First Look: Luth-AR Retro Uppers

Ideally suited for your next retro build.

by
posted on May 5, 2025
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Luth-AR Retro Upper

Luth-AR has recently launched two new retro-styled AR-15 pattern upper receivers that should get the attention of both dedicated AR-15 shooters and military history enthusiasts alike, the new Luth-AR A1 Slick Side Upper and the new Luth-AR A1 C7 Retro Upper. Both of these new full-size 20-inch complete upper receiver groups are built around the timeless and iconic M-16A1 style fixed carry handle upper receiver.

Luth-AR A1 Slick Side Upper

The Luth-AR A1 Slick Side upper is built to resemble some of the earliest Colt-produced M-16A1 upper receiver groups that included the original M-16A1 fixed carry handle upper recover, the unique “duckbill” flash hider and the original full-size 20-inch pencil barrel with a .625 inch diameter journal for its gas block. Being that it was modeled after the earliest designs prior to some official revisions, the Luth-AR A1 Slick Side Upper receiver omits both the brass deflector and forward assist, hence its “slick” moniker.

Luth-AR A1 Slick Side Upper Features:

  • 20 inch 1:7 twist barrel (instead of original 1:14)

  • Chrome-lined chamber and bore for wear resistance and longevity

  • Manganese Phosphate exterior finish for enhanced corrosion resistance

  • Chambered in 5.56 NATO

  • .625 inch Non-F marked front sight base (FSB) for a historically accurate design

  • A1 triangular charging handle for an authentic, sleek design

  • A1 handguard with riveted heat shields for a classic aesthetic and functionality

  • Early A1 duckbill flash hider

Luth-AR A1 C7 Retro Upper

The Luth-AR A1 C7 Retro Upper takes after the full-size upper receiver manufactured by Diemaco / Colt Canada for the Canadian Armed forces and some western European militaries. The Luth-AR A1 C7 Retro upper combines a later style of M-16A1 fixed carry handle upper receiver that included the forward assist and brass deflector along with M-16A2 style furniture–instead of the previous triangular handguards.

Luth-AR A1 C7 Retro Upper Features:

  • 20 inch 1:7 twist barrel

  • Chrome-lined chamber and bore for wear resistance and longevity

  • Manganese Phosphate exterior finish for enhanced corrosion resistance

  • Chambered in 5.56 NATO

  • .625″ Non-F marked front sight base (FSB) for a historically accurate design

  • C7 complete upper receiver with built-in brass deflector

  • Complete bolt carrier group (BCG)

  • Chrome bores

  • Manganese phosphate exterior finish

  • A2 charging handle for smooth operation

  • A2 hand guard (black or OD green) for modern durability and heat management

  • A2 flash hider for optimal muzzle control and reduced flash

Learn more at luth-ar.com.

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