More than a dozen years ago, my entry into a high quality, free float AR15 rail system was from none other than Mark LaRue. At the time, there were only a small handful of of manufactures building rock solid rail platforms for ARs. And even though I have long since sold off that original upper for a lighter model, I am considering a return to a LaRue rail system for a future (hopefully) night vision setup. Adding to the available options, the Texas-based rifle maker is offering a new option – the LaRue Ultimate AR15 Upper Kit.

My one complaint: the forearm features the KeyMod attachment system, which by all accounts has now been left in the dust by the MLOK system. Details, specifications and pricing can be found below.

From Mark LaRue himself:

For all you quality conscious AR15 do-it-yourselfers, this upper kit is the absolute pinnacle of Ultra-Precision.

For you wannabe quality conscious AR15 do-it-yourselfers, this kit will be awesome to cut your AR assembly teeth on.

Three weeks ago we offered a run of a marvelous, complete 6.5 Grendel rifles based off these same upper components – and it sold very well. But many calls came in saying “take my money – sell me the parts!!”. Okay, we listened, for a limited time, you can now get the satisfaction of putting together the finest upper build kit ever offered on the planet Earth, and at a smokin’ price, pick from 3 great calibers. There’s even an option for us to assemble and test-fire it for you.

Be undaunted – our rifle techs are standing by the phones to answer any and all of your questions – 512-259-1585

I had the good sense to send one of those 6.5 Grendels to an author of the 6.5 Grendel Reloading manual, the last word on reloading the 6.5 … here’s what he had to say about the complete rifle that’s based on this upper kit …

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There are many little details about the LaRue Stealth 2.0 that I have been noticing as I dig around this rifle.

If it were just a billet AR with a nice receiver set and quality barrel, you probably wouldn’t see me posting much about it. Silence would be more telling than signal.

Everything is Top Dead Center and aligned, starting from the detent on the buttplate of the RAT stock (which removes to expose the cleaning kit sleeves), all the way to the ports on the Tranquillo brake.

The handguard rail aligns perfectly with the upper rail, which I’ve not ever seen on forged receiver builds even with the best after-market handguards out there.

Aluminum billet receivers and handguard were anodized before being Cerakoted FDE, and the color match across the furniture and aluminum is very uniform.

I haven’t spent this much time pawing over an AR in many years, and am truly appreciative of the thought and workmanship that went into this rifle from the perspective of someone who has studied this industry since childhood.

There is a lengthy list of features based on improved functionality like the gas tube ferrule (gizmo), the MBT-2S trigger, along with an extreme passion for fit between all the parts, with intelligent design woven into the components. The flats on the Tranquillo brake are nice, and the supplied wrench doubles as a barrel nut and brake wrench with jaws for both on it. I really like this rifle.

LaRue Ultimate AR15 Upper Kit – What’s in the box:

• LaRue Stealth 2.0 Upper Receiver (M4 feedramps) with forward assist and dust cover installed
• LaRue Stealth 2.0 Handguard with Barrel Nut and Barrel Nut Wrench
• Mil-spec Charging Handle
• Mil-spec Bolt Carrier Group
• LaRue Barrel
• LaRue LT202 Gas Block and Gas Tube
• LaRue Tranquilo Muzzle Brake
• LaRue RAT Stock with RAT Rod Kit
• LaRue LT629 Receiver Extension Tube, Castle Nut, Latch Plate, Carbine Spring and Buffer
• LaRue LT-TAC Trigger Action Chassis with APEG grip, safety, and LTMBT-2S Trigger installed
• Lower Parts Kit (all remaining springs, pins and detents to complete out your stripped lower)
• Index Clips
• MSRP: $299 to $999 depending on options

LaRue Tactical – Facebook