Debating between 2 20" 5.56 uppers

[Sirex]

My AR currently has a 16"heavy barrel, but I would like a rifle length 20" barrel upper too. Mainly I guess for range use, but of course to double if ever needed for defense. I was looking at just buying a 20" Hbar rifle, but the ones I am looking at, I can't afford, and don't have the room for another rifle.

Delton specs
About20" Pre-Ban Heavy Profile Flat Top Barrel Assembly
STANDARD/RIFLE Gas System

Includes
20" 1x9 twist - Heavy Profile
Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel
Flat Top Upper with White T-Marks & M4 Feed Ramps
HPT/MPI tested Bolt and Carrier assembly
Charging Handle
STANDARD Length Handguards

***This upper is assembled, head spaced, and test fired.

PSA upper;

DETAILS​

PSA 20" CHF 1:7 A2 Rifle Length 5.56 NATO Premium AR-15 Upper Assembly - No BCG/CH
20" Barrel length
"Machine Gun Steel" barrel
5.56 Nato Chamber
1 in 7" twist rate
Extra-thick chrome-lined bore
M4 Feed ramps
F-Marked Front sight post
A2 Flash Hider
Sling Loop
Rifle Hand Guards w/ heat sheilds
Forged upper receiver
T-Marks
Does not include BCG or Charging Handle
SKU: 30796

FEATURES​

Barrel: A proprietary blend of Hammer forged chrome molly vanadium made by FN that is referred to as "Machine Gun Steel" by virtue of its required use in FN's M249 and M240 weapons. The hammer forging process work hardens the steel, making it more durable. In addition, the chrome process for the bore allows for a lining almost twice as thick as a standard M16 for enhanced durability. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, with a 1/7 twist, M4 barrel extension, and a rifle-length gas system. The A2 profile barrel is Mil-spec phosphate coated, High Pressure tested and Magnetic Particle inspected. Barrel is finished off with an F-marked front sight post with sling swivel, standard handguards and an A2 flash hider.

Upper: Forged 7075-T6 A3 AR upper is hard coat anodized black for durability. Featuring T-marks, these upper upper receivers are made for us right here in the USA.
Each upper is assembled to order with US-made parts, and test fired to check gas function. Does not include bolt carrier group or charging handle.

So, the Delton has a 1/9 twist, which would cover a wide range of projectiles. It also comes with a BCG, Complete and ready to go. The PSA barrel is chrome lined hammer forged, made by FN, but no BCG. So, if given the choice, which would be the better option? I'm kinda just overthinking this maybe. Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[Sirex]

Maybe I just selected the wrong PSA upper. I could have swore it was a Hbar as well.

 

[alucard0822]

There really isn't much a 20" can do that a 16" can't. IMO I would put it towards a 20" rifle that does what you want, be it precision or something the 16" doesn't do well. Shorter 8s usually better for defense, and probably 0 difference at a 200yd range. PSA and Del ton are low end and have frequent issues, they might run, but a couple bucks more and you can build something better.

 

[AssMan]

Have you considered one of the NOS M16 A4 takeoffs? They are (mostly) made by FN and of decent quality. I bought one a couple of years ago from Ohio Ordnance Works, but there are a bunch of them around.

 

[outrider58]

Consider building something that will suit your needs to a tee. I mean, it's only an upper. You'll need an upper receiver, a GOOD barrel, and a free floating handguard. Naturally you'll need a scope, but that's assumed. KISS.

 

[calicojack]

If you want ready-made, Windham Weaponry makes a nice upper and so does Aero Precision at a reasonable price. I have three BCM uppers and they have all been fantastic, and they cost even more.

I agree with outrider; build one that's exactly what you want. Get an Aero precision upper, a nice barrel, a Midwest hand guard, etc. Maybe an adjustable gas block. For a barrel? Faxon, Rainier, Ballistic Advantage maybe? I defer to others for a barrel recommendation.

 

[steves1911]

Others have said it but building one will get you more for the money. Criterion builds a solid barrel for the price and will hold its own against some costing much more. Several companies offer upper build kits with or without handguards.

 

[Garet Jax]

What did you decide to buy?

 

[Sirex]

What did you decide to buy?

I decided on this;

New rifle in the family. It's a Colt!

I've been wanting a rifle length AR for a while now, debating between just another upper, but 20", or a whole new rifle. While browsing GB I stumbled upon this local gem. A 20" Colt, Match Target Competition Hbar. Doesn't have a carry handle, (may source one later) but it has an ARMS rear flip...

www.mdshooters.com

 

[Garet Jax]

I decided on this;

New rifle in the family. It's a Colt!

I've been wanting a rifle length AR for a while now, debating between just another upper, but 20", or a whole new rifle. While browsing GB I stumbled upon this local gem. A 20" Colt, Match Target Competition Hbar. Doesn't have a carry handle, (may source one later) but it has an ARMS rear flip...

www.mdshooters.com

Nice - congrats.

 

[Sirex]

Nice - congrats.

Thank you. I'm HOPING to take it out tomorrow.

 

[Magnumite]

Ooops, op obtained his upper. Nice pic, op

 

[SkiPatrolDude]

The PSA CHF barrels are made by FN and are excellent for the money.

The only CHF HBAR upper I know of from PSA is a mid length 18inch. It’s an absolute tack driver for what it is, but I do wish it had a rifle length gas system. I’ve got it nicely tuned with a Sprinco Red and H2 buffer.

If you’re willing to build, Stag Arms makes a solid 20 inch HBAR barrel.

Stag Arms 20" 5.56 1:7 HBAR CMV Barrel Rifle Length w/Pinned FSB (Chrome&Phos)

The 20" 5.56 NATO barrel has a military A2 HBAR profile. The barrel has a 1/7 twist. The barrel extension is pre-installed and headspaced.

www.stagarms.com