help me choose my upper

[hokiemojo]

I'm trying to choose between the following options. These aren't just random choices. Here they are, along with my thoughts, so I'd love to hear your thoughts. In cases where the upper doesn't include a BCG/charging handle, I'll add this for $100 so my pricing below accounts for that.

https://sunnystateoutdoors.com/coll...rrier-group-charging-handle-7075-5-56-223-mpi

$320
http://palmettostatearmory.com/ptac-16-m4-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-upper-without-bcg-or-ch-39236.html
This one really basic. It seems like a safe choice, but nothing that excites me over just buying an MP15.

$300
https://22mods4all.com/en/ar-15/173-16-ar15-carbine-556-18-twist-10-keymod-slim-free-float-rail.html
I like this because is has a 1:8 twist (which seems like an ideal compromise twist), it has a nitride BCG, and it has a free float rail. it also comes with a lifetime warranty.

$310
https://22mods4all.com/en/barreled-...inless-steel-16-556mm-ar15-m4-handguard-.html
This one has a stainless barrel. I'm not a big fan of the handguard, but it has a low profile block which could be nice for going the optic route.

$350
http://www.wisearms.com/products/16-upper-minus-bcg-charging-handle-with-12-key-mod-free-float-rail
This has a chrome barrel and what i suspect is a nicer rail than the one right above it.

$294
http://www.runnerrunnerguns.com/product_p/556-16-moe-blk-ph-7.htm
My planned build would have magpul stock, so the magpul handguard with a vertical stock is a nice feature. It is also chambered in wylde which my research indicated adds some flexibility.

$430
http://midstatefirearms.com/16-223-Wylde-18-Ar15-Upper-with-F15-Slim-Keymod-Rail-16upperF15.htm
This is probably the nicest option. nitride bcg, 1:7 wylde barrel, free float handguard, and an extended latch handle.


So, i tried to put info together to summarize everything, but one thing I'd love to hear is people's thoughts on the different brands/manufacturers. Any input you can provide would be appreciated!!! Thank you all.

 

[badkarmamib]

I would just say that nitriding offers the longevity of chrome, with the (potential) accuracy of stainless, so I would recommend nitrided. Also, "extended tactical" charging handles usually put more stress on the roll pin. BCM Gunfighter charging handles were designed to fix this problem. I agree 1:8 is ideal for the largest spread of usable bullet weights. So, out of the options given, it would come down to whether or not you want the weight for a free-float handguard. I would go with either the PSA, and put a MagPul handguard on it, or the first 22Mods and do the upgrade to melonite on their page.

 

[kcofohio]

All I know is, don't take much longer to make up your mind. About 2 weeks ago PSA had 1 1/2 page of barrelled uppers. Now less than 1/2 page.

I ordered mine a week ago Sunday, it arrived today. I ordered a 16", 1:8 twist stainless barrel (Freedom barrel, I believe) with the free-float handguard. A day or two after I ordered it, they showed it to be out of stock.

I was hoping to get it out today after putting a rail riser and a red dot on it. No dice. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[md7]

Uppers are kind of like golf clubs. They (clubs) all hit golf balls, but some suit a specific purpose. Knowing your purpose might help narrow down your options in the way calculating distance and accounting for terrain will help you select the most appropriate club. You've got a wide variety in your short list.

For general purpose usage, I like a BCM 16" carbine or mid length upper with FSB. I find there's not a lot that I can't do with those for my area and purpose. It's basic, standard, and serviceable for a lot of different things. Doesn't have to be BCM, that's just my preference. Lots of options out there in these type configurations concerning brands.

For a designated pdw, you may want to consider an sbr assuming you want to go through the steps, added cost, and live in a state where you can have them.

For precision you may want to consider a stainless barrel and free float handguards. Or if you're willing to trade a bit of precision for longevity consider keeping the same setup but go with a standard, non stainless barrel.

Is this going to be going in a squad car? Hard usage? Is it going to be a recreational gun? 3 gun competition? The answers to these may also be helpful to you in settling in on the upper that's best for you.

There's a lot of different setups, and most of them are right. Just depends on if it's right for your particular needs or wants.

Good luck researching your options, and I hope you are well served by your choice!

 

[M1key]

edit

 

[hokiemojo]

well, i was kind of hoping you guys would pick one for me. lol. Thank you for all the input. Part of my problem is that I don't really know what I want it for.

I mostly wanted to have the chance to assemble a stripped lower from parts and i need an upper to go with it. I guess if I were to prioritize things, I'd say these are them (in order):

-High reliability
-Low cost (if you can't already see that)
-Probably just range use with low/moderate round count over it's life
-Ability to mod it in the future.

Thanks again all!

 

[kcofohio]

hokiemojo, I've not seen much bad wrote up about Palmetto State Armory. And they usually have affordable prices. I have a Daytona Tactical upper. Not much write about them. Mine only has a few hundred through it. No problems with it yet. It was affordable and I chose it to test the AR waters.

I think most of them are upgradable.