PSA Upper Receiver - Clocked Barrel Autopsy (Part 2/2)

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

This is a FACTORY ASSEMBLED PSA upper that has never been taken apart until it was in my class. A few smooth brains think the owner or I messed this upper up. If you think Im dishonest enough to blame a manufacturer for a problem someone else created you can kiss both sides of my ass.

[@BB_Chaptsick]

The exposure to see a worn, damaged or broken parts is currently very valuable. Thanks for the exposure.

[@hiramhaji7813]

I concur

[@yellowjacketf4i]

Exposure? Sounds pervy

[@youtubestolemyhandle1]

Id like to see the reaction rod.

[@whitakerdev]

Every time I get a PSA upper i check it with my midwest reaction rod. If it doesn't slide in smoothly, then I take off the barrel and torque using the rod. And just because your rounds don't have problems feeding doesn't mean it's not causing wear on your bolt lugs. I don't understand why PSA simply can't use a midwest reaction rod for assembly? 🤔 Im definitely going to ask them at Shot Show.

[@Esper320]

All their extra money goes to pay gun tubers instead of R&D

[@halledwardb]

@@whitakerdev I don't understand why people doing oil changes can't torque things properly either, but that's the country we live in.

[@christurner8255]

Is that what you would recommend? I have a Colt AR15A4, and the extension is slightly clocked. I have the Midwest Industries URR, and it doesn't seat. This is what I was thinking about doing ad well.

[@whitakerdev]

Yes, I would remove the barrel and inspect the upper receiver to make sure that everything looks okay. And then use the rod to torque the barrel nut back down, that will fix your problem.

[@whitakerdev]

The school of the american rifle has an entire video on why the midwest reaction rod is the best way to install the barrel to the upper receiver.

[@jeffpittman8725]

This is why I build my own. I continue to learn and increase my skills and understanding.

[@IsaiahChapter53isAboutJesus]

Do you season the barrel threads by torquing and loosening three times?

[@catfishsiegel30]

Love the comment about being criticized for telling the truth and not even getting paid for it great ones, sir😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@bigracer3867]

I build my own 🎉🎉can’t trust nobody anymore to do a good job 🎉🎉 except you sir of course 😊

[@motonut007]

Yep. I bought a Midwest reaction rod after your video review of different types.

[@tvan4854]

MW reaction Rod...have both the AR 10 and 15 models.

[@SSgt-]

There’s a lot of your videos that remind me of things I’ve done wrong assembling AR’s in the past.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. I learn something new with each video

[@stevenrhineotwo8848]

Thanks for the info. I checked my PSA 308 that I bought for a screaming deal because the lower is a blem. I found a micro rough spot in the finish only. I had to scan it with a light to find it. I'll buy blems all day for the price I got it for. The feed ramps are perfect. It shoots well, no issues what so ever! I couldn't find a better deal out there. I also build my own, except for this one. I also have a 300 blackout upper and it's flawless. I recommend buying PSA, especially if you can't afford brands like Daniel defense, BCM etc. For the amount of product that they produce, they'll have a few that slip through, and if they don't fix the issue, then you can complain about them. Their motto is to arm as many civilians as possible at a fair price. especially the one's that can't afford DD, or BCM etc.

[@DirtMvGirt]

Present, thanks for Your relentless Effort. Im an old NSZ85 follower...

[@davidperry9905]

I really enjoy your videos. I have learned so much and students always learn a lot when they have a great teacher!!!!

[@sonnymc8456]

I love your videos, great information. I started building ars a year ago . I have learned alot from your videos. Great job .👍

[@adamrodgers2377]

Awesome, Pt 2 thank you! 🇺🇸🤙🏻

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊

[@Z7d3nR4]

Even if I bought the right tools, I would not be able to properly use them. But I do enjoy your telling us how you use them to fix things other people messed up.

[@jake4194]

Ar15s are surprisingly simple. You can quickly learn how to properly assemble one from scratch.

[@torranceparsons5216]

Shits so basic bro, it's not rocket science and 98% of the time, if you buy good shit, you don't have to get as scientific as Chad does, nor needs the tools he has

[@BenBartlow]

I hope psa watches your videos and takes notes

[@WilliamSaverino]

PSA has a well deserved reputation for being unprofessional hacks.

[@davidrush8283]

Thank you for your time.

[@davefleming775]

I bought a Midwest fixture. I checked all my AR’s. Great advice. Shop the sales. I found it cheaper at Midway, they were on sale.

