Can you really get a reliable and accurate AR-10 .308 for around $600?
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) aims to make that a reality.
We’ve been testing their Gen 2 AR-10’s for almost 2 years and now I’m updating this article with their Gen 3 version.
Different types of ammo, multiple mags, and hundreds of rounds.
Find out if the new version is worth the wait and if it passes the reliability and accuracy test!
Want to see the PA-10 in action? Check out our complete video review on the Gen 3:
If that was cool, please subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post gun and gear reviews weekly.
Table of Contents
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Who Is It For?
- Budget buyers who want something that works out of the box that doesn’t always turn heads or shoots half MOA.
- Someone who wants some options in terms of barrel length, gas system, and handguards
- Someone who can wait a little for things to be in stock and ship
Why Is It So Cheap?
If you don’t know yet…PSA is known to be the market leader in affordability. They get that way since they own all the companies that take raw metal to the finished product.
They sent me the AR-10 to fully test out after my review of their AR-15s.
I test it the same way as I do with all my other guns. And for the Gen 2 actually increased the types of ammo through the AR-10 since they are known to be finicky with the gas system.
Gen 3 Changes
PSA Has released a Gen 3 of their PA-10 upper, lower, and complete rifle!
Changes include:
- Broader Compatibility with .308 BCGs
- Twice Staked Castle Nuts
- Dimpled 416R Stainless Steel Barrel
- 5-Position Adjustable Click Switch Gas Block
- Extra Power Extractor Springs
- 7075 T6 Charging Handle
- Anti-slip/Anti-rotation Handguards
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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It’s much more affordable when you purchase the lower and upper separately since there’s an 11% completed firearm tax. Keep going for our favorite uppers/lowers.
Fit, Feel, & Finish
Overall, PSA increased the quality of their finish with the Gen 3.
While there was some purple-ish hue with the Gen 2…the Gen upper 3 is pure black and matches well with the lower.
Upper
I opted for the shorter 18″ upper in stainless steel (both generations) for a little lighter weight compared to the 20″. If you’re strictly bench or prone shooting you can get the 20″ for a little more velocity.
The lightweight 15″ M-LOK handguard was nicely machined and didn’t have any sharp edges like some in their AR-15s.
Besides better anodizing, Gen 3 handguards also have two additional detent screws on the bottom to prevent rotation/movement.
It wasn’t a problem before but it’s good to have double protection.
The barrel looked good and had a centered and tightened gas block.
One of the BIG CHANGES in the Gen 3 is the welcomed addition of an adjustable gas block.
Otherwise both barrels have a 1:10 twist rate that’s good for most .308 ammo.
BCG was properly staked. And in Gen 3 the BCG is a Toolcraft (probably the best known manufacturer) with extra power springs.
And the bolt was marked MPI (magnetic particle inspected).
Lower
Colors and fitment matched pretty well in both the Gen 2 and 3. Nothing much to write home about.
But…one big difference is the addition of triangular cuts in the Gen 3 lower that allows for a wider variety of BCGs.
You can see in the Gen 2 red circle even the stock PSA BCG was bashing into the receiver. No problems with the Gen 3.
Like their 9mm AR (full review), the pistol grip holds in two detents…the normal safety detent plus the rear takedown pin. Much easier for install!
My biggest complaint with my lower is that the takedown pins are SUPER tight. Even after so many installs/removals for break-in…I still have to use a screwdriver and hammer every time.
This problem still holds true for the Gen 3.
The lowers can come in multiple flavors. The more affordable versions came with PSA’s EPT trigger which is surprisingly crisp compared to mil-spec. But the above Gen 2 is a Triggertech I swapped in for accuracy testing (Best AR Triggers).
If you opt for a higher-end one you get their 2-stage trigger ($99) which has a nice 2 lb first stage and around 2.5 lb second stage. Great bang for the buck.
The variations change time to time, but the 2-stage trigger versions will usually have a nicer buttstock like the STR in the Gen 3.
Magazine release works well and sometimes the mags were a little tight to get in…but always dropped free.
So far so good…especially for around $600.
How Does It Shoot?
