In a current atmosphere of declining prices on AR products, it is interesting when companies go the other way and introduce highly stylized products that command a higher price tag. One of those companies is Ascend Armory and one of those products is the company’s matched billet receiver set.

Ascend Armory offers a matched upper and lower for the AR-15 platform. These sets are highly stylized and will definitely set your rifle build apart from the others you may see at the range.

Starting with the basics, these parts can be had in either 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 aluminum. (For those still a little drunk on holiday festivities, feel free to start a fight in the comments section below about which is best.) Both are milspec class III type 2 hard anodized.

In addition to the obvious style differences from a forged AR upper and lower, the Ascend Armory set uses an ambidextrous take down pin and it comes with an ambidextrous bolt catch. A magazine release is installed, but you will, of course, need to install your own safety selector when your add a trigger group. Interestingly, anti-rotation trigger and hammer pins are included with the set.

The upper is ready for a forward assist and standard dust cover, but like the fire control group, you will need to supply and install those yourself. A dust cover rod and spring are included.

If you want a 6061 set, this will set you back $450. For those wanting 7075, you will need to pony up an additional $45.