[@MrGreblin]

had same problem with my psa premium upper, used my Midwest rod and fixed it and torqued it properly and now have 0 problems with it, but I shouldn't have had to fix a 600 hundred dollar upper

[@johnsucatoS919]

I am getting so much more out of the videos after I attended a class in person. If you are a follower of the channel do yourself a favor and book an in person class, you will not regret it.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

Bucket list for sure

[@christurner8255]

@johnsucatoS919 what state is he in Texas? I don't recall if he has said or not.

[@Biscuit7102]

Right on, I’m looking forward to,it.

[@chrishesotian1654]

good to know what to look for!!! youre on a roll lately!!

[@ctmasonry4222]

Thank you for the Free Advice. Gold.

[@Pompomgrenade]

You're awesome! Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@dirkmagurk7086]

God I love you and everything you do! Thanks brother! Keep em honest!

[@Ghostgunner85]

I have the same tool and guess what it's your fault... lol . I watched your videos for years ago.. and got smart really quick.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

100% Chad’s fault I spent the extra $ AND my barrels are clocked 😊

[@mursalot]

I own and have used a midwest industries rod. My issue is it seems the lugs on the MI rod are too narrow to positively engage in the corresponding cutouts on the barrel extension. The only thing keeping the barrel from rotating in the upper receiver is the stud/peg on the barrel extension. I’ve only used the MI rod for one build, but it’s not comforting knowing the rod is only holding the receiver and not the barrel. I’ve confirmed this by removing the sail on the MI rod and inserting it into a completed upper, sure enough there is rotational slop.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

I have only one receiver that the Midwest is tight sliding in but it does fit. It’s from an upper I bought from a gun show before I knew better. The midwest slides like butter into all my “good” receivers

[@mursalot]

@ Same here. I’m impressed with MI’s tight tolerances. It fits better than glove. Just wish the lugs interfaced as tightly as the body.

[@adamrodgers2377]

I know you are busy but if you have time what do you think about the MagPul BEV Block? Thanks for all the uploads.

[@googlesucks3520]

I know you didn’t ask me but I’m gonna weigh in. I have one. It’s great and works almost the same as the Midwest one in the video (which I also have). The only issue with the bev block is having to disassemble the bcg. It still locks them in the same manner but it’s just more steps involved. I would not feel the need to buy the Midwest rod if I already had a bev block. That said the Midwest rod is super nice and the bev block is not available for ar10 variants so the Midwest comes in clutch and certainly better then the geiselle reaction rod.

[@DoggoForce]

Bev block has a section that secures the barrel extension lugs and holds the front takedown pin. There's also a tab at the top that slots into where the charging handle goes to help resist torquing. It's better than a clamshell, but the Midwest URR has the best upper receiver internal surface area contact.

[@adamrodgers2377]

@@googlesucks3520 Thanks for the reply, I have a BEV Block myself and have assembled 5 AR's using it. I figured since it engaged the Barrel Extension and used the BC to lock everything in, it would be ok. I haven't had any issues but I figured I would ask before anything popped up ya know.

[@adamrodgers2377]

@@DoggoForce Thanks for the reply. I have used a BEV Block on 5 AR's and haven't had an issue, it seems to be a good little tool. I just wanted to ask just to make sure ya know. Thanks everyone for the help. 🤙🏻🇺🇸

[@John-zf5wc]

Chad posted a video 6 months ago on the very tool you're asking about, including many other upper receiver blocks. It's called "Ideal AR Upper Receiver Tools & Techniques - Myth Unbusted". Check out this video, it's well worth the time, as are all SOTAR videos. As I recall, he was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Magpul BEV Block. The Midwest Industries URR was excellent, with the 2 Unique Barreling Spud perhaps the best of all shown. The Wheeler Clamshell wasn't too bad, and for a really over torqued barrel nut, using the Midwest URR in tandem with the Wheeler Clamshell was the way to go.

[@proudamerican9067]

Love this channel

[@danielhess39]

Great knowledge!! Thank you!👍🏼🤙🏽

[@azjeep26]

do you mount scopes and red dots do's and don't video would be nice

[@Modern_capability]

Curious what your thoughts are on wheeler’s version of the tool. It has a spline and a sail like the Midwest version. I think the only major difference is it is aluminum.

