This thread is intended to be a definitive thread on PSA’s Lower receivers. It is by far not perfect. if there are other things that I miss, please feel free to post up, and we’ll modify the thread. Hopefully this will help people tell the difference in the various PSA lowers that they have released over the years. I expect this thread to grow as PSA releases more lowers of various types.
- The PSA Lower Receiver Definitive Thread
We will start with the PSA AP Lowers. They are the first Lowers that PSA released. I believe they were released around 2008-2009. Then re-introduced in 2013.
Per PSA Rep here on the forums, AP serials that were manufactured before 2012, have the serial number sequence below 002500. So all First run AP serial number lowers will be sub 002500.
Any AP serialized lower receivers that are serial numbers 002501 and higher, were manufactured after 2015. All AP serial lowers, were produced by Aero Precision for Palmetto State Armory.
- PSA AP LOWERS
The PSA AP lowers have the SN prefix of AP00xxx as the serial number. These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2. Serial number prefix is as stated above"AP". Fire selector markings are bullet pictograms. This is a “Low shelf” lower.
If memory serves me correctly, they were originally released at 79.99 each. The original run is no longer in production, but the AP series was re-introduced in 2013. AP serials under 002500 will be pre 2012, AP serials with 7 digits are 2015 and later and they look like this :
I do not remember if their first run AP’s also came in a Safe / Fire configuration. i seem to want to think they did.
Second run PSA lowers, are known as the LW lowers. They to my knowledge came in both Safe / Fire lowers and Pictogram lowers.
- LW Serial Prefix lowers
These forged lowers are quality made using 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.Serial Number prefix is “LW”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “high shelf” lower.
They Look like :
There are now numerous variatons of this lower… the GADSDEN FLAG and the MOULTRIE FLAG and in August of 2015, they introduced the SC STATE FLAG, And US FLAG lowers… which simply are the same as LW lowers, or any other in house or out of house produced PSA lower, with an ETCHED Gadsden “dont tread on me” flag on the opposite side of the magwell… thus also known as the “Don’t Tread On Me” lower. The Moultrie, with an ETCHED Moultrie Flag on the opposite side of the roll mark magwell… this lower is marketed as the “LIBERTY” lower. The SC Flag one, much like the USA Flag lower, are pretty much self explanatory by their naming convention as to what they are. To my knowledge they are etched by a local trophy shop in Columbia, that at this time i will refrain from naming, so as to not give out all of their secrets, and to hopefully keep from getting the thread deleted.
To date, all Etched PSA Lowers, including the Moultrie and Liberty, and SC flag and USA Flag, and others have a marked list price of 129.99, and can sell for less than that routinely depending upon what sales PSA is running at the time.
The Gadsden flag or “Don’t Tread on Me” lower looks like this :
The Gadsden flag or “Don’t Tread on Me” AR-10 Variant lower looks like this :
The Moultrie lower, AKA the “Liberty” lower looks like this :
The SC Flag flag or "Palmetto State Flag " lower looks like this :
The “I STAND” lower receiver lower looks like this :
The U.S. Flag lower or “Old Glory” lower looks like this :
The #OneMore Lower lower looks like this :
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The SC STRONG Lower
In the fall of 2015, South Carolina suffered from record rain fall and subsequent flooding. PSA made a lower with a state image and the word strong engraved into the mag well to commemorate the event, and assist in flood relief by donating 20.00 of each lower sale to flood relief. The Description from PSA’s page was as follows :
South Carolina is going through a natural disaster so devastating it is hard to put into words. Even more complex to describe is the outpouring of support coming from the hearts of so many wonderful people across this great country. While the cleanup process is still going and the rebuilding phase has yet to even begin, the belief in the kindness of ones fellow man and the hope of better days to come is just as important to the flood victims of South Carolina. For every SC strong lower sold, twenty dollars will be used to directly help flood victims across the state. You may not now or ever have lived in South Carolina, but in a time of crisis we all can be South Carolina Strong! These lowers sell/sold for 119.99 each. They look like this:
both the Gadsden and the Moultrie, as well as SC Flag and US Flag lowers state they can come with either safe/fire or pictogram lowers. I think the only ones I’ve seen thus far were Safe/Fire setups. They are machined for PSA by L.W. Schneider
- PSA YOU LIE lowers :
Special Run Lowers, honoring JOE WILSON’s comment regarding Obama’s State of the Union address.
