The .400 Legend cartridge is quickly gaining popularity among AR-15 enthusiasts, offering a potent blend of power and manageable recoil. This guide delves into the world of 400 Legend AR uppers, exploring their features, benefits, and considerations for potential buyers.
Understanding the .400 Legend Cartridge
Before diving into the uppers, let's understand why the .400 Legend is making waves. Designed with AR-15 platforms in mind, it delivers significantly more stopping power than the ubiquitous .223 Remington/5.56 NATO, yet with considerably less recoil. This makes it ideal for hunting medium-sized game, home defense, and even competitive shooting. Its larger diameter bullet offers improved energy transfer and greater accuracy at longer ranges compared to smaller calibers.
Key Features of 400 Legend AR Uppers
A 400 Legend AR upper receiver is essentially the top half of your AR-15 rifle, housing the bolt carrier group, barrel, and other crucial components. Key features to consider when selecting a 400 Legend upper include:
1. Barrel Length and Profile:
Barrel length significantly impacts accuracy, velocity, and overall weight. Shorter barrels (e.g., 10.5" or 16") are more maneuverable but generally offer lower velocity. Longer barrels (e.g., 18" or 20") provide increased accuracy and muzzle velocity. The barrel profile (e.g., lightweight, mid-weight, heavy) also influences balance and handling characteristics. Choosing the right barrel length and profile depends on your intended use.
2. Gas System:
Most 400 Legend AR uppers utilize a direct impingement gas system, which is known for its simplicity and reliability. However, some manufacturers might offer piston-driven systems, providing reduced recoil and less gas fouling. Understand the differences to make an informed decision.
3. Handguard:
The handguard protects your hand from the hot barrel and offers mounting points for accessories like lights, lasers, and optics. Consider the length, material (aluminum, polymer), and rail system (M-LOK, KeyMod, Picatinny) to find the handguard that best suits your preferences and needs.
4. Bolt Carrier Group (BCG):
The BCG is the heart of the AR-15's operating system. Ensure your chosen upper utilizes a high-quality, correctly-sized BCG specifically designed for the .400 Legend cartridge. Using an incompatible BCG can lead to malfunctions.
Benefits of Using a 400 Legend AR Upper
- Increased Stopping Power: The .400 Legend provides more stopping power than the .223/5.56 NATO.
- Reduced Recoil: The cartridge’s recoil is manageable for a wider range of shooters.
- Accuracy: Offers improved accuracy at longer ranges compared to smaller calibers.
- Versatility: Suitable for hunting, home defense, and target shooting.
- AR-15 Compatibility: Easily integrates with standard AR-15 lower receivers.
Considerations Before Purchasing
- Ammunition Availability: While growing, the availability of .400 Legend ammunition might still be a factor in some regions.
- Cost: The cost of ammunition and potentially the upper itself might be slightly higher than for .223/5.56 NATO.
- Compatibility: Ensure your lower receiver is compatible with the upper you choose.
Conclusion
The 400 Legend AR upper offers a compelling alternative for AR-15 owners seeking more stopping power and manageable recoil. By carefully considering the features and factors discussed above, you can choose an upper that meets your specific needs and enhances your shooting experience. Remember to always prioritize safety and handle firearms responsibly.
