FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake Review

First Impressions of FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake is a complete upper receiver designed for AR platforms chambered in the potent .45 ACP cartridge, and it’s built by FM Products. This upper distinguishes itself with a non-reciprocating forward charging handle, M-LOK compatible handguard, and compatibility with Glock magazines, offering a unique alternative to traditional AR-15 uppers. For someone who appreciates the stopping power of the .45 ACP and enjoys the AR platform, this upper promises a compelling combination of both worlds.

I had been looking for a reliable and accurate .45 ACP AR upper to pair with a dedicated pistol caliber lower I had built. My goal was to create a versatile firearm capable of home defense, range fun, and potentially even hog hunting in close quarters. I was seeking an upper that offered good ergonomics, reliable feeding, and a manageable recoil impulse, and the FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake appeared to check all those boxes.

My first impression upon unboxing the upper receiver was positive. The finish was clean, the fit and finish of the components looked excellent, and the forward charging handle felt robust and smooth. The weight felt appropriate for a pistol caliber AR upper, and the M-LOK handguard seemed sturdy and offered ample space for mounting accessories. Compared to other .45 ACP AR uppers I had considered, like those from Angstadt Arms or CMMG, the FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake stood out for its unique forward charging handle design and seemingly superior value for the price.

I was excited to test the upper receiver and see if its performance matched its promising first impression. Time will tell if this choice was justified!

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Real-World Testing: Putting FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I paired the upper with my Glock magazine compatible lower receiver and fed it a variety of .45 ACP ammunition, including 230-grain FMJ and 200-grain JHP rounds.

The upper performed exceptionally well from the start. The forward charging handle was easy to manipulate and allowed for quick and efficient charging of the firearm. There were no malfunctions of any kind during the first 200 rounds, and the recoil was surprisingly manageable, thanks in part to the integrated micro brake.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake has continued to perform reliably. I’ve put approximately 1000 rounds through it without any major issues. The finish has held up well, with only minor signs of wear and tear on the charging handle and ejection port.

Maintenance has been simple; a quick cleaning and lubrication after each range session is all that’s needed to keep it running smoothly. Compared to my experiences with some other pistol caliber AR uppers, the FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake has proven to be exceptionally reliable and easy to maintain. It outperforms my previous .45 ACP pistol carbine platform in terms of accuracy and ease of maintenance, I’m glad I made the purchase.

Breaking Down the Features of FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake

Specifications

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake boasts impressive specifications. It features a premium match grade 41V50 barrel chambered in .45 ACP, ensuring both accuracy and durability. The barrel has a 5/8×24 thread pitch, allowing for the attachment of various muzzle devices, and it comes equipped with an FM Products micro brake.

The upper receiver is compatible with any pistol caliber lower receiver that accepts Glock magazines, enhancing its versatility. Its monolithic-style design, achieved through a proprietary interlock between the upper and handguard, provides a rigid and stable platform for mounting optics and accessories. The handguard is M-LOK compatible, offering ample space for attaching lights, lasers, and other tactical gear. The bolt carrier group included is MIL-SPEC, ensuring reliable cycling and longevity.

• Caliber: .45 Caliber
• Barrel Material: 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium
• Barrel Profile: Ultralight
• Threads per Inch: 5/8×24
• Muzzle Device: Flash Suppressor
• Bolt Carrier Group Included: MIL-SPEC
• Charging Handle Included: MIL-SPEC
• Mount Type: M-LOK
• Gun Rail: Picatinny
• Weight: (Weight not specified in product details, but generally lightweight for an AR upper)

These specifications translate to enhanced performance and user experience. The match grade barrel promotes accuracy, while the .45 ACP caliber offers significant stopping power. The forward charging handle allows for faster and more ergonomic charging, and the M-LOK handguard provides flexibility in accessory mounting.

Performance & Functionality

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake performs admirably in its intended role. Its accuracy is excellent, consistently producing tight groups at 25-50 yards with various types of ammunition. Reliability is a strong suit, with no malfunctions encountered during extensive testing.

The forward charging handle is a standout feature, offering faster and more ambidextrous charging compared to traditional AR-15 charging handles. The micro brake effectively reduces recoil, making the firearm more comfortable to shoot, especially during rapid firing. One slight weakness might be the need for a dedicated .45 ACP lower, limiting its immediate compatibility with standard AR-15 lowers.

Design & Ergonomics

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake features a well-thought-out design. The monolithic-style upper and handguard create a sleek and rigid platform, while the M-LOK slots offer versatile accessory mounting options. The forward charging handle is ergonomically positioned and easy to manipulate with either hand.

The upper’s weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to carry and shoot for extended periods. The learning curve is minimal, as the AR platform is familiar to most shooters, and the forward charging handle is intuitive to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake is built to last. The use of high-quality materials, such as the 41V50 barrel and MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group, ensures long-term durability and resistance to wear and tear. The finish is also durable, showing minimal signs of wear after extensive use.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication after each range session. The upper receiver is easy to disassemble and reassemble, making maintenance a quick and hassle-free process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories. The M-LOK handguard allows for the attachment of various lights, lasers, foregrips, and other tactical accessories. The Picatinny top rail provides ample space for mounting optics, such as red dot sights, holographic sights, or scopes.

The 5/8×24 threaded barrel allows for the use of different muzzle devices, such as suppressors or compensators. While the upper comes with a MIL-SPEC charging handle, users can swap it out for aftermarket options if desired. The upper is specifically designed to work with Glock magazines, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Pros and Cons of FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake

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Who Should Buy FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake?

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake is perfect for:

• Those looking for a powerful and accurate pistol caliber carbine for home defense.
• Hog hunters who need a compact and maneuverable firearm for close-quarters engagements.
• Shooters who appreciate the unique ergonomics of the forward charging handle.
• Individuals who already own Glock magazines and want to utilize them in an AR platform.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who want a .45 ACP upper that is compatible with a standard AR-15 lower without modification.
• Shooters on a very tight budget, as there are slightly cheaper .45 ACP AR uppers available (though potentially with compromised quality).

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A high-quality Glock magazine compatible lower receiver.
• A reliable red dot sight or holographic sight for quick target acquisition.
• A weapon light for low-light conditions.

Conclusion on FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake

The FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a reliable, accurate, and ergonomic .45 ACP AR upper. Its unique forward charging handle, Glock magazine compatibility, and durable construction make it a standout product in its category. The price is justified by its performance and features, offering excellent value for the money.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the FM Products FM-45 AR .45 Forward Charging Upper Receiver w/ Micro Brake to anyone looking to build a high-quality .45 ACP AR pistol or carbine. If you value power, accuracy, and innovative design, this upper is definitely worth considering. It’s time to experience the stopping power of .45 ACP in a modern AR platform!