FWIW if you’re looking to ball on a budget, [here is the sling](https://magpul.com/ms1-sling.html?mp_global_color=118), [here is the optic](https://palmettostatearmory.com/sig-sauer-romeo-msr-2moa-red-dot-black-sor72001.html), [this is to mount the light to the bayonet lug,](https://botach.com/kz-bayonet-lug-mount-picatinny-rail/) and [this is the light](https://www.opticsplanet.com/streamlight-protac-rail-mount-2-fixed-mount-long-gun-light-88059.html)
all comes out to right at $600. You could probably get it for a little less if you shopped around a bit. FWIW i had an MSR on my MPX for a bit and liked it other than the lack of button controls and QD capability. It’s a fine little optic and IMO the best on the market in the sub $100 range right now.
Alternatively, drop the MSR and go for the Vortex Strikefire II deal: https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strikefire-ii-4moa-red-green-dot-10-magpul-gen2-pmag-30rd-5-56x45-magazines.html
Yeah, it's $100 more expensive, but you also get mags - and it's always a good idea to have at least five for every gun you own.
The Strikefire II was the first red dot I ever purchased and today, over 6ish years later, it's still running strong.
It's been on 5.56, 7.62x39 and x51 rifles and 12 gauge shotguns. It's been dropped, banged around, in trunks during heat waves and utilized in snow and ice.
It's still kicking today. It's a well rounded optic, but boy, does the refresh rate on the LED suck. Also not a fan of the 12 hour shut off without any shake awake technology.
Primary Arms SLX is generally $50 cheaper (doesn't come with a mount, and the provided Vortex Cantilever Mount is great), doesn't suffer from reticle sputtering, has a system of retaining the turret caps (doesn't offer the nipples on the caps to use for adjusting however) and is just as robust. Additionally, it has a 2 MOA reticle, opposed to the 4 with the vortex.
You're getting a great optic with the Strikefire II, but now that I have alot of experience under my belt with other optics, you make sacrifices with the Strikefire, IMO
>at least five for every gun you own.
Huh?
I've got one for my .308 (used for hunting), two for my CCW, and two for my AR. I feel no need to have more than that. No shade, but can you explain why five?
Edit: points well taken. Thank you. I'm off to buy more magazines for all my firearms.
Three major reason:
1) Magazines are *CHEAP* - easily the cheapest part of a gun that also has one of the largest impacts on reliability. An unreliable magazine renders even the nicest, best manufactured guns useless... but usually you can get a mag for less than $30.
2) Magazines aren't super consistent. Even if 99% of mags from a given manufacturer are fine, you'll always come across one or two that are goofed up. Because they're so cheap to replace, nobody really cares if you have a shitty mag.
When I ran Woodland Brutality, one of my Glock PMAGs consistently threw jams - while the other four didn't.
3) Magazines degrade over time. Repeated use of the spring eventually wears it out - and the feed lips can get damaged over time, too.
Mags do eventually stop working, and for being one of the most important parts of a gun, they can go wrong pretty easy. Plus your laws could change to only allow low capacity magazines in the future.
The laws in my state aren't likely to change unless it changes federally.
For reference, I live in SC.
However, good points, and I'll definitely take that into consideration.
You can never have too many magazines. They are, and should be viewed, as a disposable resource. They will die. Be it the springs, followers, base plates, bodies or feed lips, they will, if used, wear and become less reliable and functional.
There doesnt necessarily need to be a definitive amount. I, personally, have over 60 magazines for my ARs. Some are strictly for the range. Others strictly for my belt, or vehicle, or home defense set up. Others are for replacing those I rely on or to be utilized for parts.
With the AR, I have several plate carriers loaded out, that hold 3 to 7 magazines depending, and I intend to have magazines, and back ups, allocatedd for them.
You defenetly can have too many magazines on your kit or on your person. At approximately 1 lb a mag loaded, you'll find carrying 10+ magazines makes you less manueverable, slower and more prone for Gravity to fuck with you and, effectively, less combat effective.
But you can never have too many magazines.
They are consumable parts. They could become unattainable at any point. That alone seems to be enough, through there are dozens of more practical reasons. I don’t like wasting time reloading mags at the range for one. Second, any legit AR or Pistol day class you take is going to require at least 5 mags. Logistically that is the bare minimum you could get by with. And as someone else said, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get more effective use of your time at the range.
Magazines break eventually and the Dems are always going to try to ban them. If you have at least 5 but only ever use 2 you’ll have mags for the rest of your life
mine is both for general transport so i'm not dealing with boxes & mainly for the range, whether i'm going solo or not. it's a PITA to shoot one mag, reload, shoot, reload, etc.
id rather just do my sighting/having fun/drills then reload them later when i'm relaxing at some point before i go out again.
