DIY Salient Arms AR-15

In the past couple of months, Salient Arms International sold matched uppers and lowers. They were on sale for $350. I bought a set and in the past two weeks, built my version of the Salient Tier 1 AR-15. For those not familiar with the Tier 1, here is a review.

I used a spare Troy Carbine as a donor for most of the parts. Harvesting everything from the upper receiver from the BCG to the barrel and the gas block. At first I transplanted everything.

But this is not the same as the Tier 1. The Tier 1 uses a LVOA rail from Warsport. Warsport does not sell their rail separately. So I went to airsoft for my solution. A Hong Kong based company makes a replica LVOA style rail called Wire Cutter Rail System. I originally bought one for my S&W M&P15-22.

Here it is after some rattle can paint. Note that Rustoleum Camo Army Green is nothing like Army Green. I was expecting something close to Foliage Green but that is not what I got.

After some range tests, the WCRS rail worked great on the .22LR 15-22. Now it was time to step up to a bigger caliber. So I got another one and installed it on my Salient Arms upper receiver.

Here is the result of that build. A real Salient Tier 1 uses a 14.5″ barrel with a rifle gas system. I am using my Troy 16″ mid length barrel. Which is why my VG6 Precision Gamma 556 muzzle brake extends past the rail system.

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I went out and test fired this setup and the rail held up great.

Seeing and knowing the quality that this company uses to make this rail, I was confident that it would work for a real AR-15. i can confirm that it works and it is solid.