It's definitely a buyers market right now

[HoneyBadger]

PTAC is definitely lower quality. Most PTAC is not machined as nicely. I wouldn't buy a PTAC lower parts kit... The firing control groups are functional, but pretty rough. Lots of PTAC uppers aren't even chrome lined, MPI or HPT. I point that out because it is kind of an industry standard nowadays, but they do it to offer a cheaper product.

that being said, most rifles out there aren't chrome lined, MPI, or HPT. I'm sure a PTAC upper that is well cared for will last decades.

[SouthPaw]

What factory rifles were you looking at Ray? I've been looking at a similar build as well and curious to find what you checked out.

[mutt]

I was under the impression that PTAC stuff was not that desirable, but I read that a few years ago. I was asking another member about his PTAC rifle the other day and he said it was fine. Anyone have any comment on PTAC stuff?

PTAC is definitely PSA's budget offering. My understanding is PSA simply resells PTAC branded gear and PTAC is made by someone else. Personally I wouldn't buy such bargain basement stuff considering PSA's own stuff isn't priced much higher and they are generally GTG. Then you've got the fact that complete BCM uppers can be had for $439 and Colt 6720 rifles for $799. When known quality manufacturers can be had for relatively cheap I see no reason to go with someone like PTAC to shave a few more dollars off of the bill.

[Irving]

Well sure we can say that now, in this market, but I think PTAC stuff looks a lot more inviting when nothing else can be had.

[ray1970]

What factory rifles were you looking at Ray? I've been looking at a similar build as well and curious to find what you checked out.

Leaning towards a Rock River A4 Varmint. Need to do a little more research on similar rifles from Bushmaster, Windham, and DPMS. They all offer factory, varmint-style rifles that seem to shoot quite well right out of the box. Should be right around $1,000 brand new. The Rock River does come with their two-stage trigger which is probably decent enough but I would imagine the others would need an immediate upgrade.

When I started pricing out parts and pieces to put together a reasonably accurate rifle I couldn't get one pieced together for $1K.

[mutt]

Well sure we can say that now, in this market, but I think PTAC stuff looks a lot more inviting when nothing else can be had.

I'm sure the market in 2016/2017 will be dramatically different. However, right now, better things can be had for a relatively small premium. Better to buy good stuff now than to wait till the craziness starts again. When that happens even PTAC stuff is going to command an unreasonable premium.

[SouthPaw]

I'm leaning towards just swapping the barrels and stock on one of my current AR's. Might be a little more cost effective and that was the purpose for this one. Might see some parts in the FS soon.

[ray1970]

I'm leaning towards just swapping the barrels and stock on one of my current AR's. Might be a little more cost effective and that was the purpose for this one. Might see some parts in the FS soon.

That would definitely be the most cost effective way to go. But, I'm wanting to do a complete rifle instead.

If you aren't necessarily looking for a long, heavy barrel but just excellent accuracy, you might look at a Mega Arms barrel. I think they guarantee them to shoot sub-MOA. You should be able to find one for around $ 250.