Expert Review Punching well above its weight class - Blackout Defense Dual Taper Lock Mid Complete Upper

Do not sleep on Blackout Defense. They are offering quality and innovation at a price point where others usually just offer quality.

The fit and finish on this upper is very clean. You can tell that attention and care was happening at every step, from the machining to the assembly.

From a casual glance and a couple trips to the range, the DTL upper easily competes with the big brands like DD and ADM. Reliable function and consistent performance make this an accurate and dependable upper whether you are competing or doing serious work.

Once you take a look at the engineering under the "hood" though, you realize that Blackout Defense is really pushing the envelope of the AR platform like only the great brands do.

The upper receiver and handguards are machined in house and their interface gives monolithic-like attributes.

The barrel is given the same expert machining with the addition of strategically placed linear expansion rings that control the heat growth of the barrel during heavy use.

The interface between the barrel and the handguard uses two tapers and two interlocking barrel nuts which guarantees the centricity of the barrel and upper bores while stabilizing the chamber. The DTL design delivers a smoother shooting experience while prolonging barrel accuracy by providing rigidity and harmonic dampening right over the chamber.

For me, the design and performance that this upper provides puts in in the same division as KAC but at a lower price point and much easier to find in stock. That is very impressive.

I currently have the 13.9 DTL upper and it really is a do-all upper. Laser-like accuracy at mid range (200-400yd) engagements while still maneuverable in tight spaces. If i didnt already own a KAC 14.5, I would definitely be buying a DTL 14.5.