Finished Build / Big Thumbs Up To Palmetto State Armory (PSA)

[Jackal]

Well, after waiting over a month for my complete (less BCG) upper, I finally put my latest AR together. I nabbed the mid length upper for $399, including the pencil .625 16" FN chrome lined, MPI/HPT 1/7" barrel and the fancy free float tube. I assembled the stripped PSA lower ($30, after selling my LGS the 10 Pmags that came with it on sale). Slapped in a PSA LPK, did a trigger job with stones/JP springs (3lbs) and installed an Aimpoint Pro ($360 on sale at PSA) along with a set of cheap ARMS BUIS. Snagged a MilSpec chromed/phosphate HPT/MPI M16 158 BCG ($140) and I was in business after installing the BCM Gunfighter CH ($45). Lubed up and blasted off 200rds of "cheap" :banghead:ammo before getting into accuracy attempts. Zero malfunction or issue. Here's the accuracy at 50 yards. I think MOA is quite good for a pencil, chrome lined barrel firing 50gr Federal AE hollow points. I tested at 50 yards due to the dot size, laying prone with a 20rd Pmag. A 1moa dot at 50 is a lot easier than a 2moa dot at 100. Group was a 4 shot, due to the fact that thats all I had on hand of my coyote load.

TLDR: So, for $975 including quality optics, I got a MilSpec or better carbine that will shoot 1moa with a red dot sight and cheap ammo. Rifle weighs 7.4lbs empty as setup, with Aimpoint and BUIS. I have to give a nod to PSA for delivering awesome prices and an excellent product. It was worth the wait. Makes me wonder how DPMS/Bushmaster/Delton/Doublestar/Stag/RRA/ETC,ETC,ETC, stay in business when options like these are available.

 

[chicharrones]

That's a fine looking mid-length carbine. Well done.

 

[Quentin]

... I have to give a nod to PSA for delivering awesome prices and an excellent product. It was worth the wait. Makes me wonder how DPMS/Bushmaster/Delton/Doublestar/Stag/RRA/ETC,ETC,ETC, stay in business when options like these are available.

I agree, when PSA has a sale you'd better jump on it! Last year I put together a basic PSA midlength for about $700, including BCM BCG, MBUS rear sight, sling and PMAGs. It took patience but I got exactly what I wanted for the cost of a Carbon 15 or DPMS. And of course PSA does sell complete rifles for those who'd rather not do a "build".

Some of the companies you mentioned stay in business by getting cheap product out to gun shops. Impulse buyers who choose an AR off the rack far outnumber buyers who do their research and know what they want.

BTW, nice build, Jackal!

 

[stanger04]

I think rack buyers help the builders as so much gets turned out so fast, you get over stock and blems. Then the builders get to reap the benefits.

 

[gotigers]

I like PSA pricing and quality. Shipping has been terrible over the last year or so, but recently has got much better. I am getting my packages within days now vs the 6 weeks it was taking.

 

[Jackal]

Ya. If a person is the type requiring instant gratification, PSA may not be for them. Still better than the CMP though

 

[henschman]

Sweet rifle. Love the pencil barrels. I see no reason to get complete uppers anywhere but PSA. I used them for the last 3 ARs I've put together, and I am very satisfied.

 

[Tim the student]

I have a PSA kit gun I'm very happy with.

 

[horsemen61]

Nice build

 

[Fishbed77]

Makes me wonder how DPMS/Bushmaster/Delton/Doublestar/Stag/RRA/ETC,ETC,ETC, stay in business when options like these are available.

I often wonder the same thing.
The only answer I can come up with is that folks that buy those guns are just ignorant that better options are out there.

Also, how do you like the SQR/Parallax rail? Does it feel relatively light and balanced, or does it put a lot of weight toward the front of the rifle? I've considered it for an 18" SPR-ish rifle I have in mind.

 

[Jackal]

Also, how do you like the SQR/Parallax rail? Does it feel relatively light and balanced, or does it put a lot of weight toward the front of the rifle? I've considered it for an 18" SPR-ish rifle I have in mind.

I like it. Its very solid and with the pencil barrel, the rifle balances at the mag well (with full mag). I really like the fact that this rail has the gripping surface on the bottom, as I find I never mount anything there anyway (I hate vertical foregrips). Its also very thin for a free float rail, making the entire rig feel more nimble. I'd buy another one.