When selecting a quality side charging upper, the first and foremost recommendation is to ensure the components are built to mil-specs.
Ensuring that your cam pins and bolt carrier group are built to spec can save you a lot of trouble and cash down the road.
We also recommend that you select a high-quality side charging upper receiver made of billet aluminum. Side chargers are more intricate in terms of the internal components, so having a precision-machined billet aluminum upper can lower the jam rate you may encounter with a traditional cast AR 15 upper.
Lastly, don’t overlook mounting options. Unlike traditional rear charging uppers, side charging uppers operate without requiring shooters to readjust their aiming position. To take advantage of this feature, you should select a side charging upper that accommodates optics – 1913 Picatinny rails provide an integrated solution.
Side charging uppers are a great way to upgrade your AR and stand out at the shooting range. Good luck with your AR build!