[@ETHRON1]

Well I don't have the MI tool..usually I will put the bcg/bolt back in the upper receiver and mate it to the barrel, snug the barrel nut then make sure the bcg/bolt is all the way in and then tighten/torque the barrel nut...

[@charlieghague]

Your bolt carrier being locked isn't doing anything. There's nothing there keeping the barrel locked in place except the index pin. If that pin wasn't there, the barrel would spin around your locked bolt. You're literally tightening it with no support whatsoever. Listen to Chad and buy the tool. You're going to ruin your stuff and end up with an upper looking just like this one.

[@erichironsson8592]

These are the reasons I still don't recommend psa to friends.

[@Isailuck]

As always, this is an example of one.. 🙂‍↕️ 🙂‍↕️

[@000NULL]

alignment rods are so affordable, so is aeroshell or equivalent. less than the cost of a damaged upper, bolt, etc.

[@BullseyeBallistics-kf1jw]

Wish i bought a reaction rod before building my ARs for the peace of mind. I still dont own one but i will eventually.

[@moosepasshippie]

Here I go again running to the safe to inspect my rifles after Chad posts another video.

[@The_Disgruntled_Operator]

How much torque was on that barrel nut?

[@johnrugotzke3207]

I've had a hard time getting the URR to fit into some "bargain" uppers. Slides perfectly into SOLGW, Luth-AR, and others, but not PSA.

[@conservativeteacher1987]

I have more PSA ARs than I'll publicly admit to. I have been pleased with them so far. My main complaint. They install their barrel nuts dry and way over torque them. I have dissembled three PSA uppers to change out hand guards and/or to have them Cerakoted. I have the Midwest action bar, used penetrating oil and applied heat and nearly destroyed my action bar and barrel nut wrench to get it removed. This seems like a very easy fix for PSA to correct. Get their assemblers together for a brief morning meeting and tell them this isn't an axle nut on a semi truck for crying out loud. A bit of moly grease wouldn't hurt either.

[@hyperbeast5717]

But but PSA IS JUST AS GOOD…. I never had any issues after 90 rounds

[@warrenharrison9490]

Nice find! Thank you for sharing.

[@xtremewlr]

Seems to be a common issue with PSA uppers. I had to replace an upper receiver from PSA for the same reason.

[@bheckner]

I got one from PSA last March that's way worse than that. Had to acquire a wheeler reaction rod with back fin to get the delta ring off. Upper and barrel nut are trashed.

[@JUDGERAMBO]

PSA used the wrong tools in the factory?

[@jman1121]

I think a lot of companies apply to much torque to the barrel nut. I've heard of barrel extensions coming loose when someone is using a rod to hold the gun while removing a muzzle break.

[@SilCoupe]

It's not even like the Midwest URR is that much more expensive than most fixtures. I got mine for $80 on sale, and they go on sale pretty often. If even that is too much money, the Magpul Bev block does a decent job and it's $50, something that also goes on sale from time to time.

[@nolanbhbhbhb]

Any fix for this?

[@flawless1up]

midwest urr rod is awesome

[@msquared9605]

Does the magpul bev block substitute for the reaction rod since I already have the bev block? If I remember correctly, you had fairly positive things to say about it

[@LilYeshua]

Thanks. I use the lesser priced one that Brownells sells.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

I also used a different manufacture’s reaction rod. Guess what. When I bought my Midwest I found one of my barrels was indeed clocked and had a damaged index pin. Buy the Midwest. It’s worth every penny

[@2._-1.-_]

Thank you!

[@georgewilliamson5182]

That isxwhat I use, AR10 and AR15 Midwest Industries reaction rod. Works perfectly.

[@IsaiahChapter53isAboutJesus]

I'm convinced that PSA not only uses the wrong fixture but also torques to incorrect values by purposefully avoiding the use of barrel shims. Has anyone ever seen a barrel shim on a PSA upper? My PSA 10.5" upper was clocked due to a grossly over torqued barrel nut. I used a Midwest URR to disassemble it, but the barrel nut was so tight that my whole bench was lifting off of the ground, and the wrench was breaking the barrel nut's teeth. Never again, PSA.

[@ironoutrigger1]

The best solution I've found for AR-10's is with combining the MW action rod paired with the JP two piece reciever block set. I do not know of a clam shell reciever block for the 10's.

[@NOTSOSLIMJIM]

Fixed multiple uppers with this issue.

[@JohnDoe-jn4ex]

Thanks man

[@JoeSmith-el9yt]

how did this happen, was the barrel clamped to allow the receiver to be over torqued and thus get peened by the indexing pin? I can't imagine this would happen if the receiver was clamped in a fixture, no?

