View Full Version : Buying a Middy: Low Pro or A2?
civiliansheepdog
04-12-16, 16:10
Thinking about getting a midlength upper and wanted some feedback on an A2 setup with a drop in rail like a MOE vs a low profile gas block with a free float rail like an ALG. Pros and cons of each. Right now in the market, it seems the A2 setup is much cheaper given barrel, BCG, etc. is the same. I'm trying to keep the budget fairly modest and my main options I have considered have been PSA's FN barrel upper and the Aero Precision M4E1 upper. Thanks!
Mars attacks...
04-12-16, 16:15
Go low profile, otherwise you will spend money on a riser anyways.
An a2 fsb with the Magpul SL handgaurd is a good, comfortable combo on a small dollar. Remember to use a round handgaurd retainer, not the triangular one.
titsonritz
04-12-16, 16:47
Go low profile, otherwise you will spend money on a riser anyways.
Huh? :confused:
If you are looking for the least expensive just stick with a FSB and Magpul hand guard. If down the road you want to spend money on a FF rail you can shave down the FSP or replace it. Just be sure you get a 16" barrel not a 14.5" with a pinned MD.
Dionysusigma
04-12-16, 17:28
An a2 fsb with the Magpul SL handgaurd is a good, comfortable combo on a small dollar. Remember to use a round handguard retainer, not the triangular one.
Important to verify this with any company before it's too late. Does BCM offer the option of round vs triangle yet?
Another vote for A2 with basic handguard - and I have no idea what Mars Attacks is talking about. :blink: The A2 sight tower doesn't obstruct magnified optics enough to be troublesome, and unmagnified optics (even if they're absolute co-witness and not lower 1/3) still aren't an issue. Adding a riser for the optic would eventually entail adding a riser for the stock, and then the ergonomics are shot all to hell.
If I was going to put together a budget midlength, this is the exact upper group I'd go with: http://palmettostatearmory.com/ptac-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-8-socom-nitrate-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html Toss in a $45 lower, a $99 parts kit (http://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-classic-lower-build-kit-29040.html), and a fixed rear sight (usually ~$75), and for $420 you've got a halfway decent rifle that you can "update" as needed.
... Actually, I might just do this...
civiliansheepdog
04-12-16, 18:29
Yeah, marsattacks comment baffled me as well.
I've heard mixes reviews on the PTAC upper. I like the 1 in 8 twist but thought it would be safer going with the FN barrel.
titsonritz
04-12-16, 18:49
I don't think I'd want to deal with a PTAC, if you are going with a PSA I'd get their "higher end" stuff.
Really though, just get these and be done with it:
http://sionicsweaponsystems.com/store2015/patrol/11-patrol-rifle-zero-upper.html
http://sionicsweaponsystems.com/store2015/36-sionics-a5-lower-receiver-assembly
Id go a2. If you dont like it, its not difficult to go to a micro and FF. Then if you want to go back to a2, you can re-use your FSB and taper pins. I am a FSB guy anyhow.
A2 setup can be found for less, though the price difference is smaller than in years past with rails today. The FSB is arguably the strongest front sight you can get for an AR, and your "gas block" is double pinned.
Free float rails with LPGB have the potential to be lighter and allow adjustable/regulated gas blocks. You have far more options for rail type, length, and grip styles plus more flexibility in mounting accessories such as lights and folding front sights. Pressure on the rail or sling tension won't shift the impact point.
A2 setup can be found for less, though the price difference is smaller than in years past with rails today. The FSB is arguably the strongest front sight you can get for an AR, and your "gas block" is double pinned.
Free float rails with LPGB have the potential to be lighter and allow adjustable/regulated gas blocks. You have far more options for rail type, length, and grip styles plus more flexibility in mounting accessories such as lights and folding front sights. Pressure on the rail or sling tension won't shift the impact point. all true unless youre on the fence about the rail. Since alot of companies use a proprietary barrel nut for their rail you can save a little and get the fsb, or go ahead and get it as youd want it. Either way its a win! Did i mention I like FSB?
I prefer A2 due to the robustness. A setup that makes little sense is using a front flip-up sight with no optic.
Important to verify this with any company before it's too late. Does BCM offer the option of round vs triangle yet?
Another vote for A2 with basic handguard - and I have no idea what Mars Attacks is talking about. :blink: The A2 sight tower doesn't obstruct magnified optics enough to be troublesome, and unmagnified optics (even if they're absolute co-witness and not lower 1/3) still aren't an issue. Adding a riser for the optic would eventually entail adding a riser for the stock, and then the ergonomics are shot all to hell.
If I was going to put together a budget midlength, this is the exact upper group I'd go with: http://palmettostatearmory.com/ptac-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-8-socom-nitrate-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html Toss in a $45 lower, a $99 parts kit (http://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-classic-lower-build-kit-29040.html), and a fixed rear sight (usually ~$75), and for $420 you've got a halfway decent rifle that you can "update" as needed.
... Actually, I might just do this...
I have had good results with PSA, but I would NOT go with the PTAC upper linked above. PSA does not make the bargain basement PTAC line and horror stories abound, even among PSA fans.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
What is your intended purpose for the upper?
300 yards and in, I'd go with the A2 front sight and non free float handguards.
300+ yards free float handguards with low profile gas block.
Yeah, totally depends on purpose. If precision is a big concern, I'd go with the free float. If it's more of a general fighting rifle/home defense setup with a red dot, the free float probably won't do much for you, and isn't worth spending extra money on. Plus it can be upgraded to a free float down the road if you want.
Might as well free float. There is nothing wrong with drop in handguards, but if this is your one rifle, you'll want a rail down the road anyway.
civiliansheepdog
04-14-16, 14:53
HD/SHTF is the intent of the rifle, so 300 and in is more than enough, however my friend just referred me to a Troy upper with their MLOK rail with their sights for only $530. The sights alone are worth over $200 and rail is as well, so I'm leaning heavily towards that now. I'll try and link it.
http://http://www.primaryarms.com/troy-industries-16-556-upper-w-13-m-lok-rail-and-flip-sights/p/supr-bf1-16bt-00-m/
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