PSA Freedom upper vs regular PSA upper

[kidicarus13]

How can you tell the difference between a PSA Freedon upper and a PSA regular factory built upper? Is the barrel marked differently or are there some other marking I should be aware of?

[SouthPaw]

I could be wrong, but I believe the barrel is stamped 'freedom.'

[fly boy]

TTT.

any other differences?

[Irving]

Freedom upper is stainless steel barrel in my case. I have both, but I couldn't tell you the difference. The gas length of the Freedom upper is about two inches longer than the regular upper. Ask specific questions and I can look, but I know next to nothing about ARs.

[buffalobo]

Freedom upper is stainless steel barrel in my case. I have both, but I couldn't tell you the difference. The front sight (and gas block) is about 2 inches closer to the front site on the freedom upper. Ask specific questions and I can look, but I know next to nothing about ARs.
Hurry up and edit so we know wth you are saying.

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[Irving]

Sorry, this is what I mean. Freedom on top. Duh.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0Ci3p3OiSODdBU3592bPHEdqRl24mg8vgu1zdt1ZIP_2ek_nBC W9uYv236RcAAkylWt2OAHvHzrV6SW15_ST_vSomApUDHWBTryt 8LhEeF8NXzP9GGCOcqpS-OfYoCcqcw42nR8Yu54xcpfFraotUpQzjJxuwqmSVh0D1kSTbI6 oj4DbMPWxbkRIRcpPUgql2E5Gj1tuNSPdw8dissCCIDxaFn0NP UpYlc07dYllWFLSxwROjaNnxj1JIv-2DMkZlmxRV0SPewWabpaK4jd8n_K-Ql2gV3V_ZX7iExsZ_8v7UTvyLxiqO0sfG38bydB9VZyS9ChKI_ NzWpUuuBu7-udTC1-SylmIlWKtoiLPxkyFG9fdog1hAPZhqnhlt1jKAbgKP9T49G3KB qJK0iXZdwl2NGqddydZxEk3X_COFPtrJImoGPSUCs-1oB-q0k3fYb1otVMewi3BsKPcSQXoz8YD-aXY6iP16PdWSK4ffuAKVdyB9G5wqcRbZ5H9tITt5B44HEXQtYj Bc64ylosS8RvEgCcJB5x4bJpNJFTQ3jqE=w1698-h955-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xuOSLB6EC2gW1mGDjpbgdcX4IiHiUqycBjVmEsEABRHeXY3qXC-f644XE0QxAL24RDdsxnIQLkUhqQEODTEIzhBL4LxHf8PnyoY33 kUdty1zPgwYhbiGxjg3Ap0qp5UtXojFqfJhhvt7uZsRxy5b0aQ DoEnyC9rHikK0Z-AQa3DebPgTvPQtgGX_r7tb1zefR8iHK8wVzfwzl2o5YqmCWA7b 7ZAt2-oOhEf-gBZEmd5Tt78Ste71_MrWBwprns9TedCNYYU6Wln0qWdrU-8FbJT1w-huWqjB2FRR_B_C0rrN6owbgNs0wdxyf5haz4jMtdkIEiobpMhT supZGDSq9XR_bTjW4Cxhhu4pBih9ykBUvrQV80o3zsxwSf4wCf UPfqYVFqhs3zuNG1kCCOqgSdRwxv-bWuZkL2dPz1U3P8N774jXsLgZX3-OR9G5lu0_PGoP_ZEZh9DeZIG8LH8wSuZvg_shF3yMABAHPTyf4-drMCe0_cG-WUnOMGuemQb4APEi_Ru4Lz9fMzy9qMSoVT3cz2EeFH5DIYjcbo UsE6ys=w1698-h955-no

[Irving]

Want any other pictures, let me know. The Freedom upper is indeed stamped "FREEDOM" right on the barrel.

