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Lone Kimono

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm looking for an entry level AR upper and needed some help. Money is tight and I'm trying to talk myself out of the BCM mid weight for $550 plus bolt and charging handle. I'd be pretty close to $800 and at that point I'd almost rather spend the rest and buy an entire rifle.

Two other options I've found is one from AIM and one from PSA.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...=b4ece3ae9c-10182013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-b4ece3ae9c-18500805

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...y.com/index.php/psa-16-hammer-forged-chrome-lined-m4a1-moe-rifle-kit-14877.html

Could anyone help me dissect the differences?
 
#5 ·
Purchased a PSA upper (and stock) three weeks ago. The upper works flawlessly, is very accurate, and looks terrific. I've kept it in a flat rail configuration and added a Magpul rear sight and a Primary Arms red dot. You can't have more fun with a rifle than I do with this one.
 
#6 ·
Lone Kimono said:
I'm looking for an entry level AR upper and needed some help. Money is tight and I'm trying to talk myself out of the BCM mid weight for $550 plus bolt and charging handle. I'd be pretty close to $800 and at that point I'd almost rather spend the rest and buy an entire rifle.

Two other options I've found is one from AIM and one from PSA.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...=b4ece3ae9c-10182013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-b4ece3ae9c-18500805

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...y.com/index.php/psa-16-hammer-forged-chrome-lined-m4a1-moe-rifle-kit-14877.html

Could anyone help me dissect the differences?
Click to expand...

If I were you, I'd wait about a month and look hard at the black friday deals. Do some research and find EXACTLY what you want so when the deal pops up (usually you can find everything on sale at one site or the other) and jump on it.

If you're too eager to wait, PSA has some great daily deals and you can likely put together a reliable basic AR for right around $650. If you get lucky, you can find one of their blemished upper deals and get a hell of a deal for a "blemished" part. I used blemished in quotes because I have yet to read someone who found an actual blemish and their product.

If I were you, I'd go ahead and grab a lower, because, for the most part, a lower is a lower is a lower. Plus, like I mentioned, PSA's blem parts are damn nice. This way, you know exactly how much room in your budget you have to spend on the upper.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...dex.php/featured/psa-ar-15-complete-blem-lower-classic-edition-no-magazine.html
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Good advice, I don't mind waiting. I'd like to at least know what I'm looking for though because Black Friday deals fly off the shelf. Hopefully things are in stock.

Is there going to be any difference in accuracy between the Spikes in the Aim or FN with the PSA?
 
#8 · (Edited)
I would bet not. Both are most likely going to be accurate enough for your needs. Personally I'd pick the PSA, but the spike's will also serve you well.


As far as knowing what you want, it's all about what your intended use(s) is/are for your gun. If you could give us a REALISTIC idea as to what you are going to do with this gun, it'd help some of the more knowledgeable guys help guide you in the right direction.
 
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
I'm actually glad to hear that because I'm leaning towards the PSA.

I want something reliable I can trust my family's life to that would also serve me well at the range. Nothing special past that. That's why I thought an entry level would be OK. I actually think the PSA might be a step up from that at the same price.
 
#11 · (Edited)
OP, the deal I was talking about is up on the daily deals right now at PSA. Grab this upper, with rail, BCG, and charging handle along with the lower I listed yesterday, and you have a complete, hopefully reliable, AR15 for $575 plus sights of your choice plus shipping, etc. But to me, that's a GREAT deal!

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...Blem+Lowers,+Rifle+Kits+&+Uppers&utm_campaign=Constant+Contact&utm_medium=email

But if that's not your style, they also have a plain Jane upper with basic handguards also. Good luck!
 
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#12 ·
Lone Kimono said:
I'm actually glad to hear that because I'm leaning towards the PSA.

I want something reliable I can trust my family's life to that would also serve me well at the range. Nothing special past that. That's why I thought an entry level would be OK. I actually think the PSA might be a step up from that at the same price.
Click to expand...
With this as your requirement, why are you not looking at the S&W M&P15 Sport? Comes complete in the box, no assembly required. If there is an issue with the firearm, S&W warranties it. I saw in the other thread where you were concerned about the 1:9 twist... are you ever going to shoot specialized heavy projectiles (read expensive), or are you going to shoot Wolf, Tula, Silver Bear, and whatever else is on sale?
 
Discussion starter · #13 · (Edited)
1x9 is a non starter for me. If they hadn't cheapened it it would be the way I'd go, but that's just not what I'm looking for now. I want something more versatile especially since I'll be using mostly 62 grain or above.

Now, if I could find one from last year I'd do it.
 
#14 ·
Lone Kimono said:
1x9 is a non starter for me. If they hadn't cheapened it it would be the way I'd go, but that's just not what I'm looking for now.

Now, if I could find one from last year I'd do it.
Click to expand...
The 1:9 twist is not less accurate... Nor is it "cheapened". Changing from a 5R rifling to a traditional rifling possibly saved S&W costs, but not changing twist rates. The 1:9 twist will theoretically be better for the lighter projectiles that you are more apt to shoot. I say theoretically, because each barrel is different. Both twist rates should handle the 55gr and 62gr. The faster twist rate becomes a factor when you want to go to 70gr longer, heavier projectiles. The slower twist rate of 1:9 gives up on the heavier end, but should be more accurate with the lighter, varmint type rounds. So you have to decide what the application is, and what rounds you are going to shoot. I wanted the 1:8 twist, as I hunt hogs, but I have found that my rifle shoots a 62gr soft point Silver Bear accurately, and that has become my hunting round. With that bullet, I would have been just as well served with a 1:9 twist, as it is well within the range of projectiles the 1:9 can stabilize.
 
#15 ·
Spend a few extra bucks and get a premium BCG. A premium PSA BCG is g2g. The difference between a cheap BCG and a quality BCG can be $50 or even less.
 
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#18 ·
bigmoney890 said:
OP, the deal I was talking about is up on the daily deals right now at PSA. Grab this upper, with rail, BCG, and charging handle along with the lower I listed yesterday, and you have a complete, hopefully reliable, AR15 for $575 plus sights of your choice plus shipping, etc. But to me, that's a GREAT deal!

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...Blem+Lowers,+Rifle+Kits+&+Uppers&utm_campaign=Constant+Contact&utm_medium=email

But if that's not your style, they also have a plain Jane upper with basic handguards also. Good luck!
Click to expand...
That seems like a screaming good deal:wow:
 
#20 ·
Lone Kimono said:
I'm going to make sure any package I buy from PSA is a "premium" with the full auto bolt. Hopefully that is the one you are referring to.
Click to expand...
I have no clue, but at that price, grab a "premium" one and keep that one for a back up or even sell it quick for $75.
 
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michael_b
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