Boom! Let’s get down to the important stuff…
Break In
I broke the Gen 2 barrel in during a trip to BLM desert land while setting up for night vision (Best NVG Goggles).
I usually don’t do break-in for AR-15s but since this is more of a precision gun…
- 5x: 1 shot, copper remover, wait 5 min, bore brush, gun cleaner, clean patch
- 5x: 5 shots, copper remover, wait 5 min, bore brush, gun cleaner, clean patch
Check out Best Gun Cleaning Kits for my favorite gear and brands.
For Gen 3 I didn’t do any specific break-in and didn’t clean the barrel before accuracy testing.
Keep going to see the results!
Recoil
A lot more than the 5.56 AR-15 if you’ve never shot a .308 semi before.
You’ll often read that PSA overgasses their AR-10s. I think that’s a fair statement.
Here’s the Gen 2 with me standing up:
I broke in the Gen 2 rifle standing up and after those 30 or so rounds I was definitely feeling it…this rifle is more meant for bench shooting or even better…prone.
Again, one of the big changes in the Gen 3 models is the addition of an adjustable gas block. It definitely tones down the recoil if you adjust it correctly for your ammo.
Also easy to reach the adjustment even through the handguard if you have its accompanying Allen key.
Otherwise if you forget it (like we did) and have to use a regular length one…it’s probably easier to take the handguard off first.
I closed off the gas completely so the gun operated like a bolt action. Then ended up around 3 full turns to get the bolt to lock open on an empty mag with PMC Bronze.
Here’s John with the Gen 3:
Reliability
The Gen 2 AR-10 ate up all 6 kinds of ammo I threw at it…from the cheapest brass ammo I could find, to regular plinking ammo, and several kinds of match ammo.
The bolt always held back on empty with both my Magpul and DPMS magazines.
Gen 3 was the same.
For reliability…PSA’s AR-10 was great.
Accuracy
I really hoped the accuracy was going to be good…especially since I spent a lot of time breaking in the barrel.
I set the rifle up in my standard testing rig…now with a chronograph.
- Lead Sled DFT ($200)
- Schmidt & Bender PMII 5-25x Scope with Larue Mount ($3500)
- Triggertech Drop In ($230)
- Magnetospeed Sporter Chronograph ($180)
100 yards, slow shooting with each group, and about 5 minutes to cool down before the next group.
And used a bunch of my favorite .308/7.62×51 ammo (Best .308 Ammo)
The MEN, PMC Bronze, and PPU were my plinking ammo…and it looks like PMC Bronze did the best with probably 2.5 MOA.
For match ammo…Hornady’s 168 BTHP didn’t do as well as I had hoped.
But Federal’s Gold Match in both 168 and 175 gr were excellent at around 1.5 MOA.
Here are the average velocities for each ammo out of the 18″ barrel:
- MEN: 2622 ft/sec, std deviation: 16 ft/sec
- PMC Bronze: 2644 ft/sec, 6.5 ft/sec
- PPU: 2634 ft/sec, 6.4 ft/sec
- Hornady 168 BTHP: 2593 ft/sec, 7.7 ft/sec
- Gold Medal 168: 2459 ft/sec, 10.8 ft/sec
- Gold Medal 175: 2447 ft/sec, 14.4 ft/sec
How about the Gen 3?
It did even better…even with no specific break-in.
All the groups look tightened up.
The most affordable ammo on the list was PMC Bronze 147gr which shot decent and I had around a 1.5 MOA grouping with the heavier PPU 180gr.
With the match-grade Gold Medal 168gr the Gen 3 really shined with around 1 MOA compared to the Gen 2’s 1.5 MOA.
Long Range
100 yards is great and all…but chances are if you’re looking at a .308 you want to stretch its legs.
So I went to my local rifle range and set up with a bipod (Best Rifle Bipods).
There’s berms for 100-600 yards.
If you zoom in a little you’ll see the 500 and 600 sections off to the left.
And at the very back…my 600 yard targets.
I shot off the bench in a reasonably comfortable position. No rear bag though…I did forget it.
Video: I hit 9/10 with the 175 gr Gold Medal…and super cool to see the vapor trails!
