First Impressions of Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit
The Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit promises a potent blend of accuracy and power in the AR-15 platform. Alexander Arms is known for pioneering the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, and this upper kit offers enthusiasts a chance to build a superior performing AR. It boasts a lightweight, fluted barrel and a complete bolt carrier group, setting it apart from many other uppers right from the start.
I’ve always been intrigued by the 6.5 Grendel’s ballistics and its potential for longer-range shooting in a smaller AR-15 package. I was looking for a DIY project to build a dedicated hunting rifle for medium-sized game, something with more reach than a standard 5.56 but without the recoil of larger AR-10 platforms.
Upon opening the kit, I was immediately impressed by the clean machining and the overall fit and finish of the components. The fluted barrel looked fantastic, and the included bolt carrier group felt solid and well-made. Compared to some of the budget uppers I’ve worked with in the past, this kit exuded quality.
I was considering a similar upper from Brownells and another from Odin Works, but the Alexander Arms name and reputation for the 6.5 Grendel ultimately swayed my decision. The others seemed to focus more on aesthetics, while this one felt geared towards performance. I was definitely excited to get this build going, though I knew I still needed to source a barrel nut and handguard.
Real-World Testing: Putting Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the completed rifle, built using the Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit, to my local range for initial testing and zeroing. The range offered distances out to 300 yards, perfect for evaluating the Grendel’s performance. The weather was clear and mild, ideal for a first outing.
The rifle performed flawlessly from the start. I used various factory loads from Hornady and Federal, and all cycled reliably with no failures to feed or eject. The recoil was noticeably milder than a .308 AR, and follow-up shots were quick and easy.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slightly tight fit between the upper and my existing lower receiver. It wasn’t anything major, and it smoothed out after a few magazines, but it was worth noting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Alexander Arms upper continues to impress. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, including a hunting trip where I successfully harvested a deer at just over 200 yards. The Grendel proved to be more than capable for ethical kills at that range.
The finish has held up well, with only minor wear marks on the ejection port. Cleaning is simple; standard AR cleaning procedures apply. It significantly outperformed my previous 5.56 AR in terms of downrange energy and accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit
Specifications
- Caliber: 6.5mm Grendel. This cartridge offers superior ballistics and energy retention compared to 5.56 NATO, making it suitable for medium game hunting and longer-range target shooting.
- Overall Length: 16.5 inches. This is a good balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches. A common length for AR-15s, it keeps the rifle compact.
- Barrel Profile: Light Weight, Fluted. The lightweight profile helps reduce the overall weight of the rifle, while the fluting increases surface area for heat dissipation.
- Gas System Length: Mid Length. The mid-length gas system provides a smoother recoil impulse compared to carbine-length systems.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-8. This twist rate is ideal for stabilizing a wide range of 6.5 Grendel bullet weights.
- Threads per Inch: 5/8×24. This is a standard thread pitch for larger caliber AR-15 barrels, allowing for compatibility with a variety of muzzle devices.
- Muzzle Device: Thread Protector. A simple thread protector is included, allowing the user to choose their own muzzle device.
- Finish: Melonite. The Melonite finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
- Color: Matte Black. A classic and practical finish.
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum. The upper receiver is made from lightweight and durable aluminum.
- Gas Block Journal Size-Diameter: .875 in. This is the diameter of the barrel where the gas block sits, ensuring compatibility with .875 gas blocks.
- Gun Type: Rifle. Designed for AR-15 platform rifles.
- Gun Make: AR Platform. Compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers.
- Gun Model: AR-15. Designed for the ubiquitous AR-15 platform.
- Weight: 3.75 lb. This is a relatively lightweight upper receiver assembly.
- Barrel Material: 416R Stainless Steel. 416R stainless steel provides excellent accuracy and corrosion resistance.
- Bolt Carrier Group Included: MIL-SPEC. Ensures compatibility and reliability.
- Magazine Included: Yes. One 10-round magazine is included.
- Charging Handle Included: MIL-SPEC. A standard charging handle is included.
Performance & Functionality
The Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit delivers exceptional accuracy. I was consistently achieving sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with match-grade ammunition. The Grendel’s flat trajectory makes it much easier to engage targets at longer ranges compared to 5.56.
The only weakness I’ve identified is the lack of an included handguard and barrel nut, requiring additional purchases to complete the build. The upper met my expectations for performance and accuracy, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Design & Ergonomics
The fit and finish are excellent, with tight tolerances and a smooth action. The lightweight barrel makes the rifle easy to handle and maneuver, even with an optic and other accessories. The upper has a standard M4 flat top, which allows you to mount any type of optic.
There’s a slight learning curve involved in building an upper receiver if you’ve never done it before, but with the proper tools and a good set of instructions, it’s a manageable project. The design is sleek, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Durability & Maintenance
The Melonite finish is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion. With proper care and cleaning, this upper should last for many years. The AR-15 platform is known for its ease of maintenance, and this upper is no exception.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes a complete bolt carrier group and charging handle, but it’s designed to be customized with your choice of handguard, muzzle device, and optic. The AR-15 platform offers a vast array of aftermarket accessories, allowing you to tailor the rifle to your specific needs. The 5/8×24 thread pitch is compatible with a wide range of muzzle devices from different manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit
Pros
- Superior accuracy and ballistic performance of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.
- Lightweight and fluted barrel for enhanced maneuverability and heat dissipation.
- Complete bolt carrier group and charging handle included for easy assembly.
- Durable Melonite finish for excellent corrosion resistance.
- High-quality 416R stainless steel barrel for long-lasting performance and accuracy.
Cons
- Does not include a barrel nut or handguard, requiring additional purchases.
- The 10-round magazine capacity may be limiting for some users, depending on local regulations.
Who Should Buy Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit?
This upper kit is perfect for experienced AR-15 enthusiasts who want to build a high-performance rifle for hunting medium game or engaging in longer-range target shooting. It’s also well suited for those who appreciate the superior ballistics of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge. Someone who is looking for a rifle with manageable recoil and increased effective range will appreciate this kit.
Someone new to the AR-15 platform might want to start with a complete rifle or upper assembly, as this kit requires some assembly and knowledge of AR-15 components. I recommend acquiring a quality free-float handguard, a reliable optic, and a selection of 6.5 Grendel ammunition to get the most out of this upper.
Conclusion on Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit
The Alexander Arms AR-15 6.5mm Grendel DIY Upper Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance AR-15 in the 6.5 Grendel caliber. The quality of the components and the superior ballistics of the Grendel cartridge make it a worthwhile investment. At $739.99, the price is justified given the quality and performance.
I would definitely recommend this upper kit to anyone looking for a more capable AR-15 platform. If you’re ready to take your AR-15 to the next level, the Alexander Arms 6.5mm Grendel upper kit is a fantastic option!