Palmetto State Armory 10.5'' AR Upper Review

[plouffedaddy]

Well, after over 6 months of waiting, I've gotten to run my 10.5'' PSA upper on a real AR lower to see how it runs. I had been running it for a bit using a pistol lower but we all know that's no where near as much fun!

So far, I've got nothing but good things to say about this upper. It's run great, been accurate, reliable, ect... Running it with the Troy Claymore seems to really help negate the concussion typically found on SBRs, although that's probably not the case for anyone downrange from the shooter but who cares about them?!

Here's a quick synopsis of the upper, barrel, and BCG (the heart and soul of the AR if you will....).

Pros/features:

-Hammer Forged Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel
-Extra-thick Chrome-lined bore (whatever that means....)
-5.56 NATO Chamber
-1 in 7" twist rate
-Forged upper
-Heavy profile BCG (more on this below)
-Milspec Carpenter No. 158® steel bolt
-Shot Peened Bolt
-Chrome Lined Carrier
-Chrome Lined Gas Key
-Gas Key Hardened to USGI Specifications
-Gas Key Grade 8 Hardened Fasteners
-Gas Key Staked Per Mil-Spec
-Tool Steel Extractor
-Extractor Spring
-Black Extractor Insert
-Cost ($369 withouth BCG, currently. $329 when I bought it)
-It balances very well, even with the YHM Diamond Series Rail
-0 malfunctions thus far

Cons:

-It's not free, unfortunately....
-Having to wait for your stamp to come back in order to run it on a rifle lower (not a product per se of the upper, just all sub 16'' OAL uppers in general)
-Velocity loss from a shorter barrel

I really like this upper and may actually get another for the next SBR project I'm thinking of building. Here's a video of me running it a bit, shooting at some steel, a quick tabletop review, and some chronograph testing:

PSA 10.5'' Upper Review Video Link

Chronograph Data:
Hornady 223 75gr TAP: 2157fps, 775ft/lbs energy
Silver Bear 62gr HP: 2403fps, 795ft/lbs energy

Mods: Wasn't sure which sub forum to put this in since it's just about the upper...

 

[Hunterdad]

Looks great. I wish you could get a tax stamp in NY. I would have built one a long time ago.

 

[Infidel4life11]

Nice

 

[JustinJ]

Your rifle and review will probably receive more interest in the NFA section.

 

[plouffedaddy]

Your rifle and review will probably receive more interest in the NFA section.

I debated putting it there or in the pistol category as well (used to be a pistol...); kind of an oddity as a product though just being the upper...

Looks great. I wish you could get a tax stamp in NY.

Thanks. Can you have pistol ARs there?

 

[nyc71]

I'm debating if I should invest on this upper or buy a T1. I already own a 7.5" AR pistol.

 

[plouffedaddy]

Tough call there. The T1 is a great optic.