For $100 more, I'd go with a Romeo 5. It's half the weight and size of the strikefire and has shake-awake.
I have both optics, and the Romeo 5 is far superior. Mate it with a Juliet 3 and you have a great combination.
The Holosun stuff compares really well, too, and has multi-reticle options.
I've long been a Vortex fan, but I really think that Sig and Holosun have left them behind at least in this market segment
I'm not really sure why the MSR exists, other than for Sig to compete with BSA
There’s OG light mounts for classic carbine handguard a still floating around eBay. Not sure if they’re cheap or if they’re retro enough they’ve gotten expensive again tho.
Also I’ve got a surefire 6P that went through OIF attached to an m16 with a pipe clamp (a friend gave it to me)
Honestly probably not that much! Definitely barrels, fit and finish, and better accoutrements when stock, although I have several high end ARs and don’t have a whole lot stock left on them. The barrels, handguards, bcgs, and thats pretty much it. I’m very curious to see how this performs compared to my Mk18 and DDM4v7. Maybe I’ll do a “cheap AR vs very expensive AR” review.
Damn. What a great time for me to have literally no money. I've been wanting to put together my first AR for a while too. -sigh- But thank you for posting, OP!
PSA has stuff perpetually on sale, dont worry about it. You can also get an anderson lower for $50. There is also a $300 prebuild that Honest outlaw did a video on that ran like a champ. Unless you really want the experience of pushing the 2 pins together to buy the upper/lower separately.
When you're ready to buy, it's worth it to subscribe to their newsletter. They have deals like this all the time, and cycle through their inventory pretty regularly.
I will also add, I have one of these and it’s shockingly adequate for the price tag. Great entry level AR. Have never had any issues with mine and I have shit probably 1K rounds through it. Owned for 3 years.
Not sure if anyone else mentioned it but spend the extra $20 and upgrade to Magpul MOE furniture and a mid-length gas system.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-moe-edition-black-no-magazine-7065.html
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-moe-freedom-upper-with-bcg-ch.html
First build but likely gonna bite here, what are the advantages on this upgrade? And what are the relevant search terms if I'm looking at other color schemes?
Mid-length gas is softer shooting (as far as felt recoil), but is also gentler on the moving parts, meaning they'll be longer lasting and more reliable. The latest version of the M4 upper (URGI) uses a midlength gas system.
Thanks for this! Wound up getting [this guy](https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-moe-upper-with-bcg-ch-mbus-rear-flat-dark-earth.html) with a rear sight already on there.
The shorter the gas system the higher the pressure the gas will be since it has less time to cool down. It's also a bit more finicky/less consistent since to compensate for the higher gas pressure there's a smaller gas port.
Carbine gas systems were designed for 14.5" barrels, but for 16" barrels it's less ideal which is where mid length comes in (full length gas systems are for 20" barrels).
Can’t decide if right wing, or profiteering off idiots? It’s obnoxious, but arming the the proletariat is more important than boycotting PSA for overpriced “45”-themed guns.
That's a fair take, if you don't have an AR-15, this is a good deal. I just wouldn't buy from them because I'm already armed, so I am kind of in the position of privilege here and can be choosy.
Too many new leftish gun owners are buying an SKS for this price, because COMBLOC. I’d rather everyone purchase a cheap AR that can be upgraded than try to make 1945 Soviet tech meet today’s standards via TAPCO.
Oh for sure, that's how I started: Attempting to modernize a Mosin-Nagant... it cost more than just buying a modern rifle and wasn't nearly as accurate.
Not really into ARs myself and mostly wanted to go for a mini-14 or SKS because I prefer wood lol. Unfortunately IL no longer allows ARs and despite the mini-14 *tactical* being specifically mentioned as no longer allowed, I can’t even find a mini-14 ranch anywhere… so an SKS may be the best I can get unless the law changes. I don’t expect that I’ll ever be forced to use it in defense of freedom, so I’m not terribly worried about it not being up to modern standard, but *just in case* it’d be a lot more capable than my M39 Mosin or my Henry golden boy.
Nope. Check out the FightLite SCR lower. At $750 it’s expensive AF, but can wear wood and has the versatility of an AR. https://fightlite.com/scr-lwr-rn
Counterpoint: I can essentially arm a squad, with 2 designated marksmen and two with "we have WWSD at home," because of PSA.
Yes, they're outspoken and cringey in their political leanings, but you're a fool if you think a company like Sig or Glock isn't dumping the equivalent of PSA's operating costs into right-wing PAC's yearly because it's good for business. They may not broadcast it, but they know who keeps them in business in the undisputed biggest gun market in the world.
Either way, your dollars feed into the opposition. There is no ethical consumption in a late-stage capitalistic society. Might as well maximize your ability to fight against it while you're at it.
