PDA

View Full Version : Got the AR Itch



Ronni3_J
04-05-2016, 01:03 AM
Been looking into building my own AR and ended up on PSA (Palmetto State Armory). Since it's my first one I was thinking of going with an assembled upper and lower. That will keep it simple for me for now. As I get familiar with them I may end up doing it again but more in depth. Anyway, have any of you used parts from PSA? Thoughts, experiences, etc?

Thanks,
Ronnie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

hardluk1
04-05-2016, 07:01 AM
I have not used anything from PSA but folksseem to be pleased with them be it there better parts are more basic kits and they tend to do alright . A shooting buddy has one of there mid level ar kits and it shoots fine . Take it out and run some rounds thru your , just start with good ammo .

I built my first AR a couple years ago using parts from 6 different brand names I know to be quality products and then built a shorty for my wife .

Scarywoody
04-05-2016, 07:06 AM
The PSA kits are of good quality. The lower end doesn't have chrome lined barrels. Finish can be a bit iffy. But they all shoot well.

Redstate
04-05-2016, 09:32 AM
I have a PSA that I put together, if you could call it that. I first purchased the complete "blemished lower" (only $139.00 with free shipping plus $15.00 for my FFL). I waited for another good sale, and got the Freedom mid-lenght upper melonite for $200 with free shipping. At the same time, I ordered the premium BCG and the charging handle on sale for a total of around $100.00 shipped. Total price was about $455.00.

I have about 450 rounds through it right now, and it has never malfunctioned. I have yet to clean it since the first time. I am using this one as my competiton rifle in defensive carbine matches. Its getting a good workout. Runs like a champ. This isn't even the PSA Premium line.

SlowBurn
04-05-2016, 10:31 AM
Saw what I think is a scary good deal from Rural King.

Bushmaster QRC with Red Dot Optic
On special at $556.81. But they also have a rebate of 12% for any purchase between 4/3 and 4/16.
So net cost after rebate would be $490 (plus $10 flat rate shipping)
http://www.rkguns.com/bushmaster-qrc-quick-response-carbine-223-5-56-w-red-dot-optic-91046.html

Note - the rebate is in the form of a card for store credit, but I can always find something I want to spend money on at Rural King.

Redstate
04-05-2016, 10:47 AM
That is a great deal, SlowBurn.

Sonicx
04-05-2016, 11:04 AM
I'll second what red state said. I've used psa for ar15 parts. Sign up for their email blasts they have some crazy deals beyond ar parts. The only stuff I've hear anything not positive with is with the ar10s. What's the aim for the ar? Because you'll notice a difference immediately if you ever shoot different ar15. Some are set up differently than others as well as going for lesser known brand equals... You get what you pay for. But again, psa makes some good ar15 parts at a budgeted price.

Armybrat
04-05-2016, 02:07 PM
The AR itch is as bad as the Colt SAA & 1911 disease, not to mention the Kahr "accumulation" habit.

OldFatGuy
04-05-2016, 02:58 PM
I got this kit and an Anderson lower from my LGS for $50. Assembly of the lower is child's play. The upper was completed at the factory. I'm not an expert, this is my first and last AR, but I love it. Had it to the range only twice, 90 rounds each, not a problem. Got BUIS, lousy red dot, and an ok scope, carrying case, safe, blah blah blah. Got the kit for $379. All said and done, $1000.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-8-stainless-steel-freedom-rifle-kit.html

gb6491
04-05-2016, 03:08 PM
I have a PSA upper (plus bolt and charging handle) and butt stock (plus tube, spring and buffer) on a Quentin Defense lower. I haven't had a single issue with this combo, but the PSA upper does have one small area where some machine marks are less than perfect (see top left of the third photo just above the palmetto logo).
http://i66.tinypic.com/10577v6.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/2eclume.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/6sxate.jpg
I'm pretty happy with this rifle and would buy from both companies again.
Regards,
Greg

jeepster09
04-05-2016, 04:42 PM
I also have a PSA and am happy with it.

CJB
04-05-2016, 05:31 PM
The only PSA parts I've gotten were bolt/bolt carriers, which were stated as being made out of the correct steel (named the type, but memory fails me), right hardness (again memory fails me) and magnetic particle inspected, with chrome lined cylinder in the bolt carrier and center of the bolt.

I got two of those, very happy with each, virtually identical with the several Colt bolt/carrier combinations I've got, except for the C before the MP.

Assembling the upper, and lower are easy really. The upper needs a tool (cheep) to complete, and a vice to hold things, but other than that, you're pretty much smooth sailing.

