Need opinions from the experts about an assembled AR upper

[GeorgeG.]

I've been thinking about how I want to finish out my next AR. After the first one, I decided that I want a stainless steel barrel, mid-length rail and no front sight post. I was browsing PSA and saw this... is this a good deal?

I kind of wanted to piece it together but it's not really a hobby and I don't plan on doing it often enough to remember so being ready to go straight out of the box is a plus.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers/psa-16-stainless-1-8-ss15g2-premium-with-leupold-mark-scope.html

My only other question... I thought if it was chambered in .223 that you CAN NOT shoot 5.56, but further in the description, it says you can shoot both. Can someone clarify this?

[motoman]

AR15.com tells me this...

A Wylde chamber, which is a mix between .223 and 5.56. The 5.56x45 NATO is NOT exactly the same as a .223 Rem. The 5.56 spec allows for slightly longer chambers for higher pressures. The .223 has a tighter chamber around the neck and is shorter which allows for a bit better accuracy. You can shoot .223 ammo in a 5.56 chamber, but it is DANGEROUS to shoot 5.56 (surplus for instance) ammo in a .223 chamber. What the Wylde chamber does is allow for 5.56 ammo with slightly tighter chamber for better accuracy. So you can shoot both 5.56 and .223 safely with good accuracy.

[BlackGT]

You are good to go shooting either .223 or mil-surp 5.56 with a wylde chamber. I know Rock River uses this chamber on all their rifles and I think a few others do as well.

[shumpertdavid]

I can't speak much for anything on that upper other than the Midwest Industries free float. My upper has the 12" free float. It is very light and has plenty of places to add extra rail pieces and accessories if a person so wishes. Without any rails attaches to the sides or bottom it is very small in diameter.

[Pokulski-Blatz]

[Pokulski-Blatz]

5.56 shot in a .223 chamber

[Pokulski-Blatz]

.223 Remington – Because it’s the only SAAMI standardized cartridge, it’s the only one you’re likely to find used in rifles produced by major manufacturers. I would prefer any of the other three to “regular .223.” However, you will not be at a huge disadvantage as long as you buy mostly .223 ammo. As stated above, you are not likely to encounter major problems with limited amounts of 5.56 in a .223 rifle fired out of necessity or in an emergency. Doing so at a high volume for the long term is probably not a good idea. In terms of a carbine-style AR-15, I see absolutely no reason to purchase one with a .223 Remington chamber.

.223 Wylde – Produced by a variety of smaller manufacturers, .223 Wylde can be an excellent choice if it is executed properly. I have personally had overpressure issues with improperly reamed .223 Wylde chambers. I’ve also had excellent accuracy and no pressure signs with 5.56 from properly reamed .223 Wylde chambers. As always, buying a quality product is often the best way to go.

5.56mm Noveske Match Mod 0 - Similar in concept to .223 Wylde in that it attempts to strike a balance between pressure and accuracy, it has the advantage of being produced only by Noveske, a shop known for precision and attention to detail. All of the Noveske barrels I’ve owned – about a dozen – have delivered accuracy, precision, and safe, reliable function. This comes at a price, for Noveske barrels are not cheap.

5.56mm NATO - The best bet for those looking to shoot high volumes of 5.56mm ammunition without an emphasis on tack-driving accuracy or precision, 5.56 barrels from reliable machine shops will outshoot most humans while also keeping pressures within normal limits. Cheap 5.56 barrels often disappoint.

[GeorgeG.]

Thanks for the info guys. My other AR is 5.56 NATO and when .223 was scarce last year, I liked having the option to pick up whatever 5.56 I see on the shelves as an alternative and just keep it in the same container as the rest of the .223.

Is there anyway to tell if a Wylde barrel was reamed properly before shooting 5.56 through it? The photos above is not my idea of a good time.

[phaux]

5.56 shot in a .223 chamber

It's cuz it was a polymer lower...

[likeitfast55]

It's cuz it was a polymer lower...

And the gas key doesn't look staked. Nice....................

[Pokulski-Blatz]

After market trigger - $200
ACOG - $900
Bipod - $90
Shooting a 5.56 in a .223 - Priceless