Psa 308 kit
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coloradokevin
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In the realm of .308 AR platform rifles there really is no such animal as a "regular" lower. That's the crux of the issue with the large platform AR rifles: there isn't a single standard.
I can't claim I'm the foremost expert on the large platform system(s), but you essentially have "Armalite" pattern lowers, "DPMS" pattern lowers, and "DPMS Gen 2" lowers as your three biggest standards (or at least I think those are the three biggest). There are quite a few other named patterns I've seen listed, but I believe many of those conform to one of the three styles I mentioned (or perhaps not?).
I've been wanting to build a 6.5 Creedmoor AR-15 for a while now. I even have one lower on hand, and I can't even be positive which pattern it's supposed to be (I'm sure I could figure that out, but I haven't gotten around to it just yet). Your best bet on this one might be to call PSA directly to see what they can tell you about the fitment of their kit.
I can't claim I'm the foremost expert on the large platform system(s), but you essentially have "Armalite" pattern lowers, "DPMS" pattern lowers, and "DPMS Gen 2" lowers as your three biggest standards (or at least I think those are the three biggest). There are quite a few other named patterns I've seen listed, but I believe many of those conform to one of the three styles I mentioned (or perhaps not?).
I've been wanting to build a 6.5 Creedmoor AR-15 for a while now. I even have one lower on hand, and I can't even be positive which pattern it's supposed to be (I'm sure I could figure that out, but I haven't gotten around to it just yet). Your best bet on this one might be to call PSA directly to see what they can tell you about the fitment of their kit.
https://www.bayoushooter.com/forums/showthread.php?179694-Building-an-AR-in-6-5-Creedmoor
There is some info in here that might help. I didn't want to steal any pictures from them.
PSA recommends using their components, for obvious reasons. However, they should be DPMS style and work with those style parts.
There is some info in here that might help. I didn't want to steal any pictures from them.
PSA recommends using their components, for obvious reasons. However, they should be DPMS style and work with those style parts.
PSA is DPMS pattern. AR308s are not really that confusing. Pick a pattern and stick with it. Make sure your parts are for that pattern and you are good to go. DPMS has a bit more aftermarket support but Armalite is fairly well supported as well. There is really no advantage of one or the other.
rbernie
Contributing Member
In fairness, DPMS or Armalite compatibility refers more to the magazine compatibility and rough shape of receivers (and barrel nuts) than anything else. DPMS, for example, has made both high tang and low tang receiver variants, and different manufacturers who claim DPMS compatibility might either be high or low tang compatible. You can mix and match between manufacturers of receivers if you know specifically what variant you're building, but it is generally true that it is easiest to simply buy the upper and the lower receivers from the same manufacturer and therefore be guaranteed that they are compatible with each other.
Once you get past the receivers, into the broader set of parts needed to complete the rifle, things get a lot more simple.
Once you get past the receivers, into the broader set of parts needed to complete the rifle, things get a lot more simple.
Yup. DPMS now has a high and low rail variant just to add to the confusion.
Dpms style lowers are fine with psa. I have 80% generic lower on psa upper, fits fine. Also have older dpms lower that fits my psa uppers good also. Hard to beat the psa lowers at. $179. They come with the polished trigger group which is quite good for a single stage trigger.
joseywales76
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The psa pa10 has some parts that are not dpms pattern on the lowers. I think the uppers will swap and work though.
Because the lower has to go thru a FLL which increases the cost. The cheapest charge to receive a firearm around here is $30, plus having to go there, and pick it up when they are available versus when I am available.
I picked up an Anderson lower yesterday for $39 at the lgs. I will put building this and building the 5.56 kit I ordered instead. Thank you for all the information.
I picked up an Anderson lower yesterday for $39 at the lgs. I will put building this and building the 5.56 kit I ordered instead. Thank you for all the information.
GunnyUSMC
Member
If the Anderson lower is a DPMS pattern, some of your PAS lower parts will not fit. You will need a different fear take down pin and a different bolt stop. I cant remember if there are any other parts that are different.
DerMerchant
Member
I used all PSA parts on mine, shoots one MOA but I had a few issues, will post a few quotes from my review.
"the interior threads where the receiver extension threads in were being marred. This was due to the receiver extension being too deep, allowing the bolt carrier to travel too far back and strike the threads."
"The second issue occurred (A few minutes ago) when I was reinstalling the buffer and spring. While sliding the buffer spring into the receiver extension, the buffer detent popped out. This was due to the small piece of the receiver extension that retained the detent chipping off."
"The lower shipped with an H buffer, for comparison I run an H2 buffer in my mid length 5.56 carbine, and a spring shorter than an AR-15 rifle spring."
"the interior threads where the receiver extension threads in were being marred. This was due to the receiver extension being too deep, allowing the bolt carrier to travel too far back and strike the threads."
"The second issue occurred (A few minutes ago) when I was reinstalling the buffer and spring. While sliding the buffer spring into the receiver extension, the buffer detent popped out. This was due to the small piece of the receiver extension that retained the detent chipping off."
"The lower shipped with an H buffer, for comparison I run an H2 buffer in my mid length 5.56 carbine, and a spring shorter than an AR-15 rifle spring."
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Dht808
Member
I would stick with the PSA PA10 gen2 lower. The dimensions and machining done to the lower and upper are meant for each other. Save yourself the headache and wasted time experimenting with mismatching brand parts. AR10 style rifles doesn't have the interchangable abilities like the AR15. The PSA has limited parts that can be used outside from their brand. You can change the barrel, handguard, BCG, trigger, and buffer system. But be sure to do your research when it comes to your buffer system.
Like it has been said above, the PSA PA10 complete lower is still cheap IMO.
As a side note: There is somebody on youtube who took the psa lower and tested a few different uppers on it and some ran fine with no problems.
I went with the PSA PA10 gen2 complete upper and complete lower. Installed a BSF barrel and SLR handguard after.
Like it has been said above, the PSA PA10 complete lower is still cheap IMO.
As a side note: There is somebody on youtube who took the psa lower and tested a few different uppers on it and some ran fine with no problems.
I went with the PSA PA10 gen2 complete upper and complete lower. Installed a BSF barrel and SLR handguard after.
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