Not too shabby for my skill level…if you’ve got the range and the skills you should be able to hit out to 800 and even 1000 yards with a .308.
For the Gen 3 we had an easy time shooting in the desert.
And during accuracy tests I shot both at 100 yards with a 1-6x.
And out to 300 yards with a 6-24x.
Compatibility
AR-10s in general don’t play that nicely with each other. So if you’re going PSA…stick with both PSA upper and lower.
But if you have any combination of Gen 2 or Gen 3 uppers/lowers…you’ll be fine. We tested them all out.
Recommended Models
There’s not nearly as many models of the AR-10 compared to PSA’s AR-15 offerings. But it’s ok…you’re pretty much choosing between free-float and going either 18″ or 20″.
If you’re strictly bench or prone shooting…get the 20″. Otherwise if you want something a little lighter and maneuverable…get the 18″ like me.
I also go for the free-floating variety…especially for a long range precision rifle.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Those are the complete rifles…but if you know PSA…the deals are to be had by separating the upper and lower. That way you avoid the 11% completed firearm tax.
My specific upper which I recommend is the Gen 3 18″ Stainless with 15″ Lightweight M-Lok with BCG (bolt carrier group) and CH (charging handle).
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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While the lower I would heavily recommend getting a better buttstock that has a nice cheekweld. The one I have is the Magpul MOE STR.
The EPT is a nice upgraded single stage trigger while the Nickel Boron 2-Stage trigger is PSA’s version of Geiselle’s SSA-E trigger. Great when I tried it out on their 6.5 Creedmoor guns.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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By The Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
Besides really tight takedown pins…the AR-10 performed flawlessly with different kinds of ammo, 2 types of magazines, and hundreds of rounds. Gas came dialed in from the factory for all the rounds we tested.
Accuracy: 4.5/5
OK with the cheapest plinking ammo and decent with PMC Bronze. But great with Federal Gold Match in both 168. Hundreds of yards all day long.
Ergonomics: 4/5
Handguard feels much better than older PSA’s AR-15 models. Otherwise everything is where it’s supposed to be. Make sure to get a better buttstock with a wider cheekweld. Your long distance shots will thank you.
Looks: 4/5
A slight raise from the original 3/5 for getting the coloring correct now.
Customization: 5/5
It’s an AR platform with M-LOK so you can do anything to it. I easily added in a new trigger, compensator, M-LOK rail, and Atlas Bipod.
Bang for the Buck: 5/5
GREAT deal…especially when the next comparable/affordable maker is Aero Precision and theirs is $1400. Full review here of that one.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Conclusion
A great AR-10 that didn’t give me the problems of other platforms.
And at an unbeatable price that’s about half the price of the next closest competitor!
With the Gen 3, PSA gets the anodizing color correct and also gives you the choice in dealing with overgassing.
Get the complete upper of your choice:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pair it up with a complete lower:
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And you’re good to go for 600+ yards. If that’s a little too far…check out our review for other PSA guns.
What do you guys think of the PSA AR-10? How would you modify it to make it your own? Also…check out more of our favorites in Best AR-10s.
72 Leave a Reply
If your just plinking the PA 10 might be fine. But if your preparing for the SHTF scenario, would you bet your life on this rifle ? Nope not me.
Yes, without hesitation. I wouldn't tote it on a backpacking trip but if things went sideways when I was at home, this is the rifle I will grab from the safe.
Good to hear, Justin
I went with the Ruger SFAR .308 16" Barrell and installed a Primary Arms 1x6 LPVO. I wish you the best with your set up. Keep your head on a swivel, it's coming to our town.
Pew Pew is in pretty good with PSA. Can you get the inside scoop on why they won’t make left hand versions of their platforms?! They’d kill it
I automatically discount any review or other info from anyone who says they shot a "grouping" instead of a "group", infinitely more than if they interchange clip and magazine for example. Now excuse I'm going to take a walking around the block. Then maybe I'll have a chairing for a cupping of coffee.
Palmetto State Armory firearms are garbage. Their customer service is even worse. They can’t hold a tolerance in their machining process. Buyer beware.
You a expert man ? ... love my PSA weapons.
