New upper options

[Lightstrider]

So I want to upgrade my AR that's currently in parts with some missing, some corrosion. Just a standard Colt 6920 16" 1:7 M4 profile carbine upper on a Franklin lower.

I want to modernize with as much nitriding as possible for better corrosion resistance, midlength gas system, a modern barrel profile (don't need useless M4 govt profile for M203), lighten where I can't but not where I shouldn't (don't need lightweight bcg or special enhanced buffer assemblies or upper receivers).

The cheapest ($420) and easiest option is a PSA rifle kit. I understand it's good to go, will fulfill the role I need it to I'm sure.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-5-56-nato-1-7-mid-length-nitride-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-moe-ctr-ept-rifle-kit-with-mbus-sight-set-5165449492.html

The middle cost ($900) and highest package quality option is a LaRue Ulimate Upper. I have a 7.62 tOBR so I know the quality, my AR will match my tOBR, barrel and parts are perfection, can get colored upper and poly parts including, great trigger.

https://www.larue.com/products/larue-ultimate-ar-15-upper-kit/

The most expensive ($1100+/-) is a totally custom option. I've been researching for awhile and figured this to be what I would get:

Faxon 16" Gunner midlength barel
Faxon BCG and .625 GB
LANTAC/other nitride gas tube
BCM MCMR handguard
B E Meyers 249 flash hider
Aero forged milspec upper receiver
FM "premium" or standard milspec carbine buffer assembly
Adam Arms lifecoat LPK
MFT minimalist stock
BUIS

What you guys think, PSA good to go and why worry about having a craft AR when I already have the tOBR and a M1A on a JAE stock? Go LaRue and have matching top notch AR? Or go custom and have a unique rifle built to my exact likings? Other?

[frahuang]

If you have the fund and time, go custom. Sounds like you already know what you want. Otherwise just go with PSA, save the money and stock up on ammo.

[crufflers]

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-chf-mid-length-a2-5-56-nato-1-7-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-upper-without-bcg-or-ch-5165450312.html

This is a nice CHF upper.

[LEAD LAUNCHER]

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m4e1-556-16-mid-complete-upper

[Paperchasin]

A good bang for the buck is a complete upper from BCM. They sell them in many configurations directly from their online store.

[FeuerFrei]

What is causing corrosion?

The reason I ask is because I have a gut punched AR clone I assembled years ago and I added a Fail Zero bcg and ALG trigger/hammer group to it for lubricity reasons over 5 years ago iirc. Can't remember exactly when now. I don't always get around to properly maintain it because it spends most of it's life behind the seat of my ranch truck in a ZCORR bag. I use Boeshield t9 on the externals and have no corrosion problems. Knock on wood.

BTW, this rifle was my second AR clone I assembled at the beginning of the AR clone revolution here in CA. and it's a high mileage R & D rifle that has seen lots of changes. Learned a lot from it and it still shoots great.

*If you just WANT to "upgrade" then let your budget decide.

**IMO don't bother with menolite, nitro carb etc. gas tubes. They're already made of high quality stainless and still work, so...

[tony270]

The reason some rust, porous and or low quality metal, inferior bluing. But these new coatings or etching, etc, either stop, prevent, or hide corrosion.

They corrode in the desert and near the ocean, inside a safe with desiccant dehumidifiers, coated with silicon lubecrant. The best thing to prevent corrosion is a periodic cleaning, ever 4 months or so, don't have more firearm than you can tend to. Let them sit for years, they need cosmoline.

[Lightstrider]

It's just a tad bit of corrosion on the A2 flash hider and FSB. I'm sorta inland but very close to the coast with the old growth forests so except mid summer it's typically always moist.

I guess I was just sold on Faxon's description of QPQ nitride salt baths. The AR is quite old too, I've maintained it mostly but also let sit in Pelican cases in less than ideal conditions and despite some of those reheatable dessicant packs some moisture got in and built up.

The LaRue I have though had basically weathered everything, although I've paid more attention to that I can tell it's finish is a higher quality than just the anodizing.

I do like the Aero enhanced uppers too, spent a lot of time thinking about them. Someone also suggested an LWRCI upper if I really want to spend a lot.

https://lwrci.com/p-5249-ic-di-upper-161-m-lok-556.aspx

[LEAD LAUNCHER]

A good bang for the buck is a complete upper from BCM. They sell them in many configurations directly from their online store.

[Lightstrider]

Yeah BCM looks great, I'm interested in their 13" and 15" MCMR handguards with the cold hammer forged barrels....

https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-Light-Weight-MCMR-p/bcm-urg-mid-16-bfh-elw-mcmr-15.htm

[sigstroker]

What about painting it, e.g. Cerakote?

[beanz2]

I just bought a PredatAR upper before the April 1st deadline.

Love the accuracy of the PredatOBR, hate the weight.

But, I'm boring, bought mine in black.

[FeuerFrei]

OP
What do you plan to do with this AR?
Hunting? Plinking? Killing paper?
Knowing this will help narrow the focus. Otherwise it's just asking the magic 8 ball. [emoji848]

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans

[Lightstrider]

Specifically for ranch defense and self defense against surprise hogs, coyotes, bear, tweakers, poachers, etc.

Yeah I know .223/5.56 not ideal for say a bear but the AR covers the most ground in a lightweight package.