The Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver Made a Bold First Impression
The Sons of Liberty (SOLGW) is a brand spoken of with reverence in certain circles, a reputation forged in hard use and a commitment to quality. I’d long been a fan of their components, but the Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver was a step into a new level of commitment, both for them and for me. The promise of near-monolithic rigidity, reduced rail deflection, and a button-rifled, cold hammer forged barrel was too enticing to ignore.
I was experiencing accuracy issues with my current AR setup. I was looking for something to take my rifle to the next level and deliver consistent performance. The moment I saw the Broadsword L89, I knew I had to give it a try.
The upper arrived well-packaged, and the first thing I noticed was the feeling of solid construction. The fit and finish were impeccable, a clear step above your typical off-the-shelf upper. The L89 rail felt substantial in my hand, promising a stable platform for any accessories I might want to mount.
I considered a few other uppers from Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) and Daniel Defense. Ultimately, the Sons of Liberty won me over because of their reputation for reliability and the specific attention paid to minimizing rail deflection in the Broadsword design. My initial reaction was pure excitement; this felt like a serious piece of equipment, a tool built for performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver was at my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for a spring day: intermittent sunshine and a slight breeze. I primarily used Federal 55-grain FMJ ammunition, but I also brought along some heavier 77-grain OTM rounds to see how the upper performed with different loads.
The upper performed flawlessly under these conditions. I noticed a significant improvement in accuracy over my previous setup, especially with the heavier ammunition. The ease of use was remarkable; the upper dropped onto my existing lower receiver with no issues, and the handguard provided a comfortable and secure grip.
I had one minor issue after my first 50 rounds. The set screws on the gas block required tightening.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver has proven to be an incredibly reliable platform. I’ve put approximately 2,000 rounds through it in various conditions, from dry and dusty days at the range to a moderately wet training course. The finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after being subjected to some rough handling.
Cleaning is relatively straightforward, with the nitride-coated barrel proving to be resistant to fouling. Compared to my previous AR upper, the Broadsword L89 delivers significantly better accuracy and exhibits noticeably less felt recoil. It definitely outperforms what I was using before.
Breaking Down the Features of Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver
Specifications
- The Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver is chambered in 5.56 NATO. This is the most common and versatile AR-15 caliber.
- The barrel is cold hammer forged (CHF). This process increases the barrel’s lifespan and enhances its accuracy.
- It has SOLGW’s proprietary L89 rail, featuring 7-sided MLOK attachment points. This allows for a wide variety of accessory mounting options.
- The upper receiver is built using SOLGW’s BROADSWORD-89 upper receiver. This ensures a tight fit and increased rigidity with reduced rail deflection.
- It also features integral QD sling swivel mounting points. This allows for easy sling attachment.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the upper’s overall performance, durability, and versatility. The CHF barrel guarantees consistent accuracy and a long service life. The L89 rail provides ample space for accessories, while the near monolithic design reduces rail deflection and maximizes precision.
Performance & Functionality
The Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver excels in its primary function: delivering accurate and reliable performance. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent sub-MOA groups achievable with quality ammunition. Reliability has been flawless, with no malfunctions or failures to feed during my testing.
The upper’s strengths lie in its robust construction, exceptional accuracy, and versatile rail system. The only area for potential improvement would be the inclusion of a higher-end muzzle device as standard. It meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver is exceptional. The materials used are top-notch, and the fit and finish are impeccable. The upper feels solid and well-balanced, inspiring confidence in its durability.
The design is user-friendly. There’s no real learning curve for anyone familiar with the AR-15 platform.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, the Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver should last for many years with proper care. The nitride-coated barrel is highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Cleaning is straightforward, and replacement parts are readily available if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver does not come with any included accessories other than the upper receiver group itself. However, the L89 rail is compatible with any standard MLOK accessories. This allows for a high degree of customization.
The upper is compatible with a wide range of accessories from other brands. This includes optics, lights, foregrips, and sling mounts.
Pros and Cons of Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy. Achieves sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition.
- High-quality cold hammer forged barrel. Ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
- The L89 rail offers versatile MLOK mounting options. Allows for extensive customization with accessories.
- Robust and durable construction. Built to withstand harsh use and environmental conditions.
- Near-monolithic design minimizes rail deflection. Increases accuracy and stability.
Cons
- Price point. The upper receiver is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market.
- BCH and charging handle are not included. Adds to the overall cost of the build.
Who Should Buy Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver?
The Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver is perfect for serious shooters who demand the highest levels of accuracy and reliability. This includes competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and those who rely on their rifles for self-defense. Anyone who values quality and is willing to invest in a top-tier upper receiver will appreciate the Broadsword L89.
Someone who is just getting into AR-15s or who is on a tight budget might want to skip this product. More affordable options are available that will still provide decent performance. A quality bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle are must-have accessories to complete the build.
Conclusion on Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver
The Sons of Liberty Broadsword L89 CHF 5.56 Upper Receiver is an exceptional piece of equipment. It delivers outstanding accuracy, reliability, and durability. While the price point is higher than some other options, the quality and performance justify the cost.
I would absolutely recommend the Broadsword L89 to anyone looking to upgrade their AR-15. If you’re serious about shooting, this upper receiver will not disappoint. Take the plunge and experience the difference that quality components and meticulous craftsmanship can make.