PSA Freedom Stainless or Nitride

[canterbc]

Looking to do a budget AR build and have heard good things about the PSA Freedom line of uppers. Right now they have a blem stainless mid length upper for $279 and a blem nitride carbine length upper for $289. I have a Colt 6920 so it is chrome lined carbine length. These two options are new to me. I have heard mid length is probably better in a 16" barrel. The stainless is 416r so it should be just fine to shoot in the cold. In theory it will have a little better accuracy but won't last as long. Either way I can just buy a lower from them and have what seems to be a fairly decent AR for under $500. What does the INGO brain trust say? Who has one? What would you get?

 

[sgreen3]

For me personally I do like a midlength gas system in a carbine style rifle, they just seem to be a bit smoother operating to me IMO. As far as the two uppers you listed either one would serve you well, I would say it would come down to personal preference. I've wanted to try one of their Freedom stainless uppers myself just have never dived into one. I wouldn't worry about the stainless not lasting as long, 99% of people will never shoot out a barrel so don't let that sway your choice if that's the one you want. I believe their Freedom series is kind of their mid grade line of uppers and I really haven't heard much bad about them honestly. Good luck on your choice!

 

[canterbc]

Thanks. I ordered the stainless because it was the mid length gas system. Everything I've read says that's the way to go with a 16" barrel.

 

[sgreen3]

Yup I think youll like it well. Post up some pics when you get and let us know how it shoots.

 

[Opie]

I have had three of the stainless freedom 1/7 mid lengths and was impressed with the fit and finish on every one of them. I only fired two of them, but they were extremely accurate and I would buy one again if I needed an inexpensive middy upper. I think I ended up around $475-500 into each rifle including the PSA lowers.