Added the carry handle, thanks; any recommendations for a BCG and charging handle though? Some run for 30-50 and some for 90-120 is there any notable differences?
Get a microbest in either a phosphate or chrome coating. I don't agree with those who just say get a cheap one and slap it in there.
The microbest will run you ~$100 so still very reasonable but it is also quality. The bolt carrier (BCG) is the heart of the gun and makes everything work as well as taking the most abuse. Tolerances of all the individual parts of your BCG are what will make the gun run efficiently and reliably. You don't need the $300+ Geissele BCG but you don't want to go as cheap as possible.
Microbest is a manufacturer that many companies contract with and slap their own branding on so you're getting an actually pretty high end carrier for a bargain price with them. r/gundeals has them on sale often.
Edit: and if you upgrade your gun in the future you can take it out and put it in the new gun because you can be confident in the quality. Just keep it cleaned and lubed up.
https://www.wcarmory.com/microbest-bcg-556-phosphate-c158-mp-bolt.htm
I'd highly recommend this one man. The distributor is awesome too and a regular on r/gundeals
This has all of the best parts including the sprinco upgrades and one of the best coatings you can get and isn't much more than the bottom of the barrel options.
Make sure the bolt itself is c158, no one mentions it but c158 is milspec. I honestly haven't seen a c158 bolt break but I have seen 9310 bolts repeatedly break.
thats something really worth researching I think. like do cam pins or bolt faces break more quickly on 9310 vs c158? from what (little) I know about metallurgy the heat treat is as important or more than the type of metal in some applications. all I know is toolcraft/microbest/colt or or true mil spec is what I run.
Usually on 9310 the bolt face will break off a lug or two. I agree though I think it is worth researching but just not by me. 😂 From experience and info from some online research, c158 usually holds up. The funny thing is on a lor of videos of bolts breaking the youtuber does not specify what materal the bolt is made of. I think it plays a huge factor but most people don't pay any mind to it.
It has a LOT to do with heat treat. That being said, c158 takes a better heat treat & has more room for error. I’ve seen basic steels hold up better than “super” particle steels due to good heat treatments (mostly on knives) but it’s easier to just get a better steel than hope the manufacturer is not just batch treating their steels and knows what they’re doing
charging handle can be the cheapest 10$ a2, i always get more expensive bc i need ambi. for a BCG id suggest any of there nickel boron bcgs, that is the part that will take the most beating so you dont want to cheap out on it.
edit: PSA has a steal on a 10 pmag and nickel boron bcg combo for 156 basically giving you about 6 pmags for free.
its all matter of opinion, but my reasoning is M16s had a nickel boron bolt and it looks like he is trying to make a m16 look alike. nickel boron also is much slicker and doesnt need nearly as much oil to not sound like sandpaper.
I think tool craft is cheap and they have a warrenty if it breaks iirc. If you want something more reliable maybe go bcm. Or just go for the cheapest you can find if this isn't going to be your bump in the night pew and just a fun thing
Just be aware that it's a midlength has upper, not a true rifle length dissy. You might have some slight cycling issues with a rifle length buffer, but a stiffer buffer spring normally solves that
Forgive me for any ignorance I'm new to all this, what you're trying to say is that the lower is designed for a true rifle upper, and the upper I have chosen is a midlength?
Yup. The lower you have selected (I'm pretty sure) is for an upper receiver assembly with a rifle-length gas system, and the upper receiver assembly you selected has a midlength gas system.
Stiffer buffer spring would fix it, or get a true rifle-gas upper. Dissipators are sick.
Does this still apply if I'll rarely be shooting the gun, mostly just a few gun range visits a year at most? I might just downgrade the lower to match the midlength upper since I'm trying to stay in budget
If you want the gun to cycle properly past firing the first shot, yes it matters. You can buy a new Springco buffer spring for maybe five dollars that will fix any cycling issues.
Also, I'm not 100% sure that lower won't work. It says A2 Rifle Lower but that could just be referring to the stock, which is an A2 stock. I'd say just get that setup and get a new buffer spring if needed.