[brutal]

Sorry, this is what I mean. Freedom on top. Duh.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0Ci3p3OiSODdBU3592bPHEdqRl24mg8vgu1zdt1ZIP_2ek_nBC W9uYv236RcAAkylWt2OAHvHzrV6SW15_ST_vSomApUDHWBTryt 8LhEeF8NXzP9GGCOcqpS-OfYoCcqcw42nR8Yu54xcpfFraotUpQzjJxuwqmSVh0D1kSTbI6 oj4DbMPWxbkRIRcpPUgql2E5Gj1tuNSPdw8dissCCIDxaFn0NP UpYlc07dYllWFLSxwROjaNnxj1JIv-2DMkZlmxRV0SPewWabpaK4jd8n_K-Ql2gV3V_ZX7iExsZ_8v7UTvyLxiqO0sfG38bydB9VZyS9ChKI_ NzWpUuuBu7-udTC1-SylmIlWKtoiLPxkyFG9fdog1hAPZhqnhlt1jKAbgKP9T49G3KB qJK0iXZdwl2NGqddydZxEk3X_COFPtrJImoGPSUCs-1oB-q0k3fYb1otVMewi3BsKPcSQXoz8YD-aXY6iP16PdWSK4ffuAKVdyB9G5wqcRbZ5H9tITt5B44HEXQtYj Bc64ylosS8RvEgCcJB5x4bJpNJFTQ3jqE=w1698-h955-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xuOSLB6EC2gW1mGDjpbgdcX4IiHiUqycBjVmEsEABRHeXY3qXC-f644XE0QxAL24RDdsxnIQLkUhqQEODTEIzhBL4LxHf8PnyoY33 kUdty1zPgwYhbiGxjg3Ap0qp5UtXojFqfJhhvt7uZsRxy5b0aQ DoEnyC9rHikK0Z-AQa3DebPgTvPQtgGX_r7tb1zefR8iHK8wVzfwzl2o5YqmCWA7b 7ZAt2-oOhEf-gBZEmd5Tt78Ste71_MrWBwprns9TedCNYYU6Wln0qWdrU-8FbJT1w-huWqjB2FRR_B_C0rrN6owbgNs0wdxyf5haz4jMtdkIEiobpMhT supZGDSq9XR_bTjW4Cxhhu4pBih9ykBUvrQV80o3zsxwSf4wCf UPfqYVFqhs3zuNG1kCCOqgSdRwxv-bWuZkL2dPz1U3P8N774jXsLgZX3-OR9G5lu0_PGoP_ZEZh9DeZIG8LH8wSuZvg_shF3yMABAHPTyf4-drMCe0_cG-WUnOMGuemQb4APEi_Ru4Lz9fMzy9qMSoVT3cz2EeFH5DIYjcbo UsE6ys=w1698-h955-no

What you have there Irv is your basic carbine length upper v.s. mid length upper. Personally, I never understood carbine on a 16" barrel but I guess mid took a while to catch on with mfr.

http://i53.tinypic.com/a5dz68.jpg

[Irving]

Thank you for the education, I need it. Freedom feels a bit front heavy when just holding the upper, but feels a lot more balanced when put into a complete lower. I suspect the light hand guards of the Freedom have a lot to do with that, compared to the tank I've got on the carbine.

[brutal]

P.S. that image of rifle length on a 16" is basically a Dissipator. A real "Dissy" won't likely run well so most now are "Mock Dissy" meaning they put a FSB on at rifle length fr the longer sight radius and Dissy look, but put a gas block and mid length or carbine system under the handguard so they run more reliably.

[Dave_L]

I picked up a freedom kit not too long ago and it feels very nice. Has the magpul furniture on it. My understanding is the freedom isn't chrome lined but they do "lead lap" it.

[SouthPaw]

Read what the barrel stamped. Should say there.

[fly boy]

so, a stamp that says "freedom" ????

