PSA Freedom upper vs regular PSA upper

[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.

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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.

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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-ha...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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