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Adams Arms Lightweight Upper Review
4/20/2011 6:34:23 PM
At the 2011 SHOT Show, Adams Arms had a whole bunch of new prototypes on display. I had the opportunity to spend some time talking with their sales manager, John Humphrey, going over all their new products. One item in particular stood out as something that really interested me. It was a lightweight rifle featuring the Adams Arms piston system along with a pencil barrel with Adams Arms own compensator, and Samson’s new Evolution series rail system.
The two versions I saw – a carbine length and a mid-length – were prototype builds. John explained that they were still working on the final design configuration. The prototype had a standard phosphate finished chrome lined barrel. Plans for the production models include a thin profiled version of the Melonited 1 in 7 twist barrels Adams Arms uses on all its upper assemblies.
As a fan of piston uppers, I was so eager to try this lightweight version out that I nagged John for days after SHOT show. He finally agreed to send me one of their prototypes to try out. The unit he sent me was actually a complete rifle with the carbine length upper.
I installed some Magpul MBUS sights and an old Aimpoint CompM2 to get the rifle operational.
On the first visit to the range, I ran into some problems straight away – which happens at times when working with a prototype of anything. I contacted John and we were able to diagnose the issue pretty quickly. While the fix was simple, since it is their rifle, I had to send it back to Adams Arms for the remedy. John had the issue resolved and the rifle back in my hands in no time – a testament to their great customer service.
Back at the range this past Friday, I put 1000 rounds of XM193 through this rifle while running it through a day of transition and reload drills. The rifle ran flawlessly with zero malfunctions. I then decided to do some comparison between this lightweight compensated piston rifle and my issued Colt 6920 rifle. Both are similarly outfitted with accessories.
My Colt unloaded weighs 8 lbs 8.0 oz.
The Adams Arms Lightweight rifle weighed 7 lbs. 6.0 oz.
When shooting the two side by side, it was clear that the Adams Arms had less recoil. The compensator clearly did its job and allowed for faster and more accurate follow up shots. Check out the below video for evidence of this:
VIDEO
Overall, I was very impressed with the Adams Arms Lightweight upper. It truly feels lightweight and actually has less felt recoil than heavier Adams Arms uppers I own. If given the choice, I’d probably go with the mid-length version only because my preferred shooting style works better with a longer rail.
More photographs of the Adams Arms Lightweight upper below.
The low profile gas block is where the gas is expelled – this is after 1000 rounds
The Adams Arms one piece Bolt Carrier (group) after 1000 rounds.
The Adams Arms compensator really made a difference.
The Adams Arms Lightweight rifle next to a Colt 6920 on range day.
The Adams Arms Lightweight upper ran flawlessly through 1000 rounds of XM193.
The two versions I saw – a carbine length and a mid-length – were prototype builds. John explained that they were still working on the final design configuration. The prototype had a standard phosphate finished chrome lined barrel. Plans for the production models include a thin profiled version of the Melonited 1 in 7 twist barrels Adams Arms uses on all its upper assemblies.
As a fan of piston uppers, I was so eager to try this lightweight version out that I nagged John for days after SHOT show. He finally agreed to send me one of their prototypes to try out. The unit he sent me was actually a complete rifle with the carbine length upper.
I installed some Magpul MBUS sights and an old Aimpoint CompM2 to get the rifle operational.
On the first visit to the range, I ran into some problems straight away – which happens at times when working with a prototype of anything. I contacted John and we were able to diagnose the issue pretty quickly. While the fix was simple, since it is their rifle, I had to send it back to Adams Arms for the remedy. John had the issue resolved and the rifle back in my hands in no time – a testament to their great customer service.
Back at the range this past Friday, I put 1000 rounds of XM193 through this rifle while running it through a day of transition and reload drills. The rifle ran flawlessly with zero malfunctions. I then decided to do some comparison between this lightweight compensated piston rifle and my issued Colt 6920 rifle. Both are similarly outfitted with accessories.
My Colt unloaded weighs 8 lbs 8.0 oz.
The Adams Arms Lightweight rifle weighed 7 lbs. 6.0 oz.
When shooting the two side by side, it was clear that the Adams Arms had less recoil. The compensator clearly did its job and allowed for faster and more accurate follow up shots. Check out the below video for evidence of this:
VIDEO
Overall, I was very impressed with the Adams Arms Lightweight upper. It truly feels lightweight and actually has less felt recoil than heavier Adams Arms uppers I own. If given the choice, I’d probably go with the mid-length version only because my preferred shooting style works better with a longer rail.
More photographs of the Adams Arms Lightweight upper below.
The low profile gas block is where the gas is expelled – this is after 1000 rounds
The Adams Arms one piece Bolt Carrier (group) after 1000 rounds.
The Adams Arms compensator really made a difference.
The Adams Arms Lightweight rifle next to a Colt 6920 on range day.
The Adams Arms Lightweight upper ran flawlessly through 1000 rounds of XM193.
4/20/2011 6:52:39 PM
Nice. 
4/21/2011 9:16:27 AM
Fantastic photography! Its amazing how clear your images are.
Great review.
Thanks
Jim
Great review.
Thanks
Jim
5/6/2011 8:27:47 PM
Looks like a sweet upper. Makes the rifle look bad a$$. However, I must say the low profile block looks "unfinished" (the ugly round cover) compared to the nice attention to detail on the rest of the upper receiver.
5/8/2011 12:56:52 PM
Originally Posted By 39TopGun:
Looks like a sweet upper. Makes the rifle look bad a$$. However, I must say the low profile block looks "unfinished" (the ugly round cover) compared to the nice attention to detail on the rest of the upper receiver.
Looks like a sweet upper. Makes the rifle look bad a$$. However, I must say the low profile block looks "unfinished" (the ugly round cover) compared to the nice attention to detail on the rest of the upper receiver.
I agree! I understand that the gas block has been reduced in size to save on weight: but, it now looks too fragile and unprotected against the ruff and tumble of field work. I think that the gas block needs to be restored to original and current configuration.
This light-weight upper with a 11.5” barrel length for my SBR will be kick-ass big time!
So when will these light-weight upper receivers be available? Price?
5/24/2011 11:29:36 PM
Just got mine today from western sport and man is it sweet!!! Cant wait to take it to the range 
5/25/2011 12:46:00 PM
Originally Posted By ccannon121:
Just got mine today from western sport and man is it sweet!!! Cant wait to take it to the range
Just got mine today from western sport and man is it sweet!!! Cant wait to take it to the range
How much $$$ ?
6/16/2011 12:22:06 PM
I also highly recommend Western Sport! Justin is great to work with and is happy to answer any questions!
