AR-15 Complete PSA or CMMG Upper?

[Mr. Farknocker]

I'm planning my first build and now have my eyes on a complete 16" Government Profile hammer forged barrel. My initial thoughts were to purchase one from CMMG but it looks like Palmetto State Armory sell the same, if not similar, profile and for less.

Can anyone recommend which is the better buy and why? Are they virtually the same or substantially different?

PSA's description of its upper does not include the M4 feed ramps like CMMG does but I'm not to concerned about this feature.

CMMG Complete Upper: http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/item/16-Mid-Length-Government-Profile-Upper-981

PSA Complete Upper: http://palmettostatearmory.com/8956.php

 

[Robert]

Honestly. 6 one way, half dozen the other.

I'm not a fan of chrome lining. The double lining would be handy if it were a M249 or ITAR or going on a FA lower. But it is not needed. Some even claim that chrome lining is less accurate. But I have not done any testing to see how true that is. So if the PSA is cheaper get that one. They have a good rep and people seem to really like them. CMMG is good too.

 

[LiquidTension]

The PSAs are getting excellent reviews. Especially for the price you can't go wrong. I believe that all of PSA's uppers have the M4 ramps.

 

[justice06rr]

For the price, go with PSA with the 12-inch Diamond rail.

 

[Buck Kramer]

I just ordered a PSA dissipator upper, nothing against CMMG, just wanted to match my lower and mock dissipators are getting harder to find.

 

[justice06rr]

the PSA also states M4 feed ramps from the link. look at the bottom of the page.

Specifications:

Barrel length 16"
Hammer Forged Barrel
Machine Gun Steel
5.56 Nato Chamber
1 in 7" twist
Double-thick Chrome-lined bore
High pressure tested bolt
Magnetic particle inspected
A2 profile
M4 feedramps
Forged upper
T-marks
Full auto bolt carrier
Carpenter 158 Bolt
High pressure tested bolt
Magnetic particle inspected bolt

 

[holdencm9]

Yeah my PSA has the M4 feedramps so you are good to go.

 

[LeonCarr]

PSA

 

[Unistat]

I just got a PSA lower for $50 and was planning on building a Franken-gun, but I find myself considering more and more just going all PSA.

 

[Hacker15E]

PSA by a big margin.

 

[Frankl03]

PSA Mid-length with the Hammer forged barrel (made by FN). I plan to get the rifle kit that includes this upper soon.

 

[Fishbed77]

My vote goes to PSA as well.

 

[GA400]

Vote for PSA

While I certainly won't claim to be an AR15 expert, I picked up the $599 special complete gun and I am very happy with it. I have run a variety of ammo through it with zero malfunction and it is very accurate, far more accurate than I am. I have had it completely broken down for cleaning and was very impressed with the quality, no sharp edges or overly tight or sloppy fits, at least in my gun. I also visited their storefront on my last trip through Columbia, SC, after I bought the gun. I picked up some ammo and magazines and talked a bit. The folks at the counter that I spoke to were very friendly and knowledgeable.

 

[henschman]

PSA is at least as good for less money, so I would go that way.

I was also thinking of going with CMMG for a 20" gov't profile upper, but then PSA started selling one for $200 cheaper... easy decision there.

 

[St.Zu]

I have a PSA 16" hf chrome lined mid length upper on top of a DPMS lower and it performs great. I have about 1k rounds through it with 930 rounds of that being steel cased ammo. I have one ftf in the whole batch due to a dead round. If the rifle had not shot steel case I would have sold it the next day. I am a firm believer that if my rifles will not shoot any ammo reliably that I can get my hands on it is a crappy gun. Fit and finish of my PSA upper is top notch. My next AR will be all PSA build. They have great sales on top of their already low prices and you can build a complete rifle @~ 500.00 that compares with a much more expensive rifle.
Rich

 

[benzy2]

What have people been seeing for accuracy from psa? They sound like they have their ducks in a row but I shoot paper or steel all but exclusively with the AR so accuracy ranks a little higher for me than absolute reliability. Anyone shot quality ammo through one on a bench?

 

[LiquidTension]

I've put five rounds touching at 50 yards but that was from their 18" stainless barrel in 6.8 which is actually a Wilson. Accuracy for the hammer forged barrels should be the same as barrels from BCM and Noveske since they all come from the same place. Though Noveske does also get some barrels from DD.