Uppers of preference are Noveske, with Noveske barrels. Just about any lower will do, with a Giselle trigger. I tend to use a slightly heavier buffer than the barrel/port-diameter/recoil-spring call for. Usually the next heaviest one, which function fine but slow the action down just a tad.

Ronni3_J
04-05-2016, 05:46 PM
Thanks for all the replies . I just ordered a complete upper that was a part of their daily deal. It was $100 off. Ugh now I need my lower.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ronni3_J
04-05-2016, 10:58 PM
I have a PSA upper (plus bolt and charging handle) and butt stock (plus tube, spring and buffer) on a Quentin Defense lower. I haven't had a single issue with this combo, but the PSA upper does have one small area where some machine marks are less than perfect (see top left of the third photo just above the palmetto logo).
http://i66.tinypic.com/10577v6.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/2eclume.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/6sxate.jpg
I'm pretty happy with this rifle and would buy from both companies again.
Regards,
Greg

My buddy that's also my FFL recommended Quentin Defense. He uses them often

Ronni3_J
04-06-2016, 09:18 AM
Last night I got the majority of parts ordered. The only thing I need now are sights, a sling, and a bag. I'll get some photos of it when I get all the parts.


Any sight recommendations?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OldFatGuy
04-06-2016, 09:29 AM
I got one of these, I like it. Seems sturdy for a fabric bag.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NcStar-VISM-26-Discreet-Padded-Carbine-Rifle-Gun-Case-BLACK-CV3DIS2947B-/201548452591

Ronni3_J
04-06-2016, 09:38 AM
Wow that looks pretty nice. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Armybrat
04-06-2016, 07:01 PM
Magpul has some decent backup sights:

https://www.magpul.com/products/mbus-sights

Ronni3_J
04-14-2016, 11:57 PM
Got my upper and magazines yesterday. My FFL got the lower today. Hopefully I'll get to shouting this thing soon


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Skybull
04-15-2016, 09:17 AM
Daniel Defense makes high quality fixed sights. Out of stock now but around $120 for the front and rear sight at Palmetto.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/daniel-defense-fixed-front-rear-sight-combo-19-088-09116.html

Ronni3_J
04-19-2016, 12:14 AM
Here is where I am so far. I want to switch up to a single mount sling right before the stock. At some point I wouldnt mind a set of railed hand guards but all in all im happy with my purchase


http://jdlautodesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PSA-AR15_2.jpg

http://jdlautodesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PSA-AR15.jpg

b4uqzme
04-19-2016, 06:36 AM
^^^ That's cool. I think you all finally broke me. I just ordered my first part for my first AR build last night.

Ronni3_J
04-19-2016, 09:52 AM
^^^ That's cool. I think you all finally broke me. I just ordered my first part for my first AR build last night.

It's a contagious itch

gb6491
04-19-2016, 11:40 AM
Nice, I like the look :)
Regards,
Greg

Bawanna
04-19-2016, 12:42 PM
I have a PSA upper (plus bolt and charging handle) and butt stock (plus tube, spring and buffer) on a Quentin Defense lower. I haven't had a single issue with this combo, but the PSA upper does have one small area where some machine marks are less than perfect (see top left of the third photo just above the palmetto logo).
http://i66.tinypic.com/10577v6.jpg
http://i66.tinypic.com/2eclume.jpg
http://i63.tinypic.com/6sxate.jpg
I'm pretty happy with this rifle and would buy from both companies again.
Regards,
Greg


Was that a special run with the Marine Corp emblem stamped in. I also just noticed that huge trigger guard. Never seen one like that. That's way cool.
Be the cats backside for those that can shoot with gloves. I never could shoot good with gloves but I'm challenged in so many ways.

gb6491
04-19-2016, 01:14 PM
Was that a special run with the Marine Corp emblem stamped in. I also just noticed that huge trigger guard. Never seen one like that. That's way cool.
Be the cats backside for those that can shoot with gloves. I never could shoot good with gloves but I'm challenged in so many ways.
Boss,
They still offer the USMC and other armed forces edition receivers: https://quentindefense.com/product/usmc-edition-lower-receiver/
Regards,
Greg

Ronni3_J
04-19-2016, 02:03 PM
Nice, I like the look :)
Regards,
Greg


Thanks! I need to sneak out of work early to go shoot it today or tomorrow

Bawanna
04-19-2016, 03:28 PM
Boss,
They still offer the USMC and other armed forces edition receivers: https://quentindefense.com/product/usmc-edition-lower-receiver/
Regards,
Greg


That's way cool. I'd dig getting one of those for my son. I'd have to track down the rest of it some day but that would be a good start.