[@toddparsons2980]

Ok maybe you can help. What's the best/proper way to torque in a 9mm barrel (blowback) ?

[@JonDinapoli]

This is why I build my own stuff. I don't trust anyone unless they are well respected. Not some Ham and egger

[@Shootsmith]

How to fix? Part 3??

[@xtremewlr]

Replace the upper, there is no fix for that other than using the correct tools.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Midwest the cheapest reliably spec'd rod?

[@Sptsmn700]

When I send my bcg in for autopsy can I send my barrel too for headspace check?

[@Dave123-z2h]

How do you feel about the magpul AR block for lowers it seems fine but would you say it’s not supporting the right areas for uppers?

[@danielmacdonald8358]

Will Magpul Bev block work.... And how much torque does it take to do that

[@charlieghague]

But Brownells said this would never ever happen.

[@hyphydan]

could cause this same damage if you use a UPR to torque the muzzle device, should use a barrel clamp/vice

[@Lucysdad66]

Did you void the warranty by taking it apart ?

[@justanaverageman03xx]

Have seen some of the AR10 versions are out of stock. Is the Presma rod acceptable for lower assembly numbers, my concern is the constriction material.

[@jeff1176]

Bet that was fun to get apart.

[@kenswin1]

I've bought 2 midwest URRs and I could not get either to slide inside 2 different upper recievers. One is a radian model 1 and a pof edge upper reciever. The fit is too tight.on both. Both rods are just paper weights at this point.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

It’s not the rod. Your receivers are out of spec. Sorry

[@kenswin1]

@stevenwilkinson8373 you should look up radian model 1 and patriot ordinance firearms. Both high-end rifles. I highly doubt they are out of spec. Maybe the tolerances are super tight but definitely not out of spec

[@RCx44]

It's tight at first but wears slightly pretty quick and goes on smooth after 1 or 2 uppers.

[@kenswin1]

@RCx44 i hope you're right. I assumed midwest was aware of the issue because they sent me the 2nd one, no questions asked. And didn't even ask for the 1st back.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

​@@kenswin1you would be mistaken if you think those guns can't have this issue.

[@mikes8948]

Preach!

[@FlyEaglesFly19111]

So your video suggests it wasn't PSA yet a single person yp build this upper. Is that a correct evaluation of the video?

[@Mr_Clean]

Did you watch part one? " This was a complete PSA upper that had never been disassembled..."

[@VincentDonovan-qn5wi]

Awesome content, however I propose making use of the work "indexed" rather than "clocked"... Sometimes the proper jargon sounds really good, like Ian McCollum.

[@Trash_panda_real]

How does the Midwest vs Brownell aliment rod compare? I would really like to know your thoughts on it.

[@whitakerdev]

It's the fin on the midwest reaction rod that locks into the upper receiver that makes the difference. If you search through his videos, he talks about it.

[@kmessiah1]

"Just as good"

[@charmingmander331]

Why people keep buying their junk is beyond me.

[@ImNOTfromthisplanetITT]

💯💯💯‼️

[@DDGVET4]

"Some people".

[@derekbridgerii2102]

Hey, they make a tool to prevent that from happening 😂

[@7seriesmax]

My brother-in-law recommended Bear Creek over Palmetto State. After 500 rounds it still looks like day one except for some minor polishing in the contact areas. BCA-15 upper with a M4 BCG and 16” 1:7 Wilde heavy barrel. Just for reference it was my first build and I’m impressed with the quality.

[@halledwardb]

Thats for all the censoring youtube. Didnt bully or swear etc, and bam, comment removed. Need to start double posting onto Rumble for when they kick you off platform.

[@oo-ru5lt]

PSA is used by Delta Force. I trust it with my life 👍

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

@@oo-ru5lt no

[@apollo3679]

I think maybe you might want to think about changing whatever your mic setup is. That’s “crunching snow” sound infected an entire 50 minute vid on your Ruger ar series. Maybe it’s where you’re holding the camera, or something’s broken. Or you don’t gaf. Honestly I know you’ll do whatever you want anyway. But holy shit is it distracting as a listener.

[@dontask8979]

When I see stuff like this, I can just see someone with a screwdriver through the upper takedown pin hole and a frigging pipewrench on the barrel nut. 🤦‍♂️

[@DDGVET4]

"Some people".