Glad it’s working out for you. I still think they are garbage. And yes, I am an expert on garbage firearms that I paid for and don’t work. Paperweight.
I'm new to ARs , my first centerline was a Ruger M77 .270 Back in 1982 . If you don't mind sharing why your opinion is unfavorable on the PA10 I would appreciate your professional input before I spend my money on the PA!0.... thanks man
When I took my lower back to the Greenville store. We started trying the same Magpul magazines in different assembled lowers. Fits were not consistent. Unfortunately, my lower is so bad that you can pull the mags out or the fall out of you out from any side pressure. PSA did not stand behind their product. They told me it was fine. Two times they sent it back with the same issue.
Either sloppy tolerances and or inability to hold a tolerance is an issue. However, they tell me it’s fine which is nonsense.
Plenty of other firms that stand behind their products. Spend you hard earned money where they will support you if some help.
By the way, it took two months each time I sent it back!!
Thanks for the info man ... I appreciate it.
If you are local in Greenville S. Carolina, I got a new, never fired, fully assembled by PSA AR10 lower for sale. 1/2 price. Some mags are sloppy fitting and fall out. Been sent back to PSA twice but they tell me it’s fine.
You are a poopoo head.
Someone who can’t afford a good gun got their feelings hurt. Must be a snowflake needing a safe space.
Which scope and bipod were used on the gun in the video?
The two grips that featured-CA compliant-would that make these rifles legal in New Jersey.
Does anyone know how wolf .308 FMJ 150-grain ammo performs in this rifle?
I have the 20' G3. Beaten the crap out of it, never fails to go bang no matter what I feed it. Kills hogs on sight and is one heavy bitch to carry any distance, let alone shooting from a standing position. But then again, thats why we abandoned the Battle rifle for the M4/M16. Its a darn good weapon for the money.
Question: Is the 11% tax on a complete rifle the industry standard? Or is that PSA specific? I am in the market for my first AR-10 so is it common to buy uppers and lowers separately?
Industry wide by federal excise tax. Uppers and lowers are commonly purchased separately, but AR10s seem to be a bit pickier than AR15s when mixing brands.
I recently purchased a Gen 3. The seller stated that I have to be careful which magazine I use, as he had purchased some plastic mags that wouldn't let shell extract. What magazines are you guys using? Any problems?
I've used Hexmags and Pmags in mine and had 100% function.
Well done! A very nice review. And I concur with all you've said.
I bought a Gen III upper when PSA had some blems up for real REAL cheap. A year or so ago? Can't remember exactly. I'm a machinist, and I spent a few days looking for the cosmetic blemish. I think I finally found it...a slight burr/crease in it below the forward assist button. If that's not it, I have no idea where the cosmetic issue is. I also x-rayed the complete upper, and the steel composition is flawless. That said, the "blem" was worth another $150 off their price.
Stayed alert for their Gen III lower, and caught one on sale.
For the price, you cannot beat this rifle. I've outshot others with far more expensive rifles. The key to doing this? Drop some bucks on a really good scope and know your ammo. I finally settled on the Primary Arms FFP ACSS HUD 4x14 with the reticle designed for 165 to 180 grain 308. All the dope you need is inside the scope. With Strelok Pro and an anemometer, you're set (Strelok has that specific scope in their database, along with just about every factory 308 round out there).
Like your assumptions, I've found that the Federal Gold Medal Sierra Matchking in 168 gr outgroups my beloved Hornady ELD-M 178 grain. 100 yards groups 1 MOA. 800 yards out, I am grouping at the big end of 1.7 MOA with the occasional shooter's induced flyer.
This rifle is well made, beefy and having an adjustable gas block at this price point is a big bonus. Time for a new trigger assembly, and I think I'll have a rifle that will last my lifetime and give my grandson a long life too.
Now if PSA would only release a batch of 6.5 Creedmoor blem uppers on the cheap, I'll be set.
Aslo like your findings, BUY THIS RIFLE!
I was really trying to hold out till their PX-10 lightweight model came back in stock, but with this election cycle and market, who knows how long that might be? So I'm gonna bite the bullet and go in for a PA-10, if I still can. How much does a PA-10 /18"/M-Lok/MOE weigh?
