Carbine Buffer and Rifle Gas System

[LockedBreech]

I'm aware this is a SUPER-noob question but I don't trust the wide variety of answers Google is giving me and I need a definitive Pistol-Forum quality answer.

I bought this today:

PSA AR-15 Complete Lower Magpul STR Edition EPT

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-str-edition-ept-fde-no-magazine-5165450583.html

Will it work with a rifle-length gas system, for example, this?

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-chf-1-7-a2-rifle-length-556-prem-ar15-upper-assembly-no-bcg-ch.html


Thank you in advance, sorry, this is my first build, trying a cheap one to dip a toe with a complete lower, not a complete build, more of a parting together of completed sections. My only other AR is a Daniel Defense M4V1 I bought off the shelf. Going to be using a Sons of Liberty Gun Works NP3-coated Carpenter 158 BCG and Geiselle Super Charging Handle with PMag Gen M3s. I think that's all the parts I need?

[Suvorov]

Short answer = yes.

Long answer = you may need to fiddle with your buffer to optimize your rifle. I run an H3 buffer in my 18 inch rifle with a carbine length receiver extension (buffer tube) but I had no problem with the H1 I originally had on it.

[Jay Cunningham]

Short answer = yes.

Long answer = you may need to fiddle with your buffer to optimize your rifle. I run an H3 buffer in my 18 inch rifle with a carbine length receiver extension (buffer tube).

Agree with this.

Remember that different buffer weights are really intended to change the cyclic rate of the guns. The semi auto tinkering is far secondary.

Just consider it another piece of the system that you can tune.

[Suvorov]

P.S. - when you get that upper assembly I would be very interested in knowing what markings the barrel has on it - I am curious if Palmetto is still using FN barrels in their premium 20" muskets.

[LockedBreech]

P.S. - when you get that upper assembly I would be very interested in knowing what markings the barrel has on it - I am curious if Palmetto is still using FN barrels in their premium 20" muskets.

They claim to be doing so, which is the major selling point for me, so I'll be peeved if they're not.

I should be buying the upper next month and I'll let you know.

Thanks for the answer guys, I'll run it as it comes and tune as necessary. The Daniel Defense is my very well vetted (got it in 2011, serial number 000620) serious business carbine, this is just a fun rifle, so if I need to tune it that's just fine.

[Casual Friday]

P.S. - when you get that upper assembly I would be very interested in knowing what markings the barrel has on it - I am curious if Palmetto is still using FN barrels in their premium 20" muskets.

It says so in the item description, but the barrel won't be marked FN, they have been PSA marked for a while.
43059

[LockedBreech]

It says so in the item description, but the barrel won't be marked FN, they have been PSA marked for a while.
43059

Hmmm.

Is there any info about whether they're proper FN barrels still, or some different cheaper assembly line?

[Casual Friday]

Hmmm.

Is there any info about whether they're proper FN barrels still, or some different cheaper assembly line?

The item description on their website says made by FN. If FN wasn't making them, I doubt they'd let PSA tell people that they were. There are very few companies making CHF barrels.

[LockedBreech]

The item description on their website says made by FN. If FN wasn't making them, I doubt they'd let PSA tell people that they were. There are very few companies making CHF barrels.

Makes sense, and that's a pretty solid point, FN is a big company, their corporate lawyers would have 86'd that overnight. Just sleepy brain posting.

Just want to be sure before I drop the $350.

That said, thanks to me cobbling together all my parts on sale over the past 2 years, when this build is done I'll have a 20" AR with an FN barrel and a SOLGW BCG that is Robar-coated for roughly $700. For a just-for-fun rifle I will be a very happy camper with that.

[MistWolf]

"Machinegun Steel" barrels are made by FN. Yes, you can use a rifle upper with a carbine lower. PSA carbine lowers come with a CAR buffer which is too light. Exchange it for an H, or better yet an H2 buffer.

Lowers with H, H2, A5H2 or rifle buffers (used in the correct RE with the right spring) will work with any properly gassed upper.

[JRB]

I'm aware this is a SUPER-noob question but I don't trust the wide variety of answers Google is giving me and I need a definitive Pistol-Forum quality answer.

I bought this today:

PSA AR-15 Complete Lower Magpul STR Edition EPT

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-str-edition-ept-fde-no-magazine-5165450583.html

Will it work with a rifle-length gas system, for example, this?

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-chf-1-7-a2-rifle-length-556-prem-ar15-upper-assembly-no-bcg-ch.html


Thank you in advance, sorry, this is my first build, trying a cheap one to dip a toe with a complete lower, not a complete build, more of a parting together of completed sections. My only other AR is a Daniel Defense M4V1 I bought off the shelf. Going to be using a Sons of Liberty Gun Works NP3-coated Carpenter 158 BCG and Geiselle Super Charging Handle with PMag Gen M3s. I think that's all the parts I need?

That configuration is substantially similar to a great deal of M16A4's and M16A2's still being fielded after all these years. The only exception is the NSN'd M4 buttstock conversion kit 1005-01-569-6938 doesn't supply Magpul parts - it's just the generic M4 stock. The only practical difference in the buffer weights from an M16/M4 perspective was cyclic rate as already mentioned. Since the overwhelming majority of M16's in existence are 3 round burst, it's not significant.
Having an arms room guy that is paying attention to things like the bolt lugs and magazines, and is happy to replace old buffer springs/provide new magazines really solves 99% of the issues we see with M16's in theatre.

[LockedBreech]

"Machinegun Steel" barrels are made by FN. Yes, you can use a rifle upper with a carbine lower. PSA carbine lowers come with a CAR buffer which is too light. Exchange it for an H, or better yet an H2 buffer.

Lowers with H, H2, A5H2 or rifle buffers (used in the correct RE with the right spring) will work with any properly gassed upper.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003306858?pid=159492

This what I'm looking for?

[Suvorov]

Long answer = you may need to fiddle with your buffer to optimize your rifle. I run an H3 buffer in my 18 inch rifle with a carbine length receiver extension (buffer tube) but I had no problem with the H1 I originally had on it.

I misspoke. I am running an H6 buffet in my 18” rifle build. As I recall the Army went to the H6 for such applications while the Marines went with the A5 system? Since I already had a carbine extension on my receive I ran with the H6.

[El Cid]

All but my original builds had the A5 system. My first has a traditional carbine setup because the A5 didn’t exist.
But my most recent build has the Geissele Super 42 kit and I’m very pleased with it. They do have a guide to buffer weight based on gas system here as one of the images. Of course this is if using the Super 42 spring. Cliff notes it says H1 for 18” or longer with mid/rifle gas.

https://geissele.com/premium-mil-spec-buffer-tube-with-super-42-h3.html

[MistWolf]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003306858?pid=159492

This what I'm looking for?

Yes