Frustrated with Palmetto State Armory

[redneck2]

Assembling an AR upper isn't rocket surgery. Snug the nut down, then turn a little more. It's not a lug nut on a semi tractor.

They have a really wide spec. The 30# minimum really isn't all that tight

Anti seize isn't really intended to be a lubricant although it kinda is. Anti seize is a metal (lead, copper, calcium) suspended in oil carrier. The idea is that if the oil gets cooked out or goes away over time the metal stays behind and separates the two original parts from bonding due to electrolysis or corrosion

As noted, a little heat goes a long way in these situations. I had a flat tire in my jeep. Lug nut was corroded on. The chimp at the tires shop refused to use heat. Destroyed my rim in the process.

So he ends up plugging it rather than a patch. I took it home, added just a little heat with a propane torch, and they spun right off. If you do that with fancy rims, put some type of sleeve (piece of pipe) that just fits owner the nut and shoot the torch inside that. Holds the flame away from the rim and concentrates the area

 

[BSA1]

At this point it looks like I'm going to have to get a new stripped upper and barrel, salvaging what I can off of this PSA POS, to build a replacement upper. That's a pretty significant expense foisted on to a customer simply because PSA can't follow industry best practices (specifically anti-seize grease and proper torque).

I don't mean to quarrel with you but replacing the barrel is what you wrote in Post #1.

You did not respond to my question as to what weather condition the rifle was shot in and what maintenance, if any, has been done to the rifle.

Are there any gun manufacturers that approve of the owner removing the barrel? I suggest not. With as common as lawsuits are in this country why wouldn't gun manufacturers tighten parts such as barrel nut "(apparently) installing the barrel nut with either excessive (waaaaaay outside recommended) torque; using adhesive (which is not standard); or failing to use anti-seize grease on the barrel nut..."?

You obviously don't agree but with as expensive and time consuming it is to defend against lawsuits they can hardly be blamed for using methods that make it difficult for the owner to alter their firearm. In fact Tirod pointed out in Post #4 that this is a common industry practice.

Since you are not receptive to my suggestion to have a true gunsmith with the right tools tackle the job I also have had success loosening frozen nuts and screws by applying some heat which had been suggested before I made my post. (Old blackpowder guns can be really "fun" to disassemble).

 

[SSN Vet]

I wonder if they're using thread locker to avoid galling the aluminum threads.

 

[d2wing]

Good luck. I have had mixed results with PSA, a Good upper but other parts badly out of spec and I got a response to an email but no service at all. Much better luck in Del-Ton from Midway. Better parts and great service.

 

[Dill]

I took apart a Freedom 16" upper about a month ago that was less than a year old. I must have had a Wednesday upper because it came apart easily and seemed to be assembled to spec.

 

[pwillie]

PSA fixed my 9mm upper and sent it back with no charge...they did a good job...

 

[larryh1108]

I ordered a complete .308 upper on Tuesday and received a shipping notice on Friday.
I expected a 2 week wait so I was surprised and happy.

 

[cdb1]

I've been reading posts on different forums about Palmetto State for a number of years. The gist of what I've read is they have very good pricing, good quality and very slow shipping as a rule. And of course there are exceptions.