They were originally supposed to be a limited run of 999 lowers, but PSA caught a ton of flack, and had to supposedly cut production and pull them from the shelves after national media started running them in the news.
These were forged lowers and made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Unfortunately i cant remember what they sold for routinely, when first introduced. if anyone does have a definitive price point please let me know. I’ve since seen them sell for as much as 500.00 a stripped lower on gunbroker.org.
The You Lies Roll mark and serial look like this :
- PSA NOBO12 Lowers :
Special run lowers, setup in hopes to help bolster the removal of OBAMA from office, in 2012, they were released in early 2012, or late 2011. they have a unique roll mark of a “Obama-esque” type symbol, the model designation of NOBO12 instead of the usual PA-15, the serial numbers started with the prefix of “YES WE CAN”, and the safe / fire was, “Hope” or “change”… Like the YOU LIE Wilson lowers, there was a lot of controversy around these lowers. They were forged lowers and made using material is 7075-T6, with Black Hardcoate Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Unfortunately i cant remember what they sold for routinely, when first introduced. if anyone does have a definitive price point please let me know. I’ve since seen them sell for as much as 500.00 a stripped lower on gunbroker.org.
They look like this :
- The PSA SC Lower:
It Is made by FN manufacturing in Columbia SC, it has a different roll mark than the standard LWs… they have LOW shelves, ARE M-16 Pocket Cut, and a “teflon” feel to their finish… Their SC lower’s have the SN prefix of SC for South Carolina and are most easily distinguished by their Laser cut Cross Cannon roll mark’s precision.
The following description is from PSA’s site :
Produced right here in Columbia by a mil-spec contractor, these receivers are made using the most advanced manufacturing technology to produce the industry’s finest forged lowers. The low shelf design is pre-drilled for a rear lug set screw (1/4-28 tpi) which, when installed, allows adjustment for a no-rattle fit. The crossed cannon logo is engraved with laser precision on the magwell, and the serial number prefix is “SC”.
These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CALIBER MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Serial Number prefix is “SC”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “low shelf” lower. All currently available serials are less than 500 - while supplies last.
To Date this is the ONLY lower that PSA has produced with the M16 Cut Shelf.
Although there is desire amongst their die hard fans for them to convert all their lowers to being M16 Cut lowers, for accurate cloning and because it is just the right thing to do, there is an issue. These lowers while having the M16 cut, arent machined perfectly, as the inner walls of the receiver where the M-16 cut is are thicker than a standard M-16 cut lower’s walls are. It is not known if these were to be milled for M16 pin’s if they would function properly or not because of this. If anyone has the proper FFL to convert these lowers over to full auto, then by all means please let me know so i can update the thread.
The easiest way to tell if you have an authentic FN produced lower, is to look for the m16 cut, but if you cant open the rifle, then examine the Roll mark of the cross cannons. The FN laser cut was much more detailed, and gave the PSA LOGO an almost 3D look to its engraving. it is easy to tell the difference to the quality of the lower if you examine that logo when compared to the standard PSA engraved lowers.
They look like this (FN on top, standard LW Schneider on bottom):
- The PSA Stealth Lower
They too have LOW shelves, and a mil spec finish. They have NO ROLL mark, and their serial numbers being with “PA” For Palmetto state Armory. From PSA’s Site :
this lower features no roll mark on the left hand side, just the caliber, model and serial. Leave the area blank or engrave your own logo for the ultimate custom rifle.
These forged lowers are quality made by a mil-spec contractor using 7075-T6 aluminum and are marked “MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Serial Number prefix is “PA”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “low shelf” lower. All currently available serials are less than 1000 - while supplies last.
