Cheap AR 15's Compared: How Does Palmetto State Armory Stack Up?

[@TheLateBoyScout]

CORRECTION: We did not shoot 168 and 175 gr bullets! My brain had a Type 3 malfunction there. They were 68 gr and 75 gr. Additionally, we’ve put many hundreds of rounds of 55 gr FMJ reman through my two PSA kit builds with no issues, and decent accuracy.

[@Motoguy94]

We knew what you meant. Lol

[@Carl007Jr]

Lol I make this mistake alot 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@josephturner571]

Damn that’s some heavy 5.56 😂 great video btw

[@salvatoreromano4919]

The Late Boy Scout that was funny. I was gonna b a smart ass n ask how u got 308 rounds down that barrel lol

[@brandonrupp5880]

Shooting those Depleted Uranium rounds. Good for armor penetrating.

[@b-rye5094]

I have a 10.5 PSA pistol kit with 6k rounds of wolf through it without a hiccup.. honestly for the price, with its lifetime warranty, PSA is one of the best ar15 manufactures out there right now.

[@toddk1377]

I agree. I also have the same 10.5" pistol. Close to 1500 rounds so far and the only thing that happened was I blew a gas ring, a $5 part that I replaced with a 1 piece JP enterprise gas ring which has been flawless since then. I'd also say that Bear Creek Arsenal is right along side PSA for economic AR's as well.

[@yeshua1176]

That's good to hear I also have one of their classic 10.5 kits I built on top of a stripped Anderson lower I've always been curious how many rounds you can get thru such a short carbine before rebarreling

[@FreedomInc]

I keep telling people there is no reason to spend $1500 on A Daniel defense. There are a ton of high quality inexpensive companies on the market.

[@toddk1377]

@@yeshua1176 The number of rounds those Nitride or phosphate barrels can shoot before they need to be replaced is subjective. A lot of people argue 10-15000 rounds but there is no concrete evidence. It mostly depends on the type of ammunition and how the gun is operated. Heat is the barrels worst enemy when it comes to longevity. Basically, if you like to shoot slow and every now then do some rapid fire but not so much to subject the barrel to extreme heat, then your barrel will last longer than the guy who constantly does mag dumps or lots of rapid shooting subecting the barrel to extreme heat. I will say this, I've noticed that the heavier profile barrels and cold hammer forged barrels tend to group better than lighter, non chf barrels as they heat up. Either way, it's a good thing barrels are easy to change and can be fairly inexpensive.

[@toddk1377]

@@FreedomInc I agree for the most part...I think if someone wants a more expensive, upper tier rifle, that is their choice, their money, but if they just want something that goes bang everytime and hits the target, you cannot go wrong with some of these economic AR's on the market. Especially when companies like PSA have a lifetime warranty and have high remarks reguarding customer service.

[@nrm3247]

I’m not sure that at this point in time PSA has a whole lot left to prove......

[@StraitClownin909]

Lol are you kidding me? Explain

[@leethomas556]

@@StraitClownin909 I think he means he's a believer in PSA

[@nrm3247]

@StraitClownin909 I’d say without doubt that for the money you cannot beat a psa rifle and that it would meet or exceed the needs of 90% of shooters out there. Their warranty is also spot on. Check out akoperators 5000 round torture test of one. I believe it’s the only ar variant he’s tested that has survived the entire 5000 rd test. Are there better rifles out there? Probably. Maybe. Are there better rifles out there sub $500 bucks? Nope!

[@StraitClownin909]

@@nrm3247 well damn I'm down with your reply. You seem to have done some research. What else does PSA jave to prove. Considering 10 years ago the company was coming out of a garage. I don't think they have anything left to prove.

[@StraitClownin909]

@@nrm3247 nvm i misread your comment we are in agreement.

[@thatguy22441]

I talked my ex-wife into getting an M&P Sport (we're still good friends and I care about her safety) and she likes it. That was the first time she had ever fired any AR pattern rifle, whereas I was in the Army for 8 years and carried an M4 on three deployments. I recently got a PSA PA-15 and I love it. I'm not dropping $1000 into an AR that can do everything that one costing half that can do.

[@BobMarley-dk9hn]

For one, I really appreciate your service man. And two, I'm building a freedom fde. I love how affordable they are. And the fact a veteran is standing behind them, just makes me want it more

[@thatguy22441]

@@BobMarley-dk9hn The truth is a standard entry-level AR15 is practically identical to the M4. The only differences are select fire (the M4 has a three-round burst setting) barrel length (the AR's barrel is 16 inches while the M4's is 14.5) and the trigger (an AR has about 6-7 pound trigger while our service rifles had a 10 pound trigger). A civilian AR is actually slightly better (sometimes more than slightly) than our service rifles. Almost nobody ever uses burst in combat, so select-fire is a moot point. ARs are perfectly good rifles, and the .223/5.56 is plenty powerful. Civilian AR owners are using the same rifle, and the same way as servicemen, for the same purposes. Full auto is fun, but useless unless you're specifically trained to use it. Burst is useless.

[@apelnkn2230]

Or at least talk yourself into justification behind $500 in mods lol

[@markkravig7410]

I qualified and carried different variations of the M-16 (triangle foregrips and before three round burst existed) all the way through M-4s and GAU-5s over a 23 year career. They were all basic guns with Mil-spec triggers and most had decades of abuse before I ever touched them. For basic engagement of man-sized targets up to 300m even the most inexpensive AR-15 that feeds reliably is all almost any shooter will ever need. Those that spend big bucks on trigger mods and more comfy furniture are just spoiled LARPers with nothing better to do with their money. LMFAO

[@thatguy22441]

@@markkravig7410 A lot of people lose sight of what's important when choosing a fighting gun. All the vast majority of us will ever need is a rifle that can hit a man-sized target at 300 meters; you're absolutely right about that. Actually, most shots will be taken at a fraction of that distance. I'll take my $600 PSA over anything that costs 2 or 3 times that, every day of the week and twice on Sunday. The ones who crack me up are the ones who practically take out a second mortgage to buy some outrageously expensive rifle or a super high speed 1911.