9.5 pounds; AR-10s are stronger than AR-15s so they can cope with the greater power of the ammo they fire, so they must be a bit heavier. There is another benefit: there will always be less recoil and muzzle lift with the heavier firearm, period, all things being equal when you compare.
I have this exact firearm for sale right now. It's new in its box, and its parts are in their original platic bags. It has never been assembled, so it's never been fired.
I am a professional in the firearms industry. My writing has published in "The Truth About Guns" and I own a firearms advice hotline, so you can see that I'm legitimate.
Palmetto State Armory does not have any in stock, and hasn't for weeks.
It's expensive, given the tidal wave of buyers who are snapping up everything in sight, but it's perfect.
I will only ship from a licensed to a licensed "FFL" holder and have your AR-10 mailed directly to another FFL business. You fill out all legally mandated forms and pick it up at that place of business, all legal. Period. Not open to discussion. I do not break the law, period; don't be one of the people who wastes my time and asks me to, please.
You may contact me to arrange your purchase if you HAVE already made up your mind and ARE qualified to purchase now. Please don't contact me if you aren't; if you have "just a quick question", ask somebody else....I'm sorry if I seem rude, but I have two full-time jobs, and I don't have the time to answer them.
-Ian Crawford,
scottycrawford1976 (at) G mail dot com
Four one two nine nine nine seven six seven one.
Ian, what are you asking for your PA10? I'm a NC resident with a CCP who has purchased 2 Remington 700s in the past through Gunbroker.com and had them delivered through an FFL.
Awesome review. Which would you choose between PSA Gen 3 or Aero M5? I know there is a price difference. Would be adding a carbon proof research barrel as well. Thoughts?
I am heavily considering this rifle, but I would like to know if you think it would be a reliable hunting rifle?
Absolutely as a hunting rifle. I have the PSA ar10 gen2 12.5” pistol and it is my go to hunting platform. With quality factory hunting ammo(180gr) she is about 1.25MOA at 100 yards and at 200yards about 3.5ish MOA but I haven’t reconfirmed accuracy at that range again. Gen2 needed an adjustable gasblock because PSA over gasses their ar10s big time. I swapped out the original gasblock for a SA bleed off adjustable but I also shoot suppressed.
I have the PSA PA10 Gen 2 in .308 with 20" barrel. I replaced the trigger with a CMC 2.5# single stage and replaced the stock with a Magpul CTR and added a cheap Nikon BM 4-12X40 optic. I get sub-moa 5-shot groups with cheap Remington 150 gr. PSP Cor-Lokt at 100 yards. And 1.5 moa with PPU and Winchester PP 150 gr. PSP as well. I have yet to try any match grade ammo. After around 100 rounds, I've never had a single malfunction.
Great read Eric. I am wanting a .308 battle rifle under $1000.00. Was considering the DPMS ORACLE but after reading this article I may want to consider the PA 10 Gen 3. Can you be a little more specific on the item numbers for the PSA uppers and lowers. They have a bunch to choose from
Thanks
I swapped out the trigger with a Geissele SSA, replaced the stock with a Magpul, and replaced the gas block with an adjustable, and removed one of the extractor springs in my gen2. Shoots like a dream.
Wow Eric Hung, I literally have the exact same life story. Super good indepth review, I have become a fan of PSA in recent years. They make quality products at affordable prices and reinvest in those products it become ever improving
Hello
In California here. What mag-lock device are you using (in the second pix from the top)? The ones for my AR-15s don't fit on my Gen-2 lower.
Thanks
Good article Eric, thanks.
As you have access to both Gen 2 and 3, I'd like to ask a question that PSA has been vague in answering. In your opinion - in case you've mated your gen 2 upper to the gen 3 lower for whatever reason - how to they match up? I got a great deal on a PSA gen 2 rifle kit last year and haven't been able to find a gen 2 lower or any conclusive opinion of what else would match up well. It pins to a Tennessee Arms lower (haven't shot it but seems like it would work) with noticeable space between the two, my other is Armalite so a no go.
Thanks in advance, and thanks for the articles.
#Idhypertapthat
;) Missed this before, great article as always.
