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PSA Uppers on sale for $299..are they commercial or mil-spec?

14K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  Sunday  
#1 ·
So I am looking at a Mid length M4 Madness upper from PSA that are on sale right now.

I am new to ARs and don't pretend to know much about them.

Is it the upper that determines if it is commercial or mil-spec or is it the buffer tube? BCG? what? I saw where the barrels said they were finished to mill spec but wasn't sure if that meant that I needed milspecs buffers and stock or not.

I already have the PSA lower and a ALG ACT trigger. I am looking at getting this:

Mid A2 Madness - 16'' CMV Chrome-Lined Stripped Upper - without BCG or charging handle - Barreled Upper Assemblies - AR-15

or perhaps one of these...

the Carbine:

M4 Madness - 16'' CMV Chrome-Lined Stripped Upper - without BCG or charging handle - Barreled Upper Assemblies - AR-15

or the heavy:

Mid Heavy Madness - 16'' CMV Chrome-Lined Stripped Upper - without BCG or charging handle - Barreled Upper Assemblies - AR-15

I have another question... is the "heavy" actually that, meaning heavier? I have done a side-by-side-by-side comparison of the 3 and can't find anything different in the specs of any of the 3 other than the differences for the carbine vs mid-length and the fact that the Carbine doesn't say that it has a "HPT/MPI Barrel"...whatever that means...

Thanks for the info/help...
 
#3 ·
It is the buffer tube that is commercial or mil-spec. They are different diameters, but for all intents and purposes, function the same. You'll need to match the stock you buy up to that though.

That upper will slap onto your .223 AR lower just fine.

Mil-spec simply means the part has been made to the specifications the military has set forth for that part. It's really irrelevant because mil-spec doesn't actually mean anything truly concrete and isn't always the best spec in the first place. You need to read the fine print and know what it all means to know if it's really quality. A HPT/MPI Barrel is what they're referring to and that means it's probably a quality barrel (and it is).

I would get the mid length m4 or light barrel. Heavy barrels make your gun heavier and for the average Joe, weight matters more than any benefits heavy barrels have. Mid length gas systems are said to be more reliable and easier on the action.

All of their uppers are GTG. I wouldn't work about quality and just pick which weight and length you want.
 
#5 ·
What I would give. The uppers I'm restricted to are around $600 due to MA's stupid gun laws. Think palmetto could customize that to MA specs?
 
#6 ·
I have decided to spend the extra few $ and get the premium with the CHF FN barrel.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers.html

My next question is should I get PSA's premium BCG added for only $100 more? I have read some reviews that say that it is a good BCG and at $100 TI add it, I don't think I can get much better for near this price. I was wanting a Nickel Boron BCG but it's hard to pass up this price. What do y'all think?
 
#7 ·
I have decided to spend the extra few $ and get the premium with the CHF FN barrel.

Barreled Upper Assemblies - AR-15

My next question is should I get PSA's premium BCG added for only $100 more? I have read some reviews that say that it is a good BCG and at $100 TI add it, I don't think I can get much better for near this price. I was wanting a Nickel Boron BCG but it's hard to pass up this price. What do y'all think?
Get it. Palmetto specifically discounts their BCGs for purchasers of their non-madness uppers. Regular price is $130+....$100 is a super price for a gtg BCG
 
#8 ·
get the BCG from palmetto. my AR is 100% palmetto. i purchased the upper assembled with the LPK and a stripped lower. built the lower and dropped the upper on it. i had to get a heavy profile barrel as they were out of the regular barrels when i purchased. the system is solid and i love it. all of their parts are quality.
 
#9 ·
Was about to submit my order and found a SS barrel .223 Wylde for same price range. Now I'm again torn on which to get.
 
#10 ·
Usually (not always) the .223 Wylde barrels are heavier (bull barrel type contour) than a 5.56. Depends on what you're using it for and what kind of weight you can handle. The .223 Wylde is supposed to handle both .223 and 5.56 without loss of accuracy from the 5.56 while retaining the ability to handle the higher pressures. You've got to be a good enough shooter to be able to tell the difference though.
 
#11 ·
The m4 madness upper for 299.99 is awesome. Im waiting for their Gadsden lowers to come back in stock and then I'll be buying one and the moe LPK for my build. Shame I can't get their upper...Massachusetts sucks. I'll be grabbing a post-ban from Del-Ton.
 
#12 ·
Ordered a 16" mid length premium upper on july 13 and just got the notice today July 23 it is shipped. good turn around. Mounting to a Stag lower. heard good stuff about PSA so had to try one.
 
#13 ·
They just had their LPK for $39.95.... should have grabbed another... hoping the lowers for $49 happen soon...is about that time...
 
#15 ·
It is the buffer tube that is commercial or mil-spec. They are different diameters, but for all intents and purposes, function the same. You'll need to match the stock you buy up to that though.

That upper will slap onto your .223 AR lower just fine.

Mil-spec simply means the part has been made to the specifications the military has set forth for that part. It's really irrelevant because mil-spec doesn't actually mean anything truly concrete and isn't always the best spec in the first place. You need to read the fine print and know what it all means to know if it's really quality. A HPT/MPI Barrel is what they're referring to and that means it's probably a quality barrel (and it is).

I would get the mid length m4 or light barrel. Heavy barrels make your gun heavier and for the average Joe, weight matters more than any benefits heavy barrels have. Mid length gas systems are said to be more reliable and easier on the action.

All of their uppers are GTG. I wouldn't work about quality and just pick which weight and length you want.
Actually mil spec is relevent and truly mil spec buys you the highest quality rifle for the $$$$ spent.