[@bryanespinosa6121]

Honestly it’s time for us to really appreciate PSA and what they do. Nobody comes close to the price and performance. I know it’s joked about by AR elitists but they really are “just as good” in almost all aspects.

[@johnnjen5118]

Not to mention you can upgrade the gas system for relatively cheap. I notice the cheaper ARs run hot faster.

[@prylosecorsomething3194]

I wouldn't say that they're just as good but they're in spec with any other ar15 so over time if you want you can buy new parts and slowly upgrade it

[@RickJamesGhostGuns]

@@prylosecorsomething3194 What needs to be upgraded on their premium line?

[@ericj6636]

@@RickJamesGhostGuns nothing. The answer is nothing. Optic, buis, flashlight & pressure pad. And a lot of ammo. But those are accessories not upgrades. The barrel and BCG is great. The handguard is good too. You could upgrade to an ambi charging handle for ergonomics but the function itself is absolutely incredible

[@RickJamesGhostGuns]

@@ericj6636 I own two of them and I know they're good to go, I just wanted to hear his response.

[@z_rock8391]

The good old days when ARs were under 800$ and ammo wasn’t 1$ a round. Being 19 and just trying to buy my first gun has been a nightmare

[@brentparks3669]

You can still buy a gun for pretty good prices, just wait for a Blem package from PSA, then get your lower package and you can build one under $600.00 easy

[@ktmcrush2290]

@@brentparks3669 I'm 18 and plan on buying one all together from psa

[@nanbubucks9953]

@@ktmcrush2290 same

[@nanbubucks9953]

@@brentparks3669 can I buy the all the parts online or do I need to go to an ffl dealer to get a lower receiver

[@kyle18934]

@@brentparks3669 I bought a full ar 15 except the lower block for $650 and my uncle gave me a spare lower to mill. Psa has some good deals, you just have to poke around

[@allenmoto291allenyother8]

i am very happy with all the stuff ive used from psa, they are putting modern rifles in the hands of the average man! i love it!

[@Phoenix_Atlas]

I ha e only owned 1 rifle from PSA and I got it for $500 at a local store on black Friday. It was seriously good quality and i loved it.

[@mayhem2880]

My PSA 16 5.56 M4 cost $899+ tax (stock) before sightings or upgrades

[@5jjt]

@@mayhem2880 I'm with Matthew; I immediately went to YT to research my new $668 AR pistol only to find last year it sold for less than half of that. Oh well.

[@Phoenix_Atlas]

@Keith The Faith Yeah, I needed the money pretty bad. It wasn't without deep regrets though.

[@vaughnbrady4454]

PSA quality is very good and the prices are quite affordable. Another budget AR is the Diamondback DB15. I've put almost 900 rounds through it with only one jam, and it was with reloaded ammo.

[@u.s.-sheepdog4761]

$450 for my Psa, mid length gas system, free floated mlok 13 inch lightweight rail, nickle boron full auto m16 Bolt carrier, m4 feed ramps, enhanced polished trigger, and Magpul stock, grip, and trigger guard.. PSA for the win..!

[@sbentsen2714]

PSA doing a great job of helping get an AR-15 in every home in America 👍🏼

[@chzzyg2698]

I've been saying it for years, since leaving the Army where I was an armorer. An AR is an AR is an AR. They're all made to mil-spec standards from the same barrel of parts, just under a different name. The forging plants are the same ones that make all AR parts for all manufacturers. The only real things you're paying for is name brand and finish. Now, the brands do their own millings, but unless you're buying from a brand that's never been heard of, it's all still mil-spec. The only pieces I put any sort of value into are the barrel and the bolt. Everything else can be solved easily. I love my Anderson AR's just as much as my Aero's. Why? Because they're essentially the exact same gun. Don't even get me started on 1911's. lol

[@morgan3688]

That is true untill you talk about dedicated manufacturers like Faxon, and when you understand that the final machining is what dictates quality due to tolerances. There is definitely a gradient of value, i.e. DD ars are not worth 2k, and cheap ars punch above their cost for value. But a 1k custom build will beat the hell out of a 450 off the shelf ar.

[@chzzyg2698]

@@morgan3688 I agree, an Anderson AR isn't going to compete with a Faxon due to their extra detail work on the bolt, barrel, and finish, but you can take a Faxon bolt and barrel and still get that same accuracy on an Anderson rifle. I've got a frankenstein build, a literal smattering of completely different brand parts, with a Faxon 1:8 barrel, and that thing shoots quarters at 100 meters. The receivers are melonited and it has an HK buffer tube with a teflon coating for extra reliability in a combat scenario that will never happen. lol. I've also got an M16 clone that I just finished made with Anderson receivers, a WMD barrel, and RCA bcg that shoots about the same by eyeballing it. As long as I keep the M16 clean and maintained it'll do about the same as its brother. I put most of the value in the bolt and barrel for reliability and function, then the finish second for continued reliability and protection from the elements, and I could care less who made it most of the time since I'm all about custom builds for fun'sies anyway. I went way off track. I guess in the end I agree with you, I just like talking about AR's over coffee. My custom builds usually end around the $1k mark. Cheers.

[@morgan3688]

@@chzzyg2698 Yeah, you can put a real nice gun together with a mediocre upper, good bcg and bolt, excelent barrel and decent HG. Some play can be done with buffers, but there is little reliability and accuracy impact anywhere else in the gun. Still hoping those GWACS poly lowers come back. Kinda want to put a lightweight 7.62x39 build together. The heresy of that, SBRd with a suppressor would be hillarious.

