Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver Review

First Impressions of Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver

The Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver promises a blend of performance and reliability, packaged in a ready-to-go assembly. As someone who’s spent over a decade building and customizing AR-15 platforms, I was eager to see if this complete upper lived up to the hype. The market is saturated with options, but the Evolve Weapons Systems‘ reputation for quality components and their unconditional lifetime warranty caught my attention.

My need was simple: a dependable, accurate upper receiver for a new build focused on both range training and potential home defense. Tired of piecing together uppers from various manufacturers, I wanted a complete, guaranteed solution.

Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was positive. The finish was clean and consistent, and the weight felt appropriate for a duty-grade upper. Holding it, the EWS E-Grip free float handguard’s dimpled surface offered a reassuringly firm and tactile grip.

Compared to similar complete uppers from brands like Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) and Daniel Defense, the Evolve Weapons Systems offering seemed to strike a balance between features and price. While BCM and DD are known for their extremely rugged designs, the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver appeared to offer similar functionality with a slightly more streamlined aesthetic. I chose this one specifically because I was intrigued by their unique handguard design, and the included Radian Raptor LT charging handle was a definite plus.

Initially, I was excited. The fit and finish suggested a well-made product, and the included components promised a solid foundation for a dependable AR-15 build. Hopefully this Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver would be the solution I had been looking for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver was at an outdoor range in the high desert of Nevada. I subjected it to a variety of drills, from slow, deliberate target practice to rapid-fire scenarios, using both brass and steel-cased ammunition. The weather was sunny and dry, with a slight breeze, presenting ideal conditions for testing.

The Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver performed flawlessly from the first shot. The rifle cycled smoothly, and the included A2 flash hider effectively mitigated muzzle flash. The dimpled EWS E-Grip handguard provided a secure grip even with sweaty hands after extended shooting sessions.

The upper was easy to use right out of the box. After confirming proper headspace and lubricating the BCG, I mounted it to a mil-spec lower receiver, and it was ready to go. There were no immediate surprises or issues; it simply worked as expected.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put several thousand rounds through it, including a mix of .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition from various manufacturers. It has also been subjected to a variety of weather conditions, including rain, dust, and temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Nitride finish has held up remarkably well, with no signs of rust or significant wear, even after being exposed to the elements. Cleaning is straightforward, with the Evolve Weapons Systems BCG disassembling easily for routine maintenance. The handguard is also easy to wipe down, preventing excessive buildup of carbon fouling.

Compared to my previous experiences with budget-built uppers, the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver is a noticeable step up in terms of reliability and performance. I’ve experienced no malfunctions or failures to eject, even with cheaper steel-cased ammunition that has caused issues with other rifles in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver

Specifications

• The Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. This is the most common and versatile AR-15 caliber, suitable for a wide range of applications.
• The threads per inch are 1/2×28, which is the standard for AR-15 muzzle devices. This allows for easy attachment of a wide variety of flash hiders, muzzle brakes, and suppressors.
• The handguard type is Free-Float. Free-floating the barrel improves accuracy by eliminating pressure points that can affect barrel harmonics.
• It includes an A2 Flash Hider, which is a basic but effective muzzle device for reducing muzzle flash. This helps to preserve the shooter’s night vision and reduces the visibility of the rifle’s firing signature.
• The Nitride Finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. It also gives the upper receiver a sleek, low-profile appearance.
• It comes in Black, which is the most common color for AR-15 components. Black blends in well with most environments and doesn’t attract unnecessary attention.
• The condition is New, ensuring that the upper receiver is free from defects and ready for immediate use. This also gives peace of mind about the weapon’s integrity and lifespan.
• The 7075 T6 Forged Aluminum construction ensures strength and lightweight durability. This is a high-quality material that is commonly used in aerospace applications and is known for its ability to withstand extreme stress.
• A COM-SPEC Charging Handle is included. This is a standard mil-spec charging handle, that is easily upgradable.
• No Magazine is Included. This is fairly standard for complete upper receivers, as the choice of magazine is often a matter of personal preference.

Performance & Functionality

The Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver excels in both accuracy and reliability. Groupings at 100 yards with quality ammunition are consistently within 1.5 MOA (Minutes of Angle), which is more than acceptable for a general-purpose AR-15. The reliable cycling ensures that you can maintain accurate fire during rapid engagements.

One of the strengths is the smooth and consistent gas system. It cycles reliably with a wide range of ammunition and doesn’t exhibit any signs of over-gassing or under-gassing. One area for potential improvement would be offering different barrel length options to cater to different shooting styles.

The upper meets and exceeds my expectations. It provides a high level of performance and reliability in a complete, ready-to-go package.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The 7075 T6 Forged Aluminum feels robust and the Nitride Finish is evenly applied. The weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to handle and maneuver.

The design is user-friendly. The EWS E-Grip handguard provides a comfortable and secure grip, and the Radian Raptor LT Charging Handle is easy to manipulate even with gloved hands. There’s virtually no learning curve; anyone familiar with the AR-15 platform will feel right at home.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, I expect this upper receiver to last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The Nitride Finish is incredibly durable, and the high-quality components are designed to withstand heavy use. The included Unconditional Lifetime Warranty from Evolve Weapons Systems further reinforces this confidence.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required to keep the upper receiver in top condition. The design is simple and easy to disassemble, making maintenance tasks quick and easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver includes an Evolve Weapons Systems BCG, Radian Raptor LT Charging Handle, and an A2 Flash Hider. The M-LOK slots on the handguard allow for easy attachment of various accessories, such as lights, lasers, foregrips, and bipods.

The upper receiver is fully compatible with standard AR-15 components, including lowers, triggers, and stocks. You can easily customize the rifle to fit your specific needs and preferences. The standard threads also allow for a large variety of muzzle devices and suppressors to be attached.

Pros and Cons of Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver

Who Should Buy Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver?

The Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver is perfect for shooters seeking a dependable, accurate, and high-quality AR-15 upper receiver. This is a great choice for both experienced marksmen and those fairly new to using AR-15 platform weapons. It’s also well-suited for those building a rifle for home defense, target shooting, or general recreational use.

This product may not be the best choice for budget-conscious builders or those who prefer to source individual components and assemble their own upper receivers. If you are on a strict budget or enjoy the process of building your own, you may want to explore other options.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality optic, such as a red dot sight or a low-power variable optic (LPVO), to take full advantage of the upper receiver’s accuracy potential. Upgrading the trigger is another modification to further improve the rifle’s performance.

Conclusion on Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver

Overall, the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver is a well-designed and well-executed product. It delivers on its promise of providing a reliable and accurate upper receiver in a complete, ready-to-go package. The high-quality components, comfortable ergonomics, and unconditional lifetime warranty make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is certainly justified by the quality of the components and the peace of mind that comes with the unconditional lifetime warranty. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the performance and reliability of the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver make it a great value for the money.

I would highly recommend the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and accurate AR-15 upper receiver. If you value quality and reliability, don’t hesitate to consider the Evolve Weapons Systems Complete Upper Receiver. You won’t be disappointed.