Stand out from the sea of black AR-15 builds without sacrificing proven performance.
Your upper receiver is the heart of your build. It’s the foundation that everything else attaches to, and one of the first things people notice when they pick up your rifle. If you’re looking to build something that performs like a Mil-Spec AR while looking anything but ordinary, this Gold/Tan Forged Slick Side Upper Receiver is the perfect place to start.
Precision machined from a 7075-T6 forged aluminum receiver, this upper combines the strength and reliability of a forged design with the sleek appearance of a modern slick side configuration. The forward assist has been machined flat for a streamlined profile, while retaining compatibility with a standard AR-15 dust cover.
Whether you’re building a lightweight range rifle, a suppressor host, a hunting rifle, or simply want an AR that doesn’t look like everyone else’s, this receiver provides a solid foundation for your next project.
Why Choose a Slick Side Upper?
The forward assist has become less important for many modern AR-15 builds, especially when using quality components and properly maintained rifles. By eliminating it, you get a cleaner profile, reduced visual clutter, and a more modern appearance.
Unlike many slick side receivers that also eliminate the dust cover, this receiver retains dust cover compatibility, helping protect your chamber from dirt, dust, and debris while maintaining the sleek look builders love.
The result is a receiver that looks refined without giving up practical functionality.
A Forged Receiver You Can Build Around
A quality upper receiver should disappear into the background—it shouldn’t require special parts or proprietary components.
This receiver is precision machined from 7075-T6 forged aluminum with Mil-Spec internal dimensions, allowing you to use standard AR-15/M4 components throughout your build.
Compatible with:
- Standard AR-15 bolt carrier groups
- Standard charging handles
- Mil-Spec barrels
- Mil-Spec barrel nuts
- Free float handguards
- Standard dust covers
- Standard optics and backup sights
If you’ve built an AR before, everything fits exactly as you’d expect.
The Color That Makes Your Build Yours
Let’s be honest—most AR-15s look exactly the same.
Black receiver.
Black handguard.
Black stock.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re investing the time and money into a custom build, why settle for a rifle that blends in with every other one on the rack?
This Gold/Tan anodized finish offers a distinctive look that’s clean, refined, and purpose-built. It pairs exceptionally well with:
- Black handguards
- Flat Dark Earth (FDE) furniture
- Bronze muzzle devices
- OD Green accessories
- Stainless steel barrels
- Black or bronze optics
The result is a rifle that looks intentionally built—not randomly assembled.
It’s subtle enough for a serious working rifle, yet unique enough that fellow shooters will ask where you found it.
Build It Your Way
One of the best parts of building an AR-15 is making it your own.
This receiver serves as the foundation for countless build styles, including:
- Lightweight carbines
- Precision SPR-style rifles
- Hunting rifles
- Home defense configurations
- Suppressor-ready builds
- Range rifles
- Competition carbines
Pair it with one of our premium AR-15 Barrels, add a quality Bolt Carrier Group, install one of our Free Float Handguards, and finish the build with the charging handle, muzzle device, and accessories that fit your shooting style.
No matter your vision, this receiver gives you the flexibility to build it.
Specifications
- Precision machined from a 7075-T6 forged aluminum receiver
- Gold/Tan anodized finish
- Slick side configuration
- Forward assist boss machined flat
- Dust cover compatible
- Flat Top Picatinny rail
- Mil-Spec internal dimensions
- Compatible with standard AR-15/M4 components
Why Buy From Mid State Firearms?
At Mid State Firearms, we’re builders too.
We don’t simply list parts online—we carefully select components we’d trust in our own rifles. Whether you’re assembling your first AR or your fifteenth, we believe quality parts, honest descriptions, and responsive customer service make all the difference.
When you order from Mid State Firearms, you can expect:
- Fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse
- Carefully selected AR-15 components
- Competitive pricing
- Responsive customer support from real firearm enthusiasts
- Secure online ordering
- A growing selection of quality parts to complete your entire build in one place
Our goal isn’t just to sell you an upper receiver—it’s to help you build an AR you’ll be proud to own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a forged or billet upper?
This receiver is precision machined from a 7075-T6 aluminum forging, providing the strength and durability that forged receivers are known for while featuring a streamlined slick side design.
Does this include a forward assist?
No. This is a slick side receiver. The forward assist area has been machined flat to create a clean, modern profile.
Can I install a dust cover?
Yes. Unlike many slick side uppers, this receiver retains compatibility with a standard AR-15 dust cover.
Will standard AR-15 parts fit?
Yes. The receiver features Mil-Spec internal dimensions and is compatible with standard AR-15/M4 barrels, bolt carrier groups, charging handles, barrel nuts, and other common components.
What handguards work with this receiver?
Any quality AR-15 handguard designed for a Mil-Spec upper receiver and barrel nut interface will work, depending on the barrel nut system included with the handguard.
Complete Your Build
Looking to finish your upper? Pair this receiver with other premium components from Mid State Firearms:
- AR-15 Barrels
- Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs)
- Free Float Handguards
- Charging Handles
- Gas Blocks
- Gas Tubes
- Upper Parts Kits
- Muzzle Devices
- Castle Blast Shields
- AR-15 Lower Parts
- Buffer Kits
Building everything in one order helps ensure compatibility while saving time.
Build Something That Doesn’t Blend In
There are thousands of stripped upper receivers on the market, and most of them look nearly identical. This one doesn’t.
The Gold/Tan finish gives your build a distinctive, premium appearance without relying on flashy coatings or gimmicks. Combined with the proven durability of a forged 7075-T6 receiver and Mil-Spec compatibility, it’s a practical upgrade that also brings personality to your rifle.
If you’re putting together a rifle that’s uniquely yours, start with an upper receiver that’s just as distinctive.
(1)-300x300.jpg "SALE! *blem* m4 Stripped upper with dust cover & fwd assist kit, photo")
sound of freedom – This was a great set up. I loved being able to customize the set up. Only issue I had was my own fault as a newb to building these. I used a heavy barrel in a slim hand guard. It makes adding attachments tough with clearances. Hoping someday to also get an AR10 from here.