An AR-15 is a popular gun and if you are a left-hand dominant shooter, chances are you will be looking for the best left handed AR15 upper for your rifle.
As a left-handed person, it can be annoying to shoot a rifle that is not meant for people that use their left hand and there might be some safety risks as well. Which is why we have compiled a list of the best left handed AR15 uppers for you to choose from.
Before moving on to the list, you should know the differences between left-handed and right-handed uppers. Also, it is important to know what makes a good left handed AR15 upper.
Are There Left Handed AR 15?
Yes, but the most distinct difference between left and a right-handed upper is the position of the ejection port. For a left-handed upper, the port is on the left-hand side of the gun and the slide release of the AR-15 will be on the right-hand side. Same thing for a right-handed upper, where the ejection is at the right side and the slide release on the left.
It is actually quite crucial for a left-handed shooter to handle a left-handed upper receiver. Let’s say a left-handed person can fire a right-handed gun, after shooting a few rounds the brass flies out of the port and hits you. Best case scenario, you have a burn on your face and the worst, it hits your eye and you could go blind. Which is why the ejection port must be at the left-hand side if you are a left-handed shooter.
Other than the position of where the brass ejects, everything else will work the same. The only component that is different for uppers is just that, other components are designed the same and do not differentiate between left-handed or right-handed.
How To Choose A Left Handed AR15 Upper?
For an AR-15 left-handed upper to be considered as the best, there are a few things that it should have. First-time buyers need to know these things so that you can choose the best one for your AR-15. By taking a look at these things, you can identify the high-quality uppers from the low-quality ones.
Material
The type of materials used by manufacturers plays a big role in determining whether the product is high-quality or low. Aluminum and polymer are the best and most used materials by gun makers and these are the two best materials that you should look for. It is known that they can take different types of abuse and polymers can resist weather as well. Both have superior durability too.
Design
This is something that you should keep an eye out for and specifically on where the ejection port is. The position of where the brass will eject is especially important and for it to be a left-handed upper receiver, it has to be on the left-hand side. If it’s not then it’s most likely not an upper receiver for left-handed shooters.
Price – What Is The Best Left Handed Upper Receiver For Sale?
If you have a strict budget, the price of an AR-15 upper will certainly affect your decision on which to purchase. In that case, you will primarily want to prioritise quality and be sure to check it’s cheap. Mostly, cheap things are associated with poor standards but there could be some exceptions.
The Best Left Handed Upper Receiver in 2022
Here are six of the top left handed AR upper receivers on the market. They are the perfect upper receivers for upgrading or if you are building your own left handed AR-15.
1. Stag Arms AR-15 Stag 15L Tactical
Specifications
- Forged and Mil-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
- A2 Flash Hider
- Free Floating 13.5” M-LOK Handguard
- Semi-Auto Direct Impingement
- .223 Remington, 5.56 x 45mm NATO
Features
At the start of the list, we have the Stag 15L Tactical Upper Receiver. This product is fully assembled and has a free-floating M-LOK rail. What it means is that you have the chance to customize it however you like. Let’s say you have a scope or an optic that is just lying around, something customizable such as this left-handed upper will be the best choice for you.
The upper with a barrel length of 16 inches comes with an A2 flash hider that reduces recoil and muzzle jump, which can make improvements to your shooting accuracy. If the accuracy of your AR-15 rifle is a priority, this product might just satisfy you.
This AR-15 upper by Stag Arms does not come with a BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) and charging handle. If you like these parts added onto your upper, you will have to pay extra money on top of the price that you’re paying for to get it.
This rugged and customizable upper receiver is one of the best left-handed AR-15 upper receivers to start with if you’re a lefty and want to build your own AR-15. You will need some of the best parts you can find to start building your own so this Stag Arms upper receiver is the part that you should start with.
You will like this product if:
You’re looking for an upper receiver that is customizable. This upper receiver by Stag Arms comes stock with a rail. It’s great for a shooter to make the customization on their rifle by adding accessories.
