Brenton USA Tracker 22in 6.5mm Grendel Upper Receiver Review

First Impressions of Brenton USA Tracker 22in 6.5mm Grendel Upper Receiver

The Brenton USA Tracker 22in 6.5mm Grendel Upper Receiver promises AR-15 platform performance with the increased ballistic capabilities of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge. Manufactured by Brenton USA, this upper receiver boasts a 22-inch barrel, a durable aluminum construction, and a sub-MOA guarantee, making it a compelling choice for hunters and long-range shooters alike.

I’ve been a long-time proponent of the AR platform for its modularity and ease of use. However, I’ve often felt limited by the ballistics of the 5.56 NATO cartridge, especially when hunting medium-sized game at longer ranges. The 6.5 Grendel seemed like the perfect solution, offering a flatter trajectory, better wind resistance, and greater energy on target compared to the standard AR-15 round.

The Brenton USA Tracker arrived well-packaged. The initial impression was one of quality. The fit and finish were excellent, and the weight felt appropriate for a 22-inch barrel. Compared to a standard AR-15 upper, the Brenton USA Tracker felt more substantial, likely due to the heavier barrel profile.

I considered several other 6.5 Grendel uppers, including offerings from Alexander Arms and Brownells. Ultimately, I chose the Brenton USA Tracker due to its combination of features, including the Brenton Patent Pending ReceiverLock, the Brenton RealFeel PolyCore handguard, and the sub-MOA guarantee. I was excited to get it to the range and see if it lived up to the hype.

My initial excitement was tempered only slightly by the price tag. However, the promise of a premium hunting rifle experience with unwavering performance made me hopeful that the investment would be worthwhile.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Brenton USA Tracker 22in 6.5mm Grendel Upper Receiver to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Brenton USA Tracker at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and mild, with a slight breeze. I mounted the upper on a standard AR-15 lower receiver with a quality trigger and used a 4-16x scope.

The first few shots were impressive. Recoil was minimal, and the report was surprisingly mild for a 6.5 Grendel. The rifle felt well-balanced and comfortable to shoot from both the bench and prone positions. No issues were encountered during the first range visit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Brenton USA Tracker has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, using a variety of 6.5 Grendel ammunition. I’ve experienced no malfunctions or failures of any kind.

The finish on the upper receiver and handguard has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable scratches or wear marks, despite being used in both range and field environments. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, and the NiB (Nickel Boron) coated BCG makes cleaning particularly easy. The Brenton USA Tracker outperforms any other AR upper I have used in terms of long-range accuracy and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Brenton USA Tracker 22in 6.5mm Grendel Upper Receiver

Specifications

• Caliber: 6.5mm Grendel. The 6.5 Grendel offers superior ballistics compared to 5.56 NATO, making it ideal for hunting and long-range shooting.
• Overall Length: 29.375 inches. This length provides a good balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance.
• Barrel Length: 22 inches. The 22-inch barrel maximizes the velocity of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, resulting in a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
• Barrel Profile: Medium Hunter. This profile balances weight and stiffness, offering good accuracy without being overly heavy.
• Gas System Length: Rifle Length. The rifle-length gas system provides a smoother recoil impulse compared to shorter gas systems.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-8. This twist rate is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of 6.5 Grendel bullet weights.
• Threads per Inch: 5/8×24. This is a standard thread pattern for larger caliber AR-15 barrels, providing compatibility with a wide range of muzzle devices.
• Muzzle Device: Thread Protector. This protects the threads when a muzzle device is not installed.
• Fabric/Material: 7075 Aluminum. 7075 Aluminum is a strong and lightweight material commonly used in AR-15 upper receivers.
• Gas Block Journal Size-Diameter: .875 in. This is a common gas block journal size, providing compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket gas blocks.
• Handguard Length: 15.25 inches. This handguard length provides ample space for mounting accessories.
• Weight: 5.18 lb. This weight is reasonable for a 22-inch barreled upper receiver.
• Condition: New. The product is new.
• Barrel Material: 416R Stainless Steel. 416R stainless steel is a high-quality barrel material known for its accuracy and corrosion resistance.
• Magazine Included: Yes. Includes a magazine.

Performance & Functionality

The Brenton USA Tracker excels in accuracy and reliability. It consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition. Functionality is excellent, with smooth cycling and reliable feeding and extraction.

The only weakness I’ve identified is the lack of an included muzzle device. While a thread protector is functional, I would have preferred a flash hider or muzzle brake.

The Brenton USA Tracker exceeds my expectations. The accuracy, reliability, and build quality are all exceptional.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Brenton USA Tracker is outstanding. The materials used are top-notch, and the fit and finish are excellent. The weight is manageable, even with the 22-inch barrel, and the handguard is comfortable to grip.

The Brenton RealFeel PolyCore handguard is particularly noteworthy. It provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. There is virtually no learning curve with this upper.

Durability & Maintenance

The Brenton USA Tracker is built to last. The 416R stainless steel barrel and 7075 aluminum receiver are highly durable. The rifle is easy to maintain and repair, with readily available AR-15 parts.

With proper care, the Brenton USA Tracker should provide many years of reliable service. Cleaning is quick and easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Brenton USA Tracker comes with a thread protector and one magazine. There are numerous customization options available. The handguard is compatible with M-LOK accessories, allowing for the attachment of lights, lasers, and other tactical equipment.

The upper receiver is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. Upgrading the trigger is a common modification.

Pros and Cons of Brenton USA Tracker 22in 6.5mm Grendel Upper Receiver