14.5" upper question

[shooter556]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in one of the H&R Retro Uppers from PSA. As I understand, 14.5" is legal to have without a pistol lower as long as it is already pinned and welded to make it 16".

Looks like the PSA uppers already come pinned and welded from PSA. As the description says:

"Barrel Length

https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-harrington-richardson-late-723-16-upper-5-56-1-7-gray-c10.html

[Sputnik]

[Old Flash]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in one of the H&R Retro Uppers from PSA. As I understand, 14.5" is legal to have without a pistol lower as long as it is already pinned and welded to make it 16".

Looks like the PSA uppers already come pinned and welded from PSA. As the description says:

"Barrel Lengthhttps://palmettostatearmory.com/blem...-gray-c10.html

That upper looks to be using an A2 flash hider. If it is, it's gtg on a fixed mag rifle but not on a featureless rifle.

Edit: I'm assuming OP is in California.

[SigSauerP226]

That upper looks to be using an A2 flash hider. If it is, it's gtg on a fixed mag rifle but not on a featureless rifle.

Edit: I'm assuming OP is in California.

Yes looks like flash hider so go mag locked, unless you buy the upper and have that muzzle device removed and a non flash hiding one pinned and welded on.

[shooter556]

That upper looks to be using an A2 flash hider. If it is, it's gtg on a fixed mag rifle but not on a featureless rifle.

Edit: I'm assuming OP is in California.

Yup, I am planning on making a fixed mag rifle.

[highpower]

IMO you would be better off going featureless. At least you can change mags w/o all the ghey Commiefornia crap that goes along with a maglocked rifle.

On the positive side, a 14.7" barrel (shown with it's AAC can adaptor) works very well. I have mine set up with a Trijicon ACOG and it is pretty darn accurate, with or without the suppressor.

[shooter556]

IMO you would be better off going featureless. At least you can change mags w/o all the ghey Commiefornia crap that goes along with a maglocked rifle.

On the positive side, a 14.7" barrel (shown with it's AAC can adaptor) works very well. I have mine set up with a Trijicon ACOG and it is pretty darn accurate, with or without the suppressor.

I don't want to go featureless for this build because I want the CAR15 stock and pistol grip.

[tacticalcity]

I don't want to go featureless for this build because I want the CAR15 stock and pistol grip.

Strike Industries Makes an insert that limits the stock to being used in 1 position. Turning it into a fixed stock. You could then get a Solar Tactical Kydex Grip wrap to go around your grip. Now the only issue would be the choice of hider they used if you wanted to go featureless. Not trying to pressure you though. Just pointing out you can get a CAR15 Stock and an A1 or A2 grip even in a featureless setup if you wanted to.

[Jimi Jah]

My 14.5" was built with a Daniel Defense barrel with an adjustable gas block and pinned linear compensator.
It's very accurate and lightweight too. I used lightweight BCG and a 3 oz tungsten powder filled buffer, a smooth shooter.

[shooter556]

Strike Industries Makes an insert that limits the stock to being used in 1 position. Turning it into a fixed stock. You could then get a Solar Tactical Kydex Grip wrap to go around your grip. Now the only issue would be the choice of hider they used if you wanted to go featureless. Not trying to pressure you though. Just pointing out you can get a CAR15 Stock and an A1 or A2 grip even in a featureless setup if you wanted to.

I get it but this upper comes from PSA with a pinned FH already. I would totally go featureless if I could.

[tacticalcity]

I get it but this upper comes from PSA with a pinned FH already. I would totally go featureless if I could.

If you have your heart set on this exact upper, I get that. But if you look hard enough you can find other options out there. Will likely cost a lot more though. That is a dirt-cheap price. Bear in mind, it's not made by Colt. That just means it won't appreciate the same way one from back in the day would. But it won't cost you as much up front either. The hider can also be removed and replaced down the road should you ever decide you would rather have featureless. If it is going to be a range queen, fixed mag is fine.

One thing to consider is the color. This likely comes in the old school Colt Grey and not the Black they currently use. You may want to consider ordering an A1 retro lower from them to match in the same grey color. It will look more correct than a refinished A2 lower. If you need to get your lower Norell's will do it for you. They are a bear to reach though, took me several tries. They are very busy. Or you can get another company to refinish it in Norell's moly finish designed to match A1 uppers. I had this done and it looks great. However, collectors and gun nuts will know the lower is an A2 and not an A1 model by the shape of it.

[ar15barrels]

I get it but this upper comes from PSA with a pinned FH already. I would totally go featureless if I could.

I swap out flash suppressors to muzzle brakes for people all the time.
The flash suppressor gets cut off and then a muzzle brake installed and perm attached.

[tacticalcity]

AR15 Barrels has done work for me before. He does good work, is reliable, trustworthy and his prices are fair. I am sure I will be using his services again and recommend him to others.

I am a big fan of the 14.5" barrel with pinned and welded hider. You would not think the 1-2" overall length you save would make much difference, but it does. There is a lot less bumping into things when taking CQB type courses. There is no noticeable impact on accuracy or effectiveness. I am not sure when this trend started, but I first discovered it a good 20 years ago when CMMG was one of, if not the only, manufacturers selling a 14.5" PW upper. People would constantly ask about it. during course, including the instructors. They could visually see a difference in length and had no idea this was legal to do. It was that rare.

My current favorite rifle upper a Geiselle URGI- Near Clone has a 14.5" barrel with a surefire hider. Its overall length is one of the things I like best about it.

[shooter556]

I swap out flash suppressors to muzzle brakes for people all the time.
The flash suppressor gets cut off and then a muzzle brake installed and perm attached.

I will DM you. I am interested!!

[shooter556]

If you have your heart set on this exact upper, I get that. But if you look hard enough you can find other options out there. Will likely cost a lot more though. That is a dirt-cheap price. Bear in mind, it's not made by Colt. That just means it won't appreciate the same way one from back in the day would. But it won't cost you as much up front either. The hider can also be removed and replaced down the road should you ever decide you would rather have featureless. If it is going to be a range queen, fixed mag is fine.

One thing to consider is the color. This likely comes in the old school Colt Grey and not the Black they currently use. You may want to consider ordering an A1 retro lower from them to match in the same grey color. It will look more correct than a refinished A2 lower. If you need to get your lower Norell's will do it for you. They are a bear to reach though, took me several tries. They are very busy. Or you can get another company to refinish it in Norell's moly finish designed to match A1 uppers. I had this done and it looks great. However, collectors and gun nuts will know the lower is an A2 and not an A1 model by the shape of it.

I don't need a Colt. A shooter is all I am looking for. I have the H&R 20" A1 retro upper and I love it. Works great!

And the grey that H&R uses is more blueish to me. I am a bit picky with the color so I went with the Black.