You want to improve the accuracy of your AR-15 rifle. This product comes with a 16-inch barrel and an A2 flash hider that keeps recoil and muzzle jump to a minimum. As a result, the shooting accuracy of your rifle will also improve.
You want a high-quality and superior durability upper receiver. The construction of this product uses the best quality material and finishing to ensure the product’s durability.
You will dislike this product if:
You don’t prefer to pay more for the add-ons. The upper receiver does not come with a BCG and a charging handle. To get the add-ons, you will have to pay extra money for it.
2. Stag Arms AR-15 Stag 15L Bones
Specifications
- Forged and Mil-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
- A2 Flash Hider
- Carbine Length Gas System with Low Profile Gas Block
- Semi-Auto Direct Impingement
- .223 Remington, 5.56 x 45mm NATO
Features
The Stag 15L Bones Upper Receiver is one of the best left-handed AR-15 upper receivers by Stag Arms. The barrel has a length of 16 inches and is made for rifles with a carbine-length gas system. It also has a low-profile gas block that can make your shots travel faster at a higher speed. Making your AR-15 rifle the centre of attention at the range.
This product is made with a high-quality material, which gives extremely high durability upper for the AR-15. Along with the excellent finish on the upper, it can definitely take all kinds of abuse so this may probably be worth adding it to your AR-15 or your other projects.
The A2 flash hider that comes with this upper can help to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, making sure that the shooting accuracy of your AR-15 is maintained and if possible, improved. On top of that, the rail that comes with it also has enough space for you to mount accessories such as an optic or a scope.
If you’re not a big fan of a free-floating rail, this upper will be a good option for you. It has impressive durability, it maintains and might even improve the shooting performance of your AR-15 rifle and it’s the perfect option if you plan to have a carbine gas system for your AR-15 rifle.
You will like this product if:
You’re looking for an upper receiver with high durability and quality. One of the best materials is used to construct this product and with a high-quality finish, it will last for a very long time. Its solid construction also means that it can take a beating and still be functional.
You plan to have a carbine gas system for your AR-15 rifle. Since it’s made for rifles with a carbine-length gas system, it will be the best option for you if you plan to have a carbine gas system for your AR-15 rifle.
You want an upper receiver that improves performance and accuracy. With the A2 flash hider and the low-profile gas block, the velocity of your shots can be drastically improved with minimal recoil with the help of the A2 flash hider.
You will dislike this product if:
You’re planning to mount big accessories on the rail. This upper receiver does come with a rail, but the space on the rail doesn’t allow you to mount bigger accessories on it.
3. F-1 Firearms Left Stripped Billet
Specifications
- Manufactured from high-grade 7075-T6 billet aluminum
- F-1 Firearms 3G skeletonizing
- Type 3 Hard Coat Anodized
- Mil-Spec Picatinny Rail
Features
If you have a tight budget but are still looking for a high-quality left-handed upper receiver, the best option will be this stripped left-handed upper receiver by F-1 Firearms. The F-1 Firearms Left Stripped Billet Upper Receiver is unlike other uppers on the market, instead of using forged materials, it’s billeted.
Even though the use of the material is not the same as other uppers, the durability that it brings is still on par with other uppers. This stripped upper is also designed for left-handed shooters for it’s unquestionably a worthy addition to your AR-15 rifle.
This stripped left-handed upper is also designed to be easy to install and extremely lightweight with the 3G skeletonizing by F-1 Firearms. Most of the unnecessary surfaces are milled out to achieve a weight of 7 oz. What this means is that you don’t have to worry about carrying a heavy rifle for long durations.
This is one of the best options on the market that is designed especially for left-handed shooters that are on a budget. Even if money is not a problem, the build and quality of this stripped left-handed upper are undoubtedly good enough that any shooter would think that it’s the right one to get for their rifle.
You will like this product if:
You’re looking for an upper that will fit your budget. The price of this stripped upper is certainly lower than most of the left-handed AR-15 uppers that you’re going to find on the market. Which is why it’s the best option for a shooter that doesn’t intend to spend too much for an AR-15 upper.
You’re looking for something easy to install. This stripped upper is designed for any shooter to easily install it on their AR-15. So if you’re someone that hates any hassle when you install parts on your rifle, this upper is the best option for you.
