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Posted: 10/9/2016 10:38:42 PM EST
Hello all! Long time lurker, first time posting. So forgive my newb-ness. As a probably beaten to death topic , I was wondering what my options are for getting a complete mid-length nitride upper for around $300 with A2 style front sights. I have an Anderson Stripped Lower and HexMag to start off on a few months ago thats been gathering dust... I'm looking for a value build as it will be more of a target-plinking gun that will be used every couple of months but will last a few years. I was wondering what my options are since It seems like PSA is currently the only manufacturer that has them in stock... But I'm worried about quality on their $239.99 option as it it hasn't been MPI or HPT tested. I would like to go for Aero Precision or Anderson but they've been out of stock for a few weeks now. So my question is should I completely build or continue to search for complete uppers? I have the cash ready to drop on this endeavor... Also are Spike's Tactical BCG's pretty good under the reliability category. Thanks again!
Link Posted: 10/10/2016 4:39:41 AM EST
[#1]
Since you already have the lower, I would go with a PSA rifle kit, which will have all your required small parts.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15-05/rifle-kits.html?dir=asc&order=price
Link Posted: 10/10/2016 5:18:04 AM EST
[#2]
I understand where you're coming from value-wise, but trying to find a new complete MPI/HPT-tested upper for $300 or less is quite a tall order.  Does you definition of complete upper also include BCG/CH (I'm a little confused as you separately also ask about a Spike's  BCG)?  If you're just looking for a plinking rifle used occasionally throughout the years then a PSA upper/kit would be fine, they come with a warranty to original owner.

For just over $300 PSA currently has 2 premium chrome-lined uppers (minus BCG/CH) that include FN MPI/HPT barrels that have good reviews.  These uppers should last many years unless you always doing full-mag dumps consistently.  And then I doubt many other $300-ish uppers would last much longer.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-m4-premium-5-56-nato-1-7-without-bcg-or-charging-handle-29079.html  << carbine-length currently $319 + Ship
http://palmettostatearmory.com/16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-a2-profile-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html  << mid-length at same price

Personally I'd rather own a PSA upper vs Anderson but that's JMHO.  And while Aero's upper seem to get good reviews I think any of their MPI/HPT uppers would be priced above your $300 limit.

Or if you're just too hesitate on PSA's products (I'm not), then perhaps you should check out this site's Equip Exchange and you may find a used MPI/HPT upper in your price range.
Link Posted: 10/10/2016 8:01:08 AM EST
[#3]
Thanks guys! To answer my definition of a complete upper, I'm talking without the BCG and CH. For some reason I thought all of Aero's uppers were tested it but re-viewing their catalog I was wrong. The reason I asked about the Spike's BCG is that I read the machining quality on the PSA BCGs were rough until you used them. Anywho, reading different build guides led me to never skimping out on the Barrel or the BCG and many recommend the testing on both. Since BCG is the heart of these, I wanted to know if I could trust Spike's or PSA's BCG to allow to go bang without frequent jams or going into single shot mode. As for the $300, this is more of a target area for my upper, not necessarily a limit. I'm not planning any ammo dumps, just light target practice gun, possibly upgraded down the road.

On a separate note I have owned an AR before, it was an Essential Arms J15 pre-ban. It had a lot of feed problems, but was a beautiful rifle.
Link Posted: 10/10/2016 9:09:09 AM EST
[#4]
I recommend getting a Toolcraft BCG if you're on a budget.
Link Posted: 10/23/2016 1:40:37 PM EST
[#5]
If you're just using it for target practice and plinking, then I wouldn't worry too much about HP/MPI testing. That's more for rifles that are going to be used and abused frequently. Here is an option for value based upper.

Red X Arms 16" SS Midlength Upper

If you can live with having a carbine length gas system Hardened Arms is having a great sale on a upper with BCG & CH.

Hardened Arms 16" Complete Upper w/ BCG & CH
Link Posted: 10/23/2016 1:48:49 PM EST
[#6]
You're concerned with quality, but you'd take Anderson over a PSA build???

Get this and be done with it. Once you shoot it then it will be HP tested.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-socom-melonite-freedom-rifle-kit.html
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