Selecting the perfect M4 style upper receiver can be confusing, especially when it comes down to all the assorted flavors that are floating around out there. However, we have done the homework to answer those questions and guide you to the best options in what to look for in a good M4 upper.
Author: Michael Crites
Michael Crites has served as executive editor of AmericanFirearms.org since 2016 and previously held positions as associate editor and range correspondent dating back to 2000. He discovered his passion for precision shooting at age 12 during his first visit to his grandfather's shooting range, eventually earning an Expert classification in three different shooting disciplines before age 18.
During his studies at University of Wyoming, he earned four varsity letters on the collegiate rifle and pistol teams, serving as team captain for three consecutive years. He became the first UW student to complete the NRA Range Safety Officer certification while maintaining full-time student status. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Sports Communications.
His diverse career has included roles as Range Safety Coordinator for the National Rifle Championships in Camp Perry 2001; editor-in-chief, Precision Shooter Quarterly; series editor, Modern Firearms Handbook collection; managing editor, National Shooting Sports Foundation Newsletter; editor, Competitive Shooter Magazine; operations director for Western Arms & Ammunition Co.; senior editor for the Shooter's Reference Annual (Cheyenne); content director for The Firearms Report, published by the American Shooting Coalition in Billings, MT; firearms correspondent for Hunting & Shooting, produced by Outdoor Sports Media Group in Jackson, WY; and publisher for Wyoming Shooting Sports Journal in Casper. He has contributed as a regular columnist for American Rifleman (NRA Publications), technical editor for Precision, a publication of the National Bench Rest Shooters Association (Phoenix, AZ); and as firearms specialist for the Gun Owner's Annual.
As a digital content creator, he has written more than 400 articles on AmericanFirearms.org, developed shooting technique coverage for the Brownells Shooting Blog (Montezuma, IA) and Federal Premium "Range Notes" platform (Anoka, MN), and served as lead content strategist for International Defensive Pistol Association (Berryville, AR). Beyond Tactical Firearms, his current endeavors include content development for the Wyoming State Rifle Association (Cheyenne, WY) and technical manual production for High Plains Publishing of Laramie, WY.
He has contributed to the 12th, 13th, and 14th editions of Modern Sporting Rifles Guide and edited The Complete Guide to Tactical Shooting and Competitive Shooter's Reference Manual (Gun Digest Books).
5.56 vs 7.62: Complete Comparison Guide [Ballistics & More]
Headstamp-to-Headstamp is our series aimed at helping you grok everything ammo. It’s September of 1970. After a strongly worded letter from President Johnson and six weeks at Paris Island, a fresh recruit finds himself walking down a trail through a dense section of jungle, a newly minted Private in the Marine Corps. In his hands… Continue reading 5.56 vs 7.62: Complete Comparison Guide [Ballistics & More]
In-Depth Review: M&P Shield 2.0 Compact [Hands-On]
Is Smith & Wesson’s second-generation M&P Compact one of the best polymer-framed handguns on the market today? I put this striker-fired pistol through its paces and help you determine if this affordable 9mm is right for you.
TASER Pulse 2 Review: My Summer Carry Verdict
The evolution from primitive weapons to modern self-defense tools has been nothing short of remarkable. Long gone are the days of relying on stones or pointy sticks — since the invention of firearms, humans have always sought better and more effective ways to protect themselves. Enter the TASER Pulse 2, a less-than-lethal tool that promises… Continue reading TASER Pulse 2 Review: My Summer Carry Verdict
Best AR-15 Buffer Tube Kits: 8 Tested Systems & Complete Guide
A balanced firearm is a beautiful thing. Not only is it easier to shoot and less prone to wear and tear, but shooting a truly balanced gun is satisfying in a way less orderly set-ups can’t touch. In addition to being one of the best ways to dial in the feel of your rifle, no… Continue reading Best AR-15 Buffer Tube Kits: 8 Tested Systems & Complete Guide
CZ Shadow 2 Carry Review: My 3-Month, 2,500-Round Test
The CZ Shadow 2 has dominated competition shooting since 2016, racking up national championships and filling holsters at USPSA matches across the world. But at 46.5 ounces with a manual safety and no firing pin block, the full-size Shadow 2 was always a competition gun first—everyday carry capability was theoretical at best. That changes with… Continue reading CZ Shadow 2 Carry Review: My 3-Month, 2,500-Round Test
Springfield Armory Kuna Review: Tested With 1,000+ Rounds of Roller-Delayed Fun (I Never Cleaned It)
The Springfield Armory Kuna delivers authentic roller-delayed blowback operation at a price that disrupts the premium pistol caliber carbine market. While enthusiasts have long coveted the smooth-shooting characteristics of HK’s legendary MP5, its $3,000+ price tag kept that dream out of reach for most shooters. The recently introduced Kuna changes that equation entirely. Manufactured by… Continue reading Springfield Armory Kuna Review: Tested With 1,000+ Rounds of Roller-Delayed Fun (I Never Cleaned It)
The Best Beginner Hunting Rifles
A hunter is, ultimately, only as good as his or her rifle. Yet finding the best hunting rifle for your next expedition can be a trickier business than you might think. With so many rifles on the market these days, you’re almost inundated with too many choices – and way too many price points –… Continue reading The Best Beginner Hunting Rifles
The Best Under Bed Gun Safes
Storing your guns safely is arguably the primary responsibility of any gun owner. However, you also want your guns to be relatively close at hand in case you need them for a self-defense situation or if you’re visited by an unwanted house guest while asleep in your bed. An under bed gun safe is an… Continue reading The Best Under Bed Gun Safes
PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen 3: A Comparison
Magpul has been behind some of the most reliable firearm products in the world for over a decade. Their polymer PMAG magazines have seen use and abuse in nearly every environment on Earth and will continue to do so for a while given the green light from Uncle Sam and militaries across the globe. A… Continue reading PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen 3: A Comparison