The AR-15 platform's modularity is a key part of its appeal, allowing for customization to suit various shooting styles and preferences. One area of personalization that often gets overlooked is the ambidextrous setup, particularly concerning the upper receiver. While most AR-15s are designed for right-handed shooters, left-handed shooters can significantly improve their shooting experience with a left-hand AR-15 upper receiver. This guide will delve into the specifics of left-hand uppers, addressing common questions and providing valuable insights for both experienced and novice AR-15 owners.
What is a Left-Hand AR-15 Upper Receiver?
A left-hand AR-15 upper receiver is specifically designed to accommodate left-handed shooters. The key difference lies in the ejection port's location. In a standard right-handed upper, the spent casings are ejected to the right side of the weapon. A left-handed upper reverses this, ejecting spent casings to the left. This seemingly small change dramatically improves the shooting experience for lefties, preventing hot brass from burning their face or interfering with their vision.
What are the Benefits of a Left-Hand AR-15 Upper?
The primary benefit is, of course, brass ejection. Left-handed shooters no longer need to contend with hot brass impacting their face or obstructing their sight picture. This leads to increased comfort, improved accuracy, and a more enjoyable shooting experience. Beyond brass ejection, some left-handed uppers incorporate other ambidextrous features, such as charging handles and bolt release buttons, further enhancing usability for southpaws.
Are Left-Handed AR-15 Uppers More Expensive?
Generally, left-handed AR-15 uppers are slightly more expensive than their right-handed counterparts. This is due to lower demand and the specialized manufacturing process required. However, the added cost is often justified by the significant improvement in usability and comfort for left-handed shooters. The price difference isn't usually drastic, and the investment is worthwhile for many left-handed shooters.
Can I Convert a Right-Handed AR-15 Upper to Left-Handed?
No, you cannot simply convert a right-handed AR-15 upper to a left-handed one. The ejection port's location is determined by the upper receiver's design and machining. Attempting to modify a right-handed upper to eject to the left would likely result in malfunction and potential damage to the firearm. A dedicated left-handed upper receiver is necessary for reliable left-handed operation.
What are the Different Types of Left-Hand AR-15 Uppers?
Left-handed AR-15 uppers are available in various configurations, mirroring the diversity of right-handed options. You can find left-handed uppers for different calibers (.223/5.56mm being the most common), with different barrel lengths, and featuring various finishes (like anodized aluminum or Cerakote). The choice depends on the shooter's specific needs and preferences.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using a Left-Hand AR-15 Upper?
While overwhelmingly positive for left-handed shooters, there are minor drawbacks. The primary one is the potential for slightly increased maintenance, as the ejection port location can make cleaning slightly more challenging for some individuals. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the significant benefits of proper brass ejection. Finding readily available replacement parts for some left-handed uppers might also be slightly more challenging than for right-handed counterparts, though this is becoming less of an issue as more manufacturers cater to left-handed shooters.
Conclusion
For left-handed AR-15 shooters, a dedicated left-hand upper receiver is a worthwhile investment that significantly improves the overall shooting experience. The enhanced comfort and accuracy resulting from proper brass ejection outweigh the minor drawbacks, making it a crucial upgrade for any southpaw looking to optimize their AR-15 setup. Understanding the benefits and considerations discussed above will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right upper for your needs.
