Best Left-Handed AR-15 Uppers

The percentage of right-handed shooters is greater than those who shoot left-handed. Manufacturers would pay more attention to lefties if this wasn’t the case. According to the statistics, around 10% of the world’s population is left-handed. As a result, left-handed shooters are frequently compelled to use right-handed firearms. Shooters who are truly ambidextrous are as rare as hen’s teeth.

So, if you are a left-handed shooter, you’re not alone. There are many people like that. This article will help you in determining which option is best for you. We’ve put up a review with our top picks for AR-15 uppers that you can use. They will improve your AR-15’s reliability, accuracy, and overall shooting performance. At the same time, you will enjoy using this as a lefty.

	F-1 Firearms Left Stripped Billet	7075-T6 aircraft quality MIL-Spec 1913 Picatinny rail Fits with 5.56 NATO ammo Great for aesthetics	$270 Shop NowClick to read my review
Top Pick	Stag 15 LEO Upper Receiver	Semi-auto direct impingement Samson Star-C Free Floating Handguard with Picatinny quad rails Forged and MIL-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 hard coat anodizing Carbine length with A2 front post	$519 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Stag 15 A3 Flattop Upper Left- Handed	Left side ejection MIL-Spec dimensions Assembled with port door and forward assist Hard coat anodized finish	$114 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Stag 15 Tactical Nitride Upper Receivers	Semi-auto direct Impingement Forged and MIL-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 hard coat anodizing .223/5.56mm NATO 1/7 button rifled A2 flash hider	$549 Shop NowClick to read my review

Before diving into what these five best left-handed AR-15 uppers have to offer, let’s go over some background information in general.

Why Upgrade Your AR-15 Upper?

There are many reasons to consider upgrading your upper receiver. For one thing, if you’re left-handed, switching to a receiver designed specifically for left-handed people would be preferable for obvious reasons.

But there are other reasons to consider before upgrading your AR-15 upper receiver. For one thing, you may want to go with an upper receiver that utilizes more durable materials. You may also want to improve the shooting performance out of your AR-15. And then go with an upper receiver that offers a better barrel or a longer gas system length.

Another reason to upgrade your AR-15 upper receiver is for legal purposes. You may need to remain in compliance with the gun laws of states that have tougher gun control laws, such as Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, or California. Many of these states will have special requirements on what you can have and can’t have on your AR-15, if you can even legally own an AR-15. So, it’s up to you to research the laws in your state and confirm that you are in compliance. For example, some states may restrict how long the barrel can be on an AR-15.

What Are the Components of an AR-15 Upper?

Before you buy a new upper receiver, learn first the components of an AR-15 upper receiver. The receiver should consist of a barrel, handguard, and bolt carrier group (BCG).

Barrel

The barrel of your AR-15 is the central component of the upper receiver. The part that has the most direct impact on the shooting performance and accuracy of your rifle. The specific part of the barrel that has the most direct impact on the shooting performance of your rifle is the twist rate or the number of inches the bullet will travel to complete a rotation. A 1:7 twist rate means that the bullet will travel 7 inches before completing a full rotation, for instance. Generally speaking, a 1:8 twist rate barrel will be the most versatile for 5.56 bullets with a weight of 55 to 70 grains.

Handguard

The handguard is designed to protect your hands from the barrel. It also usually consists of rails that will allow you to add scopes, red dot sights, flip-up open sights, slings, lights, lasers, and so on. If possible, try to get a left-handed upper receiver that has free-floating rails. Which will provide your AR-15 with greater accuracy.

Bolt Carrier Group

The AR-15 bolt carrier group (BCG) is the heart of your rifle and the component that makes the rifle functional. The bolt carrier group consists of the gas key, bolt, extractor, and firing pin, and rests in the inside of the receiver. The BCG is often the component that will not only determine whether your AR-15 is functioning reliably but also if it is functioning smoothly.