You’re into uppers that are light and easy to carry around. Thanks to the 3G skeletonizing design, it has made this stripped upper exceptionally lightweight. With a weight of 7 oz. installed on your rifle, you’re not going to feel heavy when you carry your rifle around.
You will dislike this product if:
You’re expecting it to be a perfect fit with all kinds of AR-15 handguard. This stripped upper may only match with a certain AR-15 handguard so make sure to check if it matches your AR-15 handguard before you buy it.
4. Stag Arms AR-15 Stag 15L LEO
Specifications
- Forged and Mil-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
- A2 Flash Hider
- Samson Star-C Free Floating Handguard with Picatinny Quad Rails
- Semi-Auto Direct Impingement
- .223 Remington, 5.56 x 45mm NATO
Features
Next on the list is a product from Stag Arms again, it is without question that they are one of the best manufacturers for AR-15 left-handed parts. The Stag 15L LEO Upper Receiver is one of their best uppers and is designed for tactical operators such as law enforcement officers. Which is why it’s named LEO. Besides that, the design is also made to accommodate left-handed shooters.
The material used for the construction of this product shows that it’s a high-quality product and is made to be one of the most durable uppers that are available. A free-floating handguard with Picatinny quad rail comes stock with this upper. Not only will it improve your shooting accuracy, but if you also plan to mount accessories, this left-handed AR-15 upper will be the ideal fit.
This upper has a 16-inch barrel with a barrel twist rate of 1/7. The barrel is designed to chamber for the 5.56 NATO rounds so the .223 Remington rounds will fit just as well. It’s also easy to install so you don’t have to worry that it will take you a long time to install it.
Overall, this is one of the best uppers for a left-handed shooter that is also a fan of Stag Arms. This product is the closest thing you can get to a military-grade AR-15 upper and it’s excellent for home defense and target shooting too.
You will like this product if:
You’re looking to improve your shooting accuracy. With a 16-inch barrel length and the right twist rate, paired with other parts such as the A2 flash hider that comes with the upper, you can expect that there will be an improvement in your shooting accuracy.
You want an upper that is close to military-grade. The material that they use to build this upper and designed to withstand harsh abuse, makes it as good as a military-grade part.
You’re looking for a customizable upper. There is enough space on the upper for you to mount accessories of your preference.
You will dislike this product if:
You’re looking for a left-handed upper with a bolt carrier group or a charging handle. The price that you’re paying when you buy the upper does not include the BCG or the handle.
5. Stag Arms AR-15 Stag 15L M4
Specifications
- Forged and Mil-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
- A2 Flash Hider
- Thermoplastic with Double Heat Shields
- Semi-Auto Direct Impingement
- .223 Remington, 5.56 x 45mm NATO
Features
It shouldn’t be a surprise to see one more best left-handed AR-15 upper coming from Stag Arms. If you’re into complete uppers, the Stag 15L M4 Upper Receiver will be the right choice for you.
This complete upper can make certain that your shooting accuracy can be improved with the 16-inch barrel and the flash hider that comes with it. The A2 flash hider on the 16-inch barrel keeps recoil at a minimum and reduces muzzle jump so that you can be shooting consistent shots with good accuracy.
This left-handed complete upper includes a thermoplastic with double heat shields design that can achieve quick heat dissipation. It can be extremely useful in protecting your hands from burns if you accidentally touched the barrel. However, it’s still not advisable to touch the barrel after shooting your rifle.
Some people may not like the idea of a stripped upper where they have to find the necessary parts to complete the upper. If you’re one of them, then this left-handed complete upper is the best choice for you. It’s also easy to install on your rifle so it’s possible the best complete upper that you can ask for.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for a complete upper that includes all the necessary parts. As the name suggests, it’s called a complete upper because of the parts that it includes. So if you get this complete upper, you won’t need to shop for other parts to put together a complete upper for your AR-15 rifle.
You want to maintain or improve your shooting accuracy. The length of the barrel and the A2 flash hider that comes with it reduces recoil and muzzle jump so your shooting accuracy can be consistent.