They look like this :
- The American Hero Series Lowers :
On 1/30/14 PSA announced via Facebook that they were coming out with their American Hero Series. These lowers were first announced in 2 variations The Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Operation Enduring Freedom Lowers.
First we’ll describe the Operation Iraqi Freedom Lower. This lower has no PSA cross cannon Roll mark. It has instead an Engraving of the map outline of the country of Iraq. Instead of PA-15 as model number it states OIF-15. Instead of a PA, SC, LW, serial prefix, it has an IRAQ Prefix.
From PSA’s description on their site :
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our OIF-15 Iraq lowers. The lower is engraved with the outline of Iraq and the serial has a prefix of “IRAQ”.
In addition, for each lower sold a $5 donation will be made to the “Hidden Wounds” foundation. For more information, please visit http://www.hiddenwounds.org/
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged Mil-Spec lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Serial Number prefix is “IRAQ”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “high shelf” lower.
- Here is the OIF Lower :
Secondly we’ll describe the Operation Enduring Freedom Lower. This lower has no PSA cross cannon Roll mark. It has instead an Engraving of the map outline of the country of Afghanistan. Instead of PA-15 as model number it states OEF-15. Instead of a PA, SC, LW, serial prefix, (their standard ones) it has an AFGHAN Prefix.
From the PSA website :
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our OEF-15 Afghanistan lowers. The lower is engraved with the outline of Afghanistan and the serial has a prefix of “AFGHAN”.
In addition, for each lower sold a $5 donation will be made to the “Hidden Wounds” foundation. For more information, please visit www.Hiddenwounds.org
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged Mil-Spec lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Serial Number prefix is “AFGHAN”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “high shelf” lower.
- Here is the OEF lower :
The quantity of run is yet unknown, however has been said to be “limited” for both OIF and OEF.
- Second Series of the American Hero series Lowers
Around May 17th 2014 PSA Released what I will call the Second series of the American Hero Series Lowers.
These lowers were in tribute to those servicemen and women that served our country in the Kuwaiti action of the early 90’s, and the Vietnam Conflict / War of the 60’s/70’s.
The quantity of run is yet unknown, however has been said to be “limited” for both DS-Kuwait and Vietnam. The Vietnam Lower seems to be the hardest to get of the American Hero Series.
Here is the Description of the DS-Kuwait lower as it appears on PSA’s Web site :
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our DS-15 Kuwait lowers. The lower is engraved with “DS-15 MULTI” and the serial has a prefix of “KUWAIT”.
In addition, for each lower sold a $5 donation will be made to the “Hidden Wounds” foundation. For more information, please visit www.hiddenwounds.org
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged Mil-Spec lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Serial Number prefix is “KUWAIT”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “high shelf” lower.
- So without further adue, here is the “Operation Desert Shield” Kuwait Lower :
The second lower of the second round of the American Hero Series is the Vietnam lower.
Here is the description of the PSA Vietnam Lower as it was / is on their website :
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our VTM-15 Vietnam lowers. The lower is engraved with “VTM-15 MULTI” and the serial has a prefix of “VIETNAM”.
In addition, for each lower sold a $5 donation will be made to the “Hidden Wounds” foundation. For more information, please visit www.hiddenwounds.org
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged Mil-Spec lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
Serial Number prefix is “VIETNAM”. Fire selector is marked “Safe” and “Fire”. This is a “high shelf” lower.
These also were listed as a regular price of 119.99 on their website.
- So here is the example of the Vietnam Lower (photo Courtesy of Arfcom Member Nuron):
Secondary photo found on the web :
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PSA AR-10 Series Lowers
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.308 Lower
On 1/10/14 at the 2014 SHOT show PSA released a “Top Secret” not so top secret post on their Facebook Page It announced thier upcoming .308 lower.
- PSA AR-10 Gen 1 LOWER :
On 8/15/14 PSA Released their AR-10 Lower. These lowers have serial prefixes of PA or PF. PA is marked .308 caliber where as PF is marked Multi Caliber.