Popular Articles

Smith & Wesson SD9 VE: Hands-On Review

DPMS LR-308 Review: Modern AR Basics

Best 9mm Ammo in 2024 for Self-Defense & Targets

Best Concealed Carry Insurance in 2024

9mm Glock Models [Ultimate Guide]

Handgun Calibers [Ultimate Guide]

Rifle Calibers [Ultimate Guide]

Stripped Upper Receiver vs. Complete Upper Receiver

Whenever you go to buy any kind of an upper receiver for your AR-15 rifle, you’ll always have to choose between getting a stripped upper or a complete upper.

A complete upper receiver means that the upper receiver comes with every component of the upper receiver. which would include all the components that we discussed previously. A stripped upper receiver is just the opposite and doesn’t come with everything. For example, stripped upper receivers will often not come with a barrel, handguard, or gas system. So, you’ll need to buy and install those components separately.

There are pros and cons to going with either a complete or a stripped upper and there’s nothing wrong with going with either one. The main benefit to a complete upper is that it comes with everything that you need at once. There’s no need for you to buy or install anything else, and you can install the upper on your complete lower right away to have a functional AR.

The advantage of a stripped upper receiver is that you can customize the rifle the way you want it. Yet, you will need to purchase and install the parts separately yourself or otherwise have a gunsmith do it. Which takes more time and money, and you won’t have a fully functional upper right out of the box either.  

Manufacturing Type

After choosing between a stripped upper receiver or a complete upper receiver. Then, you’ll then need to choose what type of receiver you’ll want when it comes to manufacturing type.

An AR-15 upper can be billet machined, forged, or cast. A forged receiver is heavier, but also the most durable and sturdy. Machined upper receivers are the most lightweight option but are not as durable or long-lasting. Cast receivers are a good compromise between the two.

Durability

Any upper receiver that is either built out of some type of steel, such as stainless steel, for example, or aircraft-grade aluminum, will be durable over the long run. The receiver will become even more durable if it’s been coated in an anti-corrosion material, such as Cerakote or a hard-coat anodized finish.

Barrel and Gas System Length

If you go with a complete upper receiver, you’ll also need to choose which barrel and gas system length you want. AR-15 barrels can vary dramatically when it comes to length, from as short as 7.5 inches up to 24 or more inches, with 16 inches, 18.5 inches, and 20 inches being the most common. The longer the barrel, the greater accuracy and bullet velocity will be. Of course, you’ll be sacrificing maneuverability in tight conditions. So, a longer barrel won’t be suitable for close-quarters home defense or for hunting in thick brush. Whichever barrel you choose is up to you based on your preference and needs.

For a gas system, you can choose between pistol-length, carbine-length, midlength, and rifle-length gas systems. It is traditionally believed that AR-15s will function slightly more reliably with each increase in gas systems. This is why even though most 16-inch barreled AR-15s have a carbine length gas system. It’s considered preferable to go with one that would have a midlength gas system.

Our Top 5 Left-Handed AR-15 Uppers Picks

Now that we’ve seen the factors to consider when choosing and purchasing AR-15 uppers, let’s move on to our top picks.

F-1 Firearms Left Stripped Bille Upper Receiver

Materials: The F-1 Firearms left stripped billet upper receiver is made of billeted aluminum. Which makes it sturdy and long-lasting. This receiver is light, resulting in reduced weight and aesthetics. As a result, the light characteristic of this product makes it convenient. Because you won’t feel like it’s attached to your AR-15.

This F-1 Firearms was created with the left-handed shooter in mind, making it simpler to operate. A stripped upper like this would be a good complement to either your current rifle or the AR-15 rifle.

Performance: This F-1 Firearms is also universal, making it compatible with any MIL-Spec lower on the market today. It is useful for competitive shooting, self-defense, and tactical training. Because it is lightweight, it is very comfortable to use in such exercises. As a result, this is one of the best upper receiver options.  

