6.5. Grendel, spitballing… which to keep?

[hink001]

A buddy wanted my PSA PA10 gen 2 when all this corona nonsense started so I sold it to him what I paid for it. Excellent shooter but I used it as an excuse to get into 6.5 Grendel... I want an upper that can once in a blue moon shoot out to a 500 yard range, occasional 300 yard range but mostly I shoot in an indoor 100yard range and will use it for deer and pigs out to 200 yards... I don't want to go super crazy at this time building a tack driver upper for $1k etc.

I settled on a Faxon 18" Match Gunner barrel w/ a Faxon bolt. Have a Aero enhanced upper w/ matching mlok handguard on its way, both used but should do the trick. All I need is a gas tube and a muzzle device and she's ready to build. Ammo is purchased and ready to go...

A like new 20" Aero 6.5g upper w/ matching bolt that has 80 rounds through it falls into my lap...not a mark on it. Which should I keep? Answer is both but that's not practical. Anyone have experience w/ the Aero uppers, barrels etc? I'm told they are BA and the internet is awash w/ mixed reviews. Faxon barrel is 1 lb lighter and a little easier to carry through the woods, not a deal breaker either way. I could see the Aero for what the Faxon will cost me in parts so there isn't a $$ incentive either way. Ammo I'll be shooting is Hornady ELD 123 and American Gunner. Opinions on the Faxon Match Gunner line? Thanks

 

[hlee]

Build th faxon barreled upper. Shoot them side by side. Sell the one you like less well. We can't tell you which will shoot better.

 

[kingzero]

I'm partial to short barrels and recently built a 16" Grendel. I've had no problems out to 500 and was recently busting prairie dogs out to 350. A shorter/ lighter combo would be my choice.