[@alonzo8214]

@dualspectrumreality ytilaermurtcepslaud I have a DDv7, friend has v11. We also own plenty of PSA rifles and pistols. The only difference is we "baby" the DD while coyote hunting because of the price. The 18 inch stainless PSA wylde I own shoots the lights out of our DD rifles at long distances hence why I changed my thermal scope from my DD to the PSA wylde. I like owning the one DD "just because" but cannot justify buying another for no increase in accuracy or reliability. Plus it doesn't bother me when we're throwing our PSA's in the truck or banging them around changing locations during the night hunts.

[@Ilovebanjos]

dualspectrumreality ytilaermurtcepslaud I am sure he did not melt is barrel after 4 mags. If he did, he should send that barrel back to PSA!! A PSA nitride barrel won’t melt even 4 mags of full auto. PSA has proved itself again and again, outrunning all of your gucci AR’s and hauling ass. Mil spec is Mil spec.

[@Mr1MOA]

I have a couple of PSA rifles, going back to 2010. They are the 2 cheapest rifles in my collection, but are the most reliable and well used rifles. Accuracy is on par with many other brands, between 1.5-2 MOA with ball ammo. High quality and high value, I highly recommend.

[@JinkxSoldga]

PSA all day and twice on Sundays please!!

[@josephcampbell3597]

I have 3 rifles from PSA. 10.5 inch pistol, 16 in midlength, and AK47. Honestly no complaints. Well made, reliable, and durable. I recommend them to friends all the time.

[@fetti214]

Joseph Campbell me too my boy was about to buy an ar for 1500 from his buddy I was like dude you can buy two guns and a box off billets for that cost

[@josephcampbell3597]

@@fetti214For sure. Both my AR15s were about $1000 total and my AK47 was $600. I paid about $1600 for my 3 rifles.

[@kongtsaab993]

Debating on the 10.5 pistol or 16inch mid length. Which one would you recommend! Both cost $600 each.

[@michaelrichardson7666]

PSA has been having crazy deals this summer. I bought a couple of their stripped lowers at $29.99 a piece. This week I bought my first complete lower for an AR-pistol for $150 (they had some other complete lowers for even cheaper). My wife saw how much fun I've been having building these rifles, and now she wants to build her own. I've had zero problems with my PSA builds. I still like Ruger's rifles too, but there is just something more satisfying about shooting a rifle that you built yourself.

[@johnschafer3433]

Have three PSA rifles they shoot the same groups that my buddies Rock River shoots.

[@rangersmith4652]

It's worth noting that Ruger AR-556 comes in a number of different models to meet just about anyone's AR needs. It was my choice in late 2019 before things went sideways.

[@boomerisadog3899]

The Ruger's have cold hammer forged barrels as well. They aren't chrome lined but they are good quality. Not that most people would ever shoot a button rifled barrel out anyway. If you're on a tight budget I'd recommend an upper and lower separately from PSA. You can still get both for between $450 and $600, depending on which combination you choose.

[@RBslowman]

That was my first gun purchase back in 2015! Great rifle. The Ruger lower now has the PSA drop in flat trigger and a PSA 1/7 16" free float upper. The old Ruger upper has been converted to free float and put on a new lower I put together

[@hellaacapella]

I had considered the ruger but it cost more $$ compared to a S&w or a PSA.. for essentially the same rifle

[@npvols4321]

You can build a psa for $348 ..... Midlength.. That's insane!!

[@RickJamesGhostGuns]

I know right, after I built one and let my brother and his friend shoot it, they both ordered one the next day.

[@npvols4321]

@@RickJamesGhostGuns it's crazy man! They charge the same price for carbine length and midlength knowing one is more accurate and reliable???? I love PSA dude, I built a 10.5 in clone of what the seals use in tan! There is really no excuse to not own an AR if you care about defending liberty for $348. I've actually grown to hate sports people because of how unimportant it all is compared to the fight we're in....

[@chrissexton6634]

I Have a psa freedom one with a ept trigger in stealth gray for 300$ on Black Friday...... For the price it's my favorite 1.3 moa for basicly nothing

[@mattwhite5581]

I have an ATI Omni 5.56 and 300blk out paid 300 a piece many rounds no problem

[@GiuseppeSimonetti]

Mid length master race. Lol

[@beshkodiak]

A regular customer at PSA i also think Midway arms has very good build kits at comparable prices. Their ground floor kits are by Stoner, so i have a high regard for Midway. And for Palmetto State Armory. The confidence i have in their line of goods is based on the performance i get from the products they sell me.

[@philipfreeman2863]

I can't speak about psa ar15s. But I do own a psa a9 carbine. And I'll be completely honest I was supprised at how well it pteformed. And it did so well that it's become my primary home defensive weapon. It feeds the 124 grain plus p plus hollowpoints with no issues at all. And I put a dot scope and a streamlight protac HLX weapons mounted light and laser. And a feature I really like is my ar15 uses smith and wesson md. 76 magazines and last round bolt hold open. And out to 50 yards it will hold a quarter inch group. And no it's not a replacement for my Springfield Armory saint ar15 carbine. But at realistic ranges the ar9 would be tasked to preform. It works just fine. And I can practice at my local indoor range with the ar9. One change I did make on both was to remove the from sights from both and added Trijicon ar15 night sights on both. So is my ar9 carbine just a range toy, not at all. It has better all around accuracy than my handguns, due to it's longer site radius and three points of contact. It's reliable and with the exact same features as my ar15 I can easily train will the 9mm and transition to the ar15. And while a lot of individuals can't see the benefits of a ar9 carbine. It's most effective in the same role as a submachine gun in certain situations. And with better accuracy than any handgun. And it's fun to shoot.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

It's always tough to do comparisons when you are using iron sights against any sort of optic.