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-slim-stainless-steel-5-56-nato-1-7-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-a2-profile-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

[SouthPaw]

Where the twist rate and caliber is stamped. My last freedom upper said "1/9 Freesom"

[Irving]

Here is what mine says. Looks like there are a bunch of different types though.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9ywZrnu1sEcBaA_hbWFAZKSYpAf0LNn7_Mf5qwpNqiiuJYyrOJ e8Mc8YoJfDxO8pQS17aXxMiqxjDRGPOB3xuSoa7aSmE1pVtB8O 9EBEhCXN5Dodiu1Vx_TzI628E6npaIxTbHtseBSjPJ6PSQbRI0 LzRL8j88DaFB35t2GbKZmJvwUcxbOiXao0flUeLq1L1yRll7tK jbmvbpRBHFe77a6JznZ7P8bXCh4a8b22Kp0y4OkqkJ3k6YOR-MUkasQNYIxa9Y-82U2IIFz4_4LYRTlD40KFLNwR313m3Ob9gQhmfwQ_vE_XkWiby p1UfnzcQXiAt5tMzaaj-2i9AMTm1I27rag4ZUNUpZaKzzVXaLu7f1EngKkOkQVBlFAvn8O twMq61NZsuybYkCbuk0q_0NIo45PmLluBkEPn-gBA2YuMI2M41R84G_qchTnBGE7E2AFVf1lrTN6UVclEYpwPKRG uJHrT09wuYqr06dU1rHiCzoEpn0YgXwdhpzU0ETs2aoTGoZGev B17bNOqp7IV6I9eD1kvtjW1EOBgmrRTLoLk=w1698-h955-no

[fly boy]

so it's seriously just a "freedom" stamp? Rifling is the same, length, birdcage, etc.?

maybe I'll call PSA tomorrow and ask the source.

[Irving]

