Megalithic uppers, such as the Vltor VIS, do they actually improve accuracy to any tangible extent, when compared to a standard free floating handguard?
Just to be clear megalithic is a brand of a monolithic upper…
Sorry, I wasn’t sure what the correct term was. I always understood that monolithic uppers were a separate handguard that was integrated into the receiver, but still a separate piece. Maybe I should say 1 piece upper.
Nope… A monolithic upper is a one piece upper… mono meaning one…yes I’m sure they are inherently more accurate but its probably negligible…If at all depending on quality of uppers…I have two mega monolithic rifles…maten and ar15. …The ones before the megalithic line…I also have several regular 2 piece upper/rifles and honestly I’d say the barrel and a square quality upper is most important. …However the monolithic is surely stronger being one piece. As well as no need for offset scope mounts for proper eye relief.
Just to add to what Regalkismet said - it’s a bit confusing because the VLTOR VIS is described by VLTOR as “polylithic”, because it starts as two separate pieces and gets welded together. Practically speaking it’s equivalent to a monolithic. The true monolithic uppers that are made from a single piece of material start to finish are a pretty short list including the LMT (MRP and MWS), Colt (6940 and 901), AeroPrecision C.O.P., and of course the Mega Megalithic. (If I’m missing any it’s by accident.)
If any experts comment here, I would be interested in knowing whether any tests have shown an accuracy benefit from stiffness of the receiver itself, e.g. comparing a GI upper to a VLTOR MUR. I’ve read the two sticky threads on receiver flex testing but didn’t see anything specific on accuracy changes.
I have not seen sufficient data to support the theory that a monolithic upper is more inherently precise than a properly torqued traditional arrangement.
I didn’t know that about the VIS. I didn’t even know that you could weld aluminum. On their website, they claim that it’s made from a forging, and they don’t say anything about any welds. Makes me not such a fan of Vltor anymore.
How could a receiver/ hand guard made from a single piece of metal possibly make a rifle more accurate?? What am I missing?
The theory or idea of no contact with the barrel/nut and associated devices(handguard/bipod etc)(goes along the same idea behind a free float handguard increasing accuracy which is generally a given) that theoretically could change the point of impact because of the added pressure or stress that these may but on the barrel or even changes of the barrel harmonics…by removing anything extra that touches the barrel/nut at the very least you remove the possibility that this could cause any shift of impact…anytime you can remove any factors that can negatively effect accuracy its a positive but I think a quality upper, square and properly torqued and a high quality barrel/chamber is where accuracy is determined.
I don’t think they make any false claims. I can’t find all the details on the current website, but they do call it “polylithic”:
https://www.vltor.com/shop/upper-receivers/vis-polylithic-upper/
Here’s the full (older) description at a vendor site:
http://www.skdtac.com/Vltor-VIS-2-MidLength-Upper-Receiver-p/vlt.304.htm
Excerpt:
The manufacturing process of the VIS is unique- starting with what is essentially a traditional separate upper receiver and handguard, these parts are partially machined then permanently joined using an exclusive welding process- this composite unit is then stress relieved, final machined and heat treated. This innovative process allows the VIS to accept any standard AR barrel! The only thing that is changed is the barrel nut used with the VIS, the required barrel nut and wrench is included with each VIS kit.
I have a Colt 6940 Monolithic Upper and as far as I can tell, the differences in accuracy are minimal at best, and yet to be fully tested against quality ARs set up correctly per Failure’s comments. I would say, the minimal improvements gained (in theory) are offset by the cons, which is you’re essentially “stuck” with that upper with minimal options for change. For example, the rail on the 6940 is too short and there’s nadda I can do about that. I’m not a BTDT type with ARs and the 6940 has been fine for me and no complaints, but for those who do foresee using a real strength of the AR platform (it’s modularity) I’d say one better be sure the Monolithic design they get is what they’ll want as that’s “all she wrote” as they say for various options people like to tweak.
Note: Other Monolithic designs may indeed cover all bases one needs and (in theory) add minimal improvements in accuracy and might be win win.
“6061 forged upper with 6061 extruded handguard”
You can’t extrude the upper so it has to be 2 pieces to start with. It also says that it’s 6061 aluminum which is easily weldable. The 7075 is supposed to be a disaster to weld.
My guess is it doesn’t make a bit of real-world difference. I have an MRP so that isn’t just monolithic jealousy speaking either. Properly assembled with a high quality barrel and trigger and it will be good to go.