My approach to assembling a capable AR-15 built off of a Palmetto State Armory 20″ Freedom Rifle Kit while remaining on an extremely tight budget for accessories that are good enough for SHTF (well… sort of).
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MP
#ar15 #m16a4 #budget
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What did you think of the budget friendly M16A4 build? What would you have done differently?
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Check out the PSA 20" M16A4 build list here: https://magicprepper.com/psa-20%22-m16a4-setup-list
Update Crimson Trace is sending out a new CWL 102 without any real hassle. They asked for some photos and an order receipt. So at the very least, they'll take care of you if there are issues.
PSA is good. I'd just recommend having a gunsmith looking it over. I had the barrel extension chewing up some bolt lugs, . PSA did send me a brand new bolt though and were willing to fix the upper, I decided to use the rail on another build (bc the rail is the main reason I wanted that upper, as it's not available for individual purchase) the psa did cycle perfectly every time though.
IMHO nice build but optic is too far back
I live in S Florida. I bought the Colt Commando clone w heavy barrel It is bad ass and simple at 200 m
Kid "Mom I want a M16A4"
Mom "no we have M16A4 at home"
They perform well. 🌴 🎖
the one that doesn't get you killed
Interesting thoughts, thanks man
This is why its important to use your gear. Some times things come up in the beginning, other times it takes a bit for these things to reveal itself.
It's funny, nobody complains about HD/tactical shotguns being too long for CQC, and yet my Benelli Supernova Tactical in the shortest model (18.5" barrel, rifle sights, traditional stock profile) is still noticeably longer than my 20" ARs with both fixed (A1 length) and collapsible (Rogers Superstoc on LMT A5-length receiver extensions). The 20" guns, in addition to giving you that velocity and full capability with M193, also just shoot so smoothly!
Been running 3 different PSA rifles for a decade with no hiccups. An 18" .223 Wylde, a 10.5" SBR and a straight budget 16". I built the 16" for under $300 back in the day, put a carry handle sight on it and nothing else. Probably about 8k rounds through it. The 10.5 is the star of the show, 10k+ no malfunctions, but its heavily upgraded.
never had 1 issue with any joe blow ar platform i have ever bought don't get me wrong they are all 15 years and older so it makes me think what kinda trash are they building now
I have a very similar build to this rifle but i have a few upgrades mainly i put a pick rail on the buttom for a hand stop or grip also rap the stock in take bc it feels lime sans paper
the a4 ended entire bloodlines overseas
Great content, MP.
got a 19 Bushmaster, destroyer of bad
A rifle length quad rail is unnecessarily heavy and you're not going to use 70%ish of the rail-estate. The Magpul handguards would be a good, inexpensive way to allow mounting anything you need without the additional weight.
800$ is budget? lay down the crack pipe. if I had that kind of cash PSA would be last place I would shop at..
I feel every Man needs a rifle, this is a great option. 20" barrel is the only viable option. I have very positive PSA experiences. If that rifle has a problem, they will make it right.
I love my PSA 20” a4
i recommend getting stainless steel duramags from aimsurplus instead of the PSA mags, theyre only $13
Who is the maker of your pants bro? They're dope. Thanks in advance.
That every man be armed! Great philosophy and I support PSA because of this. I own a lot of ARs, everything from PSA to KAC. Each has a purpose. I'd prefer that someone be able to get a basic rifle that they can afford than go unarmed, particularly in todays world. Shoot it, make sure it works and you know how to use it, and the PSA rifle, along with other budget friendly options, will serve one well. Thanks for sharing the video.
For the light, I think there's 2 realistic options to consider while keeping it around that price point. Get the Romeo5 red dot, and use the extra to get the protac or ditch the front sight mount and use hose clamps and duct tape for the light and some 550 to attach the sling to the front sight. Been a while since I've looked at them, but I'm pretty sure that it won't come with the pressure pad at that price, so why not go with a little more old-school mounting solution for the old-school function. If doing both would get me the pressure pad, I'd probably do that and eventually get the front sight mount and a Juliet magnifier.
If you want to be completely anti-Sig, I think Vortex has an Aimpoint clone around the same price, too, don't they?
BTW for those PSA mags, they are just re branded D&H mags. So only buy them when they put them on sale for 8.99. As normal price for the D&H mags are like 9.99.
That is my exact upper setup. I rock it on an M4gery lower. Can get a more comfortable position behind the 3xSpitfire optic with the adjustable stock. Upper is an FN marked upper with hammer forged 20" chromelined barrel, not the PSA FN upper but
I've been getting the 16" barreled ARs for a while. It's time to get a full length barreled AR rifle. I do go with Palmetto for a lot of my gun needs. I haven't had any issues with them but I'm sure people do. If you are going to sell budget, you have to cut a few corners. I'd say, you're much better off with a PSA rifle than nothing. Not everyone can afford a 3,000 dollar Daniel Defense rifle. Also, if you want a truck gun, no one wants to leave a 3,000$ gun in their truck/car.
I did the PSA what they called the A2 and Freedom Rifle back in 2018. I did the complete upper and lower on both watching for sales with no shipping. At the time did both for about $600 total including higher quality carry handle, charging handle, basic sling and 5 metal magazines for each. I don't have the ability to assemble an AR or the tools or the skills to do anything but basic maintenance.
I’m getting a A2 version from psa
20" Supremacy…
This is based as heck. This is a solid no frills solid pick.
The budget rifles will hold up just as much as the expensive ones will.
They're literally the same thing and they all pass for mil-spec standards and they're all made out of the same things.
I wish people would stop overpaying for ARs when there's no reason for it.
On the PSA handguards. I don't know the logistics behind it, but the aluminum handguards even on their budget models are really good. I've got one of their lightweight free float handguards on my thermal host upper and I've had zero issues with it after a lot of rough use tromping around in the woods up and down hills bracing it on logs and barbed wire fences and rocks to steady shots. While it isn't Midwest Industries quality, I don't worry any more about it's durability than my midwest rails.
I did the same build but with a carry handle and no attachments just a sling. It's been a great rifle so far and I've had it for about almost 2 years now.
PSA will sell a 20 inch as a normal gov't profile but send you an HBAR without telling you. Just something to be aware of.
20” puts the testosterone back into the 5.56
Doo doo batter quality control. Next!
You did pretty good, not perfect, but pretty good.
That's a very good rifle, as good as any Daniel or colt. I will be very comfortable if that was my only rifle.
The video was really nice.
Thanks for sharing 😊
I would have gone with a Magpul “Rifleman sling.”
Iron sight carry handle
Same mount for the Tac-light, but the lightest stream light with the push button switch. No pressure pad.
This is for someone who is probably honestly not going to train all that much, if they can’t afford a nice rifle then they probably can’t afford to spend a lot on ammo.
Iron sights are intuitive, quick and easy to zero, and will retain zero since the rifle is not free floated.
Most people need a rifle that just works for 50 yards and in. Iron sights with the O-2 aperture and a good Tac-light is all you need. I don’t care if it’s the end of the world or just a home invasion scenario. You absolutely need to identify your threat. If you shoot someone without a dam good reason the law will get you or their family and friends will Murder you later.
Lastly, please! God in heaven dye your hair a natural color. You no longer live in California. If you really want to be a “prep-per” you need to make friends with your neighbor who bails hay and help him bail it. Hay will always be needed as long as people eat meat. You will always have a job.