Looks like it. It was $10 cheaper I think when I bought mine. Here are some additional photos. It all looks pretty standard.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ip1CBCa5HXrt57MWC7F9l9wrwYvEkB2R3PjVPv7fRIoa_YmUgN UKJ4tECkvcGywhEwKENIxQYFj1wh36e3tuaDrmvHOHMhnV76Fj s6MlOdzi3smCVSRb1sAS45IoBQBUojgAXbX6We3FmZFrdq5rR8 OFmEIb3XPRh5Cjkmy22WHk942IwQhdy1SaQ0RfuKjAoaRdjvj1 tJ4vjwF9zhHxf1rGgRmM1sv6Qlh4I2e8Fd96HRUUqq4B8QmC5N Pr1c3-MSIJ-ps8bOpmC6SECveLaqjgWSbb3iTYDX-1OLL0EKKAM7Mpg0ICjSu6oMjASVCB1AQhcUrbH4B01yFvpK7ad xVNkvvPxP4Z8qpqOkbizCuiwUC4YeY5Pr-XfF3xCUxuybeBUUrgmC5-qH1NuANEIL15F7lFKEjH5UUlRnpqdUhpqJw93tVeJCBLaDND_S QAn6akw6edMVIBaUAOh7CnIWK9fKqpnxetRaw3Gy_EWUN0xKVS fYmN728qiMVFHnzxz7-92z8aNPtmleRynPe4jnR5V3S3xVofWvpbOYZljIZN=w1698-h955-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6Bx75sAhr8kGai22xS72Mpp5G2XBfOT8OEbfoadQInONZ6nmTK 4u-K5jSssaLrAB4da_zBtxC8C5jhhL10JwjHqKf1qBr4xqguUTUD8 QuxO4Vl8N6AUIfggyImYcwtyAeOsamZe6_0y6Ogj5hvnljY5dE FHjU_Ly88fexcHqgMPAkRTOkvMj0ftWhBlxMPdBdVPIK6df-LjHthrXPjPk5exQtyxcPN6xpndcOuTP-jdS756yH5VzaLqbMUSA18Rv1taS_t3r5-dQD4_HXGU4KxzwpB64ICxW72Zl73Ryt4S6hybLoVjzbCN9xQHG yHkerBlWmipSfwAgXoUMUToC2x5URKh5DfnT3dkxv4bCFzGPEe bJ7T57dSFtPmAbYBtHDE1-13fJw1g-cqmXh1HwHiF2mn8zlOKrCEoixsFVXUcfuTWsMOF1ot1RhlFDhi n7zSG3GhQBQrRouAY_SXKOz7md8WiQAtbFImjCm4XPSiuzeCil KMrx0U9onJBi3bCiO0Oh_4EQINhP0OFR7MMXOxP8RRql0Fkndh 4LF7Qme529=w1698-h955-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a4OspUQldE-wCozLUZ2GzPfSMi5yHwIQ9UBFT3YzZ9kBldj_WHcHHPibng3He 1HxrajusrBFq96Hwx4y7bfA4FQR3uaZzXOuX_VrM2i9vTiWjhC 1k-b9jdhG6Ybk-V5fF-nz93c7EPfMdqToEiYhRsQDMdf9dy8djgWO5zw9232Kl0BH-0WV20pnE9L9cEbEdTMUNdN2fQ6wSRFpWkIMXqbrs39GT3dIhCG 49PaqzBvyB75gQ_hmYAyQHjzzxcmlilJOJpSsvtU7noWLmgVTp AI4JvojwLldmfTTfomzKZkp0LNxPman8lkKLJty4cx7ECIfv2R IE5qIBeG83jZF7Al7sTKR-xAkx_i-Eim2e9-Gsa4IK2FopzHE95N2kWL9gMSwabhtBS5DbrD7ZpReuc8ma2o8y NmXociOS91cKO6A3oHAWxOFw3FMMNVfhHe9fXRwx9Tujc1p6L0 wQBN65lcW6ZQDNalO8N9nrML3P2argds_j2WXI94iMApJsgxDm l3ij-38A1-vAPbMLvmVNnkGTTiUirRdZn0teFusPTmA=w1698-h955-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P-f99zo0koccAqEmZtMeEZ5UE7iNZ7PfsaOtCeFLQDkQojZ95rPi OY28AIHHkq1jjW5Q3ttiSge2STJfSFNSGwzOubHn1FYv_q8vhB TIdDuUpBLYX9yj1i26zajfrweRvh_2FfKO6NMlfccWs2kkXtsG KsWy0h9X8JRGqF8dS7gOO-gsAkP1xd6_OeJx61alf92rrvQHz69HwaGsLxFhQO4x5bXxdceZ uER7mBOB-Cs89rf0I-KD7oljboBSSzu4VrAujpb33scIFq-4D2KfqGyUzOsDeq39xElMAdEUpbkIpIRzKq2ii2lGnVzTRc6I3 sBlGfl2PQcRY-98el9jrG489DrxHWyHQ1FjraTeduaeGtI6Kckg4Hjl2V8jllVR y5nbJWgde_Ai__BMGaHeyl14E5rN4k5OqZGtfA9qXDvqPkmI-UnrxA4UyvpWwcs0m7M8LDkf3-v6luaFvVQqYuKO-SorNyuAOuKoBFAXNa8RxkDLzl9WPP82tBy6WU49dtmavMJA9zG d9-Dr_TQQLVBBnKqY9cxZdxfbiJz4cnF3=w1698-h955-no

[SouthPaw]

The only thing I can see is that the barrel is not CHF (or at least they don't say it is). I think on my premium uppers its stamped "1/7 CHF" but I would have to double check.

[stenz]

What type of hand guard in on the bottom rifle?

[Irving]

On mine? A Midwest Industries.

[stenz]

On mine? A Midwest Industries.

Yeah. I want to keep the front sight on mine. I'll check MI out.

[Dave_L]

The freedom line is the entry level PSA brand stuff. They aren't chrome lined but are lead lapped. I believe the barrels are Wilson. Premium line barrels are FN. This is NOT a re-branding of PTAC. It's the basic PSA line without chrome lining and they pass that savings onto the consumer.

[fly boy]

The freedom line is the entry level PSA brand stuff. They aren't chrome lined but are lead lapped. I believe the barrels are Wilson. Premium line barrels are FN. This is NOT a re-branding of PTAC. It's the basic PSA line without chrome lining and they pass that savings onto the consumer.

