AR Build Question

[tacstar]

I have a Bushmaster lower & I'm looking for an affordable complete upper. I stumbled across DSA Inc.'s website. They have some reasonably priced uppers,I was wondering if anybody was familiar with their products & their quality.

I was considering ordering this upper: http://www.dsarms.com/DSA-ZM4-A3-Up...--M4---ZM4CBUM4PARK/productinfo/ZM4CBUM4PARK/

While doing research I also came across a Youtube video of a $500.00 AR build that recommended these uppers: http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/black-friday-upper-sale.html

I was also wondering if anybody had any input regarding PRI Gas Buster Charging Handles.

 

[MachIVshooter]

DSA makes good stuff, but you're gonna wait for it. About 3 months at the moment. I'm still waiting on an upper I ordered Oct. 15th.

Do remember that their uppers are sold less bolt carrier group and charging handle as well. If you order from them, go ahead with their charging handle (Regular, NP3 coated or steel), but get an M16 bolt carrier group elsewhere.

Any way you slice it, you'll be into your upper for at least $400 with shipping, from DSA or pretty much anywhere else.

You can build an AR pretty cheap, but don't cheap out in the wrong places. Go chromoly or chrome lined on the barrel, get an M16 bolt, use a decent forged lower. Some guys have had good luck with the polymer stuff, but I wouldn't use one if it were free.

Obviously you've found Palmetto, and it's impossible to beat their cost/quality on lower parts kits. I've built 2 with the MOE LPK, which were on sale for $50 last month. The rest of their stuff is pretty good, too.

As an aside, DSA's mid length uppers aren't much more ($250, or $265 for chromoly barrel). If you like the carbine look, then go for the CBUM4. Personally, I find the mid length more aesthetically appealing, and they also shoot softer. Used to be middy accessories were few and far between, but the last couple years, mid length has become very popular (for good reason). There's nothing you can't get for them now. IMO, carbine length gas systems are for barrels between 10"-15"; 16"-18" is best suited to mid length.

Here's a picture to help illustrate (Pistol length system is not represented, but would be used on barrels under 10"):