I'm finally getting around to building my first AR and can't wrap my head around the realistic accuracy of 14.5" or 16" CL uppers against SS barrels. Will be pairing with a Spikes lower with Enhanced LPK. Basically will be a range toy. I've basically narrowed it down to either

Spikes Tactical / Aim Surplus Elite midlength uppers in either 14.5" or 16" $500-650

Palmetto State 16" SS416 chambered in .223 Wylde $450 w/ MOE

or

BCM 16" Midlength SS410 with NATO Match chamber $775 when all is said and done

 

I tend to lean towards the PSA stainless, as its the lowest cost and SS, but then I have to add a Comp and find someone to weld it for me. PSA said they will do it if I order one with the upper, but all the have is the YHM Phantom that I'm not particular keen on... (Prefer Dynacomp/FSC556/Rainer XTC)

 

Next in line is the Spike/AIM 14.5 since I can it all done with the welded comp. Downside is I lose a little velocity... real world implications? and it ends up being the same length as a 16. If I go the 16" route, still have to add comp and pin...Upside-it will match the lower and be a complete ST build...

 

BCM is in there as the ideal upper, proven, etc, but also most expensive, and I still have the compensator issue...

 

I'm sure some of you faced the same set of questions. Where did you end up and why?

What is the real world accuracy of the ST Elite CHF Uppers from AIM?

What is the actual added weight of a SS barrel? And is there ever really a chance of wearing one out?

 

I just need a good kick in the pants to send me one direction and I'll be on my way... Thanks fellas.

If you go with a BCM 14.5 middy, it comes with a comp welded on as it is needed so it is not a SBR. Otherwise, BCM does not offer the welding service for other rifle lengths.

yes i am aware of the need to permanently affix any non-flash hiding muzzle device, and that the barrel must be a minimum of 16" to avoid NFA stuff... I have done plenty of reading and have a good understanding of the do's and dont's within the laws. thanks for the reminder though.

 

even though a BCM 14.5" was not one i was considering, i do know that it is offered with several options for different devices permanently attached by them, including the FSC556, which will make it the minimum 16"...

 

additionally, JETAgent has GENEROUSLY offered to tack the muzzle device for me if I do the set screw pinning, and final clean up, so it appears that the compensator is no longer an issue to consider.

I'm sure you knew that, i was just pointing out that it is the only way to get an upper with a pinned comp from BCM was to go for the 14.5" model.

I have the Spikes 14.5" lwt with the dynacomp(http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XSTU5050MLSDC&name=Spikes+Tactical+14.5%22+Lightweight+5.56%2f.223+DynaComp+Upper+Receiver&groupid=368). One of the reasone I bought it was it already came pinned and welded, and the other was that I wanted the rifle to be as short as possible. 14.5"+comp= 16.1" barrel length, 16"+comp=17.5"+ barrel length.

Dan - thanks for pointing that out.

a

ALL - what kind of accuracy are you getting out of your 14.5" ST LWT? Are you pleased as punch, or do it differently next time around?

Never put it on a bench and actually shot it for accuracy, but at 50 yards, standing unsupported with iron sights, I can do about 4-4.5" groups with silver bear 62gr ammo (I know thats nothing to brag about but Im not the best shooter either). I love the way it handles and shoots, its nice and light (<6.5lbs) and is easy to keep on target with the dynacomp too.

Its also eaten any ammo Ive tried in it so far (silver bear, wolf, brown bear, etc)

appreciate the comeback. thanks.

What are you planning on using this upper for?

 

Bench shooting at the range? Run and Gun? Home/Zombie defense?

 

Scoping? Red dot? Irons?

 

If it is a bench type rifle, no reason not to get an 18 inch + barrel.

 

Cannot speak highly enough of White Oak Armament. You can get a complete varmint upper for about $600. I have an 18 inch stainless steel barrel with their custom work (chamber, crown, etc). Last time out at the range, 10 shot group at under .4 inches at 100 yards. That was with regular PMC ammo.

 

Downside, it is not an easy to run with gun. All in, it is around 10 lbs, including small scope.

I forgot to add that my friend bought the PSA 16" SS upper, and while I havent gotten to shoot it yet, it looks like its put together well using good parts (Wilson barrel, HPT/MPI auto BCG, etc) and it looks nice too

thanks. everything i've ready says people have been pleased with it. one more thumbs up doesnt hurt. i think thats where i am pointed for now, unless i can be convinced otherwise.

I think you will like the PSA upper, I will probably buy one for my next build.

What are you planning on using this upper for?

 

Bench shooting at the range? Run and Gun? Home/Zombie defense?

 

Scoping? Red dot? Irons?

 

If it is a bench type rifle, no reason not to get an 18 inch + barrel.

 

Cannot speak highly enough of White Oak Armament. You can get a complete varmint upper for about $600. I have an 18 inch stainless steel barrel with their custom work (chamber, crown, etc). Last time out at the range, 10 shot group at under .4 inches at 100 yards. That was with regular PMC ammo.

 

Downside, it is not an easy to run with gun. All in, it is around 10 lbs, including small scope.

 

Hey Boss- That's a pretty impressive group. Takes me handloads to get that close and I would not even venture 10 rounds. BTW I shoot a 24" bull.

Invite me down to witness this some day and I'll be your range ****.

Hey Boss- That's a pretty impressive group. Takes me handloads to get that close and I would not even venture 10 rounds. BTW I shoot a 24" bull.

Invite me down to witness this some day and I'll be your range ****.y

 

Frank, any time.

Frank, any time.

 

You know my schedule is pretty loose. Just give me a shout

like I said, this is my first AR, so it will probably end up being a jack of all trades.

this will be a step through the AR door, that will help me figure out what I ultimately want, while still being a useful piece in the lineup.

mostly for punching paper and practicing fundamentals at the range. JIC/SHTF/Zombie hunting if it came to it.

i dont compete, probably not going to hunt with it, i'm not LEO or Military.

i enjoy building things and tinkering, and knowing i have about 50% more than i really need.

 

I dont see a big difference between 16.1" and 17.5" finished lengths when the compensator is on, so I tend toward the 16" middy.

I dont think I need uber light weight, although its a nice-to-have.

I tend to prefer accuracy over manuverability, to a point, hence the 16" middy over an SPR/Varmint rifle.

I plan to start with Iron Sights, and eventually add a magnified optic of some sort down the road, either red dot with magnifier, or scope.

I might add a FF rail down the road, which I think would benefit the SS barrel more than a CHF/CL.

 

am i thinking straight?