[@scott2228]

I’ve got a PSA I really like. Bought upper and lower separate for a total of $560. With Magpul furniture and polished mil spec trigger. I ended up upgrading the BCG to Geissele.

[@certainpointofview3860]

That is a great idea! Palmetto rifles with a good bolt in them is the perfect set up.

[@Andres-nm7rh]

Change the barrel out too or just the BCG

[@scott2228]

@@Andres-nm7rh leave the barrel. “Shoot it out” and replace it once u get your $$ worth out of it.

[@theordinarydude2104]

You also need to use the same optic on all the rifles for any valid comparisons

[@Code_Made]

Pretty sure he said that over n over but thanks for being that person smfh

[@samtaylor7800]

@@Code_Made then why did they put the reddot on in the first place? It damn sure dont come like that.

[@Code_Made]

@@samtaylor7800 A red dot is number one in self defense rifle optics under 250 meters. Quick n reliable.. most all 223/556 defence tools will carry such first due to bullet composition n distance of lb's. Basically, it's just the way to go with a 223/556 munition.

[@samtaylor7800]

@@Code_Made i agree but you cant compare accuracy of 2 rifles if one has a reddot and the other one has iron sights. Use the same sighting style to compare 2 different rifles accuracy.

[@jordo641]

@@samtaylor7800 Lots of rifle packages these days come with a red dot sight, but generally speaking, under the constraint of a sub-$500 budget, they don't have the extra $100-300 needed for a quality rifle sight, though yes, I've seen some in the $50-75 range.

[@paulhughes3961]

If the Ruger has a mid length gas system then that would explain it's smoother shooting. I have the M&P sport but it's not the same rifle anymore, I have changed everything inside and out and now it gets under moa at 100 yrds.

[@CalmAsCake]

What kind of upgrades have you done to it?

[@Lonestar-zn2ym]

Tell us Paul

[@MJScoutArchMar]

@@Lonestar-zn2ym .. He's not telling

[@Lonestar-zn2ym]

MJ I’m still waiting 😂

[@jacegill4036]

I just built my very first gun and it came from PSA. They are absolutely amazing and I can't say enough good things about them

[@checkyoursixgaming]

Owning several of the PSA firearms myself, I personally love them so far. I got the freedom line as well as the more expensive line. If you wait for deals, you can basically get an A15 for closer to $300 total. I also have some other cheaper setups too. Seriously. Karri Guns has a $99 complete lower and Durkin Tactical sells a $99 upper shipped for sales quite often. I then drop in a $50 BCG from PSA and a cheap charging handle and I basically have a $260 AR15. Really it is ridiculous these days what you can get a decent usable AR15 for.

[@victorvick1076]

Not anymore rip

[@willpittman7593]

Still rock my psa with the a2 sight and carry handle. 3k rounds later not a single jam. Once you learn the sights you are dangerous. It’s my end of the world gun, not the nicer ars with cool sights and grips and rails. My cheapest, most barebones is easily my best rifle I trust the most and trust my abilities with.

[@hellaacapella]

I feel like in an end of the world scenario I would stay away from rifles that need constant cleaning.. vs something like an AK that you can run uncleaned for years. Especially since it’ll be hard to find cleaning supplies after a while. The only downsides would be traveling with the extra weight of the 7.62 rounds and ofcourse accuracy at long distances where the 223/556 would shine!

[@frankammirati3385]

Well I’m glad to hear these guys mentioned the twist rates on the guns , the twist rate makes all the difference in the for accuracy . Psa is a 1.7 twist requires heavier bullets for better accuracy , ruger is a 1.8 twist which is what I prefer for the simple reason being 55 grain is the most common bullet in the stores and in a pinch most stores will be out of the 55 grain leaving the heavier 62 grain on the shelf because it’s usually more expensive , the M&P uses a 1.9 twist and is best for lighter bullets and the most common 55 grain in the stores . I went with the 1.8 twist on my ar platform and I can effectively run anything from a 55 grain up to a 75 grain with a 1/2 inch group at 100 yards .

[@mmelgoza1983]

Go for the midlength from PSA, usually similar price.

[@chrissexton6634]

Plus nice stability and smooth shots. Cool look.

[@Quincy556]

Miguel Melgoza love my mid length from psa.

[@GiuseppeSimonetti]

Mid length master race lol

[@vincentgrippi9524]

Got the Ruger for $499 , think I’ll look into a PSA build now after seeing this

[@marknorwood7521]

Currently a psa rifle, 1 10 1/2" pistol and another rifle kit on the way. Had others, 5.56x45, 7.62x39 and another ar pistol. No complaints on any. Good quality, Great Prices.

[@NCrdwlf]

My budget palmetto hbar 7.62 x 39 build just chugs along , accurate , reliable and fun . It came as a complete upper and is still on all original parts with just over 4 k rounds and a few classes under its belt . I trust it .

[@GunnerM60]

My 1st & currently only AR-15 I bought a complete PSA lower at a gun show first, then a few months later bought a complete upper 16" barrel from PSA website during their Independence Day sale. The hammer needed to be oiled up just a touch, but after that it shot beautifully. A buddy of mine is a US Army veteran & a State Trooper. He's teaching me how to shoot & take care of it & it's been fun. Already thinking making another one for long range shooting w/ at least 18" barrel.

[@dann6888]

The gen 2 M and P sports do have a dust cover and forward assist.

[@kwiturbitchin5277]

Yes, I bought a gen 1 4 years ago and then the gen 2 came out and it pissed me off! I wanted a forward assist and dust cover so I bought an Aero upper receiver and switched it out. I’m a happy man now, even though I’ve never used the forward assist and probably will never have to.

