Building my first AR - need opinions... (Oh boy!....)

[Core]

Hey all...I'm building my first AR. (Sorry, I initially posted the same link twice!)

I had decided on this upper... but Palmetto is always out of stock.
PSA 16" Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1:7 Phosphate 13.5" Lightweight M-Lok Upper - With BCG & CH - 5165448217

How does this one compare?
PSA 16" Mid-length Nitride 5.56 NATO 1/7 Pencil 13.5" M-Lok Upper - With BCG and CH -7793493


Which one would you prefer?


Thanks!

If you're carrying it around a lot get the pencil barrel. If you're not lugging it around a lot, get the heavier barrel. I prefer a midweight barrel in this length range they tend to yield better accuracy and hold up better for aggressive shot strings. It also has weight to aid in control and more meat to prevent rupture at higher temps. If you plan on hunting at up to 400 meters the pencil will be good but not necessarily a tack driver. I know PSA makes good stuff for the money. I build with military grade barrels, it's the heart of the gun. PSA has some decent options but their entry level barrels are what I would assess to be range grade material. They have a CHF FN barrel that's the top of the heap but you pay for a good barrel.

 

[bimmerstuff]

I think you linked the same upper twice.

One is phosphate or parkerized, the other is nitride. They are two distinct coatings, l prefer nitride because it doesn't show scuffing quite so readily. On the other hand, phosphate (parkerizing) absorbs and retains oil better than nitride.