Colt AR-15 Upper Receiver Assembly 5.56x45mm 16" Barrel - Precision Tactical Upgrade
- Firearm Group:
- AR Platform
- Caliber-Gauge:
- 223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
The Colt AR-15 upper receiver assembly in 5.56x45mm with a 16" barrel brings Colt's storied reputation for reliability to your rifle build or upgrade. Whether you're assembling a new AR from the ground up or swapping out your current upper, this Colt unit combines proven design with quality barrel work—button rifled and hard-chromed for durability and ease of maintenance. The 1/7 right-hand twist rate handles a wide range of 5.56 ammunition weights, making it a solid choice for tactical use, sport shooting, or general duty applications.
This is a complete upper receiver assembly, though you'll want to verify what components are included with your specific configuration. Colt offers these uppers with or without a charging handle, bolt carrier group (BCG), and rear backup sights, so check your order details to confirm what ships. If you're building from a stripped lower, you may need to source a few of those parts separately. The modular nature of AR platforms means you have flexibility to customize from here, but starting with a Colt upper gives you a strong foundation known for going into service without fuss.
Built for shooters and builders who want factory reliability without the premium price tag of a complete rifle, and for experienced AR owners looking to upgrade or rebuild. The chrome-lined bore means less frequent cleaning without sacrificing accuracy, and the button-rifled barrel holds tight tolerances out of the box. All NFA regulations apply if you plan any modifications or alterations to barrel length or configuration.
Key Features
- 5.56x45mm NATO chamber for broad ammunition compatibility
- 16" button-rifled barrel with 1/7 right-hand twist
- Chrome-lined bore for corrosion resistance and easy maintenance
- Complete upper receiver assembly ready for a lower receiver
- Available configurations with or without charging handle, BCG, and backup sights
- Colt's legacy reliability and quality control
Specifications
| Brand | Colt |
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16" |
| Barrel Profile | Button rifled, chrome lined |
| Twist Rate | 1/7 right-hand |
| Component Type | Upper Receiver Assembly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this upper receiver assembly include?
This is a complete upper assembly, but Colt offers configurations with or without a charging handle, bolt carrier group, and rear backup sights. Check your order details or contact us to confirm exactly what components ship with your specific unit. A stripped configuration does not include the BCG, charging handle, or rear backup sight.
Can I use this upper on my existing AR-15 lower?
Yes. This upper receiver assembly is designed to mate with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. It's a straightforward swap—no gunsmithing needed. Just make sure your lower is complete or ready to receive this upper.
What ammunition does the 1/7 twist stabilize?
A 1/7 right-hand twist is a versatile rate that handles a broad range of 5.56x45mm ammunition, from lighter practice rounds to heavier tactical loads. This twist rate is standard on many modern AR-15s and works well for general-purpose use.
Is this a complete upper or stripped?
This is listed as a complete upper receiver assembly. The term "stripped" refers to a configuration that lacks the bolt carrier group, charging handle, and rear backup sight. Verify your order to confirm which components are included, as Colt offers multiple configurations of this upper.

