Best complete upper under $400

Hey y'all,

I'm looking for a complete upper for around $300-$400 I can't decide between Radical Firearms, PSA, or this company called "Bear Creek Arsenal"

I'm leaning towards PSA, but I'm worried about not getting it for 2 weeks since their shipping times are terrible.

I'm going with a budget upper because I plan on upgrading the handguard, BCG and Flash Hider eventually.. just wanted something cheap to shoot in the mean time

Does anyone have any experience with the abovementioned uppers?

Thanks in advance!

I'd vote for PSA. I've had lots of good success with PSA. What worries you with the shipping time from PSA? They largely build to order, and have a backlog of orders at all times.

Radical is okay, but the two uppers I got from them were noticeably different in finish even having been ordered at the same time. Really budget barrel, IMO.

Never heard of Bear Creek.

Another +1 for PSA, as long as you avoid their PTAC lineup. I have heard mixed reviews of Bear Creek Arsenal products but I have no personal experience with them.


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Id avoid radical. PSA has been good to me. Their "premium" line barrels are made by FN. Their regular line barrels are made by Wilson (not Wilson combat). Like mentioned above, avoid the PTAC line and you're good to go. The freedom line is non-chrome lined barrels.

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Originally Posted by Grant H.

I'd vote for PSA. I've had lots of good success with PSA. What worries you with the shipping time from PSA? They largely build to order, and have a backlog of orders at all times.

Radical is okay, but the two uppers I got from them were noticeably different in finish even having been ordered at the same time. Really budget barrel, IMO.

Never heard of Bear Creek.

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I've heard horror stories of shipping times.. over 2 weeks just to ship out. I guess it was so bad the CEO had to release a press statement - http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1231965

I'll give them a shot

PSA all the way. If you need something plan a head a bit and expect a longer ship time. Worth it IMO.

PSA has really improved their shipping times. At least the last time I ordered, they were decently quick. I think I had it in hand within about 7-10 business days?

https://youtu.be/JnWqNSD9eEs

Best $400 complete upper? Probably saving for a 50% longer period of time.

Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi

Psa has been shipping very fast lately. Another vote for their uppers.

AIMsurplus sells some upper from CBC industries at the 300 price point. Haven't shot them myself but a friend says his experience was good. Palmetto State Armory does decent work in my opinion.

PSA. If you need it by this weekend, PM me, I have many options available.

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Originally Posted by TxPewPew

Hey y'all,

I'm looking for a complete upper for around $300-$400 I can't decide between Radical Firearms, PSA, or this company called "Bear Creek Arsenal"

I'm leaning towards PSA, but I'm worried about not getting it for 2 weeks since their shipping times are terrible.

I'm going with a budget upper because I plan on upgrading the handguard, BCG and Flash Hider eventually.. just wanted something cheap to shoot in the mean time

Does anyone have any experience with the abovementioned uppers?

Thanks in advance!

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Unless you're set on a 16"bbl. Here's an upper with a BCM BCG for a good price.

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/162156-...Upper-complete

I have used CORE and PSA premium uppers in all my builds. Zero issues, ever.
Dont buy thier PTAC brand though, its low quality frpm what I read..
Right now I have a complete PSA upper with the FN cold hammer forged stainless steel barrel which is 410 steel, not the Freedom cheap barrels.The barrel alone was $279. I can part with the complete upper for $350.
Its mid lenght, I have a magpul forend and the original one too. It comes with the premium BCG, which is MPI and HPT, chrome lined carrier. Mil spec CH. Also the Troy dioptic rear sight and a magpul rail section for a bi-pod installed...
PM me if you want to see it.

P.s. A complete lower is available with a smooth nickel plated trigger, MOE stock and everything for another $150 (FFL transfer required for that one, of course)

I bought a PTAC mid-length upper to leave at my pop's place, as a family range blaster. It has given zero issues, function and performance wise. Does it shoot 1/2 MOA at 200 yds? Who knows? It's a range blaster, and with probably 2k+ down the tube, it's still performing without a significant reduction in noticeable accuracy. It mostly gets shot within 100yds, and nobody complains.

I bought it because it was inexpensive, in stock, and did I mention inexpensive. Poo-poo them all you want, and I do know a specific forum member who had chamber issues with just about every one he bought (he bought quite a few in one purchase), but I guess I got lucky.
Never had any feed, firing or ejection issues from day one.

I don't expect the PTAC and Freedom uppers I have assembled on various lowers to last forever, but they make great blasters. And occasionally you get a gem from the dirt pile. Your mileage may vary.

Don't know much about American Tactical, but uppers are available at Joe Bobs for $250.

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/American_Tactical_Upper_Receivers_s/184745.htm

PSA proper has good stuff, but last order of mine from them took a month (Magpul/PSA complete lower).

I have several PSA various parts guns and three complete uppers: one in 308, a premium FN, and a cheap freedom. I have nothing but good to say about them, and the FN barrel upper and the stainless 308 are great!!. I've never had a long wait on anything I've purchased off their daily, weekend, or holiday deals. The only issue I've noticed with PSA is their safety in their LPKs; sometimes the detent is really stiff and sometimes it feels perfect. Edit: the FCG isn't that great either, but I eventually replace those with Geissele. I have no complaints with my Radical Firearms 300blk pistol upper either.

PSA Uppers are great. I own 4 of them - as said, stay away from the PTAC and Freedom lines.

Sign up for their emails, because they always have about 4 or 5 uppers on sale at any given time.

I got an 8.5" 300 blackout upper with a CHF barrel and keymod free float handguard for $329. Most of their uppers are 16 inch though.

Also, if you like something, be decisive. Their nicely priced stuff usually sells out fairly quickly.

They have fixed their ship times. That big issue occurred while they were switching their entire order processing systems (while managing to keep the website up and ordering going). All of my uppers (even the ones that say they are custom built and require a minimum of 2 weeks to ship) have all shipped within 3 days of ordering.

I have ordered several lowers and a couple of pistols, and too much ammunition to admit to from them. I have never had a problem with them.

Just got a side charging upper from midway. On sale for 399.

Curious to see how well it works.

I did not buy a complete upper but I did purchase a Bear Creek 16" barrel in 556. I bought the barrel from Primary Arms for $69.00. Fit and finish were great, even came dimpled for the gas block. As far as shooting goes it grouped well and is capable of shooting better than I can drive it. I would not hesitate to buy their products in the future.

Based on today's emails from who knows how many vendors, you can (less shipping & transfer fees) buy a complete AR for a $400 price point. $470 if you want a stainless bbl.

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Originally Posted by Great-Kazoo

Based on today's emails from who knows how many vendors, you can (less shipping & transfer fees) buy a complete AR for a $400 price point. $470 if you want a stainless bbl.

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Now I feel less special knowing everyone gets those emails.