What am I getting with a $600 palmetto state AR-15

[vamo]

I've noticed PSA actually has some ARs for 600, and I've heard some great things about the quality of their products. Most of the time I'm willing to reach for bargain brands in just about everything, but when I do eventually decide to take the plunge on a black rifle I want it to be nice; not necessarily top of the line with the best of everything, but good by any measurement.

So my question boils down to how does the $600 rifle compare to other "bargain" black rifles? How does it compare to a colt le6920? What does a $1200 PSA have that a $600 would lack?

Here's the link to the gun in question http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...stainless-mid-length-moe-freedom-carbine.html

I do notice its optic ready so that partially explains the cheapness.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Edit: I see it is PSA not P-TAC

All the items in the description sound good.

 

[Skylerbone]

Optics ready refers to the flat top and lack of rear BUIS. SS barrel instead of chrome moly, 1:9 twist compared to Colt's 1:7 means you'll probably be shooting 62gr or lighter bullets. Those are the biggies IMO. Depends on what you're planning to do with it.

 

[Ar180shooter]

1/9 can handle 69gr projectiles no problem, so don't think you need a faster twist unless you're shooting 70+ gr bullets. If you want the AR for casual range use, the $600 PSA should be everything you need.

 

[cfullgraf]

It looks like an $800 discounted rifle discounted to $600.

Would you feel more comfortable if they were selling for $800?

The discounted rifle does not have a rear site so either a scope or iron sights will have to be added.

PSA has a good reputation.

It looks like the $1200 rifle has a Leupold scope on it, assuming I am looking at the same $1200 rifle as you. That is what is the difference between the $800, non-discounted rifle, and the rifle with the scope on it.

As said, the rifle will not stabilize the heavier bullets. 69 grain bullets will be iffy at best but some 1-9 twist rifles shoot them fine.
But, since you are buying a bargain priced rifle, I doubt you plan on shooting top drawer priced bullets. Most of the 69 grain and up bullets are premium priced match bullets.

 

[vamo]

It looks like an $800 discounted rifle discounted to $600.

Would you feel more comfortable if they were selling for $800?

800 is still awfully cheap for an AR-15. Just about everything I buy I look for the deal and most of the time I feel like I get a great bang for my buck. It seems like with every other AR I've seen for under 1k somebody has something negative to say about them. PSA are an exception everyone seems to love even the their cheapos. Was mainly curious if even their cheapest rifles deserved that stellar reputation.

I'll rarely if ever shoot anything but cheap target ammo through it, but with the scare last year we've seen how sometimes you need to take what you can find as far as ammo, so not being completely handicapped if I choose to shoot heavier bullets would be a plus.

Also I didn't see anything about a forward assist in the rifle I linked. It is something I'd like to have, but I guess I can't be too picky at that price.

 

[easy]

What you get is a value priced AR. Nothing really special about it. Decent, reliable, affordable. Better than some, less than others. Good rifle for the money.

 

[MikeS.]

" Good rifle for the money."

I agree. Also buy mags, lots of mags. Much easier to ban than a firearm. Quantico Tactical usually has the MagPul P-mags 5 for $50. A good buy.

 

[mattieb]

I have forward assists on all my rifles but I don't use them I believe if the round don't go in the chamber theirs a reason and forcing it in is not the best idea IMHO

 

[needmorecowbell]

They are exceptional rifles comparable to many in the 800-1000 range. Very impressed with mine. Not sure though I see a benefit with going with the lower grade Freedom series when you can put together a regular PSA upper and lower for same cost. I stayed away from the PTAC ones for that reason too. PTAC might save you $100, but not worth the risk to me.

 

[zoom6zoom]

A decent basic AR. I have dealt with lots of their stuff, no issues. And since these are the Lego's of the gun world, it's easy to upgrade bit by bit.