[@Vlad7sokruta]

Awesome gun.

[@stewmeat9261]

The gen 1 has the better barrel with 1 and 8 twist with 5r rifling

[@DB.KOOPER]

But no 5R barrel... the gen 2 guns are just not as good and S&W is a garbage company to deal with. The 5R barrel was the only real draw to the M&P.

[@DB.KOOPER]

@Shnaz Fangler NOPE. They don't.

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

I am new again to this. In other words, I had guns decades ago, but getting back into it. I am looking at a PSA, Since I live in South Carolina. I own a Ruger security 9 compact. I was looking at the Ruger, but I am on a budget

[@keithplymale2374]

Welcome to Gun Culture 2.0. It is different from what you probably remember John depending on how far back that was. If you have not done it yet watch for the complete upper and lower to go on sale with no shipping. Realize prices on everything are higher now but in 2018 I got the A2 and Freedom Rifle parts for just under $300 for each set. And since they are milspec you can use anybodies carry handle (for the traditional look), charging handle and bolt carrier group.

[@redmule02]

being i worked for PSA for 4Years and have seen the worst and the best come through either bought or serviced all of the ar's are basically the same unless you have a high end barrel and trigger but other then that didnt see any reason to spend more for an AR then the PSA. I will stick with my PSA all day.

[@toddk1377]

I have PSA and the Ruger AR556. Both fine rifles. I also recently aquired a BCA upper. They are cheaper than PSA but still have great accuracy and offer a lot of bang for your buck.

[@Meekmillan]

Grew up in the country where my grandad has a old gun cabinet filled with various hunting rifles and shotguns. But It wasn’t until this past year that I actually got “into guns” passed the level of firing them on occasion with the family. I didn’t really want a standard AR15 style rifle (yet) I wanted something like an AR9 because a PCC tickled my fancy. Also being able to share ammo with my m&p is a plus. So being a newbie that’s going cheap on a complete, I did some searching and watched a lot of videos / read forum posts and decided to go PSA. Specifically a 7.5” ARV that takes scorpion mags with the enhanced polished trigger. To me it seems to be a good entry level weapon and honestly just good in general. My grandpa didn’t have anything bad to say about it but he only fired 35 rounds. But even my uncle who does weapon instruction at Ft. Bragg likes it. Although he did say we might have to swap the trigger out at some point and we can go from there 😂 I’ll also say it doesn’t play the best with steel cases ammo which is something I heard beforehand. But I picked up a cheap box of 115gr tula anyway and out of the 50 I had 4-5 failures to feed. It was also a brand new gun so, after some break in that’ll hopefully change. But with brass it’s no issues so far. So I rock with PSA. Even picked up a PSAK47 gf3 around Black Friday since it was on sale. Shoutout to a company putting cheap quality American made firearms into the hands of Americans. That always deserves respect.

[@xsweetxvampirousx]

Just some constructive criticism I recommend some B-roll when talking about some of the finer details, the rifles were extremely difficult to see in the lighting conditions you were filming in.

[@DerWaidmann_]

Thank you so much! I just bought a Ruger AR556 and this is exactly the video I've been looking for the past month.

[@drmaudio]

I used some PSA parts on my last build. I was expecting them to be barely acceptable, but honestly, they are pretty nice parts. A guy can pay more and get less.

[@mrmorrisjh]

S&W Sport 2's stock trigger is outstanding can't go wrong with a sport.

[@BIGMONSTERTRUCKEARS]

If you want 4140 Steel Barrels buy S&W or Ruger. I will take PSA Freedom upper with 4150 Barrel Steel.

[@usmc8816]

My PSA I’ve had for about 4 years now in .308. Installed new buffer and spring, LaRue trigger, aftermarket takedown pins and aftermarket bcg, not a single issue.

[@Venomxjjb]

I keep hearing better and better things about PSA. I have a stripped lower that looks like it will be a PSA build now.

[@rb67mustang]

I had a new Colt AR back in the 80's, so I would remove the old school front sight/gas block and the handguard and put a free float rail on it. Get a nice set of flip-up sights and get some kind of scope for it. But as long as you're having fun, you could leave it as it is.

[@hellbillywv5724]

I have the PSA AR15 stainless steel 16" barrel free floating handguard 1/8 twist and once broken in I consistently get 1.25 to 1.5 MOA at 100 yards with 55gr steel case wolf ammo. I do have a 3X Prism Scope from Primary Arm's but my eye's are bad and can't see through irons beyond 50 yards.

[@JosiahKlunk]

My 16’ - 13.5 stainless steel pencil barrel kits on the way just ordered it tonight , with the anderson stripped lower and 2 pmags it comes out to about 500 . Cant go wrong with that 🔥

[@mayhem2880]

I'm sorry to tell you my friend it's a A R platform ant a ar most likely if u ask a gun expert like I did when I bought a PSA 16 -mine has no forward assist &no plate cover,its a 16"barrow it's a AR platform but it's a PSA16 5.56 M4

[@mayhem2880]

AR means ArmaLite rifle company also known as AR PSA mean plemetto state armory,,two different companys

[@otisbones]

LOOKING TO BUY/BUILD MY FIRST AR. THIS IS THE TYPE OF VIDEO I FIND HELPFUL IN MY FINAL DECISION. THANKS.

[@kevinroberts781]

Check out bear creek arsenal. I own 2 of their rifles and they are great. Lifetime warranty too!

[@reelnative01]

Both of those weapons cost double of the psa, and you can buy that psa in your hand for 300.00 shipped

[@deasttn]

I'd love to have a sub $400 AR. I'm new to firearms and love value firearms. How do I put one together? What do I need to buy?

