The skeletonization craze is big right now, as are advanced coatings like Cerakote, nitride, and others.
But are some of these fads that builders should let pass on by? Or does it make sense to buy an AR build kit or an assembled upper with skeletonized AR15 parts?
It’s not that simple. As in most areas, it really depends on what you want, as skeletonized AR parts have both advantages and disadvantages.
What Is an Assembled Upper? Why Build with One?
Some builders prefer to buy some parts of their rifles either pre-assembled or partially assembled. One “part” (though it’s not really a part) that some builders like to buy assembled is the upper, in which case it will be referred to as an assembled upper.
This is partially because an assembled upper does not contain a serialized lower and therefore is not considered a firearm, so no FFL transfer is needed. The other reason is that it saves time, effort, and money.
An assembled upper will (usually) contain a stripped upper, a barrel, a muzzle device (if applicable) and a handguard. Usually, assembled uppers also contain bolt carrier groups, charging handles, forward assists, and ejection port covers - but not always.
Buying vs. Building with an AR Build Kit
Beyond assembled uppers, there is also the question of whether or not you should complete the project with an AR build kit, or if you should just buy all the parts and hardware yourself.
Building with an AR build kit is convenient and can save you time and money. Also, with a complete AR build kit, you also have the assurance not only that all the parts you need are there, but that they are compatible.
At the same time, it’s easier to make customizations if you buy all the parts and hardware piecemeal and then assemble. Really, the choice is yours. You’ll have pride of ownership either way and can still personalize the rifle, regardless of the route you take.
This brings us to the point at hand, which is one of skeletonized AR15 parts, which are fairly popular right now. Some assembled uppers and even complete AR build kits contain them, and they can offer a lot of value. Here’s what to know.
Skeletonization: Is It Worth It?
Basically, skeletonized AR15 parts are parts that have the excess metal machined away, leaving bigs holes and voids in the design - sort of like a skeleton, hence the name.
Skeletonized AR15 parts, like handguards and skeleton grips for AR15 rifles, are lighter than their “solid” counterparts, and sometimes are just as strong. In addition, some skeletonized components offer superior heat dissipation, keeping the platform cool - sort of like how a fluted barrel does.
This means that proponents of skeletonized AR15 parts suggest they are better for service and carrying afield because they are lighter and handle more serviceably, resulting in less user fatigue.
Alas, it is not that simple. This is technically true; skeletonized AR15 parts are lighter than their solid counterparts, but they also allow much more ingress of dirt, dust, fouling, and other contaminants.
This means that it is much harder to keep the rifle clean, and as you know, if you don’t keep your rifle clean, you will potentially accelerate wear related damage as well as corrosion.
At the same time, skeletonization can shave off unneeded ounces without compromising the platform’s strength and performance. In some cases skeletonization may even improve it.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t address the one elephant in the room: the cool factor. Some builders simply like to build with skeletonized parts because they like the way it looks.
Skeletonize Where It Makes the Most Sense
With all of this being said, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get skeletonized parts for your AR15 where it makes sense. Some parts will not be the worse for wear if they aren’t kept spotless, like AR pistol braces, butt stocks, carry handles, and skeleton grips for AR15 rifles. If you want to skeletonize these parts, by all means, do so.
Other parts, like the handguard and receiver, you might want to think twice about. First, there are already lightweight alternatives, like KeyMod and M-LOK rail systems, and secondly, because skeletonizing these parts will introduce more dirt and debris to the barrel and potentially the gas system and action, making it harder to keep these clean.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for the best ways to keep weight down, it might be a good idea to get a complete upper receiver for your AR platform with high-quality skeletonized parts. It won’t hurt. You’ll just need to be extra conscientious about maintenance.
Go Ahead, Get That Skeleton Grip for Your AR15
Still sold on getting a skeleton grip for your AR15, or a skeletonized pistol brace for your AR pistol? You can get it here. Check out our cost-effective parts kits for AR rifles (some of which include mil-spec parts in addition to skeletonized parts) and get what you need for your build here. We have it - so contact us at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have questions before buying.