Let’s Talk About Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper promises premium features and reliability for AR-15 enthusiasts. Griffin Armament aims to deliver a high-performance upper receiver that meets the demands of both casual shooters and tactical professionals.
My search for a new upper receiver started with a desire for increased accuracy and suppressor compatibility. I wanted a system that could handle both unsuppressed range days and suppressed tactical drills without significant point-of-impact shift.
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper arrived well-packaged and ready to install. My initial impression was of robust build quality and attention to detail in the machining and finish. Compared to other uppers I’ve used, the Griffin Armament model felt more solid and precise. I was considering the Bravo Company BCM MK2 and the Daniel Defense MK18 but ultimately chose the Griffin Armament due to its advertised suppressor-optimized gas port and TRUE-BORE concentric threads.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to see how the upper would perform at the range. The promise of reduced point-of-impact shift with a suppressor was particularly enticing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a variety of distances, allowing me to assess accuracy at both close and medium ranges. I shot both suppressed and unsuppressed, using a Griffin Armament Recce 5 suppressor.
The upper performed well in dry conditions. Recoil was manageable, and the rifle felt balanced and easy to control. I did not have any issues with the rifle failing to cycle correctly while using the suppressor.
The upper was easy to install and required no special tools or modifications. The included shims made timing the barrel nut straightforward, ensuring a proper fit with the handguard. After the first use, I noticed a slight improvement in accuracy compared to my previous setup, but I was eager to see how it would hold up over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper has proven to be reliable and durable. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the barrel or handguard. The nitride finish has held up well against scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance has been simple, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication. The polished chamber and feed ramps make cleaning easier, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. Compared to my previous experience with a budget upper, the Griffin Armament model has significantly outperformed it in terms of reliability and consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper
Specifications
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper boasts several key specifications:
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO. This ensures compatibility with standard AR-15 ammunition.
- Barrel Length: 14.5 inches. This provides a good balance of maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Muzzle Device: Griffin Silencer Mount Muzzle Device. This allows for quick and secure suppressor attachment.
- Finish: Anodized. The anodized finish provides corrosion resistance and durability.
- Gun Rail: M-LOK. The M-LOK rail system offers versatile accessory mounting options.
- HEDP Barrel: High Endurance Dual Purpose functionality offering high durability and precision accuracy. The nitrided 416R stainless steel provides the highest possible hardness and longest throat life available with match grade bore dimensions and bore finish.
TRUE-BORE:concentric suppressor grade threads. provides an optimized thread interface for your silencer regardless of brand or model.
M4A1 Contour:Diameter between the chamber and gas block for minimal POI shift with suppressors and maximum accuracy and durability while maintaining field weight. - Low-Pro RIGID Rail: A slim, low profile, ultralight, yet rigid M-LOK rail. Custom extrusion provides significant internal reinforcement to reduce flex when gripping the carbine firmly in the shoulder pocket.
M-LOK Slots:at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions allow for mounting of your favorite M-LOK accessories.
Barrel Nut:A lightweight 7075 T6 Aluminum barrel nut, which can be installed with any car stock wrench or by using the included Griffin Armorers Wrench.
These specifications translate to a reliable, accurate, and adaptable upper receiver, capable of handling various shooting scenarios. The meticulous engineering of the gas port and TRUE-BORE threads are crucial for optimal suppressor performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper performs exceptionally well. Accuracy is impressive, consistently grouping within 1 MOA at 100 yards with quality ammunition. Reliability is also a standout feature, with no malfunctions experienced during several hundred rounds fired.
The upper meets and exceeds expectations. The reduced point-of-impact shift when using a suppressor is noticeable.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials used are high-grade, and the upper feels solid and well-constructed. The rifle is comfortable to handle, and the handguard provides a secure grip.
The upper is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The M-LOK rail system makes it easy to attach accessories.
Durability & Maintenance
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper is built to last. The nitride barrel and anodized finish provide excellent corrosion resistance. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper comes with a Griffin Silencer Mount Muzzle Device and a Griffin Armorers Wrench. The M-LOK rail allows for easy attachment of various accessories, such as lights, lasers, and grips.
The upper is compatible with most standard AR-15 accessories from other brands. This includes optics, triggers, and stocks.
Pros and Cons of Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper
Pros
- *Exceptional Accuracy:Consistently groups within 1 MOA at 100 yards with quality ammunition.
- *Superior Reliability:No malfunctions experienced during extensive testing.
- *Reduced POI Shift:Noticeable reduction in point-of-impact shift when using a suppressor.
- High-quality construction and materials ensure long-term durability.
- M-LOK rail system offers versatile accessory mounting options.
Cons
- The price is higher compared to some other upper receivers on the market.
- The 14.5-inch barrel requires either a permanently attached muzzle device to reach the legal minimum length of 16 inches or an SBR tax stamp.
Who Should Buy Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper?
The Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper is perfect for serious shooters, tactical professionals, and AR-15 enthusiasts who demand high performance and reliability. It is especially well-suited for those who frequently use suppressors and want to minimize point-of-impact shift.
This product may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers or those who do not require suppressor compatibility. A quality optic and reliable ammunition are must-have accessories to maximize the performance of this upper.
Conclusion on Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper
Overall, the Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. While the price point is higher than some competitors, the exceptional accuracy, reliability, and suppressor-optimized design justify the investment.
I would highly recommend the Griffin Armament MK1 Patrol 5.56mm 14.5 inch Upper to anyone looking for a top-tier upper receiver. Upgrade your AR-15 today and experience the Griffin Armament difference!