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Posted: 12/28/2014 8:06:19 PM EDT
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Hi all,
Recently got the itch for a black rifle and I'm in the midst of trying to put one together. I've already ordered a PSA complete lower: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2416/category/4282/ The question is which complete upper to order to go along with it? The primary use for this weapon will be home defense and range fun. I have no other real requirements aside from high quality parts which I know PSA tends to be known for. Any help pairing an upper with my lower would be much appreciated! I'm open to other manufacturers too, I have no brand loyalty. I just have seen PSA thrown around constantly on this forum and figured I'd at least start there. |
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Pencil Upper
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/psa-16-chf-pencil-ssk-12-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html BCG / CH http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/palmetto-state-armory-5-56-bolt-carrier-group-with-7075-charging-handle.html |
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The pencil barrel is the same barrel profile as the original M16. The lightweight barrel does heat up faster but it also cools faster.
The best thing about LW barrels is they balance well for off-hand shooting. For someone who shoots in a carbine class or carries a rifle in the field, LW is the way to go. You'll notice a trend towards lighter and lighter rifles for guys who shoot a lot. The PSA barrel is manufactured by FN with extra chrome lining. It will probably outperform its owner in the accuracy department. eta: The BCM ELW barreled upper with KMR rail is becoming one of the most popular uppers on Arfcom, but it costs a bit more than the PSA. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-KeyMod-KMR13-p/bcm-urg-mid-16elwf-kmr13.htm |
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Generally I'm not a fan of pencil barrels, but that PSA is decent due to the hammer forged barrel, it would serve you well.
I built one of these, 14.7" CHF M4A1 for my primary HD/SHTF rifle...the M4A1 barrel is heavier under the handguard and is built to last under heavy use. |
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Quoted:
Thanks everyone for your help! Can any of you recommend a decent set of BUIS? I know that the magpul are popular and seem relatively inexpensive. I'll be pairing those with a red dot of some kind. I'd want both a front and rear BUIS, correct? If you are using a red dot as your primary optic, MagPul sights will serve you adequately. If you purchase a full rail upper, you'll need both front and rear sights. |
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Quoted:
The PSA barrel is manufactured by FN with extra chrome lining. Why is that? Barrel: A proprietary blend of cold hammer forged chrome-moly vanadium made by FN that is referred to as "Machine Gun Steel" by virtue of its required use in FN's M249 and M240 weapons. The hammer forging process hardens the steel, making it more durable. In addition, the chrome process for the bore allows for a lining almost twice as thick as a standard M16 for enhanced durability. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, with a 1/7 twist, M4 barrel extension, and a mid-length gas system. The pencil profile style barrel is high pressure tested, magnetic particle inspected and then phosphate coated to mil-specs. Barrel is finished off with a Midwest Industries SSK 12" free-float keymod rail, low-profile gas block and an A2 flash hider. |
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Due to the fact that the PSA BCG and CH haven't been in stock since this topic was discussed, I'm now looking for alternate options as I have all of the other pieces. Can anyone recommend a BCG and CH from where else that has them in stock? I've located this: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/bcm-bolt-carrier-group-auto-mp.htm
Is there a better price or brand to be had elsewhere? |
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Quoted:
Due to the fact that the PSA BCG and CH haven't been in stock since this topic was discussed, I'm now looking for alternate options as I have all of the other pieces. Can anyone recommend a BCG and CH from where else that has them in stock? I've located this: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/bcm-bolt-carrier-group-auto-mp.htm Is there a better price or brand to be had elsewhere? You can get BCM bolt/carrier groups on the EE for $140-$150 shipped if you are patient. There are lots of them out there because BCM is giving them away with their uppers. Check this forum a couple times a day and you'll get one relatively quickly. The EE is the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to building a rifle. Enjoy! |
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Quoted:
Due to the fact that the PSA BCG and CH haven't been in stock since this topic was discussed, I'm now looking for alternate options as I have all of the other pieces. Can anyone recommend a BCG and CH from where else that has them in stock? I've located this: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-MPI-Auto-M16-p/bcm-bolt-carrier-group-auto-mp.htm Is there a better price or brand to be had elsewhere? I'd check two site sponsors: AIMSurplus and Primary Arms. I've run a AIMSurplus Nitrided BCG without issue, pretty easy to clean too. |
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Quoted:
Just saw that PSA has their premium BCG and a CH combo on sale for $99.00. Pretty good deal. Welcome aboard. PSA is not known for their HIGH quality. If you want HIGH quality then look to Noveske, Larue, Vltor, Etc... Psa is known for quality at reasonable prices. Just not HIGH quality. 
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