PSA vs. S&W M&P15, resale, and Desert Tan

[silicosys4]

S&W over PSA alllll day long

I disagree.
For the approximate same cost as a bare bones Sport, I just put together a gun with a PSA upper that for $300 included a quality railed handguard, a premium FN barrel with chrome lined bore and chamber and 1:7 twist, and threw in a BCM BCG, on an Anderson lower with Spikes enhanced LPK.
All for about $550 total.
Care to explain how the sport is a better buy than building with PSA items, especially their premium uppers which go on sale periodically?

 

[scallop]

Building it yourself is infinatly more satisfying than opening a box. I just completed my first and can't believe I waited so long to do it. Bought three Anderson stripped lowers at the LGS for $40.00 ea so I have two more to work on. Just have to decide which way to go with them. Thinking maybe a pistol and a 6.8......

I can see the building becoming quite addicting.

 

[Doogledog]

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but honestly I really don't have a dog in the fight. I've owned and used PSA parts and wasn't that happy with them. I've never owned a S&W sport but I do own several other S&W products that I am happy with. However, I was in a class in May and out of all of the rifles there the only one that quit working was a S&W sport. I also know that PSA has some different classifications or tiers of their quality and from what I've seen, if you get the mid to upper tier of their quality, I believe you'll get a better rifle than the S&W.
And, if you're buying an AR thinking of re-selling it, plan on loosing. ARs are at an all time low. Buy an AR because you want one and don't worry about getting your money back. If you are worried about getting your money back out of it, don't buy one.

 

[Caseless]

PSA branded complete upper has different price levels and build specs. From the most $ to the least $.
1) FN CHF SS barrelled uppers
2) FN CHF barrelled uppers
3) FN standard mil-spec chrome-lined barrelled uppers
4) Freedom/PTAC barrelled uppers

Most knowledgeable users look at barrel first, bolt carrier group second, the other components last.

S&W only offers entry level ARs, but the slick side upper works better for south-paws using ambi-charging handles.

 

[Warp]

I disagree.
For the approximate same cost as a bare bones Sport, I just put together a gun with a PSA upper that for $300 included a quality railed handguard, a premium FN barrel with chrome lined bore and chamber and 1:7 twist, and threw in a BCM BCG, on an Anderson lower with Spikes enhanced LPK.
All for about $550 total.
Care to explain how the sport is a better buy than building with PSA items, especially their premium uppers which go on sale periodically?

Well I'd much rather than M&P than the Sport, but PSA's problems have always been quality control, consistency, customer service, and shipping speed (they often seem to sell items they haven't bought yet)

 

[Just Us]

Have never heard, read, or seen a QC issue with PSA in the past few years (other than one incident with a dissy model).

CS and slow shipping have indeed been a problem, but the rifle I just ordered (over Labor Day) was in my hands in 4 days. Took it to the range today and it ran flawlessly, brass and steel.

Many others have been reporting excellent CS and quick shipping latley. No company is perfect, and they seem to be headed in the right direction. Price vs. quality, they can't be outdone, IMO.

 

[M1key]

I own most of the big names, so I thought I'd see for myself just what the entry level PTAC is all about and ordered one. I might try to give a reasonable write up (time and weather permitting) or at least my impression. I'm not afraid...or proud.

M

 

[scallop]

I bought the freedom stainless barreled upper, took less than a week to receive and I am very happy with the looks and fit/finish. Only about 100 rounds through it at 25 yds so I can't say anything about the accuracy yet. Function is flawless and for $199.00 to my door I am quite pleased.

 

[Fishbed77]

Care to explain how the sport is a better buy than building with PSA items, especially their premium uppers which go on sale periodically?

It's not, unless you just don't to build your own AR or really want that S&W rollmark.

 

[Rodman579]

PSA is good stuff. if you call an ask they will tell you what part codes stand for FN production. I have built a ton of ARs and have owned a ton of factory ARs. I also shoot them a lot and the PSA are great guns. I just built a 6.8 and a 300aac yesterday. hoping to get time to sight them in this weekend. hoping the 6.8 will be my new hunting rifle.