Need SCU input: ASA or LAR OPS-4.

[JDPhx501]

I just got off the phone with Element Arms and then American Spirit Arms. Both great customer service and both happened to have the items I was interested in stocked. But before I charge my credit card, need input.

I firmly want a side charging upper receiver for my AR build.
I like both models and cannot decide which one.
I like the nonreciprocating and less obtrusive handle on the ASA.
But I also like the ambidextrous option on the LAR OPS-4.

ASA-SCU


LAR-OPS4


Between these too, which is
-Easier to work with/clean/maintain?
-Easier to fit in with other manufacturer's parts?
-Any other comments?

I still have not yet decided if I want to go DI or Piston. Reps from both companies have assured me that they are full compatible with either system.

I do know I want an 18 inch barrel with compensator and free-floating, completely flat railed hand guard for the upper part.

Thanks again for any input.

[BigfootHunter]

I don't have either, but though I really like LAR's stuff, I think I'd go with the non-reciprocating ASA. I like that it makes it similar to a FAL setup, which I'm a big fan of - though losing the forward assist is kind of a bummer with the ASA.

[wash]

The ASA needs a modified carrier, it's a shame that I'm going to have to mill through the coating on my Adams Arms gas piston kit.

The ASA also has a dust cover, that is more important to me than a forward assist.

[JDPhx501]

I thought the ASA can be purchased with its own specific BCG? Or you wanted to keep your Adams BCG?

[wash]

The Adams Arms is a one piece carrier, no bolt on "gas key".

I could use an ASA carrier but then I would have to bolt on the "gas key" like the old gas piston kits from before the time when Adams made carriers.

[rdmax]

I have the ASA with a PWS gas system. Did research on forward assist and the Pros feel it is not necessary, so no real loss there. It is very clean and the charging handle folds out of the way. Where you mill the carrier, you will not really be able to see it when mounted.

[Don29palms]

ASA will mill any BCG for $25 when you buy their upper. that's what they told me anyway. I like the LAR products but I also would use the ASA for an SCU. An SCU is #3 on my build list right now.

[joelogic]

I have a LAR ops-4 ambi and it works well. I use it for my 3 gun rifle so here is my $.02.

The handles need to be tightened periodically.
The handles do not get in the way of operation unless you hold the magwell with your thumb high.
The receiver is thicker than milspec so you have to use the modified bolt release that comes with the receiver. The paddle protion is cut off but I hear that the phase 5 side charger bolt release will work.

To clean you need an allen wrench to take off the handles. May be a problem for a fighting rifle but its no big deal for a comp gun.

[JDPhx501]

Update.

I ordered the LAR OPS-4 from Element Arms this morning.

Thumbs up for same day shipping

[BigfootHunter]

Sweet, don't forget to post pics when you get things put together!

[Capita159]

The ASA needs a modified carrier, it's a shame that I'm going to have to mill through the coating on my Adams Arms gas piston kit.

The ASA also has a dust cover, that is more important to me than a forward assist.

I just received my ASA upper today, ordered it on Monday and got it in two days. I ordered it with the Adam Arms kit. They mill the carrier for free if the carrier is bought from them. Only thing I'm missing is the BCM barrel which will probably come in the mail tomorrow. However, I did have to modify the upper to fit a Troy extreme TRX rail. The ASA upper isn't built like your typical AR15s nor is LAR, Mega, Fulton etc... side chargers. Yet the ASA 1913 rails aligns/connects perfectly with the Troy TRX rails. The quality is great! The receiver is thick enough to handle most beating. And the side charging mechanism is well thought out. Another thing that caught my eyes is the rear door where a typical AR15 charging handle goes. It sides out and left so you can remove the bolt carrier without removing the side charging handle.