You are a slightly careless person. The thermoplastic with double heat shields design dissipates heat from the barrel at a rapid pace so even if you carelessly touch the barrel, the burn damage can be minimised.
You will dislike this product if:
You do not want to pay for add-ons like BCG and Handle. To get the BCG and the handle, you will have to pay extra on top of the price that you are already paying.
6. Stag Arms AR-15 A3 Flattop
Specifications
- Type 3 Hard Coat Anodized
- Picatinny Rail
- .300 AAC Blackout
Features
The last product on this list will be another AR-15 upper by Stag Arms, the A3 Flattop Upper Receiver Assembly. This A3 Upper Receiver Assembly is a left-handed upper that comes with a Picatinny rail. It allows you to mount an optic or a scope that you prefer and you can expect the best fit from it.
The A3 Upper Receiver Assembly includes a dust cover and forward assist which are meant to enhance the ability of your AR-15. Unlike the complete upper that comes with all the necessary components, the A3 Upper Receiver Assembly is a stripped AR-15 upper and you get to choose what components to add for your left-handed AR-15 upper.
If you are a lefty and enjoy installing all the components by yourself, a complete left-handed upper wouldn’t be recommended and the A3 Upper Receiver Assembly is the best choice for you. After buying this upper, the parts that you will need to install are the barrel, gas system and handguard.
You will like this product if:
You are a fan of building your own rifle. The A3 Upper Receiver Assembly is the perfect platform for shooters to start building their own left-handed AR-15. It only comes with a certain part and most of it will require you to get it and put together on your own.
You will dislike this product if:
You prefer to have an upper that is fully built already. If you are not a fan of making your own rifle, then this is not the best upper for you.
Left Handed AR 15 Upper Tips
Before you purchase after selecting the best upper receiver for your AR-15, there are some things that you might want to consider first.
Legality
If you pay close attention, you will realize that there are various versions of upper receivers. The reason is that these uppers need to comply with gun laws in the respective states. For example, some states allow the barrel of an upper receiver to be shorter than 16 inches while some only allow the barrel to be 16 inches or longer. So make sure you check the gun laws of your state before you purchase an AR-15 upper.
Gas Systems
There are actually limitations as to the kinds of gas systems that you use due to some legality problems. You are actually limited to either rifle gas or carbine gas systems only. Which is why you should watch out for it when selecting the best AR-15 upper receiver.
Conclusion
The bottom line is finding the best left handed ar may be time-consuming but it’d be worthwhile with the discussion above. Regardless, no matter you’re searching for a fully assembled or stripped left handed ar – I’ve fully equip you on the mechanisms of an ar 15 upper receiver. Hence, you’d just have to purchase the right parts to be assembled to your rifle.
If you’re a left-handed shooter, this left handed AR would improve and improvise your target practice and your hunting experience with your fellow hunter friends. Besides that, it can be a life savior which can act as a home defense too in facing potential intruders in times of despair. In a nut shell, a left handed AR isn’t limited to only left-handed shooters but it can be used by any gun owners (regardless of their dominant hand).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will any AR-15 upper work with any lower?
Yes, the impressive thing about the AR-15 is that any standard lower will fit and work with a standard upper.
Can you shoot left-handed in the Marines?
Yes, you can shoot left-handed in the Marines and because the guns are right-handed, the rifle that they give left-handed shooters will come with a “brass deflector”.
How much should you spend on an AR-15?
To set a rough estimate for a balance between quality and price, the estimated amount will be in between $900 to $1200. It is best to get an AR-15 between these prices and for anything more or less than that, you should do extra research into the manufacturer or the seller.
Is an 11.5 inch-barrel on an AR-15 legal?
No. Barrels for AR-15 must be at least 16 inches so if your AR-15 doesn’t have a 16-inch barrel or any barrels longer than that, it is not considered as legal by the ATF. You are required to get an SBR tax stamp from the ATF if you wish to have barrels shorter than 16-inch.
Does a suppressor count as barrel length?
If the muzzle device is permanently attached to the barrel, its length will be counted as well.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.