So go for the non-freedom, melonite barrel instead?

[Dave_L]

Eh just depends on price point for you. Most casual shooters won't see the benefit of chrome lined barrels but it's a trendy selling point. If you're going to splurge, I'd say get the premium with the FN barrel. Pure budget, freedom is great. From what I've read, people are getting 1.25" groups with the freedom line. That's good enough for me. I ordered their magpul SS freedom kit for $399 I think. Complete rifle for $440 after adding my bushmaster lower. Hard to beat that. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/19/5718755bd9c78eff883fd0a70838f71a.jpg

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[fly boy]

Eh just depends on price point for you. Most casual shooters won't see the benefit of chrome lined barrels but it's a trendy selling point. If you're going to splurge, I'd say get the premium with the FN barrel. Pure budget, freedom is great. From what I've read, people are getting 1.25" groups with the freedom line. That's good enough for me. I ordered their magpul SS freedom kit for $399 I think. Complete rifle for $440 after adding my bushmaster lower. Hard to beat that. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/19/5718755bd9c78eff883fd0a70838f71a.jpg

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good point, this is just for fun, nothing special, can-o-krylon fun new toy. Budget is the biggest factor, hence why I was trying to figure out why one was cheaper than another - if it was truely just a stamp.

[kidicarus13]

So "Premium" in the description means, among other things, that the barrel is mfg by FN?

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[Great-Kazoo]

So "Premium" in the description means, among other things, that the barrel is mfg by FN?

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IMO the barrels are made in 1 of 2 or 3 places. The name means one pays more. It's like business 1st class and 1st class when flying. one or 2 more amenities, but same damn seat and boarding time.

[brutal]

So "Premium" in the description means, among other things, that the barrel is mfg by FN?

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They have several different statements on the various Uppers, here's a few.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/20-hammer-forged-chrome-lined-mp-rifle-kit.html

PSA 20" 5.56 NATO 1/7 CHF PREMIUM RIFLE KIT - 8818
Barrel: A proprietary blend of Hammer forged chrome molly vanadium made by FN that is referred to as "Machine Gun Steel" by virtue of its required use in FN's M249 and M240 weapons. The hammer forging process work hardens the steel, making it more durable. In addition, the chrome process for the bore allows for a lining almost twice as thick as a standard M16 for enhanced durability. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, with a 1/7 twist, M4 barrel extension, and a rifle-length gas system. The barrel has a conventional .750" gas block diameter, is Mil-spec phosphate coated, High Pressure tested and Magnetic Particle inspected. Barrels are finished off with a taper pinned, f-marked, front sight post, standard handguards, and an A2 flash hider. Barrel is made for PSA by FN right here in South Carolina.



http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-cmv-cl-stripped-upper-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

PSA 16" MID-LENGTH 5.56 NATO 1:7 PREMIUM UPPER - WITHOUT BCG OR CHARGING HANDLE - 28087
Barrel: This 16" chrome lined, Mil-B-11595E chrome moly vanadium barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 1:7 twist, M4 barrel extensions, mid-length gas system, and has a modified A2 profile. The barrel is high pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected, and then phosphate coated. The barrel is finished off with a .750" diameter F-marked front sight base with sling swivel, standard handguards, and an A2 flash hider. The barrel is made for us right here in SC by FN Manufacturing.




Notice the one above has CMV in the URL. That and the description and the reference to "Mil-B-11595E chrome moly vanadium" would imply 4150V (also called 41V5) and should be the same "M249" MG barrel steel.

My take is all the PSA barrels except for the PTAC are some grade of 4150 unless they're 416R stainless. I would just make a guess that the PTAC uppers are possibly 4140 commercial grade steel.

I even saw one upper not line item described as Premium but the URL and item description show premium "M249." They could do with a bit of cleanup and consistency in their web site item info.

You just have to watch out for their item short descriptions vs the URL vs the full description as they can be a little vague or misleading at times. best bet is to contact them if in doubt.

[kidicarus13]

Thanks for the info

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