I received the SS Barreled Upper today from PSA...18" middie, FF, SS barrel, Nitrated BCG
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa10-18-midlength-308-win-1-10-stainless-steel-15-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-and-ch-516445088.html
Weight of just the upper, from the PSA is 5 1/3lbs
I has the same gas tube binding issue the FF Barrel nut and the BCG... exactly the same. ( The barrel nut makes contact with the gas tube, forcing it in to the top
The gas key is properly staked... just like the first.
The charging handle lacks the raised "tab" at the front of it.. just like the first.
The upper is also bone dry...no extra oil at all... a very slight amount of something on the BCG.
Going to change the gas block to an SLR adjustable, grind down the barrel nut flat to allow free movement of the gas tube, oil it up, use a BCM Gunfighter "Brake" on this barrel and see how it shoots.
I am hoping for better accuracy then the nitrated barrel has done, and will be reporting more info as I get it.
Again, which ever upper shoots the worst, will receive the Criterion replacement barrel. ( I have high hopes for much better, consistent accuracy )
Photos of its OEM state will follow.