Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
9/17/2016 8:58:09 AM EDT
I am having trouble ordering quick enough when PSA uppers and lowers come out that I want. Are there other sites that are similar in quality to PSA (freedom and premium line) that have a good selection of complete uppers and lowers in the same price range?
9/17/2016 9:41:43 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I am having trouble ordering quick enough when PSA uppers and lowers come out that I want. Are there other sites that are similar in quality to PSA that have a good selection of complete uppers and lowers in the same price range?
View Quote


It all depends on what you are referring to when you say similar in quality. PSA has products at three different quality levels. PTAC being the lowest. Freedom being the medium, and Premium being the best. The PTAC brand stuff is hit and miss. The Freedom line is good stuff and is comparable to the likes of S&W and a few others. The Premium line is stellar. It rivals some of the best in quality. Barrels for these are made by FN and many parts used are made from mil-spec materials and standards. So, you see, it is not an easy answer to your question.
9/17/2016 10:02:16 AM EDT
[#2]
Aero seems to be well priced.
9/17/2016 10:07:08 AM EDT
[#3]
Be sure to sign up for "e-mail" notifications as well.

I waited for 8 months for a scope once... finally got it, and it was worth the wait for that.
9/17/2016 10:07:18 AM EDT
[#4]
Rainier which is a sight sponsor and JSE Surplus are GTG.  In years past Olympic Arms and Model 1 Sales were early vendors catering to people building AR-15's.
9/17/2016 10:09:23 AM EDT
[#5]
Ds Arms has been good to me. M&A parts also sells a lot of complete uppers, although I have no experience with them. PSA seems to have the best prices time and time again though.
9/17/2016 10:15:30 AM EDT
[#6]
Does PSA actually make a anything, or are they merely a vendor of parts, assemblies and complete rifles made by others, sometimes, if not often, of unidentified origin?
9/17/2016 10:42:50 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
Does PSA actually make a anything, or are they merely a vendor of parts, assemblies and complete rifles made by others, sometimes, if not often, of unidentified origin?
View Quote


I think that is the case with many vendors like PSA and bcm.  Bcm, may design and spec the components but contracts out the manufacturing.  It would be very expensive for them to have all their own CNC, injection molding etc.  Bcm certainly does their own quality control and assembles the uppers and rifles.  PSA probably does to, well that is if they have any actual quality control.
9/17/2016 11:45:22 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
Does PSA actually make a anything, or are they merely a vendor of parts, assemblies and complete rifles made by others, sometimes, if not often, of unidentified origin?
View Quote


PSA is the first to have true M4 clones made for us in main stream production, and at a affordable price. I have become a colt fan over the years. However if PSA premium is my second choice.

Years ago so many here begged for an all in spec M4 clone. Others for some unknown reason they gave 1\8 twist and or no chrome lining or no M4 feed ramps.  Always cutting it short. PSA gave it all to us and at a great price. They have put out a outstanding and reliable M4 clone and for this I give them the respect they have earned and deserve. I still have my PSA factory built premium M4  that I bought years ago when money was tight and Colt was priced out of reach at the time. It has never malfunctioned to date. I would not hesitate to trust it to defend my life.

I have no experience with any of their other stuff.

Remember one thing PSA brought top quality M4 Clones to the masses at an unbeatable price.

If this sounds like advertising for them, it is Free and Unsolicited by word of mouth by a happy customer.
9/17/2016 2:03:31 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History


IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
9/17/2016 4:01:13 PM EDT
[#11]
JSE Surplus has a lot of options.  I have never purchased a upper from them though.
9/17/2016 4:29:39 PM EDT
[#12]
From what I know radical is hit or miss  I bought a sale priced 10.5" 300blk upper from them and it has been gtg through 500+ rounds.  Last year I bought a upper from Apoc Armory on a black friday sale since I figured I would keep a extra rifle around for friends to shoot. It is actually very nice, heavy since Hbar barrel, but nice. Think it is called the paladin or something. Might check them out.
9/17/2016 7:51:52 PM EDT
[#13]

Quote History
Quoted:
IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:







IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
id say its on par with the freedom line.



 
9/17/2016 7:55:32 PM EDT
[#14]
Aero
9/17/2016 10:53:32 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:u


PSA is the first to have true M4 clones made for us in main stream production, and at a affordable price. I have become a colt fan over the years. However if PSA premium is my second choice.

