Some of you clicked on this article because you were curious about what kind of uppers I was able to find for under $300. Some of our friends didn't click on it at all, because they would never consider purchasing an inexpensive upper for their AR-15 build. I took that into consideration before I started writing the article. So, we are not going to be looking at inexpensive uppers. We are going to look at some affordable or inexpensive quality uppers. They really do exist! Look, I completely understand why someone doesn't want a inexpensive upper. I have a friend who challenged himself to build an AR-15 for under $500.00. He was actually able to do it! I joke now because it is never the rifle that he takes to the range. He built it cheaply, and that was his goal. He selected parts from unknown manufacturers and other untrusted resources. He used inexpensive tools to assemble it because he wanted the entire cost of the project to stay under $500.00. He built it, it works, and that is as much as I will say about it. There are some areas where you can save money on your AR-15 build though, and the upper receiver happens to be one of them. If you tried to buy an upper, or any other build part around two months before Christmas and all through January, you were likely disappointed with limited selections. In the South, we call that "slim pickins". The good news is that that uppers and actually most AR-15 build parts are slowly but surely getting back in stock. Range season is right around the corner. Let's look at some of the affordable uppers that I was able to find. Uppers are absolutely affordable, and you can find some great ones that are not cheaply manufactured.

ATI (American Tactical)

Y'all, I have been on an ATI kick since September 2020. I bought one of their shotguns, and I could not be more pleased. I tried to buy one of their AR pistols as a Christmas present to myself though, and even with friends in high places, I couldn't get my hands on one. If you are not familiar with this brand, you've got to check them out. If we don't have something that you like from ATI in stock, get on the e-mail list, and we will notify you as soon as it comes in. ATI has a full line of handguns, rifles, shotguns, parts, and accessories. The company is still a newcomer in the firearms hierarchy, but they are making an impact already. ATI is a worldwide importer of quality firearms from around the world, so check out a couple of their uppers that I found for you.

ATI ATI15MS556ML13BLEM:

If you like the M-Lok rails, check out this complete upper receiver. This incredible ATI Complete AR-15 Upper Receiver is chambered in 5.56 NATO and features an M4 profile barrel. With the 16" barrel and 1:8 twist rate, sending 55-grain projectiles downrange and getting small groups has never been easier. The carbine length gas system is the ultimate in reliability to keep your rifle running in the absolute worst conditions. Protecting the low profile gas block is a 13" free-float handguard with M-LOK slots for attaching grips, lights, and other accessories of your choosing. This upper receiver is complete, meaning it includes a charging handle and bolt carrier group. These upper receivers exhibit a minor finish Blemished that does not affect the function of the rifle. These blemishes are minor and allow us to bring them to you for even less cost!

ATI ATI15MS556ML13BLEM Upper Receiver

ATI HUP200 POLY STRIPPED UPPER MC w/INS:

How about a stripped upper? Do you want to cut costs further? Do you want to make your build more customized? You cannot go wrong with a stripped upper and ATI has one to get your build started, allowing you to add your choice of parts. Save money on the upper and put it into your function.

ATI Poly Hybrid Stripped Upper

  I know there are some mixed reviews online out there. But here is to the naysayers. This author is an experienced shooter. I don't just research and sit behind a desk, I get out and shoot! I promise I can get down and dirty with the best of them. So far, for me, for the price, I like ATI products. Some product reviews of their completed rifles, also from experienced shooters, yielded a failure to extract. My first response would be to check your ammo. I would suggest not running steel casings. I will keep you updated on my journey with ATI. Good, bad, or ugly, I will let you know. Decide for yourself, but definitely worth giving them a shot.  

ANDERSON MANUFACTURING .300 BLK UPPER RECEIVER GROUP STARTER SET:

One of the very first featured manufacturers that I researched when I started writing for Classic was ANDERSON. I like this brand and I think you will too. Very affordable for the great quality that you will get with their products. More and more, .300BLK caliber parts are becoming available for your rifle build. If that is the caliber you want, Anderson has this great upper receiver group starter set for under $300.00.

Anderson Manufacturing .300BLK Upper Receiver Group Starter Set

This incredible Upper Receiver Starter Kit from Anderson Manufacturing features everything you need to complete a new upper in .300BLK! This model includes a complete upper receiver, 7.5" .300 Blackout barrel, pistol length gas tube, as well as a gas block W/ set screws. The 7.5" M4 barrel is perfect to start your next build and add to your AR-15 collection. The barrel on this kit is constructed from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel with a Parkerized finish. Featuring a pistol length gas system with a .750" gas port and a 1:7 twist, this barrel provides accuracy and precision for your .300 Blackout build.   The Stripped Upper Receiver is machined from 7075 T6 Aluminum forging. Featuring M4 feed ramps, this upper receiver is machined to Mil-spec and can be used with multiple calibers on the AR-15 platform. This upper receiver comes in type III hard coat black anodize. Match this upper with one of your favorite lowers to complete your build. The AM-15 Low Profile Gas Block Assembly is intended to fit underneath free float rails. This Gas Block is made from 12L14 Steel and is compatible with .750 diameter barrels. Nitrite finish and laser engraved with the Anderson Manufacturing Logo on one side. Roll Pin and Set Screws are included with this gas block.  

RADICAL FIREARMS COMPLETE UPPER M4PROFILE W/ ROUND RAIL:

If you are looking for something a little bit different, have you heard of RADICAL FIREARMS? If you are a fan of round rails, you are really gonna like this one. This five-star rated upper receiver is definitely worth a look!

Radical Firearms Complete Upper Receiver w/ Round Rail

The Radical Firearms 16" M4 Complete Upper Receiver is a flat top, law-enforcement grade, drop in receiver, ready to be mounted to any Mil-Spec AR-15 lower receiver! This fully mil-spec compliant receiver provides a high-quality upper for any level budget or shooter. Comes complete and assembled with Upper Receiver, Forward Assist, Ejection Port Door, Barrel Nut. 16" M4 Profile Barrel and A2 Flash Hider. Our free-float handguard: Forward Guard Shield (FGS) keeps your hands cool and provides plenty of room for accessories. The FGS (Forward Guard Shield) Round Rail even has the capability to add attachments other than on the top Picatinny rail, as it does allow Magpul MOE attachments and rail sections. Comes complete with Bolt Carrier Group and Charging Handle!  

THE UPPERCUT

I gave you three very different uppers. All are reasonably priced. There are different ways to save money on your AR-15 build, and fortunately selecting an upper can give you various options if cost-cutting is your goal. Don't mistake cheaply made for a cheap cost. That is why I chose words like inexpensive and affordable for this article. Don't buy a cheaply made upper receiver. You will either end up disappointed with malfunctions or spending your savings on expensive ammo to make it run. Another manufacturer that I have been keeping an eye on is Bear Creek Arsenal. They have some sharp-looking outfitting, firearms, and parts at very reasonable prices. You can see some of their products right here on our site.