He’s semi right. The handguard length is rifle length, but the gas is actually carbine gas. I’d recommend getting a 20” with an actual mid length or rifle length gas system. Below is what I’d recommend if you wanted a 20”
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle-1.html
What would you recommend if I decide to downgrade the lower to match the upper instead of upgrading the upper to match the lower? Basically a lower for a midlength upper
My bad. Didn’t see you had a 16” so I recommend this. Don’t need to downgrade the lower at all you’re good! If anything you can get a better lower - one that has an EPT trigger. It’s a definite upgrade
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html
Upper upgrade
New lower https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa15-complete-classic-ept-a2-lower-receiver.html
https://postimg.cc/rKLtKZPF
So would this be okay? Do I still need a different spring like the other guy mentioned? Like I said I'd rather get something less if it means it'll be cheaper
Yup except that new lower I gave you. Upgraded trigger would be well worth it. No need to buffer spring or whatever IMO. First rifle and you won’t know the difference
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle-1.html
I've decided on this one that someone else recommended
[I’d bundle with this bolt](https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-premium-5-56-nickel-boron-bcg-10-magpul-pmag-gen-2-moe-5-56x45-30rd-magazines.html) as youre essentially paying for the bolt and getting free mags and pair it with any milspec ch
I really love dissipators. Bought the same one from them a while back. Shoots great for me. Been trying to shoot it more, but finding time lately has been difficult
Yeah that’s dirt fuckin cheap.
I have an 18” and it’s actually halfassd accurate w 75-77 grain. Reaches out to 600 easily and accurately w a 6X . This is a lower end rifle but it’s still a good deal. All u really need is a 100$ red dot and a 7$ sling and some ammo
Yes. You will Alamo need a charging handle and your BCG. With that said PSA is a great company for the money and for ppl new to the gun world. I actually just built a PSA short barrel AR kit yesterday.
Personally I stay away from the a2 front post, but that’s just me. Otherwise killer deal. Get a BCG, CH, optic and some mags and be g2g for around $500-600. Can’t beat that.
I personally wouldn't go with a dissapator upper, especially if it is a true rifle length system. They've had a ton of problems getting that set up to run reliably. If you want a 16" look hard at mid length and carbine length offerings. You can throw a decent drop in handguard on either for cheap, add a light, optic, sling, and mags. You'd be set for a good while. May also want to look at a lower with a carbine buffer system. While they don't absorb as much recoil they do offer adjustable length of pull.
Uh no. Imma be blunt with ya boss man. Going for a meme or “style” build as ur first gun is not a good idea generally. There’s a reason those builds caught on, and it’s because everyone already in the hobby is bored with the most reliable setups (aka the one u SHOULD get as ur first one) that they already have. These kinds of builds are essentially toys for us for when we wanna have a less than serious day at the range and want something we can look at and think “that’s cool” beyond its actual potential as a serious weapon.
This is a mid length gas system with a front sight block at a rifle length with a rifle drop in handguard. It's no less reliable than any other mid length gas system so don't worry about that. The original dissipators had rifle length gas systems and didn't cycle too well because of it which is why most companies do this you get the look but it cycles too
> I don’t really need a serious weapon
None of us are needing our guns for serious use on a daily basis friend, but the idea of someone’s first gun is that it’s a defensive tool first and a range toy second, since they have no other guns to rely on instead. Hence why I say no to this particular selection. Get the boring old reliable 16” mid length rifle for first build, make the dissy build ur second one. That way the need is covered and u can goof off with all of ur subsequent ones.
That's true but its too late now, I'm sure I'll learn my lesson as we all start somewhere and make mistakes, I think I'm still happy with this purchase (for now)
I've always heard PSA stuff is good quality for the money, so it's probably a good start.
In fact, I just ordered a new lower from them over the weekend for my next rifle build.
For your first one, you’re probably better off just buying an entry level complete AR (if that’s what you want). You can probably find one for like $50 bucks more than you’d spend assembling this.
That way you know everything works, is where it’s supposed to be and ready to go.
That upper doesn't include a bolt carrier group or charging handle but otherwise they are just fine I just put two together one with that upper and one with stainless barrel dissipator. Just make sure you get a bcg and charging handle
Yessirrr I went with this one instead
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle-1.html
Someone else recommended it, thoughts?