[@reelnative01]

deasttn go to palmetto state armory web site and get an fully assembled ar15 lower pistol or rifle and a fully Assembled upper pistol ( short ) or rifle 16in and longer slap them together and boom ya got an ar

[@deasttn]

@@reelnative01 cool. I just did that. I think I found something for $120+$220. Sights, Shipping plus FFL puts it right at $400. Looks like I'll need sights, too.

[@reelnative01]

deasttn don’t skimp on the sights get the magpul flip up rear if you got an upper with the a1 front sight or a set if not,

[@bangbang44500]

Built an ar from psa with full magpul furniture and midlength gas for 400 after tax .

[@bblauter]

Sold my spikes,I loved, ruger and dpms during the panic, kept the psa because it did everything they did. I used the extra cash to buy a motorcycle. Since replaced the chf spikes, but still have some PSA' s around. All have spikes ni BCGs for ease of cleaning

[@o1mtbiker]

I have built many psa kits, for myself and family. My current are 10.5 ar pistol on 5.56 and psa 18” stainless wylde kit. Which all said and done was well under the 500 budget rifle. I am very happy with both.

[@craigl.1193]

o1mtbiker how do you like the 10.5 in barrel?

[@o1mtbiker]

Craig L. I like it a lot. It’s louder, but some reason seems to have less kick, not that they kick a lot to start. Most of all it’s fun to shoot

[@tballstaedt7807]

PSA gives you a lot for your money. A value that is unprecedented in any other type of firearm, platform, or manufacturer.

[@scottgalaska]

So I've previously only used PSA, for their lowers. They had a Black Friday sale; $40 a piece. I coupled them with DD, and BCM. Recently though, I purchased one of PSA's "Premium Barrels", by FN. Along with PSA charging handle and BCG. I'm very impressed by their performance. I did put BCM furniture on though. Just like the way it feels. I ordered all of it from their site. Who knew they sold BCM parts?

[@pinger5563]

I like how you took them out with standard BUIS sights & shoot them. No fancy optics

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

I (mostly) buy my rifles like I buy my suits: off the rack, then tailor as needed. I have that one special AR that I built from the ground, up, using the best of the best parts, but generally speaking my PSA, S&W M&P-15 [not the "sport"], DPMS, Rock River, and various pistol builds all perform as needed. I have them set up for various specific functions, and they work. But off the rack, value + performance, I don't think you can do better than the PSA. Thanks for the video. "Thumbs up" from this Kentucky boy.

[@ohboy2592]

I know this is two years old but I remember psa having a lot of issues back in the ‘13-‘14 years with qc. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them over the last few years and they cleaned house after that debacle.

[@williamnicholson8133]

I wouldnot call them cheap inwould refer to them as budget rifles. And budget rifles have come a long way over the years.

[@thesaint1517]

Good video, guys. PSA performed quite well vs two others at $100+ higher. I would say that PSA is less expensive rather than cheaper which is commonly used for lower quality parts. Keep those videos coming.

[@mikopaq]

Build your own and put in quality components. Same price or cheaper than buying complete. Even with $125 trigger and $90 bcg upgrade still under $500.

[@OKICUR12]

PSA is great, buy some today and enjoy.

[@Ocdoutdoors]

With open/red dot sights those groups are perfect.. add a LPVO and you should get a moa group with the right ammo. I don't own any PSA uppers but have bought a few lowers and other parts.. Hey, they just came out with a drop in 3.5# trigger, you should do a review on it.

[@michaeledwards8051]

Modern produced, especially mil-spec, ARs will function at least to the quality of issued M-16s or M-4s. They're new. They haven't been through tens of thousands of rounds in whatever use military rifles are accustomed; and mil-spec is the minimum specifications to meet requirements. It's just well enough to work. Our 16s rattled like crap and still functioned. The bickery of an aftermarket plastic sight might not be rugged enough is outweighed by asking if someone would have faith in such frailty with low crawling, bounding overwatch movements and especially butt striking someone. Maybe I was just in when it was more rugged and less flash. As for not having a forward assist, half-charging using the charging handle usually works if you don't have a functional forward assist. Just as you hold the rifle with your left hand and remove your right hand to strike the assist, instead pull back on the charging handle about 1/3-1/2 length of the casing so when you let go the round is hopefully sent properly into battery. Don't pull back too far or you'll eject the round. It's what you'd do if forward assist didn't work. Also, it's still a rifle that shts where it eats with powders blown back to bolt anyhow

[@rb67mustang]

13:20, It's very easy to build your own upper as well. There are so many different barrels to choose from it would surprise you. And the prices are all over the map.

[@KiRiMa64]

Love the intro music and I love the value you get with PSA! I already have the S&W Sport but won't hesitate to purchase the PSA AR.

[@punisher9oneone]

People also forget, PSA/Bear Creek Arsenal pricing model. They are direct to public. Eliminating the store/dealer/distributor markups help keep the prices down. So in reality the $450 PSA would be a 700-800 store bought tool

[@Megames2012]

You should look at Bear Creek Arsenal; I've been very pleased with every purchase from them. And for right around 400 to 500 bucks, you can easily build a top tier, mid-length, freefloat AR. Lastly, my local PD uses the M&P Sport 2.

[@davidhiggins3388]

I bought a stealth lower from psa. The only problem that I have with the lower is when I release the bolt the spring makes a lot of noise. I put a strike Industries flat wire spring and a H2 buffer and it really has changed the way the rifle functions.

[@pssita]

2nd You should do a PSA vs BCM and see what happens... And I have 3 PSA ARs.. Mix of 18" down to 7.5"

[@TheSonsOfSimon]

I say this all the time. Buy these two rifles and beat on them. I honestly think that there aren’t many major differences aside from QC.

