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roosterhuntin
03-02-12, 19:54
Guys - Can somebody tell me the differences between these uppers.
I copied the name exactly as is from the PSA website.
I think I understand the difference between the light weight -vs- normal upper, but what about the chrome lined -vs- MP -vs- Hammer Forged. Uses of each or pro's and con's of each would be great.

I am planning on buying a complete upper and lower from PSA in FDE.

1. PSA 16" Mid-length Chrome-lined Upper

2. PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Midlength Light Weight upper

3. PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Midlength Upper

4. PSA 16" Mid-length MP Upper

Thanks,

Butch
jc000
03-02-12, 20:19
As a noob to this site myself, you will get a lot more out of the knowledgable folks here if you use the site's search function and read all the stickies before asking too many questions.

As to your specific question I'd say your best bet will be to contact PSA directly.

Happy searching!
J_Dub_503
03-02-12, 21:24
What is your intended purpose for this firearm? This is an important question as it will help us give you the pros and cons based on your needs.
Hwikek
03-02-12, 22:29
I would recommend that you visit G&R Tactical where you can get a BCM midlength upper receiver with a hammer forged barrel and BCM charging handle. If you don't want a BCM it is still a great place for pricing on a number of different AR15 parts.
TehLlama
03-02-12, 22:42
Read the existing threads on the various options. My preference is for the lightweight CHF middies, since it will work well across the greatest range of applications, but that doesn't make it the right choice, just the most likely to be right one.
Ratfink
03-02-12, 22:55
do your research get a midlength
brands like bcm daniel defense noveske colt threes a lot of good ones out there just do your research so you dont regret what you buy
bsem
03-02-12, 23:06
chrome lined -vs- MP -vs- Hammer Forged

Those are not all mutually exclusive.

I have a Palmetto upper on my AR 15. I don't shoot in competitions or take carbine classes so I don't know how it'll hold up but I can tell you that holding it and looking at it, it's very clean and solid. If I ever get a job where I need an AR and get to provide my own than I'll get a Colt or something. More of a handgun guy.

Also, they have absolutely awesome customer service. I called with some questions about my order and their system was down. It took two days before they fixed it, so both those days I got a call in the morning and evening letting me know she'd call me and let me know when the system was up again. Third day she called me and got everything taken care of.
roosterhuntin
03-02-12, 23:15
I will be using this for general shooting, not hunting. 50 yards or less less than 1000 rounds per year. Thanks for the recommendations on other brands but I have decided to go with PSA. What I am trying to understand is what exactly is the difference between the uppers and what are advantages or disadvantages of each. Is it mostly cosmetic?
I was planning on talking to PSA, but thought I would ask here to get more opinion and some info prior to calling.
Thanks,

Butch
J_Dub_503
03-02-12, 23:55
PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Midlength Upper
PSA 16'' Hammer Forged Midlength Light Weight upper
^These two are the same except for the latter of the two having a thinner profiled barrel. Hammer Forged barrels are well suited for people who shoot a LOT of rounds frequently (thousands of rounds a year.)

PSA 16" Mid-length Chrome-lined Upper
PSA 16" Mid-length MP Upper
^These two are the same except the latter has been HPT tested (the other was only MPI'd.) Of these two I would choose the MP upper.

With that being said, I wouldn't buy any of these. BCM is a superior brand that uses much better materials and testing. They can be had at the same price range as these and are TRULY Mil-Spec'ish.
This would be your best option http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-16.htm
pleaforwar
03-03-12, 00:37
Butch,

You're not going to get too much love for PSA from M4Carbine. Why? Because we prefer brands that have been vetted for this community and our needs. I'm not trying to speak for everyone, but the general attitude here is that proven brands designed for self-defense, patrol, SDM, etc. are preferred over newer "best bang for the buck" options.

That attitude might change once someone comes forward with quantifiable evidence that PSA meets this requirement. Being that most people who buy PSA aren't willing to shell out the coin for professional training and the related costs, I wouldn't hold my breath.

For the sake of objectivity, I'm considering picking up a PSA upper and running it through the motions and putting my thoughts here and other places. That won't happen for a considerable time though, being that I'm on Uncle Sam's time at the moment.

You're not going to be happy hearing this, but I'm gonna echo the sentiments of others. BCM is the best bet for ya Bud.

Cheers,
Dan
mallowpufft
03-03-12, 06:52
Rob_s put together this great spreadsheet that explains a lot of the stuff you are asking.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&single=true&gid=5&output=html
inthebush50
03-21-12, 11:26
Having built both bcm and psa. I would say psa for bang for buck value. I have put every brand of ammo through my 14.7 psa chf lw fn upper. Over a 1000 rds so far. Believe it or not its more accurate than my bcm. But that 31k round count which i think was bcm test or whatever is killer. But my next 20 inch build will be psa
djmorris
03-21-12, 11:41
Having built both bcm and psa. I would say psa for bang for buck value. I have put every brand of ammo through my 14.7 psa chf lw fn upper. Over a 1000 rds so far. Believe it or not its more accurate than my bcm. But that 31k round count which i think was bcm test or whatever is killer. But my next 20 inch build will be psa



:no:


1000 rounds is nothing. I'm sorry but every post you make is just an echo "Buy PSA its better than BCM". It's very obvious you are trying to justify your purchase and make it out that your SW/Spikes/PSA level gun is up to par with the "big dogs" such as BCM, Colt, DD, LMT, Noveske. You can't truly believe the bullshit you're spouting off, I hope.

OP: As mentioned above, BCM is the way to go over PSA but if you're truly settled on PSA then what you want is a chrome-lined MP tested upper - preferably lightweight but YMMV. Me? I threw down the $100-$150 extra dollars and got a BCM.

Car terms work well. Why spend that much on Toyota when you can put in just a little bit more and have a Lexus?
bull8042
03-21-12, 12:10
Butch, I was toiling with the exact same decisions that you are not so long ago. I contacted Grant at G&R Tactical via email and bombarded him with questions. I ended up spending a little more to get a BCM 16" BFH middy and haven't looked back. I am super happy with the BCM and the work from Grant.
Take careful heed of the recommendations presented by the folks here. Most of the individuals here put their lives on the line with their weapon and can truthfully tell you the best route to go.
You will be much happier down the road having a gun like a BCM that just runs instead of having to come back here and search for reasons that yours won't.
polymorpheous
03-21-12, 12:15
This subject has been touched upon numerous times in as many months.
Use the orange search button in the upper right hand corner of your screen.
Lonestar.45
03-21-12, 12:20
General shooting, 50yds or less, 1000 rds per year? I think I'd get a PSA lightweight midlength if I were you, a good BCG, and call it a day.
Are there better choices for more money? Yes. Do you really need them given your use? Not really.