Awesome upper - Nordic Components 22RB Dedicated 22 Upper Receiver

For some time now I have been wanting to build a dedicated 22LR AR.

I built a lower assembly consisting of an Aero Precision stripped lower, CMMG Lower Parts kit, mil spec buffer tube, MagPul MOE+ grip and MagPul CTR stock. The completed lower has been sitting in my gun safe for several months as I researched different parts options for the upper build.

As I started looking into different parts for the upper I realized the it would cost me almost the same to build the upper as it would to buy a complete one. After hours of reading reviews on the complete uppers available I decided that the Nordic Components 22RB best met my needs. One of the things I was most interested in was how similar the bolt assembly is to the Ruger 10/22. I ordered this upper from Optics Planet and a few days later Fed Ex left a much anticipated package on my front door step.

The fit and finish of the 22RB upper is fantastic. The upper mates to my finished lower snugly without any looseness or play. The barrel used is a stainless, match grade barrel that adds some "heft" to the complete rifle. Overall, the rifle balances very well.

To test for accuracy I shot the rifle using an Atlas bipod and sandbag rear rest from a bench. After zeroing my scope (Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24) I started shooting groups. I am able to consistently put 10 CCI MiniMag HP rounds into one ragged hole at 25 yards. This with a less than desirable mil spec trigger. After seeing the accuracy potential of this rifle I have changed the trigger to a CMC 3.5 lb trigger and expect my groups to improve with the better trigger.

Thus far I have put an assortment of CCI, Federal, and Gemtech Subsonic ammo (total of 300 rounds) through the rifle with zero malfunctions. The rifle is exactly what I was hoping for.

The only "con" to this upper is that you need to use Nordic Components rail and QD plate. However, since these are items that I don't expect to change its not a big negative in my opinion.