My PSA 308 gen 2 hand guard walked forward after less than 100 rounds (97rds to be exact ) The bolts holding it we’re Loctited and torqued and we’re still tight. I really do like the improvements to the gen 3. I’ve also noticed my bolt carrier is hitting the rear of the lower receiver forward of the extension tube. But the rifles been 100% reliable with P mags and hex mags. Hex mags are a bit tight P mags work perfectly. See products mags have not worked out of the box but with a touch of fitting I think the work just fine. Thanks for the review the photos were super helpful
PSA handguards walking forward might be an issue with PSA in general, I had an AR-9 handguard do the same thing not long ago. Oddly, while it was tight and Loctited in place like yours - it still moved forward randomly. After I took it off and put it back on, even without Loctite, it has been rock solid since.
Agreed on Hexmags in AR-10s! They are impossible tight on my Aero M5 lower, barely able to fit in my PSA.
I never put more than a flash hider when testing new guns for accuracy. Usually just a nut. Compensators can change accuracy, many times for the worse. Find out what the gun can do, then test the compensators.
where's that range? I want to try it. Looks so fun
PSA just dropped their Gen 3. Added adjustable gas block, NiB 2 stage trigger and went with STR stock. $900 as complete rifle or $700 if you buy the built upper & built lower seperate. Based off the site info I can't find a difference between the fully built rifle vs the built upper/lower. Looks like you got a new review to do.
What is the recommendation when it comes to brand and load of ammo?
Anything from our Best .308 Win Ammo would be great! Personally, I run mostly Wolf since I just like to plink with mine.
Excellent article as always, Eric. Lots of us worked hard and long, but for various reasons have a tighter budget than most, so these kinds of reviews are SO helpful.
With a little luck and time, sometimes we can step up to something more expensive later but if this is the caliber that's most useful for someones wants and needs, they can get going and get accustomed to recoil, general range capacity, what sights will hold up, etc.
Plus, ultimate accuracy has it's place without doubt, but in many scenarios 1 - 2 MOA or so variation won't matter much.
Thanks for the review.
I have two PSA ar-10 one in 308 and one in 6.5 both shoot great 1 moa at 100 with hand loads. the 6.5 came with an adjustable gas block with the 20'' ss barrel. I have seen no need to adjust it so far. The 308 is fixed gas block and I have shot a good bit of surplus ammo from Korea, us, and Israel. no functioning problems and us issue groups are better than some of the commercial ammo. I also have shot and reloaded for an Armalite for the past 15 years. The ar-10 is in 308 with a lightweight rifle barreled upper with a free float handguard and I also have a short heavyweight barreled upper. both of the Armalites are finicky about the ammo they will run reliably and what they will shoot accurately. I have to give a heads up to the pair of PSA
HURRY.....get yours before it's "out of stock"
I have about 13 or so PSA lowers that I have either built on or plan to build on. 3 ar AR10s. 2 are .308 and 1 is 6.5. I buy PSA uppers for most applications. I have 2 uppers from ar15parts.com. 1 is .308 and the other is 6.5 grendel. They build using PSA and DPMS uppers. Have you tried them or even heard of them? I have gotten real good results with their hbar barrels. I do not know who manufactures the barrels.
Craig, I read in one of the gun mags a year or so ago that PSA barrels are all made by FN, who is just down the road from them do to speak.
Only the CHF barrels are made by FN, PSA makes the rest of their barrels in-house.
The distance question is tough. I was @ a 1,000yds class and my sister-in-law was using a Ruger Precission .308 with a 20" barrel. All was good to a out 800yds, then she started running out of elevation on the scope. She hit 1,000, but it took her 6 tries and got the instructor involved. Ammo selection is also an issue. FEDERAL GMM 175grMK got the job done. The caliber is certainly capable of 1,200, but not sure you will get there with that 18" barrel.
Thanks for the review. PSA always intrigues me because of their deals.
I'm also stuck behind enemy lines. Did you order the lower from PSA with the CA-compliant grip factory-installed? If so, was there any surcharge for changing the grip, or any special process to order it like that?
