Aero Precision
Aero Precision Rifles and Parts: In Depth
Aero Precision is a trusted name in the firearms industry, especially known for its top-notch AR-15 and AR-10 rifle parts. Since 1994, this Tacoma, Washington-based company has been dedicated to producing high-quality, precision-engineered components that meet the needs of gun enthusiasts and professional shooters alike.
Aero Precision's product lineup includes a variety of essential accessories such as upper and lower receivers, handguards and bolt carrier groups. Their parts are designed to boost the performance, reliability, and customization options of your rifles. Using advanced CNC machining techniques, Aero Precision ensures every product meets strict quality standards, making them a favorite among those who build or upgrade their firearms.
What sets Aero Precision apart is their constant drive for innovation. They regularly develop new products and refine existing ones to keep up with the changing demands of the firearms community. For example, their M4E1 Enhanced Upper Receiver is a standout item, featuring an integrated handguard mounting platform that makes assembly easier and enhances durability.
With a strong commitment to quality and a reputation for reliable, well-crafted products, Aero Precision has earned a loyal following in the firearms industry. Whether you’re building a rifle from the ground up or looking to upgrade specific parts like the Aero Precision lower, their accessories offer excellent performance and craftsmanship. With decades of experience, they remain a top choice for firearm enthusiasts around the world.
Aero Precision History
Aero Precision was founded in 1994 in a small 2,000-square-foot shop near Tacoma, Washington. Initially, the company specialized in producing aerospace components, leveraging their expertise in high-precision manufacturing for clients such as Boeing. This foundation in aerospace allowed Aero Precision to seamlessly transition into the firearms industry, where precision and reliability are paramount.
By the early 2000s, Aero Precision began manufacturing AR-15 upper and lower receivers . Their aerospace background enabled them to produce parts with tight tolerances and high durability, quickly establishing a reputation for quality in the firearms market. In 2012, they expanded their operations significantly, moving to a larger facility to meet growing demand.
The company's growth continued, and in 2014, Aero Precision became the majority owner of Ballistic Advantage, a well-regarded barrel manufacturer. This acquisition allowed Aero Precision to further expand its product offerings and enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
Aero Precision remains privately owned, with Scott Dover as the CEO and co-founder. They have not undergone any major ownership changes or acquisitions by other companies. The company’s consistent quality has made it a trusted supplier for various military, law enforcement, and civilian customers.
One of Aero Precision’s significant innovations is the M4E1 series, which features an enhanced design that simplifies assembly and offers better performance. This line includes integrated handguard mounting solutions and has been praised for its ease of use and high quality.
Today, Aero Precision operates out of a large facility in Lakewood, Washington, employing around 800 people. Their commitment to precision and quality continues to drive their success in the highly competitive firearms industry.
Aero Precision Products
Lower Receivers
- Use Case: Lower receivers are the foundation of any rifle build, crucial for sport shooting, hunting, home defense, and tactical applications. Examples include the M4E1 Lower Receiver for AR-15, which combines billet aesthetics with forged strength for durability and reliability, and the M5 .308 Lower Receiver, which is compatible with AR10 parts for flexibility in M5/AR308 builds.
- Unique Features: The EPC lower receivers are specifically designed for 9mm and .40 S&W builds, ensuring reliable feeding and ejection.
Upper Receivers
- Use Case: Upper receivers house the barrel and bolt carrier group, critical for the rifle's performance and accuracy. They are key components in precision and tactical rifles, suitable for various shooting disciplines, such as the AR-15 and M5/AR308 platforms.
- Unique Features: Aero Precision's upper receivers are engineered for enhanced durability and performance, fitting seamlessly with their respective lower receivers to ensure a secure and precise build.
Complete Uppers
- Use Case: Complete uppers are ideal for users who want a pre-assembled upper receiver, ready to attach to their lower receiver. They are perfect for quick builds and ensure compatibility and performance out of the box. Examples include the EPC complete uppers for 9mm and .40 S&W builds , as well as various configurations for AR-15 and M5/AR308 platforms.
- Unique Features: Pre-assembled for ease of use and reliability, these components are tailored for specific shooting needs and preferences.
Receiver Sets
- Use Case: Receiver sets provide both the upper and lower receivers in a matched set, ensuring compatibility and uniformity. They are suitable for building cohesive and reliable rifles for any purpose, such as sport shooting and tactical applications.
- Unique Features: Matched receiver sets, such as those in the M4E1 and EPC lines, offer precision fit and finish, enhancing the overall quality and performance of the build. These sets simplify the assembly process and ensure a consistent aesthetic and functional integration.
Handguards
- Use Case: Handguards provide a stable platform for mounting accessories such as optics, lights, and grips, and protect the shooter from the barrel's heat. They are essential for both tactical and sport shooting applications, such as the ATLAS S-ONE and R-ONE handguards for AR-15.
- Unique Features: These handguards are lightweight and M-LOK compatible, reducing overall weight while offering robust accessory mounting options. M5/AR308 handguards are available in various lengths to accommodate different shooting styles and configurations.