I hope they require proof of being a devil dog, don't seem right for posers to have those, don't seem like.

b4uqzme
04-19-2016, 06:47 PM
I hope they require proof of being a devil dog, don't seem right for posers to have those, don't seem like.

Agreed. Should be special.

b4uqzme
04-19-2016, 06:48 PM
It's a contagious itch

Damn straight! Thanks for the shove... :o

Ronni3_J
04-19-2016, 09:32 PM
Ran 100 rounds through it today and i'm really impressed. I need to dial in the front sight a little more as I was a little low. This trip was more to get acquainted with it. Next trip I will concentrate more on getting it dialed in


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

b4uqzme
04-21-2016, 08:53 PM
I gotta admit researching and shopping for parts is a lot of fun. And I ain't even started building yet. Who'd a thunk it?

How's that thing shoot Ronni3_J?

Ronni3_J
04-22-2016, 12:43 AM
I gotta admit researching and shopping for parts is a lot of fun. And I ain't even started building yet. Who'd a thunk it?

How's that thing shoot Ronni3_J?

It shot really well. I haven't shot an AR since 2004 and I did pretty damn well. I didn't play with the front site since it was a pain to adjust. Next time I'm out ill dial it. I was more concerned with function the first time out.

I have to agree with you on shopping and research. There are so many options available. It's like the auto industry for firearms

b4uqzme
04-23-2016, 11:33 AM
Yeah, I got the itch real bad. Thanks for the thread Ronnie. Don't ask me how much time I spent on the floor looking for launched springs. ;)

yqtszhj
04-23-2016, 02:06 PM
Yeah, I got the itch real bad. Thanks for the thread Ronnie. Don't ask me how much time I spent on the floor looking for launched springs. ;)
Been there, done that. Then spent 7 dollars to get into a gun show to buy a $1 spring. Did get to look at other stuff though.

Ronni3_J
04-23-2016, 02:12 PM
I also shot off a few springs last week. Good thing I found them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OldFatGuy
04-23-2016, 07:19 PM
Yup, miracles do exist. Had one hit the ceiling, the wall and the floor. And I found that 3\8" spring in all the cat hair. Amazing.

gb6491
04-23-2016, 11:08 PM
Yeah, I got the itch real bad. Thanks for the thread Ronnie. Don't ask me how much time I spent on the floor looking for launched springs. ;)Looks like the build is coming along nicely:) Is that a Bear Creek side charger?
Regards,
Greg

b4uqzme
04-24-2016, 02:51 PM
Looks like the build is coming along nicely:) Is that a Bear Creek side charger?
Regards,
Greg

Thanks! ...Crosshill Technologies. I'm pretty sure they went out of business but Delta Team Tactical had some NOS for what seemed like a reasonable price. But I'm no expert. :o

Ronni3_J
04-26-2016, 07:40 PM
Got a new end plate for that stock that also incorporates an ambidextrous sling mount. With that my sling in now a one point. Now I just need to get an updated hand guard :)

b4uqzme
04-26-2016, 07:55 PM
^^^ free float? With or without rails? Check out Nordic Components. They make a nice Modular one for about $85.

Ronni3_J
04-27-2016, 09:13 AM
I'm leaning more towards some lightweight drop in with rail options


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ronni3_J
05-11-2016, 12:07 AM
Ended up going with more Magpul parts. I really like how everything ended up. At some point I may go with a free float hand guard but for now im happy.


http://jdlautodesign.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PSA-AR15-Magpul-_3.jpg

gb6491
05-11-2016, 12:15 PM
Turned out real nice :)
Regards,
Greg

Ronni3_J
05-11-2016, 02:53 PM
Turned out real nice :)
Regards,
Greg


Thanks Greg! Im really pleased with the PSA and Magpul combo

SlowBurn
05-13-2016, 10:15 AM
Thought I'd pass along another promo (for non-DIY'ers like me) I got in email from Rural King - Flash sale on Bushmaster XM-15 QRC - a step up from BM low end but no optics included- $540 bucks with free shipping. Only good for a couple of days.
http://newsletter.ruralking.com/rkguns/email/2016-05-13/index.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=email-2016-05-13-bushmaster&utm_campaign=bushmaster&utm_content=view-as-web-page

Ronni3_J
05-14-2016, 02:23 PM
Great deal!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ronni3_J
04-06-2017, 11:23 PM
One year later I have free float parts in the mail [emoji4]I'll update with some new photos soon