This is a fully assembled AR-15 upper receiver group with a 16-inch 416R stainless steel dimpled barrel, built on a billet 7075-T6 upper receiver and finished in your choice of single-color Cerakote. It ships with everything installed: barrel, bolt carrier group, charging handle, 15-inch M-LOK handguard, gas system, muzzle brake, and dust cover. Drop it on any Mil-Spec AR-15 lower, add your optic, and you are ready to shoot.

The 16-inch barrel in .223 Wylde is the most versatile length in the AR-15 platform. It delivers full 5.56 NATO velocity from a midlength gas system that cycles smoothly and produces noticeably less felt recoil than carbine-length setups. The 416R stainless steel SPR-contour barrel is dimpled to reduce weight and improve heat dissipation during sustained fire. This is the same barrel quality found in the Recon Rifle, without the lower receiver, trigger, or stock.

Cerakote is applied in-house at 360 Precision’s Warminster, PA facility by a Master Certified Cerakote applicator. Available colors include FDE, Carbon Gray, Elite Blackout, and other options selectable at checkout.

Who should buy this upper?

• Builders who already own a lower and want to add Recon-grade components with a custom Cerakote finish in one purchase.
• Shooters building a general-purpose .223 Wylde / 5.56 NATO rifle who want the accuracy of a stainless match barrel with the corrosion protection and aesthetics of Cerakote.
• Anyone upgrading from a forged or budget upper who wants to experience the difference that billet construction and a quality barrel make, without buying a complete rifle.

What makes the 416R stainless dimpled barrel different

The 16-inch barrel in this upper is a 416R stainless steel SPR-contour barrel with a 1:8 twist and a dimpled profile. This is not a generic chrome moly barrel with an aftermarket finish. It is the same barrel spec that ships on the Recon Rifle.

416R stainless is the preferred barrel steel for precision rifle builders. It machines to tighter tolerances than chrome moly, resists corrosion better, and maintains accuracy across higher round counts. It is the same steel grade used by Criterion, Bartlein, and other premium barrel manufacturers.

The dimpled profile removes small pockets of steel from the barrel surface. Each dimple reduces total barrel weight and increases surface area for heat dissipation. During sustained fire, a dimpled barrel sheds heat faster than a smooth barrel of the same profile. Faster cooling means the barrel returns to its cold-bore accuracy point sooner between strings.

The midlength gas system is the smoothest-cycling option for a 16-inch barrel. It uses a longer gas dwell time than a carbine-length system, which produces a softer recoil impulse and less bolt carrier velocity. The result is less mechanical stress on the action and a more pleasant shooting experience, especially during extended range sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included and what do I still need?

Included: billet upper receiver (slick side or forward assist), 16-inch 416R barrel, DLC-coated BCG, ambidextrous charging handle, 15-inch M-LOK handguard, VG6 GAMMA muzzle brake, gas block, gas tube, and dust cover. You still need: a complete lower receiver (with trigger, grip, buffer assembly, and stock), plus your optic and any accessories.

Will this upper fit my lower receiver?

Yes. The billet upper is machined to Mil-Spec dimensions and fits any standard AR-15 / M4 lower receiver. It does not require a 360 Precision lower, though it is designed to pair seamlessly with the HD15 Gen2 for the tightest possible fit.

What is the difference between this and the anodized version?

Same barrel, same BCG, same handguard, same receiver. The only difference is the finish. The anodized version comes in black Type III hard-coat. This version comes in Cerakote, which gives you color options and slightly better corrosion and abrasion resistance. The anodized version costs less. Choose based on whether you want color and maximum environmental protection (Cerakote) or the lowest price (anodized).

Is this the same upper that comes in the Recon Rifle?

Yes. The barrel, receiver, BCG, handguard, and gas system are the same components used in the Recon Rifle. Buying the complete upper lets you pair it with your own lower, trigger, and stock setup instead of buying the full rifle.