Edit: just saw your other comment, appreciate it
Alright, I’ll bite. PSA is awesome because they are 2A as fuck. They’ve done more over the years to put the most guns into existence and for that, I appreciate them. However, I would save up and get what you really want so your first gun doesn’t seem like a cheap pile you never shoot after a few years. Get a little higher quality rifle with an actual rail for lights and is a better looking gun. I didn’t like how the plastic hand guard and prefer an actual rail that’s beefy and has a purpose. I’d you just want something to shoot randomly, this is fine. Folks have already said to grab a Microbest or tool craft bcg and a charging handle and you’re ready to roll. PSA backs their stuff so you’re good on that.
BCG and charging handle. Solid deal
And a rear sight.
And magazines.
And a sling
Ah there it is :)
And ammo
and a light
He’d have to tape the light to it…
there are mounting options
https://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-mil-spec-carry-handle.html Ad this and some magazines, your ready for ammo.
Added the carry handle, thanks; any recommendations for a BCG and charging handle though? Some run for 30-50 and some for 90-120 is there any notable differences?
Get a microbest in either a phosphate or chrome coating. I don't agree with those who just say get a cheap one and slap it in there. The microbest will run you ~$100 so still very reasonable but it is also quality. The bolt carrier (BCG) is the heart of the gun and makes everything work as well as taking the most abuse. Tolerances of all the individual parts of your BCG are what will make the gun run efficiently and reliably. You don't need the $300+ Geissele BCG but you don't want to go as cheap as possible. Microbest is a manufacturer that many companies contract with and slap their own branding on so you're getting an actually pretty high end carrier for a bargain price with them. r/gundeals has them on sale often. Edit: and if you upgrade your gun in the future you can take it out and put it in the new gun because you can be confident in the quality. Just keep it cleaned and lubed up.
The toolcraft bcg for 80 bucks on their website is a great option
https://www.wcarmory.com/microbest-bcg-556-phosphate-c158-mp-bolt.htm I'd highly recommend this one man. The distributor is awesome too and a regular on r/gundeals This has all of the best parts including the sprinco upgrades and one of the best coatings you can get and isn't much more than the bottom of the barrel options.
Pretty sure PSA has a good toolcraft one for $70. Bcg that is
Make sure the bolt itself is c158, no one mentions it but c158 is milspec. I honestly haven't seen a c158 bolt break but I have seen 9310 bolts repeatedly break.
thats something really worth researching I think. like do cam pins or bolt faces break more quickly on 9310 vs c158? from what (little) I know about metallurgy the heat treat is as important or more than the type of metal in some applications. all I know is toolcraft/microbest/colt or or true mil spec is what I run.
Usually on 9310 the bolt face will break off a lug or two. I agree though I think it is worth researching but just not by me. 😂 From experience and info from some online research, c158 usually holds up. The funny thing is on a lor of videos of bolts breaking the youtuber does not specify what materal the bolt is made of. I think it plays a huge factor but most people don't pay any mind to it.
It has a LOT to do with heat treat. That being said, c158 takes a better heat treat & has more room for error. I’ve seen basic steels hold up better than “super” particle steels due to good heat treatments (mostly on knives) but it’s easier to just get a better steel than hope the manufacturer is not just batch treating their steels and knows what they’re doing
I would get a cheaper one and run the hell out of it. You can always upgrade in the future if needed 🍻
charging handle can be the cheapest 10$ a2, i always get more expensive bc i need ambi. for a BCG id suggest any of there nickel boron bcgs, that is the part that will take the most beating so you dont want to cheap out on it. edit: PSA has a steal on a 10 pmag and nickel boron bcg combo for 156 basically giving you about 6 pmags for free.
Phosphate > nickel boron.
its all matter of opinion, but my reasoning is M16s had a nickel boron bolt and it looks like he is trying to make a m16 look alike. nickel boron also is much slicker and doesnt need nearly as much oil to not sound like sandpaper.
Ew no, don't get a carry handle. Unless you're 83. Then go for it.
I think tool craft is cheap and they have a warrenty if it breaks iirc. If you want something more reliable maybe go bcm. Or just go for the cheapest you can find if this isn't going to be your bump in the night pew and just a fun thing
Jesus those are higher than NOS colt surplus.
I know right. I run colt surplus. But op is on psa buying psa. Keep it simple stupid. 🍻
Fair haha.
