The Alexander Arms Tactical Complete Upper 6.5 Grendel 16" – Black Cerakote Aluminum Receiver, M-LOK Handguard for AR-15 (UTA65, UPC: 819511021936) is a purpose-built upper assembly designed for shooters who want to unlock the full ballistic potential of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge in a standard AR-15 platform. With its 16" barrel, rugged black Cerakote finish, and lightweight M-LOK handguard, this upper is ideal for hunting, target shooting, and building a precision tactical AR that hits harder and reaches farther than traditional 5.56 setups.
Turn Your AR-15 Into a 6.5 Grendel Powerhouse
Chambered in 6.5 Grendel, this tactical complete upper gives you:
Flatter trajectory and better retained energy at distance compared to 5.56/.223
Excellent performance for medium-game hunting, hog control, and long-range steel
A caliber specifically optimized to fit in a standard AR-15-sized platform
If you want more punch and reach out of your AR without jumping up to larger-frame rifles, 6.5 Grendel is one of the most efficient and proven choices—and this Alexander Arms upper is built around it from the ground up.
16" Tactical Barrel with 1:8 Twist
The 16" barrel gives you a great balance of ballistic performance and handling:
16-inch length is ideal for general-purpose use—compact enough for maneuverability but long enough to deliver solid velocity and energy on target
1:8" twist rate stabilizes a wide range of common 6.5 Grendel bullet weights, from lighter varmint loads to heavier hunting and match projectiles
5/8x24 threaded muzzle lets you add your choice of muzzle brake, compensator, or suppressor-ready device (thread protector often included from many sellers)
This configuration makes the UTA65 upper extremely versatile—ready for range work, hunting, or defensive roles with the right ammo and optic.
Black Cerakote Aluminum Receiver – Durable, Low-Glare Finish
The upper features a black Cerakote finish over an aluminum receiver, giving you a durable, corrosion-resistant platform that stands up to hard use:
Cerakote coating provides excellent protection against moisture, abrasion, and solvents
Matte black finish reduces glare and looks clean, modern, and professional on any AR-15 build
Aluminum receiver construction keeps weight in check while maintaining strength
Whether you’re crawling through brush, running classes, or shooting in bad weather, the Cerakote-coated receiver is built to hold up.
Slim M-LOK Handguard – Lightweight and Accessory-Ready
A key feature of this tactical upper is its M-LOK free-float handguard:
M-LOK slots at multiple positions allow you to mount lights, bipods, vertical grips, sling QD sockets, and other accessories exactly where you need them
Free-float design helps enhance accuracy and consistency, since the barrel isn’t influenced by sling tension or handguard pressure
Slim, ergonomic profile provides a comfortable, controllable grip for supported or offhand shooting
If you want a modern AR-15 front end that’s both modular and sleek, this M-LOK handguard delivers.
Optic-Ready Flat-Top Upper
The Alexander Arms Tactical Complete Upper is optic ready, giving you full flexibility for your sighting system:
Flat-top Picatinny rail on the receiver for mounting red dots, LPVOs, traditional scopes, or magnifiers
No fixed sights to get in the way of your preferred optic solution
Simple to set up for precision hunting scopes, mid-range tactical optics, or lightweight red dot setups
This clean upper is the perfect starting point for a tailored optic solution that matches how you actually shoot.
Built for Standard AR-15 Compatibility
The UTA65 upper is designed to drop onto most standard small-pin AR-15 lower receivers:
Compatible with AR-15 pattern lowers using the correct 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group and magazines
Makes it easy to maintain one familiar lower while swapping uppers for different roles or calibers
Great way to upgrade an existing AR-15 into a more capable hunting or long-range platform
Just pair this upper with quality 6.5 Grendel mags and a matching BCG (if not included by your retailer), and you’re ready to go.
Ideal Applications for the Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel Tactical Upper
This complete upper is an excellent choice for:
Hunting – Especially hogs, coyotes, and medium game where extra range and energy matter
Precision and SPR-style builds – 6.5 Grendel’s ballistics make it outstanding for mid- to long-range target work
Tactical and defensive roles – When configured with appropriate optics and accessories
Upgrading from 5.56 – If you already own an AR-15 and want more reach and impact without going to a larger receiver size
The combination of 6.5 Grendel performance, M-LOK modularity, and an accurate 16" barrel makes this upper extremely versatile.
Key Specs – Alexander Arms Tactical Complete Upper 6.5 Grendel UTA65
From Alexander Arms and major retailers, the specs for this upper typically include:
Manufacturer: Alexander Arms
Model/Series: Tactical Complete Upper
Part Number: UTA65
UPC: 819511021936
Platform: AR-15
Type: Complete upper (optic ready)
Caliber: 6.5 Grendel
Barrel Length: 16"
Twist Rate: 1:8"
Handguard: Free-float M-LOK, black finish
Receiver Material: Aluminum
Receiver Finish: Black Cerakote
Thread Pattern: 5/8x24
Sights: None – optic ready
Approx. Weight: Around 3.8–4 lbs, depending on configuration
(Always check the specific retailer listing to confirm whether a bolt carrier group, charging handle, or magazine is included.)
Why Choose the Alexander Arms UTA65 Tactical 6.5 Grendel Upper?
Among 6.5 Grendel uppers, the Alexander Arms Tactical Complete Upper 6.5 Grendel 16" Black Cerakote Aluminum Receiver M-LOK Handguard for AR-15 stands out because it offers:
A design from the company that pioneered the 6.5 Grendel cartridge
A 16" barrel and 1:8 twist tailored for real-world performance and accuracy
A durable black Cerakote finish on an aluminum receiver
A modern M-LOK handguard for full accessory customization
Simple compatibility with standard AR-15 lowers using 6.5 Grendel components
If you’re building or upgrading an AR-15 and want to tap into the excellent ballistics of 6.5 Grendel with a robust, tactical-ready upper, the Alexander Arms UTA65 is a smart, high-performance choice.
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