We added the CA-compliant grips ourselves, PSA won't ship them that way. Best way for CA to get PSA rifles is to get the parts and just build it out yourself. More time and effort, but well worth it!
Would you recommend this over the aero m5? They both seem to have the same level of accuracy. Seems like m5 just has more parts compatibility with other 308 ARs and has a slightly nicer build quality?
I've been in the market for an AR styled brush/hunting rifle chambered in 300 BLK, 6.5 Creed, or .308. Right now I shoot a Kimber bolt action .280 AI, which is by far my favorite cartridge. Would this be a contender to consider? PSA is only 40 min west of me, so it would be nice to "Buy Local".
I think the PA-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor is what you're looking for. 6.5 Creedmoor is slightly better than .308 Win and very close to what .280 AI is like.
Thank you Sir!!! While I have held out and exhausted every single article I could find on the 6.5, I'm ready to jump in, on? lol. The exact answer I was looking, and hoping for!!! God Bless and Airborne!
You're so welcome...if you can wait about 2-3 weeks we'll have the 6.5 upper review coming out. So far so good...I was able to hit 1000 yards with match ammo.
Having never shot an AR style rifle, and being very interested in this particular rifle, I was wondering how they are for left handed shooters?
Opinions/experiences?
Thanks
While, I cannot speak of the AR-10, I do know that a number of left-hand AR-15s are on the market(both as upper receivers and complete rifles). Beyond that, it is very possible to shoot a right-handed rifle in a left-handed manner. My brother can't see very well out of his right eye, so he has to shoot rifles left-handed. You might need to wear a long sleeved shirt or jacket as the spent rounds will be ejecting towards your support arm.
If you end up choosing a right-handed AR(which tend to be less expensive), the main thing you'll need in order to shoot it left-handed is an ambidextrous selector switch. If the rifle doesn't come with one, you can get an aftermarket one for not a lot of money(~$15).
Doesnt sound too bad.
I cant do very much right handed so I have to, and naturally, shoot left handed.
Thank you for the info.
Check out Stag Arms, as they have affordable left-ejecting small and big block varieties. In fact, I believe they slot in between the PSA and Aero the author mentioned. AND have a lifetime warranty which is pretty much unheard of in the industry.
Thank you very much for the great review! Have been eagerly awaiting this one, and breath still held for your opinions on the 6.5 CM and .224 Valk PSA offerings. I’m a major PSA fan, I’m a sucker for great deals.
One thing I’d ask; I recently saw an online dealer with S&W free float flat top M&P10s for $700-750. Has anyone on your staff fired one, and can you compare the accuracy/precision, reliability, recoil, and overall value of this PSA rifle vs. the S&W? I have completed my immediate AR-15 collection, with a DMR-esque build, several standard 16” carbines, and a 10.5” pistol. A reasonably priced AR-10 is next on my list.
Also, I’d suggest a picture guide on how to install an adjustable gas block on a factory (free float) rifle. All of my PSA AR 15s (and a few much more expensive examples from other major manufacturers) have come somewhat uncomfortably over gassed, but I’m nervous about replacing the existing gas block with an adjustable because I’m not 100% sure what to look out for/pay attention to. Thanks again.
Hey Connor, I'll ask around if anyone has shot the M&P 10 but I haven't (yet).
Good tip on the adjustable gas block install. We don't have a standalone article but it's included in our How to Build an AR-15 Uppper article.
Is taking the original gas block off similar to how you install one; just take out a few set screws?
Yup, unless you have a FSB (front sight block) then it's a punching out two pins.
What shooting range were you at for the 100 yd? Looks WEGC in Lytle Creek, CA. I also noticed CA compliance (ugh).. Great article as usual too! I've not considered an AR-10 before but should definitely give it some thought now.
Close...it's Angeles Shooting Range...good eye!
Is that rail a compression=type (only held on via compression from the two screws)? I can't see any anti-rotation tabs on there either. Basically looks like a Matrix Aerospace compression rail, if MAS made AR10 compression rails.
If that is the case, that is definitely one area PSA was able to save a bunch of cost.
Yes, looks like it unless I lost the anti-rotation tabs when I took it off.
Nice review. Thanks Eric.
Thanks!