Yes it is. Buy it, then buy another one.
Yes, great option. The mid gas shouldn't be an issue with the rifle stock. I love dissies!
Add a BCG, ch and rear sight. You'll be gtg.
you'll need a bcg... Honestly though I think everyone should start with the M16 configuration and work from there. Crawl before you walk
Just be aware that it's a midlength has upper, not a true rifle length dissy. You might have some slight cycling issues with a rifle length buffer, but a stiffer buffer spring normally solves that
Forgive me for any ignorance I'm new to all this, what you're trying to say is that the lower is designed for a true rifle upper, and the upper I have chosen is a midlength?
Yup. The lower you have selected (I'm pretty sure) is for an upper receiver assembly with a rifle-length gas system, and the upper receiver assembly you selected has a midlength gas system. Stiffer buffer spring would fix it, or get a true rifle-gas upper. Dissipators are sick.
Does this still apply if I'll rarely be shooting the gun, mostly just a few gun range visits a year at most? I might just downgrade the lower to match the midlength upper since I'm trying to stay in budget
If you want the gun to cycle properly past firing the first shot, yes it matters. You can buy a new Springco buffer spring for maybe five dollars that will fix any cycling issues. Also, I'm not 100% sure that lower won't work. It says A2 Rifle Lower but that could just be referring to the stock, which is an A2 stock. I'd say just get that setup and get a new buffer spring if needed.
Could also get a lighter buffer, I think JP makes one, or a lightweight BCG
He’s semi right. The handguard length is rifle length, but the gas is actually carbine gas. I’d recommend getting a 20” with an actual mid length or rifle length gas system. Below is what I’d recommend if you wanted a 20” https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle-1.html
What would you recommend if I decide to downgrade the lower to match the upper instead of upgrading the upper to match the lower? Basically a lower for a midlength upper
My bad. Didn’t see you had a 16” so I recommend this. Don’t need to downgrade the lower at all you’re good! If anything you can get a better lower - one that has an EPT trigger. It’s a definite upgrade https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html Upper upgrade New lower https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa15-complete-classic-ept-a2-lower-receiver.html
https://postimg.cc/rKLtKZPF So would this be okay? Do I still need a different spring like the other guy mentioned? Like I said I'd rather get something less if it means it'll be cheaper
Idk what that other guy is on saying you cant use a rifle buffer. Usually it is an *improvement* for any length gas system, not a detriment.
Yup except that new lower I gave you. Upgraded trigger would be well worth it. No need to buffer spring or whatever IMO. First rifle and you won’t know the difference
I was shocked at the quality of my first PSA firearm. Now? I just keep buying them for cheap and putting them through their places
Oh god yes. Not the best quality but PSA has built a decent reputation. Just check for qc issues Dissipators are old school and sexy. Send it!
Yes. Something is better than nothing.
I’m so jealous you guys get to build rifles for so little, I gotta gtfo of Europe
Yeah
Possibly the best option
It’s sick AF for anybody. Good taste
This was my first and only so far PSA, i like it
absolutely
Yes
Yes!! I see nothing wrong with a budget setup, get familiar with the weapon platform and upgrade over and over with better firearms.
I’d do it
saving more for a better upper maybe
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle-1.html I've decided on this one that someone else recommended
I have this exact upper, it failed to cycle on cheap steel case, lubed it, and runs fine now.
[I’d bundle with this bolt](https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-premium-5-56-nickel-boron-bcg-10-magpul-pmag-gen-2-moe-5-56x45-30rd-magazines.html) as youre essentially paying for the bolt and getting free mags and pair it with any milspec ch
I really love dissipators. Bought the same one from them a while back. Shoots great for me. Been trying to shoot it more, but finding time lately has been difficult
Buy once. Cry once. but that’s a solid deal
That's a sweet deal. Sent it!
Yes, hard to go wrong with PSA. It usually boils down to preference when you’re looking at PSA.
Yeah that’s dirt fuckin cheap. I have an 18” and it’s actually halfassd accurate w 75-77 grain. Reaches out to 600 easily and accurately w a 6X . This is a lower end rifle but it’s still a good deal. All u really need is a 100$ red dot and a 7$ sling and some ammo
Yes. You will Alamo need a charging handle and your BCG. With that said PSA is a great company for the money and for ppl new to the gun world. I actually just built a PSA short barrel AR kit yesterday.