What we say: The F-1 Firearms left stripped billet upper receiver is not only technically impressive, but it is also configurable with parts of your choice. This makes it very handy and an excellent investment for left-handed folks searching for a good complement to their AR-15. This one is definitely worth a shot.

Stag 15 LEO Upper Receiver

Materials: The Stag 15L LEO upper receiver features a high-quality, durable M4 design with easy attachments for a variety of accessories. It has a 5.56x45mm NATO chamber and a 16″ 1:7 chrome-lined barrel with a free-floating quad rail, and an A2 birdcage flash hider, so this one is a good point to look at. It is also made to be comfortable for left-handed shooters. This top receiver is designed to withstand a lot of damage in the field so it is tested strong.

Performance: This upper has a design that is commonly used by law enforcement agents, so it is of great help to members of those agencies. The fact that this upper features a free-floating quad rail is also a plus because it will not only help you increase the quality and accuracy of your shots, but will also allow you to modify your rifle to your exact specifications. Another advantage is that it is easy to install and is designed for left-handed shooters who want to increase their target shooting accuracy. 

What we say: If you don’t want an upper from a less-reputable brand, this Stag 15L LEO upper receiver could be the one you’re looking for. This is a good upper that you may use despite the fact that it is a little more expensive than other brands. However, you can be sure of the quality.

Stag 15 A3 Flattop Upper Left- Handed

Materials: The A3 flattop upper receiver is constructed to MIL-Spec specifications, ensuring high quality. It features a Picatinny rail on top. A dust cover and forward assist are incorporated in this upper, which will improve the rifle’s overall performance. Since it’s a stripped upper, you can pick and choose which parts to use. This was made with the left-handed AR-15 shooter in mind, so it’ll come in handy for them.

Performance: This upper receiver is convenient for security operations and military law enforcement. Another thing to keep an eye on with this receiver is the stripped upper assembly. This means it’s missing a barrel, handguard, gas system, and rail, which you’ll have to buy separately. Regardless, if you want a more customizable upper receiver, this is the right choice for you.

What we say: This A3 flattop upper receiver is an excellent budget option for a left-handed receiver assembly. Out of all the left-handed upper receivers on the market. The A3 upper receiver assembly may be what you need if you’re looking for a good-quality left-handed upper.

Stag 15 Tactical Nitride Upper Receivers

Materials: The Stag 15L tactical upper receiver is made with 4150 steel, so it is durable and long-lasting. It also has Stag’s high quality and is equipped with Stag Arms lightweight design, making it comfortable and easy to use. When it comes to target shooting, the rifle’s barrel has a 1:7 ratio twice to provide a very accurate shot with pinpoint accuracy. Which is a great benefit to the user. it’s also more accommodating to left-handed shooters.

Performance: This upper receiver has a 16-inch barrel chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Also included is an A2 birdcage flash hider, which is designed to aid reduce recoil and minimize muzzle jump. As a result, It will improve your accuracy if you prefer hunting or target shooting, which is one of the advantages of this upper. Another benefit of the Stag 15L is that you may customize it according to your liking.

What we say: The Stag 15L tactical upper receiver may be the one for you if you’re seeking a high-quality upper manufactured with high-quality parts and accessories. Because it is not only attractive and long-lasting, but it also has adequate features for the price.

To Sum Up

It’s not easy to find the best left-handed AR-15 rifle and parts because most of what we see is only for right-handed. But now that we’ve seen that there are other options for lefties, it’s a huge benefit to these folks. All the options listed above are excellent choices.

Now, if you’re wondering what would be our top pick? Our choice is the Stag 15 LEO Upper Receiver because of the high quality it offers. Even though it is a bit pricey, it gives excellent performance and value for the money. We hope you found this information helpful, and now all you have to do is find the correct parts and install them to your existing rifle or new build. Keep yourself safe out there!

You might also like to read:

• 4 Best AR-15 Red Dot Sights
• Best AR-15 Laser Sight [2021]
• The 4 Best AR-15 Hard Cases