Why Mid State Firearms Test-Fires Every Complete Upper Before Shipping (And Why It Matters for Your Build)
When you’re investing in an AR‑15 upper, there’s one thing that matters more than marketing claims, fancy coatings, or brand hype: whether the rifle runs well when you pull the trigger.
At Mid State Firearms, we take that responsibility seriously — which is why every complete upper is properly assembled in‑house, headspaced, and test‑fired before it ships.
This is unfortunately not an industry standard. Most manufacturers rely on batch testing or skip live-fire verification altogether. Some retailers charge extra to test fire the upper they are shipping. Quality control is part of our brand, and it’s one of the biggest reasons thousands of builders have trusted Mid State Firearms since 2014.
Why Test-Firing Matters
1. It Verifies Proper Assembly in Real Conditions
Even perfectly machined parts can show issues only when they’re run under live-fire conditions. Test-firing confirms gas-system timing, proper cycling, and safe lockup before you even unpack your upper.
2. It Eliminates Guesswork for the Customer
When you buy a complete upper from Mid State Firearms, you get a unit that’s been assembled correctly, headspaced, and test-fired with live ammunition. That means less troubleshooting, zero break-in headaches, and a build you can trust from the first range trip.
👉 Check out the full lineup here: Complete AR‑15 Upper Assemblies
3. It Shows Which Brands Truly Stand Behind Their Products
In the AR‑15 world, many companies don’t disclose OEM sources — and honestly, that’s okay. What matters is whether the product is properly made from quality materials, assembled correctly, tested, and supported. Mid State Firearms does all of the above.
What “Quality” Means at Mid State Firearms
- In-House Assembly & Strict QC: Every upper is built by a trained technician to ensure consistent standards.
- Verified Headspace & Safe Lockup: Every upper/BCG combo is checked to ensure safe chamber fit and bolt lockup.
- Live Test-Fired for Reliability: If an upper doesn’t cycle reliably in our facility, it doesn’t leave. What you receive has been proven to run.
- Real Component Choices & Transparency: Choose from barrels, uppers, and handguards with known specifications. Explore categories like Barrels or M-LOK Uppers.
Why Customers Choose Mid State Firearms
- Over a decade of experience: Serving shooters since 2014, refining processes, and building trust.
- Professional-grade builds at reasonable prices: Uppers that run well and are test-fired for reliability.
- Transparent process & responsive support: Speak with real humans who know AR‑15s — accountability you can trust.
Final Thoughts: Buy From a Brand That Does It Right
If you’re building an AR‑15 you can count on, the brand you choose matters — not because of hype, but because of the quality steps they take before shipping your parts.
Mid State Firearms ensures your upper:
- Is assembled correctly
- Is headspaced correctly
- Cycles correctly
- Actually runs
That’s why thousands of builders trust us — and why your next upper should come from a company that test-fires every one.
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