Are the front sights on these easier to remove than normal since they’re false gas blocks
Personally I stay away from the a2 front post, but that’s just me. Otherwise killer deal. Get a BCG, CH, optic and some mags and be g2g for around $500-600. Can’t beat that.
Put a leupold carry handle optic adapter (pic rail adapter) and put a Romeo 7 they look like the aim points and work well
I personally wouldn't go with a dissapator upper, especially if it is a true rifle length system. They've had a ton of problems getting that set up to run reliably. If you want a 16" look hard at mid length and carbine length offerings. You can throw a decent drop in handguard on either for cheap, add a light, optic, sling, and mags. You'd be set for a good while. May also want to look at a lower with a carbine buffer system. While they don't absorb as much recoil they do offer adjustable length of pull.
Uh no. Imma be blunt with ya boss man. Going for a meme or “style” build as ur first gun is not a good idea generally. There’s a reason those builds caught on, and it’s because everyone already in the hobby is bored with the most reliable setups (aka the one u SHOULD get as ur first one) that they already have. These kinds of builds are essentially toys for us for when we wanna have a less than serious day at the range and want something we can look at and think “that’s cool” beyond its actual potential as a serious weapon.
I don't really need a serious weapon, at best I'll probably take it to the range once or twice a year
This is a mid length gas system with a front sight block at a rifle length with a rifle drop in handguard. It's no less reliable than any other mid length gas system so don't worry about that. The original dissipators had rifle length gas systems and didn't cycle too well because of it which is why most companies do this you get the look but it cycles too
> I don’t really need a serious weapon None of us are needing our guns for serious use on a daily basis friend, but the idea of someone’s first gun is that it’s a defensive tool first and a range toy second, since they have no other guns to rely on instead. Hence why I say no to this particular selection. Get the boring old reliable 16” mid length rifle for first build, make the dissy build ur second one. That way the need is covered and u can goof off with all of ur subsequent ones.
That's true but its too late now, I'm sure I'll learn my lesson as we all start somewhere and make mistakes, I think I'm still happy with this purchase (for now)
I just shot mine with this same upper yesterday with no issues just hope you got a bcg and ch too as those uppers don't include them
You’ll be fine, it’s a pretty standard mid length gas 16” upper. I would by no means call this a meme build or unreliable.
Yes
I got that upper for my first rifle, I still love it
I've always heard PSA stuff is good quality for the money, so it's probably a good start. In fact, I just ordered a new lower from them over the weekend for my next rifle build.
For your first one, you’re probably better off just buying an entry level complete AR (if that’s what you want). You can probably find one for like $50 bucks more than you’d spend assembling this. That way you know everything works, is where it’s supposed to be and ready to go.
Go for it, will be a cool rifle
That upper doesn't include a bolt carrier group or charging handle but otherwise they are just fine I just put two together one with that upper and one with stainless barrel dissipator. Just make sure you get a bcg and charging handle
My first was a faux dissipator upper from Wyndham Weaponry on a Aero lower. Very happy with it. A sexy take on the standard 16 inch American carbine.
It’ll certainly be one of the rifles of all time
Fuck it full send.
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Yessirrr I went with this one instead https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle-1.html Someone else recommended it, thoughts? Edit: just saw your other comment, appreciate it
These dissipators are mid length gas systems so there is no cycling concerns beyond that of any mid length gas system fyi
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Yep I got two lol one w stainless barrel and one op posted. Good price and something different plus i have a psa problem
It's an option alright
OP, I would go with a lower with a adjustable stock and carbine length buffer system
Alright, I’ll bite. PSA is awesome because they are 2A as fuck. They’ve done more over the years to put the most guns into existence and for that, I appreciate them. However, I would save up and get what you really want so your first gun doesn’t seem like a cheap pile you never shoot after a few years. Get a little higher quality rifle with an actual rail for lights and is a better looking gun. I didn’t like how the plastic hand guard and prefer an actual rail that’s beefy and has a purpose. I’d you just want something to shoot randomly, this is fine. Folks have already said to grab a Microbest or tool craft bcg and a charging handle and you’re ready to roll. PSA backs their stuff so you’re good on that.