This information is from PSA’s website
.308 Caliber
Forged 7075-T6 Receiver
Hardcoat Anodized
Integrated Trigger Guard
Accepts SR-25 Type Magazines
Made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industry’s finest forged .308 lowers, our receivers are machined on an automated multi-million dollar manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using 7075-T6 aluminum. The finish is black hardcoat anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 Class 2. Additionally the receivers include an integrated trigger guard, and are designed to use AR15 fire control groups so your favorite AR class trigger can be used. These are developed for use with SR-25 pattern magazines - which are commonly available in metal or polymer.
- The PSA AR-10 Lower looks like this :
- 01 - PSA AR-10 - Lower Gen 1
.308 Lower, MULTI Caliber lower
In early 2017 PSA released their Gen 2 AR-10 lowers. They have been significantly redesigned.
From their site:
With streamlined styling and improved function, the new and improved PSA PA10 is here. The Gen2 model offers enhanced chambers and extraction. with a more modern appearance.
Precision machined from forged 7075-T6 aluminum, these lowers are then Black anodize hardcoated to MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2. With an AR-15 style fire control group, and stock and grip options, the PSA PA10 allows the same configuration flexibility as enjoyed by the AR15, and is an ideal platform for the 308 cartridge.
Machined from Aluminum Forgings 7075-T6
Hardcoat Anodizing: MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2
Milspec diameter PA10 6-position Receiver Extension
Standard AR15-style fire control group
A2-style grip
M4-style Stock
Staked M4 Lock Nut
Standard Heavy Carbine Buffer
Caliber: .308
The Gen2 PA-10 receivers are functionally compatible with the Gen1 receivers, however we recommend matching Gen2 lowers to Gen2 uppers for best appearance. There are external cosmetic differences when mixing gen1 and Gen2 upper and lower receivers that some may not find appealing.
- The PSA AR-10 Gen 2 lowers look like this :
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02 - PSA AR10 - Lower Gen 2
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P-TAC AR-10 Series Lowers
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.308 Lower
On 10/17/14 PSA announced the P-TAC 10 Lower receiver with an introductory price of only 99.99, and a regular price of 139.99.
P-TAC Tac10 .308 Lower Receiver 7075 T6 Forged Aluminum Lower Hardcoat anodized Compatible with PSA PA10 Uppers. Accepts SR-25 Type Magazines.
Made from 7075 Forged Aluminum, these lowers are precision machined to exacting tolerances by a mil-spec supplier and then hardcoat anodized. Designed to work interchangeably with PSA PA10 uppers.
Because of PSA’s Official Announcement that they had bought PTAC, it is widely believed that the PTAC 10 lowers are the same in fact as PSA AR10 lowers, with the exception of the roll mark and writing on them.
- Here’s the PTAC10 Lower.
And as previously mentioned the AR-10 Etched Gadsden Lower :
Finally in 2018, PSA released the 6.5 Creedmoor AR10 Lower receiver. this is only available in the Gen 2 Lower style at this time. No news on whether it will be made available as a gen 1 style, but it would seem to most likely not. Or at least that’s my thoughts on it.
- P-TAC AR-15 Series Lowers
P-tac Multi AR-15 Lower Receivers
Around Christmas of 2014 PSA announced the P-TAC 15 Lower receiver.
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged Mil-Spec lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using material is 7075-T6 and are marked “CAL MULTI” to accommodate most builds. Finish is Black Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2.
At this time it is only offered in a safe /fire configuration, i would not be surprised if we are to see a pictogram version in the future.
Because of PSA’s Official Announcement that they had bought PTAC, it is widely believed that the PTAC 15 lowers are the same in fact as PSA AR15 lowers, with the exception of the roll mark and writing on them.
- Here’s the PTAC15 Lower.
