POF-USA Minuteman Complete Upper — 5.56×45mm NATO, 10.5" Black Nitride Barrel, 9" M-LOK Handguard, Mid-Length DI Gas, Patriot Brown Receiver
Manufacturer: Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF-USA) • Model #: 01817 • UPC: 847313018175
Barrel: 10.50" Black Nitride • Receiver: Aluminum, Patriot Brown Anodized • Handguard: 9" Free-Float M-LOK • Gas System: Mid-Length with Low-Profile DI Gas Block
Build a compact, duty-capable carbine with the POF-USA Minuteman 10.5" Complete Upper (01817). This premium, factory-assembled upper marries a 10.50" black-nitride 5.56 NATO barrel to a rigid 9" free-float M-LOK handguard for excellent balance and accessory freedom. A mid-length gas system and low-profile gas block smooth the recoil impulse for faster sight recovery and less wear, while the distinctive Patriot Brown anodized receiver brings rugged protection and head-turning style to your build.
Why Choose the Minuteman 10.5" Upper (01817)
Compact, Fast Handling: The 10.5" profile is ideal for vehicle work, home defense, and suppressed configurations while still delivering practical accuracy at carbine distances.
Black Nitride Barrel Durability: QPQ/nitride treatment hardens the bore and exterior for corrosion resistance, reduced fouling, and long service life—without compromising accuracy.
Mid-Length DI Gas: Manufacturer-specified mid-length gas with a Lo-Pro gas block tempers dwell pressure compared to shorter gas systems for a flatter impulse and better parts longevity.
9" Free-Float M-LOK Rail: Plenty of M-LOK real estate for white light, lasers, hand stops, QD sling cups, and bipods—free-float design protects your zero from barricade and sling pressure.
Patriot Brown Receiver: Hard-anodized aluminum upper in Patriot Brown offers a low-glare, weather-tough finish that pairs cleanly with FDE/coyote/brown furniture.
POF-USA Quality: Precision machining, tight tolerances, and proven reliability from a leading American manufacturer.
Key Features at a Glance
Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO (compatible with .223 Rem, load-dependent)
Barrel: 10.50", black nitride (QPQ), 1/2×28 threaded muzzle*
Gas System: Mid-Length DI with Low-Profile gas block
Handguard: 9" M-LOK, free-float with top-rail interface at the receiver
Receiver: Aluminum, Patriot Brown hard anodized
Finish: Low-glare, corrosion-resistant surfaces throughout
Compatibility: Standard AR-15 pattern lowers (Mil-Spec geometry)
*Muzzle device type/inclusion varies by listing; confirm retailer contents.
Real-World Performance Benefits
Flatter Recoil Impulse: Mid-length gas with a low-profile block promotes smooth cycling for faster follow-up shots.
Stable Zero: Free-float design prevents handguard pressure from shifting point of impact during barricade and sling work.
Balanced Ergonomics: 10.5"/9" pairing keeps weight back and maneuverability high for CQB, vehicles, and tight interiors.
Ideal Use Cases
Defensive & Duty Builds: Compact size with reliable gas timing for high-tempo training and real-world readiness.
Suppressed Setups: Threaded muzzle and mid-length gas lend themselves to tuned, quieter configurations (follow manufacturer guidance).
Practical Training & Competition: Fast transitions, solid recoil control, and accessory flexibility.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF-USA)
Model #: 01817
UPC: 847313018175
Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO
Barrel Length: 10.50", black nitride (QPQ), 1/2×28 threads
Gas System: Mid-Length, Lo-Pro DI gas block
Handguard: 9" free-float M-LOK
Upper Receiver: Aluminum, Patriot Brown anodized
Twist Rate: Optimized for common 5.56/.223 loads (check current production spec)
Weight/Overall Length: Varies slightly by lot and included components
(Minor spec variations may occur between production runs; verify your specific unit.)
What’s Included*
POF-USA Minuteman 10.5" Complete Upper (5.56 NATO)
9" M-LOK Free-Float Handguard installed
Mid-Length DI System with Low-Profile Gas Block
Barrel nut and handguard hardware installed
*BCG and charging handle may be included or sold separately; confirm your retailer’s package.
Installation & Setup Tips
Mate to a Mil-Spec AR-15 lower using your takedown/pivot pins.
Add a quality BCG and charging handle if not included; confirm gas-key torque and staking.
Muzzle Device: Time/torque per manufacturer with proper shim/crush washer.
Function Check: Verify feed, ejection, and lock-back across your preferred ammo before zeroing optics.
New to builds? A qualified armorer can install and verify headspace/function quickly and safely.
Maintenance & Care
Clean and lubricate at regular intervals; nitride barrels typically scrub easier than chrome-lined equivalents.
Re-check handguard and gas block fasteners after the initial range session.
Confirm muzzle device timing/torque after high-round-count days or heat cycles.
Compliance & Legal Notes
Installing a 10.5" upper on a rifle lower may constitute a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under federal and state law.
Ensure compliance with NFA/ATF regulations and all local/state requirements regarding barrel length, overall length, and brace/stock configurations before assembly.
Always handle and transport per applicable laws.
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Short Meta Description
POF-USA Minuteman 10.5" Complete Upper (01817)—5.56 NATO with black-nitride barrel, 9" M-LOK free-float handguard, mid-length DI gas, and Patriot Brown anodized receiver for compact, reliable performance. UPC: 847313018175.
Buyer’s Quick Checklist
✅ Want a compact 10.5" 5.56 upper with mid-length gas smoothness
✅ Prefer a black-nitride barrel for durability and easy maintenance
✅ Need a 9" free-float M-LOK for lights, lasers, and sling points
✅ Have (or will add) a quality BCG/charging handle
✅ Understand SBR/NFA compliance before assembly
Level up your compact AR with the POF-USA Minuteman 10.5" Complete Upper in Patriot Brown—built for fast handling, clean recoil, and confidence when it counts.
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