Barrels
- Use Case: Barrels are crucial for determining the accuracy and performance of the rifle. They are used in all types of builds, from close-quarters carbines to long-range precision rifles. Examples include the variety of barrel lengths and calibers offered by Aero Precision.
- Unique Features: Premium barrels for the Solus bolt action rifles ensure superior accuracy for serious marksmen and precision enthusiasts.
Barreled Actions
- Use Case: Barreled actions simplify the process of building a precision rifle, providing a pre-assembled action and barrel ready for installation into a chassis or stock. Examples include the Solus barreled actions.
- Unique Features: Designed for custom configurations, these components ensure superior accuracy and performance, making them ideal for precision shooting, hunting, and competition.
Chassis
- Use Case: Chassis systems provide a rigid platform for the action and barrel, enhancing the rifle's stability and accuracy. They are favored in precision shooting and competition environments, such as the Solus chassis systems.
- Unique Features: These chassis systems are designed for custom configurations, allowing shooters to tailor their rifles for specific performance needs. They feature adjustable components for optimal fit and comfort, ensuring superior control and accuracy.
Suppressors
- Use Case: Suppressors reduce noise for hunting, tactical operations, and shooting range practice, improving communication and hearing protection while minimizing the shooter's audible signature. Examples include the Lahar-30 suppressor.
- Unique Features: Crafted for durability and effective noise reduction, the Lahar-30 is compatible with a range of rifles and calibers, providing versatile suppression capabilities. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable choice for various shooting applications where noise reduction is critical.
Muzzle Brakes
- Use Case: Muzzle brakes reduce recoil and muzzle rise, improving shooting accuracy and control. They are essential for tactical applications, competition shooting, and precision shooting.
- Unique Features: Aero Precision offers muzzle brakes like the VG6 Precision Epsilon and Gamma, which provide effective recoil reduction and enhanced muzzle control.
Charging Handles
- Use Case: Charging handles are used to manually cycle the action of the rifle, making them a critical component for loading, unloading, and clearing malfunctions.
- Unique Features: Aero Precision's BREACH Ambi Charging Handle is designed for AR-15 and M5/AR308 platforms, offering a robust and ergonomic design for easy operation.
Aero Precision Rifles
M4E1 Complete Rifles
- Use Case: These rifles are designed for versatility, making them suitable for sport shooting, home defense, and tactical applications. They offer a robust and reliable platform for various shooting needs.
- Unique Features: The M4E1 Complete Rifles feature M4E1 lower and upper receivers, combining billet aesthetics with forged strength for durability. They come equipped with handguards like the ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK and Magpul MOE SL Carbine stocks. Specific models include the M4E1 Spartan Worn Complete Rifle with a 16" 5.56 barrel and a 15" M-LOK handguard, and the M4E1 PRO Rifle in 16" 5.56.
X15 Carbine
- Use Case: Ideal for rapid movement and engagement in competitions or tactical scenarios, this rifle is lightweight and highly maneuverable.
- Unique Features: The X15 Carbine includes components such as a Faxon gunner barrel and an AT3 Tactical M-LOK handguard, providing a well-balanced and effective setup. It is optimized for dynamic shooting scenarios, offering excellent balance and control.
AR-15 5.56mm NATO
- Use Case: This complete, semi-automatic rifle is perfect for those needing a robust and reliable firearm for various purposes, including sport shooting, home defense, and precision shooting.
- Unique Features: The AR-15 5.56mm NATO model features a 20-inch barrel designed for reliability and precision. This setup ensures versatility and performance in multiple shooting applications.
M5 .308 Rifles
- Use Case: Designed for long-range shooting and tactical applications, these rifles excel in precision and power, making them suitable for hunting larger game and tactical operations requiring extended range.
- Unique Features: M5 .308 Rifles come with Aero Precision's Enhanced Series Upper Receiver and handguards like the 12" ATLAS S-ONE. An example is the M5 Complete Rifle with a 16" .308 barrel, which provides robust performance and flexibility for various tactical scenarios.
Solus Bolt Action Rifles
- Use Case: Best suited for precision shooting, hunting, and competition, these rifles offer unparalleled accuracy and customization options.
- Unique Features: Solus Bolt Action Rifles are designed for serious marksmen and precision enthusiasts. They offer superior accuracy and customization, providing a tailored shooting experience. These rifles include features like precision-machined actions and premium barrels, ensuring exceptional performance for high-accuracy requirements.
Where are Aero Precision Rifle Parts and Components Made?
Lakewood, Washington
The primary manufacturing facility for Aero Precision is now located in Lakewood, Washington . This facility, which spans 268,000 square feet, is situated in the Lakewood Industrial Park near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). This move from their previous location in Tacoma was made to accommodate increasing demand and consolidate operations under one roof. The Lakewood facility employs over 800 individuals, including many veterans, women, and minority workers, making Aero Precision the largest private employer in the city.
Tacoma, Washington
Previously, Aero Precision's main operations were based in Tacoma, Washington . While the primary functions have moved to Lakewood, the Tacoma location still plays a role in the company's operations, particularly during the transition period as they phased into the new Lakewood facility.