I was excited by the potential of the Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly to be a game-changer for my hunting setup. However, I also had reservations about the brand’s relatively unknown status and whether it could deliver on its promises of performance and reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly at my local shooting range. I mounted it on a standard AR-15 lower and used both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, with and without a suppressor. The initial range session was promising.
The upper performed well in dry conditions, but I wanted to test it in adverse conditions too. I also used it during a rainy afternoon hog hunt in Texas. The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly still functioned flawlessly.
It was easy to install and required no special tools or adjustments. The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly paired well with my existing lower receiver. However, the charging handle felt a bit gritty at first, but smoothed out after a few cycles.
During the first range session, I experienced one failure to extract with some inexpensive steel-cased ammunition. It ran flawlessly with brass ammunition. This experience highlighted the importance of using quality ammunition in AR-15 platforms.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly has held up remarkably well. I have put approximately 500 rounds through it without any major issues. The finish is still in excellent condition.
There are minor signs of wear on the charging handle and around the ejection port, but nothing unexpected. The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly has proven durable. It is easily cleaned and maintained.
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly outperforms my previous 300 Blackout upper in terms of weight and balance. The lightweight design makes it more comfortable to carry for extended periods in the field. The improved balance makes it easier to maneuver the rifle in close quarters.
Breaking Down the Features of Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly
Specifications
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly is chambered in .300 AAC Blackout. The 1:8 twist rate is ideal for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights. The barrel is made from 4150 chrome moly steel and features a black Nitride finish.
It weighs just 7.7 oz, making it incredibly lightweight. This reduction in weight significantly enhances maneuverability and reduces fatigue during extended use. The pistol length gas system ensures reliable cycling with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition.
The upper receiver is constructed from 7075-T6 billet aerospace aluminum. It is finished with a Type III Class 2 hardcoat anodized finish in black. The handguard is a JG designed free float 7-sided M-LOK hand-guard.
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly includes a MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group and charging handle. The barrel is threaded 5/8×24 for compatibility with a wide variety of muzzle devices. It features M4 feed ramps for reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. Its accuracy is impressive, especially when paired with quality optics. The reliable cycling ensures smooth operation with a variety of ammunition types.
The strengths of this upper lie in its lightweight design, reliable cycling, and accurate performance. However, the included charging handle could be of higher quality. The initial grittiness was a minor annoyance.
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly met my expectations and exceeded them in terms of weight savings and balance. Its accuracy is comparable to more expensive uppers I have used. Its lightweight profile is a significant advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly is excellent. The 7075-T6 billet aerospace aluminum receiver feels solid and well-made. The overall design is sleek and functional.
The ergonomics are good, and the lightweight design makes it comfortable to handle. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this upper. It is very user-friendly.
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly is easy to mount various accessories onto the M-LOK handguard. The handguard provides ample space for mounting lights, lasers, and foregrips. The lightweight design enhances the overall handling characteristics of the rifle.
Durability & Maintenance
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly appears to be built to last. The black Nitride finish on the barrel provides excellent corrosion resistance. The hardcoat anodized finish on the receiver is also very durable.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication after each use. The barrel is easily accessible for cleaning. The bolt carrier group is simple to disassemble and maintain.
With proper care, the Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly should provide many years of reliable service. The use of high-quality materials and durable finishes contributes to its long-term durability. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly comes with a MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group and charging handle. It is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. The M-LOK handguard allows for easy attachment of various accessories.
Users can easily customize this upper with different muzzle devices, optics, and foregrips. The 5/8×24 threaded barrel is compatible with a wide range of suppressors and muzzle brakes. The M-LOK handguard is compatible with a wide range of M-LOK accessories.
It is also compatible with aftermarket charging handles for improved ergonomics. Upgrading the charging handle to a more ergonomic model can enhance the user experience. I chose to upgrade my charging handle.
Pros and Cons of Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight design makes it ideal for extended use in the field.
- Accurate performance ensures reliable shot placement with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition.
- Reliable cycling guarantees smooth operation with a variety of ammunition types.
- Durable construction provides long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Affordable price makes it an excellent value for the money.
Cons
- The included charging handle could be of higher quality.
- Relatively unknown brand compared to established manufacturers.
Who Should Buy Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly?
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly is perfect for hunters seeking a lightweight and maneuverable platform for hog or deer hunting. It is ideal for shooters looking to build a dedicated suppressed 300 Blackout rifle without breaking the bank. It is a good choice for recreational shooters who prioritize weight and accuracy.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who demand top-tier brand recognition or require an upper receiver for extreme duty applications. Shooters who exclusively use steel-cased ammunition may want to consider a different upper. Shooters who prefer heavier profile barrels should also look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality optic to maximize the accuracy potential of the upper. A suppressor is highly recommended to take full advantage of the 300 Blackout caliber. Upgrading the charging handle to a more ergonomic model can also improve the overall user experience.
Conclusion on Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly
The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly offers an impressive combination of lightweight design, reliable performance, and affordable price. Jacob Grey Firearms delivers a solid product that exceeds expectations. It provides excellent value for the money.
The price is definitely justified, considering the features and performance. It’s a great option for those looking to get into the 300 Blackout platform without breaking the bank. The upper is not only lightweight but also reliable and accurate.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a lightweight 300 Blackout upper for hunting or recreational shooting. The Jacob Grey Firearms Ultralight 300 BO Complete Upper Assembly delivers on its promises and provides a solid foundation for a versatile AR-15 build. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your shooting experience with this outstanding upper assembly.