Today we're taking a look at the companion to the M4E1 lower we looked at last week: the Aero Precision M4E1. It's certainly very stylish, but is that all it is?
The M4E1 is the more premium of the two upper receiver offerings from Aero Precision. (The other is the more basic lower receiver that is milspec in all regards). As such, it offers a few premium features over a standard milspec receiver that make it more visually appealing. The version that I got is the assembled version, with the forward assist and port cover already installed. However, it can also be found in a completely stripped version. MSRP for the assembled M4E1 is 130 dollars, but it can easily be found on sale. I got this one at Brownells for about 115 dollars. MSRP for the stripped version is 76 dollars, but can similarly be found for less. Brownells has the black version for 68 dollars.
Now for some basic specs: the M4E1 is forged, not billet, which keeps the cost down. It is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. This puts it above receivers that are made from 6061-series aluminum, as 7075-series aluminum is notably stronger. Aero then finishes the M4E1 in either black anodizing or FDE Cerakote that is a close match for Magpul FDE. Aero says that the M4E1 has a t-marked upper rail, but I think that maybe this only applies to the black anodized version, as the upper rail on my example did not show any markings. This version also comes with a forward assist, but it is also available as a "slick-side" version without a forward assist. The hardware for the forward assist, at least on this assembled version that I got, looks to be milspec.
More milspec hardware can be found just forward of that assist, as the port cover also appears like it is milspec, with an aluminum door held closed by a spring loaded detent, and kept under tension by a spring. However, the rod that the door pivots on does not seem to be milspec in so far that it does not seem to be held in with any visible circlip like in milspec versions. The M4E1 also features M4 feed ramps already machined in to the barrel extension interface area, and has .250-inch diameter holes for takedown pins.
As far as aesthetic features go, the M4E1 most definitely has those covered. The most obvious of these features visually is the overall "billet" aesthetic of the design. There are lots of sharp angles and lines that give the look of a billet receiver, but come at the more palatable price of a forged receiver. This look is most notable in the design of the forward assist, which is much more sharp and angular than a normal milspec design. It is also seen on the left side of the receiver, which has a strong line that runs across the entire side of the receiver, with a nice looking cutout for a bolt catch. Another great visual feature that Aero includes is the very subtle machining out of the center of the top rail area, which both saves a tiny bit of weight as well as providing a subtle custom or billet receiver look.
All in all I think that the M4E1 upper receiver delivers mainly on the visual side, with styling that looks very custom or billet, while maintaining an affordable forged price point. It should also go without saying that it perfectly matches and fits the M4E1 lower receiver, as well. Overall, I think it is a very solid choice for an upper receiver. If you're interested in the M4E1, you can pink one up at Brownells.
That's everything I have for you now, but don't forget to check out the channel where I release videos every week on lots of practical content. Until next time, stay safe!