Years ago so many here begged for an all in spec M4 clone. Others for some unknown reason they gave 1\8 twist and or no chrome lining or no M4 feed ramps.  Always cutting it short. PSA gave it all to us and at a great price. They have put out a outstanding and reliable M4 clone and for this I give them the respect they have earned and deserve. I still have my PSA factory built premium M4  that I bought years ago when money was tight and Colt was priced out of reach at the time. It has never malfunctioned to date. I would not hesitate to trust it to defend my life.

I have no experience with any of their other stuff.

Remember one thing PSA brought top quality M4 Clones to the masses at an unbeatable price.

If this sounds like advertising for them, it is Free and Unsolicited by word of mouth by a happy customer.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:u
Quoted:
Does PSA actually make a anything, or are they merely a vendor of parts, assemblies and complete rifles made by others, sometimes, if not often, of unidentified origin?


PSA is the first to have true M4 clones made for us in main stream production, and at a affordable price. I have become a colt fan over the years. However if PSA premium is my second choice.

Years ago so many here begged for an all in spec M4 clone. Others for some unknown reason they gave 1\8 twist and or no chrome lining or no M4 feed ramps.  Always cutting it short. PSA gave it all to us and at a great price. They have put out a outstanding and reliable M4 clone and for this I give them the respect they have earned and deserve. I still have my PSA factory built premium M4  that I bought years ago when money was tight and Colt was priced out of reach at the time. It has never malfunctioned to date. I would not hesitate to trust it to defend my life.

I have no experience with any of their other stuff.

Remember one thing PSA brought top quality M4 Clones to the masses at an unbeatable price.

If this sounds like advertising for them, it is Free and Unsolicited by word of mouth by a happy customer.


So, the short answer is "no" they don't actually make anything themselves.
9/17/2016 10:59:49 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
Aero
View Quote


Yep.
9/17/2016 11:01:27 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:

So, the short answer is "no" they don't actually make anything themselves.
View Quote


They've been making their own barrels for a little while. They still use FN for their higher end offerings.
9/17/2016 11:54:26 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History


no
9/18/2016 1:03:41 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Quoted:


no
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History

No only no, but hell no on that first one.
9/18/2016 1:16:37 AM EDT
[#20]
Aero is really high quality.
9/18/2016 1:22:52 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
Aero is really high quality.
View Quote

+1
9/18/2016 1:29:26 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
id say its on par with the freedom line.
 
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
id say its on par with the freedom line.
 

And you'd be wrong.
9/18/2016 2:52:37 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote History

I've heard many negative things about radical firearms just a heads up!
9/18/2016 6:04:56 AM EDT
[#24]

Quote History
Quoted:





And you'd be wrong.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:






IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
id say its on par with the freedom line.

 


And you'd be wrong.

I have a nice Karris upper that was gifted to me and its been fine.





the other ones I posted because he wanted alternatives and similar prices.  I am not one of  their customers.



 

9/19/2016 12:06:38 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have a nice Karris upper that was gifted to me and its been fine.





the other ones I posted because he wanted alternatives and similar prices.  I am not one of  their customers.
 


View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:


IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
id say its on par with the freedom line.
 

And you'd be wrong.
I have a nice Karris upper that was gifted to me and its been fine.





the other ones I posted because he wanted alternatives and similar prices.  I am not one of  their customers.
 



The others may be ok, but to compare Radical to PSA's Freedom line is way off.  I'd buy PTAC (and I did) before Radical.
9/19/2016 1:00:57 AM EDT
[#26]
I've used double star and del-ton in the past.  No complaints from either
9/19/2016 8:53:13 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Quoted:

The others may be ok, but to compare Radical to PSA's Freedom line is way off.  I'd buy PTAC (and I did) before Radical.
View Quote


I agree. The Freedom line is probably more comparable to S&W's nitrided offerings. Even then, there's a good chance you are getting better barrel steel and twist rates with the Freedom.
9/19/2016 8:57:53 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:


I agree. The Freedom line is probably more comparable to S&W's nitrided offerings. Even then, there's a good chance you are getting better barrel steel and twist rates with the Freedom.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:

The others may be ok, but to compare Radical to PSA's Freedom line is way off.  I'd buy PTAC (and I did) before Radical.


I agree. The Freedom line is probably more comparable to S&W's nitrided offerings. Even then, there's a good chance you are getting better barrel steel and twist rates with the Freedom.


