Hello everyone looking for some advise on a build. I'm new to AR rifles and I'm kinda learning as I go. I've completed my lower and now trying decide if I want to buy a barreled upper, or piece it together. I've looked at the Palmetto state armory and Hardened arms 16" 5.56 barreled uppers and both seem to be good options. Is there any other manufactures out there that I should check out that's comparable in price? Trying to stay on a budget but I also don't want a piece of junk that I got to work on all the time. Also is a stainless barrel worth the money as a upgrade ? Is there a big deference in accuracy between a SS vs a regular mil-spec barrel? Thanks for any advice

Whats your budget for the upper?  I would go with PSA over Hardened Arms.  Stainless Barrels are generally more accurate if you are comparing the same price range, but a $175 4150 CMV barrel is probably going to be more accurate than a $100 stainless barrel.  PSA usually sells the stainless barreled uppers for the same price as the others especially within the freedom line.  A CMV barrel will out last a stainless barrel if that is a concern.  I would also look at a stripped BCM upper for around $430. You just need to add a hand guard and Bolt.  I just ordered a Sons of Liberty Gun Works Patrol upper for $425 it is high quality and has the magpul MOE hand guards on it.  Really liking it.  If you decide to piece one together you will need some basic tools if you don't already have them.  I would look into Faxon or Ballistic Advantage barrels  if you decide to build.  They have great feedback and are generally under $200

Looking to stay under $400. I'll probably end up with the 16" PSA barreled upper, I was kinda leaning that way. Thanks again for your advise

PSA has a nice 16" SS NATO Barrel with F marked A2 FS (Cat 7782785) with mid-length gas system. I believe they sell the same in a complete upper.

So I was on PSA's website and they offer a Nitride coated and a SS version, witch of they two would be more accurate? The Barrel on the SS was marked 416r I couldn't find one marked with "F"

Look at item Cat No. 7788890 - F marked is the front sight
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-8-stainless-steel-freedom-upper-no-bcg-or-charging-handle.html
On sale for $199.99!

Earlier today I saw that PSA had their CHF barreled premium upper on sale for 399. That would be the way I would suggest for your budget.

Ok update on the build. I ordered a 16' 5.56 PSA with the 416 ss barrel and a fail zero bolt carrier from Primary Arms. What do i need exactly to check the head space on this rifle, or is it necessary to check it?

JayA79: google Checking AR15 Headspace. There are tons of links. In essence (assuming you didn't ask PSA to check) you will need some headspace guages to insert in the barrel and see if the bolt assembly closes or not on them and a couple tools to dismantle the bolt.

Here she is completed. Very proud of my first build can't wait to see how it shoots this weekend.
Anderson lower
CMMG lpk
Magpul k2 grip
Utg pro stock
Palmetto upper receiver
16" SS barrel mid length gas system
Fail Zero BCG
BCM gunfighter mod 3 charging handle
Burris AR-332 prism scope
Magpul gen 1 back ups


http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah316/adamsjay17/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-03/A3AA70F3-B118-4338-8513-077DD1F9A728_zpschdwxslv.png


http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah316/adamsjay17/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-03/1C3016B6-CC8F-4719-8AA4-683583BA8434_zpswdahzkow.png

http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah316/adamsjay17/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-03/B1D97188-6878-466D-ABFE-C28DD21BF979_zpspcgitsdf.png