OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle Review

First Impressions of OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle

The AR-15 platform is renowned for its modularity, and swapping out uppers is a quick way to transform your rifle’s capabilities. The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle aims to provide a compact and affordable option for those looking to build a pistol or short-barreled rifle (SBR) – after proper NFA paperwork, of course. This upper boasts a 10.5-inch barrel, a free-float M-LOK handguard, and a distinctive slanted muzzle brake, promising both maneuverability and a touch of aggressive styling.

I was on the hunt for a shorter AR upper to complete a dedicated home defense build, something more easily maneuverable in tight hallways than my 16-inch rifle. I needed something compact, chambered in 5.56 NATO for readily available ammunition, and with a modern handguard system for accessory mounting.

Upon receiving the Moriarti upper, the first thing I noticed was its weight. It felt solid, but not overly heavy, suggesting a good balance between durability and portability. The Sniper Gray finish was evenly applied and aesthetically pleasing, giving it a modern, tactical look. The M-LOK handguard felt sturdy, and the slanted muzzle brake, while unconventional, certainly looked the part.

I considered a similar upper from Palmetto State Armory and one from Aero Precision, but the Moriarti offered a unique combination of features and an attractive price point. The PSA option lacked the M-LOK handguard I desired, and the Aero Precision build was significantly more expensive.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The fit and finish seemed decent for the price, but the real test would be how it performed on the range. I was excited to see if it lived up to my expectations for a compact, reliable, and accurate home defense option.

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Real-World Testing: Putting OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in Upper to my local indoor range. I mounted it on a lower receiver I had previously assembled, using a standard carbine buffer and spring. The range conditions were typical: controlled temperature, good lighting, and a variety of targets at different distances.

The Moriarti upper performed surprisingly well out of the box. There were no failures to feed or extract in the first 100 rounds, using a mix of brass-cased 55-grain and 62-grain ammunition. The recoil was noticeably sharper than my 16-inch AR, which is to be expected with the shorter barrel, but the slanted muzzle brake did a decent job of mitigating some of the muzzle rise.

The only minor issue I encountered was a slightly gritty trigger on my lower, which wasn’t the upper’s fault. I also noticed that the muzzle brake was loud, directing the blast and sound to the sides – something to consider when shooting indoors or in close proximity to others.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the Moriarti upper has proven to be quite reliable. I experienced only one failure to extract, which I attributed to a potentially underpowered round of cheap steel-cased ammunition. The upper has held up well, with no noticeable wear and tear on the finish or the handguard.

Maintaining the upper is straightforward. I cleaned and lubricated the bolt carrier group and barrel after each range session, and the process is no different from any other AR-15 upper. The free-float handguard makes it easy to access the gas block and barrel for cleaning.

Compared to other budget-friendly AR uppers I’ve used, the Moriarti has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and accuracy. It may not be a premium, high-end build, but it offers excellent value for the price and performs consistently.

Breaking Down the Features of OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle

Specifications

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle boasts the following specifications:

• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of readily available and affordable ammunition.
• Barrel Length: 10.5 inches. This short barrel length significantly enhances maneuverability, making it ideal for close-quarters situations.
• Barrel Profile: Government. The Government profile provides a good balance between weight and rigidity, contributing to accuracy without excessive bulk.
• Gas System Length: Carbine Length. The carbine-length gas system is a standard and reliable configuration for AR-15 pistols and short-barreled rifles.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-7. The 1-7 twist rate is optimized for stabilizing heavier bullets, making it suitable for a variety of 5.56 NATO ammunition types.
• Threads per Inch: 1/2×28. This is the standard thread pitch for 5.56 NATO barrels, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of muzzle devices.
• Handguard Type: Free-Float. The free-float design enhances accuracy by preventing the handguard from contacting the barrel and affecting its harmonics.
• Muzzle Device: Slanted Muzzle Brake. The slanted muzzle brake helps to reduce muzzle rise and felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
• Color: Sniper Gray. The Sniper Gray finish provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing coating that blends well in various environments.
• Handguard Length: 10 inches. This provides ample space for mounting accessories.
• Gun Rail: M-LOK. M-LOK slots provide a lightweight and versatile attachment system for accessories such as lights, lasers, and grips.
• Gun Model: AR-15. This upper receiver is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers.
• Magazine Included: No. The upper receiver assembly does not include a magazine, as it is designed to be used with existing AR-15 magazines.

These specifications are critical to the upper’s performance and usability. The short barrel and free-float handguard contribute to maneuverability and accuracy, while the 5.56 NATO chambering and 1-7 twist rate ensure compatibility with common ammunition types.

Performance & Functionality

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in Upper performs admirably for its intended purpose. Accuracy is surprisingly good for a short-barreled upper, consistently grouping within 2-3 inches at 50 yards with a red dot sight. Reliability has been excellent, with minimal malfunctions experienced over several hundred rounds.

The slanted muzzle brake effectively reduces muzzle rise, allowing for faster follow-up shots, although it does significantly increase the noise level. The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories, allowing for customization to suit individual needs.

The upper meets my expectations for a compact and reliable home defense option. However, the loud muzzle brake might be a concern for some users, especially in indoor environments.

Design & Ergonomics

The Moriarti upper is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The Sniper Gray finish is aesthetically pleasing and appears to be durable. The handguard is comfortable to grip and provides a secure platform for mounting accessories.

The upper is relatively lightweight, contributing to overall maneuverability. The controls are standard AR-15 configuration, making it easy to use for anyone familiar with the platform. There is no learning curve, the upper easily mounts on any standard AR-15 lower.

Durability & Maintenance

The Moriarti upper appears to be built to last. The materials used seem to be of good quality, and the finish is holding up well to regular use. The barrel is chrome-lined, which enhances its durability and resistance to corrosion.

Maintaining the upper is straightforward, requiring only regular cleaning and lubrication. The free-float handguard makes it easy to access the gas block and barrel for maintenance. I anticipate that this upper will provide many years of reliable service with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in Upper is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories and customization options. The M-LOK handguard allows for easy mounting of lights, lasers, grips, and other accessories. The 1/2×28 threaded barrel allows for the use of different muzzle devices, such as suppressors or flash hiders.

The upper is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers, magazines, and bolt carrier groups. This allows for a high degree of customization and personalization. It also is easily adapted with aftermarket triggers or charging handles.

Pros and Cons of OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle

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Who Should Buy OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle?

The OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in Upper is perfect for home defense enthusiasts, those building AR-15 pistols, or individuals seeking a compact and maneuverable platform for close-quarters scenarios. It is also a good option for budget-conscious builders who want a reliable upper without breaking the bank.

This upper is not ideal for those sensitive to loud noises or who primarily shoot indoors, due to the aggressive muzzle brake. Also, those seeking match-grade accuracy or long-range capabilities should consider a different upper with a longer barrel and higher-end components.

A must-have accessory for this upper is a quality red dot sight or holographic sight for fast target acquisition. An upgraded charging handle and an adjustable gas block might also be beneficial for optimizing performance and reliability.

Conclusion on OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle

Overall, the OpticsPlanet Exclusive Moriarti AR-15 10.5in 5.56x45mm NATO Upper Receiver Assembly, Slanted Muzzle offers a compelling combination of affordability, reliability, and functionality. The price is definitely justified considering the performance and features offered.

I would personally recommend this upper to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, compact, and reliable option for building an AR-15 pistol or short-barreled rifle. Just be prepared for the loud muzzle blast!

If you’re in the market for a new AR upper, give the Moriarti a serious look – you might be pleasantly surprised. Consider your needs and, if a compact, reliable, and budget-friendly option is what you seek, this upper will serve you well.