Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

[IronSights2011]

Hi everyone. I want to complete a standard A2 configuration rifle (20", 5.56), and already have the lower. I was wondering what you like for an economy-priced upper assembly (complete). Accuracy and rock solid functioning is very important to me. However, I'm looking for a Ford and not an Audi.

Any thoughts on the below?

CMMG
Stag
Bushmaster
RRA (Rock River Arms)

Any additions? I'll probably end up buying it used, so please comment only on manufacturers that put out decent quantities.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

If it's real accuracy you seek, I recommend getting one that's Service Rifle competition capable, such as Compass Lake. Of course, that depends on your budget. I have no personal desire to own a 20" A2 upper that I can't hit up the local CMP/NRA matches with and be competitive, but your interests may be different. It's that whole "buy once, cry once" thing with me.

For standard I'd recommend a BCM if you can find one in stock, but any of the other companies you listed are all just fine if you're seeking one used and the price is right.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AR upper - Accuracy and rock solid functioning</div></div>

Put that in Google and it comes up WHITE OAK

 

[rpk762]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

Pretty much any upper will be rock solid. Most companies have that down. You can get an upper from Model 1 sales. I have several and while I have seen better they do run. Accuracy will be good enough. Depending on what you really want and if accuracy is really the end game it is hard to beat any of the service rifle uppers that are built by white oak, and compass lake.

Some of the mainline companies that build service rifle uppers for across the course are good shooters but it is hard to beat a company that competition is there only game.

 

[BravoSector1]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

Model 1 sales on the low end. You could pick up a comp ready A2 upper from DPMS or RRA and be happy as well. The others have recommended top tier companies who offer very nice uppers.

 

[IronSights2011]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

Wow, Mod 1 is shockingly inexpensive. About $330 - $380 for an A2 upper in standard config.

http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=278

Barrels apparently made by ER Shaw, who gets decent reviews.

I'm looking for the upper to be used as a service-type rifle, not competitive shooting, so anything under 1 MOA is fine. Something that can be used hard in the field over an extended period. Under $400 for the used upper is the right price range.

Thanks!

 

[IronSights2011]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

@BravoSector1, agreed. I'm probably looking at a mid-price range upper (Stag, DPMS, RRA) in used condition.

I did like what I read about White Oak, but seems above my price range in new condition. Didn't see any used for sale.

 

[panchop49]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

I have both 16" and 20" Bushmasters that have never failed, and they seem to be inexpensive and easy to find used. Also have a RRA NM 20" that is great, but not as inexpensive. If youre not shooting HP you wouldn't need that anyhow.

 

[Rovieairto]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

The RockRiver NM-A2 upper is a bargain.
Mine would hold well under 1 moa when shot with an acog on the carry handle.
Get the 1/2 moa iron sights.
They do not need to be pinned as rockriver does an excellent job mating the rear-sight with the upper so that there is no wiggle.
The wilson barrel is a fine button barrel.
A good shooter can shoot this rifle under 2 moa with irons constantly out to 500-600 yards.

 

[dogman]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

Keep an eye on all the Black Friday sales...you might get a steak upper for a hamburger price.

 

[henschman]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

Without a doubt I would say the answer is Palmetto State Armory. Check out their uppers here:

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/ar-complete-uppers.php

Check out the 20" ones. They are very reasonably priced, and have all the chart-topping features like MPI inspected, HPT inspected, chrome-lined barrels, staked gas key, etc. etc... you can even get it with an FN-marked barrel. It doesn't get any more mil spec than that. All the features of BCM or CMMG but for a couple hundred bucks less. You can't argue with that.

Now this is assuming you want a battle rifle, rather than a rifle to compete in NRA high power competitions with. I am assuming that since you mentioned nothing about NRA high power in your OP. IF you are looking for a rifle to shoot High Power with, I would recommend starting with a RRA if you're on a budget, and White Oak Armory if at all possible.

 

[IronSights2011]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

yep, a battle rifle. thanks for the info on Palmetto (PSA). i had never heard of them. prices seems reasonable and they get great reviews from people who use PSA.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: henschman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Without a doubt I would say the answer is Palmetto State Armory. Check out their uppers here:

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/ar-complete-uppers.php

Check out the 20" ones. They are very reasonably priced, and have all the chart-topping features like MPI inspected, HPT inspected, chrome-lined barrels, staked gas key, etc. etc... you can even get it with an FN-marked barrel. It doesn't get any more mil spec than that. All the features of BCM or CMMG but for a couple hundred bucks less. You can't argue with that.

Now this is assuming you want a battle rifle, rather than a rifle to compete in NRA high power competitions with. I am assuming that since you mentioned nothing about NRA high power in your OP. IF you are looking for a rifle to shoot High Power with, I would recommend starting with a RRA if you're on a budget, and White Oak Armory if at all possible. </div></div>

 

[j.c.]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

[ DPMS CMP looks like a great value to me. RRA as well but you'll wait for it.

 

[IronSights2011]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

BCM
Palmetto State Armory
DPMS

are all added to my list of service grade rifles below, thanks to everyone's input.

CMMG
Stag
Bushmaster
RRA (Rock River Arms)


White Oak Armament was not added, only because the price point seems a little higher.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A2DownRange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi everyone. I want to complete a standard A2 configuration rifle (20", 5.56), and already have the lower. I was wondering what you like for an economy-priced upper assembly (complete). Accuracy and rock solid functioning is very important to me. However, I'm looking for a Ford and not an Audi.

Any thoughts on the below?

CMMG
Stag
Bushmaster
RRA (Rock River Arms)

Any additions? I'll probably end up buying it used, so please comment only on manufacturers that put out decent quantities.
</div></div>

 

[adam1122]

Re: Best economy priced A2 upper (AR-15 platform)

Ive got a std. armalite ar-10a2 carbine that shoots lights out....really solid gun and never has any issues. Best part, it will shoot all kinds of crap ammo without failures of any kind (the accuracy definately drops though).