- PSA Limited Edition Hardcoat Anodized Receiver Sets
Released lastly on 6/12/15 (perhaps earlier) as information about the creation and release is spotty, these came in 4 variations, and are pretty limited runs. We don’t at this time know more than they came in 4 types, no one is sure of how many were made of each or total, at this point. You had four options. Pink digital camo, Digital Camo, tiger stripe (Vietnam style) and Gold(which i call burnt bronze). They came sold as a Set, upper receiver, lower receiver, and buffer tube. They sold for 149.99 each. They to my knowledge were all LW serial numbered lowers. If anyone has any more info on these it would be appreciated. These were originally listed as being Ceracoated, but upon discussion with manufacturing division it has been brought to my attention that these are actually hardcoat anodized.
Here is what they look like:
- PSA Mil-Spec FDE Hardcoat Anodized lower set :
- PSA Tiger Hardcoat Anodized lower set :
- PSA Pink Digital Camo Hardcoat Anodized lower set :
- PSA Digital Camo Hardcoat Anodized lower set
- PSA OD Green Hardcoat Anodized lower set
- PSA AR9 Series Lowers
During 2015/2016 PSA announced their entrance into the AR9mm game. They initially released a lower for a colt magazine, along with mag blocks to allow conversions of standard mags to use colt magazines with the use of a PSA 9mm upper. Later 2015/early 2016 PSA announced the billet AR9 Glock Lower. This Lower accepted Glock Magazines, and would permit use of a PSA Hybrid bolt for their uppers to be used for either lower.
The colt style lower sold for 129.99 but can be routinely found on sale lower in stripped format. These colt style lower receivers have the following description per PSA’s site. :
PSA 9mm Forged Pistol Lower designed to use Colt®-style magazines
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our latest 9mm AR lower.
Machined from 7075 T6 forgings and then hard coat anodized, these lowers are purpose built to accept 9mm Colt®-style magazines. Designed to work with PSA’s new 9mm Hybrid uppers.
Works best with a Palmetto State Armory Hybrid 9mm Upper, and PSA lower build kits.
- These Colt style lowers look like this :
- The Glock 9mm lower comes in a billet version and a forged LRBHO version.
PSA 9mm Billet Complete Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) Lower designed to use Glock®-style magazines with Mil-spec Matte Finish
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our latest 9mm AR lower.
Machined from Billet 7075 T6 forgings and then hard coat anodized, these lowers are purpose built to accept 9mm Glock®-style magazines. Designed to work with PSA’s new 9mm Hybrid uppers. The lower is assembled with a Palmetto State Armory lower build kit with a black MOE Grip, 6 position Buffer tube and black MOE stock.
Must be used with a Palmetto State Armory Hybrid 9mm Upper
These lowers look like this :
- PSA AR9 Glock magazine Last Round Bolt Hold Open Lowers (LRBHO)
These are forged Lower receivers that sell with a MSRP of 129.99 and they routinely sell for 119.99.
These lowers are made using the most advanced aerospace manufacturing technology to produce the industries finest, forged lowers. Our receivers are machined on a multimillion dollar, automated, manufacturing system which enables us to produce a product of unequaled quality and value.
These forged lowers are quality made using 7075-T6 aluminum and are Black Hardcoat Anodized per MIL-8625 Type 3 class 2. Comes with the magazine catch and ejector installed. Purpose built to accept 9mm Glock®-style magazines.
Use of the PSA Hybrid 9mm Bolt is recommended.
These lowers look like this, note the bar for the change for the LRBHO. :
- PSA AR45 Glock magazine with mag catch and ejectors
PSA .45 ACP Billet Stripped Lower designed to use Glock®-style magazines.
Palmetto State Armory is proud to announce our latest .45 ACP AR lower.
Machined from Billet 7075 T6 forgings and then hard coat anodized, these lowers are purpose built to accept .45 ACP Glock®-style magazines. Designed to work with PSA’s new .45 ACP uppers. The lower is partially assembled with a propitiatory magazine catch and ejector, ready for all your standard AR-15 lower parts to build into a fully functioning lower.
Accepts standard AR-15 fire control groups, bolt catch, take down & pivot pins, springs & detents, safety selector as well as stock, buffer tube and grips.
Must be used with a Palmetto State Armory .45 ACP Upper.
The PSA AR45 Lowers Look like these :
