PSA 16" M4 Premium Strikefire Upper - opinions?

[D23]

If this should be in the PSA thread I apologize, but would like to know if anyone thinks this sucks and why. $340 for an FN barrel upper with Vortex red dot looks pretty good to me, tell me if I'm wrong and why.

[pterrell]

Depends on what you're using it for. For me personally, my complaints are the 1:7 twist vs 1:8 and the carbine length gas system over mid length.

There's nothing "wrong" with it and you will be able to accurately (without consideration to the red dot, haven't used it) put rounds down range. Just not for me.

[D23]

Depends on what you're using it for. For me personally, my complaints are the 1:7 twist vs 1:8 and the carbine length gas system over mid length.

I know I should read more, but am still not clear on why the mid is considered superior by a lot of people. Thanks for your response.

[humblebeast]

Psa is a excellent upper and is very well made, I got a psa magpul complete 16" upper 1:7 fn barrel and its quality feels just as sturdy and well made as the daniel defense barrel my brother has. My brother also has a vortex red dot and loves it. It's very sturdy and mounts solidly. GO FOR IT!

[pterrell]

I know I should read more, but am still not clear on why the mid is considered superior by a lot of people. Thanks for your response.

Has to do with barrel length. The carbine length gas system is designed specifically for the M4 which has a 14.5 inch barrel. That adds 1.5 inches of barrel that the bullet has to travel once the gas starts pushing the bcg back. The mid length addresses this problem and makes the gas system a little longer so the velocity doesn't drop off as bad.

There more science behind it but that's the idea. Maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can better explain it.

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[D23]

[QUOTE=pterrell;13929175]
There more science behind it but that's the idea. Maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can better explain it./QUOTE]

That makes sense. I don't see how it would be a huge factor unless it was causing jams or something though. Probably would become more of a factor shooting crappy, sticky (steel) or underpowered ammo, right?

[D23]

Thanks for your response too humblebeast, looks like a winner to me for the price! Basically getting the red dot for $40 over the cost of the upper.

[pterrell]

For a typical sporting rifle, yes it would be perfectly fine .

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[REDdawn6]

Absolutely good to go. If for any reason you are over gassed, a simple switch to an adjustable gas block an you will be fine.

[miwxq]

Gtg

[jbj]

The M4, because of its shorter barrel length was more ammo sensitive. This was ameliorated by opening the gas port to enhance reliability with a broader range of ammo, but results in a sharper recoil impulse, all the more so in a 16" barrel because the gas is pushing thru the system for that much longer (we're talking milliseconds). Heavier buffers and springs weights help with this, Vltor's A5 was developed just for this.

The middy gas system allows the gas bleed to be spread out over a longer period of time, resulting in a softer perceived impulse. I realize that the 5.56/.223 is pretty mild, but the subtleties allow your red dot to track much better and allow a bit more control.


Sent from 80ms in the future
Much peace
Jimmy

[IPSICK]

...The middy gas system allows the gas bleed to be spread out over a longer period of time, resulting in a softer perceived impulse. I realize that the 5.56/.223 is pretty mild, but the subtleties allow your red dot to track much better and allow a bit more control...

This is more or less it. The middy due to its longer length creates lower chamber and port pressure which is perceived as a smoother recoil impulse. A 16" barrel length is just about perfect for mid-length systems, though a 14.5" barrel can still work also.

[Mot Mi]

My first psa purchase was an m4 premium strikefire upper back in 2012 for 299. 5k+ rds of steel, brass, reloads and it is still going strong. The red dot is still holding zero.