Aero Precision vs Midwest Industries: AR-15 brands compared
Aero Precision leads in 5 of 6 categories.
Aero Precision for upper receivers and internals. Midwest Industries for handguards.
From tens of thousands of real builds and live prices at 30+ retailers.
Our take
Aero makes forged AR receivers, mainly the M4E1 line, with a billet look that still takes standard mil-spec parts. They also make complete uppers, charging handles and rifles.
Mil-spec compatible · M4E1 receivers · Transferable warranty
- Close to average prices
- The more popular pick: in 25% of builds
- Upper receivers, picked 43x as often
- Internals (Midwest Industries internals are rarely picked)
Midwest Industries makes AR-15 handguards, sights and mounts. Their Combat Rail is a slim 1.5 inch free float handguard.
Free float handguards · Limited lifetime warranty · Iron sights
- Close to average prices
- Handguards, picked 4x as often
Many builders mix them: 41% of Midwest Industries builds add Aero Precision, most often the charging handle.
Biggest differences
"Picked" is the share of builds with that part that chose each brand.
| Aero Precision | Midwest Industries | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price vs average | 17% cheaper | About average | Aero Precision cheaper |
| Share of builds | 25% | 9% | Aero Precision 2.8x |
| Uppers picked | 14% | 0.3% | Aero Precision 48x |
| Parts listed | 2,220 | 543 | Aero Precision 4x |
| Handguards picked | 10% | 39% | Midwest Industries 4x |
| Retailers carrying | 19 | 17 |
Price: Aero Precision wins
For the same part, Aero Precision parts run 17% cheaper than average and Midwest Industries parts run about average.
Builder favorite: Aero Precision wins
Aero Precision is in 25% of builds and Midwest Industries is in 9% of builds.
Why Aero Precision: Aero's limited lifetime warranty covers the guns and parts it makes even if you aren't the first owner.
Receivers: Aero Precision wins
Builders pick Aero Precision upper receivers (43x) more often than Midwest Industries. Aero Precision lower receivers are picked often, Midwest Industries's rarely.
Why Aero Precision: The M4E1 upper is forged 7075-T6 with a billet style look, and it still takes a standard barrel nut and mil-spec parts.
Internals: Aero Precision wins
Aero Precision charging handles picked often, Midwest Industries rarely.
Most picked Aero Precision internals
Aero Precision Breach Charging Handle Small Levers$70.50, out of stock
Aero Precision 5.56 BCG W/C158 Bolt$148.99, out of stock
Aero Precision .936 Low Profile Gas Block$26.99, in stock at 2 storesMost picked Midwest Industries internals
Rarely picked
Furniture: Midwest Industries wins
Builders pick Midwest Industries handguards (4x) more often than Aero Precision. Midwest Industries stocks are picked often, Aero Precision's rarely.
Why Midwest Industries: The Combat Rail is 6061 aluminum with a Type 3 hard coat anodized finish and a heat treated 4140 barrel nut.
Shopper clicks: Aero Precision wins
Of recent clicks through to a store for these brands, 80% went to Aero Precision and 20% went to Midwest Industries.
The full record
Everything we track for Aero Precision vs Midwest Industries, from builds, store listings and daily prices.
| Aero Precision | Midwest Industries | |
|---|---|---|
| Share of builds | 25% | 9% |
| Price tier | Mid priced | Mid priced |
| Parts listed | 2,220 | 543 |
| Part types | 32 | 24 |
| Retailers carrying | 19 | 17 |
| In stock now | 3% | 68% |
| Price change, 90 dayson the most picked parts | 11% higher | 12% higher |
| On sale now | None | None |
