Many customers liken the perceived recoil to a 3" magnum 12 gauge.  The actual free recoil energy is greater than that.  For many users and applications, trading light weight for slightly more recoil is preferable.

Yes.  Unlike semi-automatic systems, Zel Custom's bolt-action uppers put relatively little stress on the lower.  A highly effective gas brake and receiver tolerances as tight as 0.002" further assist in reducing recoil-related stress on the lower.

As it relates to our uppers, they're all basically the same.  7075 aluminum is stronger than 6061.  For given dimensions, forged will be stronger than billet.  However, billet lowers are typically strengthened through design and manufacturing techniques.

It's pretty easy, actually.  We provide detailed, illustrated directions.  For someone familiar with the AR-15 lower, preparing the lower should take about 5 minutes.  For someone totally unfamiliar with the AR-15 lower, we recommend setting aside 15 minutes.  For customers that don't want to be bothered at all, we sell lower receivers that are already set up.

Zel Custom uppers are not firearms.  This means that no license, background check or federal paperwork is required.  That allows us to ship it straight to your home for your convenience and privacy.  State laws vary on the .50 BMG; please familiarize yourself with relevant state laws.

Yes, we ship .50 BMG to California. California has some particularly unusual and stringent rules pertaining to .50 BMG, with which we suggest you comply.  For all others, you may want to consider our other caliber offerings.

Currently, all uppers are custom made to order.  We require a $500 non-refundable deposit at the time of order, with the balance due at the time of shipment.

Zel Custom will apply a 2% cash discount when both the initial deposit and final balance are paid by cash, check or money order.  For your convenience, we accept payment by eCheck, faxed check, emailed/scanned check and, of course, those sent by regular mail.  Money orders can only be accepted with the physical check.

All Zel Custom uppers are made to order, all sales are final, and uppers may not be returned, except pursuant to the Warranty (described below).  Unopened accessories may be returned for a period of 15 days following shipment from Zel Custom.  Opened accessories may not be returned.

All Tactilite products are covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.  All Spartan 50s are covered by our One-Year Limited Warranty.  See below.

All Tactilite products are guaranteed against all defects in materials or workmanship for the life of the original registered owner.  This guarantee is voided by misuse, abuse, improper maintenance or alterations of the products (as determined by Zel Custom Manufacturing).  All warranty claims should be sent directly to Zel Custom Manufacturing via prepaid and insured delivery.

All Spartan products are guaranteed against all defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment by Zel Custom.  This guarantee is voided by misuse, abuse, improper maintenance or alterations of the products (as determined by Zel Custom Manufacturing).  All warranty claims should be sent directly to Zel Custom Manufacturing via prepaid and insured delivery.

Zel Custom is unable to accept returns for accessories made by other companies.  Please contact the manufacturer for any warranty issues related to that particular accessory.