Does PSA offer 5R rifled 1:8 4150CMV nitride middie 16" barrels?  S&W does on some of its models.
9/20/2016 9:35:58 AM EDT
[#29]
Thanks for the feedback so far. Lots of PSA talk, but I am trying to get a list of solid alternatives. Looks like Aero is pretty much unanimous with Radical definitely out. Anyone else have any good recommendations?
9/20/2016 10:19:42 AM EDT
[#30]
This thread is mostly guess work and emotion (the love of low prices).  Just because a gun functions when you get it does not mean it is of good quality.  Most people fire their guns pretty infrequently so their good experience is of little statistical value.  PSA is not very forthcoming with info, so it is hard to measure against others because you don't have solid info from one or both.  I have had enough screwed up orders and misinformation from PSA that I quit considering anything from them.    My life experience is that a company is never half screwed up and half on the ball.  The culture is the same all the way through.  A lot of people will make excuses and overlook issues with a company that has low prices.

Aero Precision has earned a good reputation.  I have used their stuff from when they only made receivers.  BCM can be counted on as well.  It is better to pay a little more and be sure you are getting something good, then to gamble on the these guys who are trying to compete on price.
9/20/2016 6:06:29 PM EDT
[#31]

Quote History
Quoted:


Thanks for the feedback so far. Lots of PSA talk, but I am trying to get a list of solid alternatives. Looks like Aero is pretty much unanimous with Radical definitely out. Anyone else have any good recommendations?
View Quote
whoa whoa.....  Aero is NOT shit.. Aero is way better than PSA



 
9/20/2016 6:47:24 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:
This thread is mostly guess work and emotion (the love of low prices).  Just because a gun functions when you get it does not mean it is of good quality.  Most people fire their guns pretty infrequently so their good experience is of little statistical value.  PSA is not very forthcoming with info, so it is hard to measure against others because you don't have solid info from one or both.  I have had enough screwed up orders and misinformation from PSA that I quit considering anything from them.    My life experience is that a company is never half screwed up and half on the ball.  The culture is the same all the way through.  A lot of people will make excuses and overlook issues with a company that has low prices.

Aero Precision has earned a good reputation.  I have used their stuff from when they only made receivers.  BCM can be counted on as well.  It is better to pay a little more and be sure you are getting something good, then to gamble on the these guys who are trying to compete on price.
View Quote



Interesting... What is your statistical reference for PSA owner use? Strange, also they seem to answer every posted question in their industry section.  If only there was a range in Nevada that had a good sample of PSA product at work.  It seems like your opinions are based in emotion and are purely anecdotal.  I own PSA, BCM, and a Colt. I shoot weekly. I find your generalizations and stereotyping baseless and unfair.
9/20/2016 7:15:05 PM EDT
[#33]
Windham supposedly has good rifles but they are slightly higher than PSA.
9/20/2016 8:54:08 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Quoted:


Does PSA offer 5R rifled 1:8 4150CMV nitride middie 16" barrels?  S&W does on some of its models.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

The others may be ok, but to compare Radical to PSA's Freedom line is way off.  I'd buy PTAC (and I did) before Radical.


I agree. The Freedom line is probably more comparable to S&W's nitrided offerings. Even then, there's a good chance you are getting better barrel steel and twist rates with the Freedom.


Does PSA offer 5R rifled 1:8 4150CMV nitride middie 16" barrels?  S&W does on some of its models.


PSA offers CHF FN barrels. Even in the freedom line you can get nitrided hammer forged barrels. BTW, what are the specs on S&W's bolts, carriers, etc?
9/20/2016 10:41:15 PM EDT
[#35]
I have a few low-end parts from Anderson Manufacturing and DS Arms that I have been very impressed with given the price.
9/21/2016 2:37:58 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Quoted:
whoa whoa.....  Aero is NOT shit.. Aero is way better than PSA
 
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks for the feedback so far. Lots of PSA talk, but I am trying to get a list of solid alternatives. Looks like Aero is pretty much unanimous with Radical definitely out. Anyone else have any good recommendations?
whoa whoa.....  Aero is NOT shit.. Aero is way better than PSA
 


I was saying it is unanimous Aero is good.
9/21/2016 4:27:59 PM EDT
[#37]
FWIW, I've been looking at the products from CBC Industries. No purchases yet to comment on.
9/21/2016 4:36:56 PM EDT
[#38]
Dunno what you are wanting for uppers, if complete Primary Arms has a few different complete PSA uppers in stock.

