UTG makes a broad range of accessories for the AR-15 including hand guards, selector levers, charging handles, magazines, etc. But for the first time, they’re going to be producing billet milled AR upper and lower receivers. And as far as the ATF is concerned, the only part of the AR that is a “registered firearm” is the lower receiver, so technically UTG is making ARs for the first time.
These upper and lower receiver sets will be 100% made in the USA at their Michigan factory and headquarters. I got a chance to try out an AR almost completely built using UTG parts. The only thing not made by UTG was the BCG, barrel and gas tube, and trigger.
At SHOT Show range day I got a chance to try out the AR which functioned flawlessly. This despite being soaked from the rain blown sideways into the range lanes by 15-30mph wind. The UTG AR and the Integrix LPVO atop it let me easily engage plates 50yrds and 100yrds downrange.
The receiver has lot of useful features and cuts designed for ergonomics. It felt very natural and efficient, though I’m not a 100% fan of the style aesthetics which seem to be a little too Art Nouveaux and Futurist. But it’s not ugly but it’s just not for me. From a purely functional standpoint, if I were to build a new AR, I’d seriously consider using a UTG receiver.
