Building a first AR

PSA Products AR-15
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I’m learning about AR’s as I shop for my first one.
(I’ve previously used min-14s and mini-30s.)

Today I’m trying to understand the differences (other than price) between this complete rifle:

PSA 16" MID-LENGTH 5.56 NATO 1/7 PHOSPHATE 13.5" LIGHTWEIGHT M-LOK MOE EPT RIFLE W/MBUS SIGHT SET

(I’d have posted a link but the b ot will not allow it.)

and the combination of this upper and lower:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-5-lightweight-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch-mbus-sight-set-5165447592.html

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-moe-ept-stealth-lower-black.htm

Sorry if the answer is obvious, but I’m just trying to understand so I can buy what is best for my needs.
Thanks.

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When you buy a complete AR, there is more tax than buying it in pieces. The 10% excise tax does not apply to just lowers (stripped or built) since it isnt a complete rifle.

As for what you posted, it looks like the separate has a stealth lower (no markings on magwell) vs a regular roll marked lower. Functionally they are the same.

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The complete is phosphate and the upper is nitrate. $10

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i would buy them separate, have the upper shipped right to your house…lower to a gun store (they have some listed by zip code)

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Buy separate and play with your upper while you wait for your lower

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I’ve yet to buy a complete AR

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I like the nitride finish

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Guess I better do most of my firearms buying while I live in Oregon - no sales tax.

Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I accepted an offer to return to work for a high tech company - based in California.

I could tell them “only 5 months a year”.

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Thanks for those details, GuitarGuy. Have you used the PSA magazines and if so, do you recommend them?
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-custom-5-56x45-30-round-ar-15-magazine-black-psa556mod2blk30.html

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Psa mags are gtg.

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Orly? Hmm. Be kinda nice to have at least one weapon be fully kitted in PSA branded gear. Anyone got a PSA flashlight?

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Just don’t let anyone see you playing with your “lower”! :crazy_face:

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Its not a sales tax, its the Pittman-Robertson Act. We, as sporting goods buyers, are taxed to fund wildlife restoration at 11% per COMPLETE item. Parts, components etc…are not taxed. All hunting and fishing equipment is taxed BEFORE it reaches the store, but the tax is built into the MSRP.

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Thanks to all that helped with my decision.
Anxiously looking forward to receiving my order. ;^)

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Looks like the lower will arrive earlier than the upper, so …

The upper (and magazine) order is still in “review” status. What does that mean?
(Yes, I already read the FAQ on shipping times. ;^)

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@iamjohngalt You’re good, the order is showing pending fulfillment in the system.

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Thanks for that, Anthony. ;^)

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Congrats on building your first rifle!

I did my first build using a stripped lower and a parts kit. I prefer nitride. Sometimes PSA runs free shipping promos on certain components so that helps to make a decision one way or another. Next you could try different caliber uppers to put on your lower.

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Thanks, SierraSix.
I’ll be taking your advice on that in the near future.
I’m waiting for the upper to be shipped at present.
I guess the Memorial Day sale was pretty busy for PSA.
I’m looking at this scope as my first purchase after I have tried out the rifle at the range:
https://palmettostatearmory.com/sig-buckmaster-3-9x50mm-riflescope-w-bdc-reticle-2-offset-cantilever-ring-mount.html
My eyes can use the higher power magnification. ;^)

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I really like using a scope like the Vortex Strike Eagle or a Primary Arms which both offer first focal plane 1-8x power. With an illuminated reticle on 1x it’s basically a red dot. On 8x you can easily take shots at 400+ yards. The reticles both offer the ability for battlefield range compensation and windage hold overs. Check out some YouTube videos.

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