need some help on picking an upper

[border.bandito]

i was surfing the PSA website and ran across this

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers/ptac-16-m4-1-9-m4-upper-with-ar-15-8620-bcg-and-charging-handle-15234.html

PTAC 16" M4 1:9" M4 Upper with BCG and Charging Handle
Barrel Length 16"
5.56 Nato Chamber
1 in 9" twist
M4 Profile Barrel
M4 Feedramps
Forged Upper
M16 Bolt Carrier
Carpenter 158 Bolt
Charging Handle
Phosphate Finish
Made in USA
Upper is expected to group within the mil-spec.




for my first AR build, is this a good upper to start with?
i wont be doing any competitive shooting, the build is a general all around rifle (HD, plinking, some varmint hunting, zombie attack, etc.)

[BucDan]

I say yes, for nothing crazy but just fun plinking, I say go for it. though if you have the cash, and if the upper im questioning is in stock, try to get one of the more premium barreled uppers, your dollar will go a bit farther there. if you cant do that, the ptac will be fine.

people will come in and start saying it's bad, but for what you want, it's just right.

[floogy]

Personal opinion, if you don't have an AR yet go with a PSA upper. I've heard PTAC is decent, but only decent. For the extra $100 on the PSA branded stuff you get an FN barrel and a higher quality standard from what I hear. If you're fine with a low-mid range gun then go for it, but I'm putting a bit more into my first upper assembly.

No personal experience, just all the research from various web sources on PSA products. Buy once, cry once.

[dtrump]

I agree with above poster. Definitely spend the 50 to 100 more for the psa upper. One with fn barrel in the description. Doesnt have to be cold hammer forged but in the long run youll be much happier you did. Apparently ptac is a new company that psa is distrbuting for. Just cuz its your first rifoe doesnt mean that 5 years down the road if you have become really into this and built your own nice rifles that you cant still be happy with the quality of your first. I know people are happy with ptac but you will be glad you spent the extra money for the psa with a well known high quality barrel manufacturer. This is a very good option... http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...ng-handle.html. then jump over here and grab this to complete it.... http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...ng-handle.html

[G21Shooter]

Skip that PTAC, PJUNK stuff, and get a premium upper from PSA. Better yet, save a little more and get a upper from BCM.

[Jason25]

I have a few bcm uppers and a rainier, they're great but honestly a PSA will do you just fine. Great quality and a little less $. Can't beat the deals they have with a ten foot pole. Stay away from the ptac.

[hatidua]

save a little more and get a upper from BCM.

-that.

[jb octane]

Skip that PTAC, PJUNK stuff, and get a premium upper from PSA. Better yet, save a little more and get a upper from BCM.

Not that it's bad advice but literally doubling the cost shouldn't be considered, "a little more."

[Mini14]

Not that it's bad advice but literally doubling the cost shouldn't be considered, "a little more."

Exactly. OP states he was just looking for a plinking rifle. I'm assuming he doesn't need operator status.

[border.bandito]

Exactly. OP states he was just looking for a plinking rifle. I'm assuming he doesn't need operator status.

i'm just curious....what exactly is 'operator status'?

from the reviews i've ran across, the PTAC uppers arent all that bad (granted they arent 'top of the line'), but as long at it fires every time, and it shoots straight up to 200-300 yards, i'd be content.

[jarhead714]

i'm just curious....what exactly is 'operator status'?

from the reviews i've ran across, the PTAC uppers arent all that bad (granted they arent 'top of the line'), but as long at it fires every time, and it shoots straight up to 200-300 yards, i'd be content.

Over $2000, piston, and at least a few more pounds of **** on the rails.

[dtrump]

Like a few of us said before spend a little more to get psa premium. It will have an fn barrel. No reason to spend more on a bcm which will have the same barrel. Everyone says but the fit and finish and quality this and that. Most who own both cannot tell any difference. I just think getting psa over ptac is always a good idea. Even though for your use ptac is fine...psa will do the job more accurately most likely and be a more quality product in the long run. 2 years from now when you have a nicer ar15 cuz you got bit by the bug you wont regret spending the extra money for a nicer psa and will still be happy with it.

[Baer1911]

When I first start modify cars back in 1990s .. we all started with VTEC!!!!

Because it was cheap and fun and wont hurt to f**k up something..

Honestly PTAC isnt as good as close to any quality ar. But remember, it does what others does too. ---- SIMPLY SHOOT!!!

For $299, you really cant go wrong when it does the purpose!!!

If you have extra $100, get that PSA CHF FN Barrel with BCG/Charging handle. It should be $399 when its onsale... And you wont be regret !!!

PSA CHF Complete Upper

[Mini14]

Over $2000, piston, and at least a few more pounds of **** on the rails.

Don't forget the plate carrier, kevlar, and attendance in every carbine course available.

[border.bandito]

Don't forget the plate carrier, kevlar, and attendance in every carbine course available.

Over $2000, piston, and at least a few more pounds of **** on the rails.