[@TheLateBoyScout]

That would be a fun video. Wish I had the time and ammo resources for that. Maybe MAC or MrGnG could do it.

[@Vicarium]

What would be better is to take a budget of $3500 and one have one side go "high end" and the other "low end" outfitting as many guys as possible followed by a war game. Putting budget ARs in the hands of 3-5 guys with 4-5 mags each, and a budget red dot (and maybe one DMR setup) would absolutely overwhelm anything a single guy and a high-end AR would be prepared to handle. I read lots of comments about needing really expensive "war fighting / battle" rifles but overwhelming firepower will almost undoubtedly beat the marginally better performance of super-expensive rifles. Plus you have added capacity and depth to deal with equipment malfunctions. If you have a tight family or group of friends that you can trust you'd have yourself a nice little squad to deal with a LOT of SHTF scenarios. 5 PSA Freedom rifles...$1750 20 Pmags...$200 Case of 556...$350 Slings...$100 Red dots (4 @ $150)...$600 Budget scope (DMR option)...$350 Budget LBV...$250

[@tacticoolcommando7305]

@@Vicarium I used to have your same thought, and still do sorta. However, it's a completely unfair comparison. 1 guy vs 3-5 guys is a comical way to prove your point as it would be the same if that 1 guy can get a tank and his high end rifle vs those 5 guys with PSA rifles. I suggest 1 guy with his high end rifle vs 1 guy with his budget rifle, extra mags, ammo, optic and most importantly.. training! I'll take a guy with a budget build by my side who has actually trained with his rifle vs someone who just spent a lot of money on one and shoots paper at the range every now and then. I hope you understand what I mean and use it in your further statements as I've come to find out that it is the best thing to be said in these type of discussions when debating price. Happy shootings!

[@Vicarium]

@@tacticoolcommando7305 we're talking total budget constraints as a discriminator when the inevitable comparison arguments are made between high dollar and budget ARs. I don't think resource considerations are the least bit comical and as obvious as my example is, the point is lost on many.

[@petergeier3260]

Just picked up a lower from them today. Complete lower for $99.99. Got a pistol kit from them a couple months ago. Runs great. No problems whatsoever.

[@ccsmith2937]

I have a S&W Sport 2 that I use for HD. It has been great. That said PSA has their complete upper & lower making their rifle $278 which is worth it if on a budget or getting a spare election rifle. 👍🇺🇸 Ruger is my 3rd choice due to proprietary part but it’s an AR everything is changeable. Shop around online for the best price. GrabaGun & Tombstone have great prices. 👍

[@RickJamesGhostGuns]

A mid length PSA freedom for the win

[@2wheeleddemon999]

The only issue I've had with my first psa build was the trigger had to be reset manually for the first 5 or 6 rounds. That could just be me not knowing what the hell I was doing when I built my first AR or probably some kind of burr that needed to be worn down. I'm on my 4th build now and have not had any other issues with them. I love PSA and CBC

[@davejan744]

2 wheeled, try dremel polishing the trigger sears & put lighter springs into your kit. AMAZING difference!! I get 2.3 lbs & 2.7 lb trigger pulls on.my 2 PSAs. Polished em w regular metal polish sticks u can get at any hardware store. Made my surfaces mirror smooth & oiled em. PSA also sells boron coated trigger assys that are great. Cheap too.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

Upside down disconnect spring

[@chrissexton6634]

Psa has great rifles and the freedom with a ept trigger is 1.3 moa. For 300$ on Black Friday+lower. 😁

[@toddbyrd7140]

I built my first AR from PSA Kits three years ago. I bought the 16" mid-gas stainless barrel upper with 15" KeyMod free float handrail. I have since installed an ALG trigger w/ Vortex glass and Magpul grip and stock. It shoots sub MOA out to 300 yards and I can plink a 8" steel plate at 400 yards no problem with hand load Xtreme 55g bullets. I have about $1,000 bucks in it with the glass. It out shoots my buddy's $2,200 (before Glass) Daniel Defense which is ammo picky. Seems like a pretty good value to me.

[@tdnavy1066]

I built a psa mid length for $300 for the striped lower and the upper/lpk. Shoot great no issue love it.

[@tylersutherlan2110]

Stripped*

[@sigspearthumb2313]

I built my PSA for $345. No regrets thing just works.

[@robertjackson6346]

My wife loves her PSA i built for her. I have had rock river, smith Wesson, daniel defense, plum crazy and others, and PSA is sexy, low cost, and holds up of course i like to deck out my ar15 platforms... ALL IN ALL PSA IS WORTH EVERY CENT, IT RUNS AND HOLDS UP GREAT.

[@freshfowler1398]

PSA is a God sent for stacking deep!😉🇺🇸 I really like a mid length gas system for a 16" barrel for a softer recoil impulse and many say it's more reliable and you won't here me say it's not. Have had nothing but excellent performance from all PSA stuff. That doesn't mean I don't have a BCM or Aero precision/Ballistic Advantage, it just means I can afford many types and all the other costs of shooting / customizing!👍🇺🇸

[@jimmypacheco444]

Love the STNGR HWK handguard on the ruger

[@tennesseepatriot4360]

My psa rifles all came with full auto bolt .my smith has ar 15 bolt

[@richardlahan7068]

They are not "cheap" rifles. They are affordable rifles. Cheap implies poor materials and workmanship.

[@Ky_Mycology]

Buffers/buffer tubes and recoil springs make a huge difference in how a weapon feels. I generally polish the inside of my buffer tubes with 1000 grit sandpaper, it makes the inside of the tube way smoother and alot more quite during function.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Love both my psa's, right around 1k rounds thru 5.56 no issues Another pss lower on my 6.5 Gren great so far

[@TheBpotter69]

I love all my PSA guns. Never any hiccups.