If you want stripped, they have stripped A3 Andersons.  Just ordered my third stripped Anderson upper over my noon hour from them (well my third total, second one from them)
9/21/2016 5:35:57 PM EDT
[#39]
Seriously, I have beat my DSA upper half to death. Maybe cleaned it twice in about 700 rounds. I gave $360 complete for it. I have more than got my use outta it. Its not sub moa or anything, but at 100 yrds I can easily put an entire mag in a pie tin fairly rapid every time. Good enough for what I want it for. My buddy shoots Aero, he likes his alot. Quality seems comparable. I have nicer ARs, but this one is all around fun. And dependable. DTI has some offerings also, although I have no experience with them. Good luck.
9/21/2016 5:58:56 PM EDT
[#40]
Besides the PSA Freedom and Premium line of uppers and lowers, you also have comparable offerings from Del-Ton, DS ARMS, S&W, AERO PRECISION, and even the late offerings from Anderson Manufacturing. The newer DPMS and Bushmaster ARs may be comparable. There seems to be several that are satisfied with them, especially considering the price point. For the individuals with a small budget ($500-$700), these are a good representation of what is available. Of course, with a higher budget, you generally get offerings of better quality, but not true in all cases. The PSA Premium line is evidence of that. Fantastic price and very good quality.
9/21/2016 6:02:27 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Quoted:
Seriously, I have beat my DSA upper half to death. Maybe cleaned it twice in about 700 rounds. I gave $360 complete for it. I have more than got my use outta it. Its not sub moa or anything, but at 100 yrds I can easily put an entire mag in a pie tin fairly rapid every time. Good enough for what I want it for. My buddy shoots Aero, he likes his alot. Quality seems comparable. I have nicer ARs, but this one is all around fun. And dependable. DTI has some offerings also, although I have no experience with them. Good luck.
View Quote



I have built a few ARs with DSA uppers and lowers. I have been very impressed with them. Not everyone knows that they do ARs. Their prices are really good too. I still get e-mail notifications from them about sales that are going on. That brings up another thing. I would highly advise going on PSA's website and register for e-mail notifications. Same for Primary Arms and DS ARMS. Often times, the first ones to know of these sales are the first ones able to get product before it sells out or before the sale is off.
9/21/2016 6:41:35 PM EDT
[#42]
I honestly don't think PSA premium has any competition if you buy during holiday sales. The prices are really just stupid low for what you're getting. I would have zero problems using DSA CMMG etc but they are higher in price when I look than PSA.

If anyone can point me to equal quality uppers from those makers at a similar price I'll pick one up.
9/21/2016 7:01:52 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Quoted:


IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:


IMO these are not to the same quality of the better psa stuff.

9/21/2016 9:14:34 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Quoted:


PSA is the first to have true M4 clones made for us in main stream production, and at a affordable price. I have become a colt fan over the years. However if PSA premium is my second choice.

Years ago so many here begged for an all in spec M4 clone. Others for some unknown reason they gave 1\8 twist and or no chrome lining or no M4 feed ramps.  Always cutting it short. PSA gave it all to us and at a great price. They have put out a outstanding and reliable M4 clone and for this I give them the respect they have earned and deserve. I still have my PSA factory built premium M4  that I bought years ago when money was tight and Colt was priced out of reach at the time. It has never malfunctioned to date. I would not hesitate to trust it to defend my life.

I have no experience with any of their other stuff.

Remember one thing PSA brought top quality M4 Clones to the masses at an unbeatable price.

If this sounds like advertising for them, it is Free and Unsolicited by word of mouth by a happy customer.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Does PSA actually make a anything, or are they merely a vendor of parts, assemblies and complete rifles made by others, sometimes, if not often, of unidentified origin?


PSA is the first to have true M4 clones made for us in main stream production, and at a affordable price. I have become a colt fan over the years. However if PSA premium is my second choice.

Years ago so many here begged for an all in spec M4 clone. Others for some unknown reason they gave 1\8 twist and or no chrome lining or no M4 feed ramps.  Always cutting it short. PSA gave it all to us and at a great price. They have put out a outstanding and reliable M4 clone and for this I give them the respect they have earned and deserve. I still have my PSA factory built premium M4  that I bought years ago when money was tight and Colt was priced out of reach at the time. It has never malfunctioned to date. I would not hesitate to trust it to defend my life.

I have no experience with any of their other stuff.

Remember one thing PSA brought top quality M4 Clones to the masses at an unbeatable price.

If this sounds like advertising for them, it is Free and Unsolicited by word of mouth by a happy customer.


Pretty well summed up. I built my wife a ''Premium'' several years ago--- it is GTG. I am an LMT man myself--- she has a quality rifle also.
AR Sponsor