A device implementable on a firearm includes a monolithic upper receiver, comprising an upper receiver portion and a handguard portion, which is configured to accommodate non-proprietary barrel assemblies dimensioned according to United States military standard (mil-spec) barrel assembly dimensions and non-proprietary bolt carrier groups (BCGs) dimensioned according to mil-spec BCG dimensions. The device also includes a charging handle assembly configured to be coupled to an operating rod of a gas system of the firearm and forward of a BCG of the firearm. The device further includes a barrel locking system including a locking plate and a locking screw. When the locking screw is screwed into a threaded hole on the locking plate, the locking plate engages with a side of a barrel extension of the barrel assembly in a radial directions perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.