[@toynazi]

I have always had good luck with PSA. Have a few mid lengths and four or five of the premium BCG's Never had any issues.

[@Luis.M.Castillo]

Buy PSA, don't pay extra when you don't need too

[@rogerbussiii]

I get less than 1 loa with my DD. If u dont mind missing I'd say ya, get a cheep A.R.

[@DieselLift]

Last time I checked an average size body is bigger than an inch, unless you’re shooting at a quarter I’d say you’re gtg considering the military accepts a much wider group.

[@rogerbussiii]

If your off 3 inches at 100 you're off by 6 inches at 200. That's a miss if your shooting at the head, and if they have cover and the only thing u can see is the head you might as well pack up and go home.

[@Luis.M.Castillo]

@@rogerbussiii Enjoy your DD bro, and speaking of MOA, With good ammo and a nice scope I've gotten 5 shot groups at 100yds inside an inch with a standard nitride barrel. With applied marksmanship fundamentals most AR's will be MOA accurate. What's loa?

[@toddk1377]

The best thing about the Ruger AR556 is the fact it has a 4140cmv cold hammer forged barrel. I noticed with mine, which is also free floated, it tends to keep better groups even when it's hot vs my BCA rifle that has a standard 20" 4150cmv barrel which shoots sub moa when cold, but opens up to 3" or more when it gets hot.

[@terrylynne8208]

Todd K Mine. Came with the 5R tube definitely a big plus.

[@georgesakellaropoulos7060]

First build was done using the lowest priced PSA kit I could find, together with an 80 % lower. Several thousand rounds later this gun is still holding slightly less than 1 minute of angle with my handloads. It has never malfunctioned, even if it's not been cleaned for over 1000 rounds. In my opinion, PSA represents one of the best choices for anyone entering the AR market.

[@canjo4588]

I recently purchased a psa upper and lower never purchased anything from psa I’ve seen mixed reviews from different kind of people and decided I would check it out for myself and so far I’ve been impressed I’ve owned some pretty good “name brand ar-15s and the psa for the money I gotta say you get your moneys worth and then some the quality was better then what I expected and when I heard what psa’s mission was and being an American company supporting citizens rights sweetened the deal for me for me it’s something to be proud of honestly .

[@TheHexeract]

turn up the mic on the paper so i can hear it crinkle more

[@SeamusMacMattain]

I have a pair of PSA builds, an Anderson lower on a 16" 300AAC and a Spikes lower on a 10.5" 300AAC pistol.... I got the pistol kit, but just the rifle length complete upper (I added a CMMG A1 stock and buffer to finish it,) both are very solid and have served me well, better, in fact than my old Armalite Eagle Arms 15 did.

[@user-oy9zy4ds9m]

I’ve literally done dozens of 100 round full auto mag dumps through a PSA premium upper minus their bolt carrier group on an m16 lower of course, held up through many thousands of rounds before the gas tube finally popped I was shocked it lasted as long as it did. It did weld itself to the gas block and barrel though but that’s my fault not the guns lol

[@seanwhite304]

I need to give them a try again . They do got some pretty sick deals. I had issues with them 4 or 5 years ago . I know that 14.7 mid length with FN HF Barrel and Mlok Rail looks bad ass . I will more than likely order one for sure .

[@terrylynne8208]

sean white Get a 16” Mid at least

[@scottamy6496]

I am looking very very hard at the Ruger 556 myself, but the Diamondback DB 15 556 is very interesting too. It's fantastic to have so many great choices in rifles!

[@stevenrichards3699]

I bought some PSA blem kits for $256, lowers for $39, plus a rear sight/carry handle for $22. That comes out to $317 for an AR ! How can you beat that ? They shoot like a laser, and run like a sewing machine. So why would I need a Colt, or a DD, or a Springfield, or a any other overpriced AR ?

[@joshuakaeble7810]

Up till just a few weeks ago, I had never even really heard of PSA, but I bought a couple of stripped lowers at the FFL (one was a Ralphie "you'll shoot your eye out lower" , and since then have been doing a lot of research. I have to say that I'm quickly becoming a huge fanboy. Anytime you can get quality guns for affordable prices into the hands of the poor (MOSTLY ALL OF US), that's how you change minds. I respect what they're doing.

[@dustyvanbrocklin4731]

The S&W now has a standard forward assist and dust cover

[@toothless01]

The only thing that matters is that it gets the job done whenever needed.

[@1unkn0wn]

A couple things of note: PSA is PSA. QC is what it is and specs vary wildly across their offerings. Smith and Wesson publish almost no specs on their offerings. The barrels are 4140 (testing unknown) and the unknown bolts are marked MP. They do nitride both their barrels and BCGs though. Ruger on the other hand lists quite a few specs. BCGs are 9310 shot peened and hpt and use hammer forged barrels that are also hpt. There seams to be major confusion as to what the bores are protected with (if anything) though. Edit: Looks like stepping up to Rugars MPR line gets you a barrel that is Nitride. With all of that known the M&P would be my pick for a rifle in the $600 range. (not exactly excited about the 1-9 twist though) (in 2021 a basic PSA is $650 also) and Ruger doesn't protect their barrel bores at this price point.

[@Oldman899]

“Transitions and shapes ?” Are you serious? Otherwise, a excellent and informative video. Thank you.

[@jasoncarpenter4116]

That's the first time I have heard anything about Doc Tac Dad in quite some time. I really miss his channel.

[@TheLateBoyScout]

I'll see if I can get him out for a shoot sometime soon.

[@jasoncarpenter4116]

@@TheLateBoyScout That would be awesome

[@Drleo179]

just like crocket, leaves his fans in the dust...……..

[@Drleo179]

sorry crocket but what you did still hurts......you could have done it another way more tactful but you chose to snub your loyal fans.