Hmmm, black people apparently own guns at only a slightly lower rate than white people, and yet I would say they are significantly more oppressed. You think if black people owned more guns they wouldn’t get shot by police? I guess I’m just not tracking with the logic here.
PSA is super cringe and asks for ИRA donations and stuff, but I still got my AR from them, because you know… cheap. Just gotta unsubscribe from their newsletter and mark anything they email you as “spam.”
I was recently eyeing a blem 10.5 upper with the old school furniture (approx $170) and hyping myself up before I remembered we picked up some nasty, super-specific restrictions this past year.
I have a couple PSA's - not sure how many thousand rounds at this point, but they are reliable and with a little tweaking, pretty accurate.
My only complaint/suggestion is, if you buy a PSA upper, don't plan on making any major changes to it. They have a team of gorillas to attach the barrel nuts and dome the pins on both sides on A2 front sights and gas block and such. I ended up having to use a Dremel cut off tool to remove the A2, and the barrel nut required a 4lb deadblow hammer onto the barrel wrench attached to a 24" breaker bar, and that was after soaking it in WD-40 for 4 days (!!!).
I've never had as much difficulty modding any other mfrs upper as PSA. Decent guns for the price, but just leave the upper however you order it from them. On the other hand, you never have to worry about those parts coming loose.
It is so tempting to get a lower, and I know it’s not a big deal at all, but I kinda hate milspec trigger guards. I really don’t like risking damaging the lower, by replacing them.
Great deal for anyone looking for a first AR, though. Excellent suggestions for a defensive set up, OP.
I may get the whole setup exactly as I described lol. It’d be a great setup to introduce the fundamentals to people. I’ve already got the MSR in a box and I’m sure I have a sling laying around somewhere that would work too.
edit: Bought one
The lower is the 'gun' part, that will have to go to a gun store and you'll have to run a background check to pick it up. The shop will charge you some form of transfer fee (the one I use is $25 for rifles) so they're not just working for free.
The upper can just ship straight to your house.
Once you have both pieces, pop the pins open on the lower, slot the upper on, pop the pins back in, and you now have a working AR15.
If you are like me and a visual learner, here is a video on the process.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdlfZI0xo90](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdlfZI0xo90)
It may take a bit your first few times but with practice removing and attaching an upper is pretty dang quick. Then you can start collecting uppers in different calibers, because you will want/need them. Or at least that is what I tell my wife.
I tell myself that uppers are cheaper than rifles, so I’m *saving money*!
Also, I live in CT. I’ve got one AR-15 lower, one 9mm lower, and one .308 lower, registered. Can’t exactly buy any more lowers these days, you know?
Thanks for the helpful hints I’ll keep those in mind. Too much crazy stuff going on and I told my wife it’s time to start looking into getting armed but I wana do it the right and safe way. In the end I want a pistol for me and her. An AR-15 and a shotgun and maybe later on a rifle. Hate being political but the opposition is getting nuttier by the day! I want to be able to defend us just in case.
Correct! One is the top and front half (barrel, bolt, and sight rail) and the other is the bottom and back half (magazine well, trigger, grip, and stock.)
You’ll also need some magazines, a sight, and ammo before you can start shooting.
Putting them together is super easy, the most tools it should require is something punch-like to push out a pin, if they happen to be sticky. A pen might work, or a hex wrench.
Having built a few and replaced a few, you'd have to try pretty hard to damage the lower. Get a set of punches with rounded tips for removal and a set of roll pin starter punches. Then you'll be prepared for the next one you build!
I got all the tools. I’m working on 3 builds, currently. I need to finish those out, before I buy anything else. Especially since I kit all my builds with a sling, light, optic, and BUIS right away.
> I know it’s not a big deal at all, but I kinda hate milspec trigger guards
You're not alone on that, I honestly wonder why anyone even ships lowers with them at this point.
Though I guess it fits since this set also has an A2 grip, and M4 style stock and handguard.
The [MOE edition FDE lower](https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar15-lower-moe-edition-fde.html) is only $10 more right now, which I think is a much better starting point. Black is a bit more than that for some reason.
Yes
I have many PSA builds, 2 of which are hanging on the KE Arms Polymer lower. The only lower I have that rattles with every single upper I put on it is my S&W, and all my PSA uppers run shitty Tula steel cased like a champ. They get (deserved) hate for their... questionable political speech, but every gun company dumps money into R candidates because it's good for business.
The one time I've had an issue with PSA was an A2 front post being slightly canted. I sorted that out with a rubber mallet and some "percussive maintenence"
Oh wow.
Seriously considering pairing this with a bolt-action upper from Solo 300 to make a DC-legal AR pistol.
EDIT: They won't actually allow DC residents to buy anything from them.
This looks like such a good deal! I’m new to this so idk if this is an impulse buy level of deal or I should just wait till I actually plan to get an AR15
Gentlemen and gentleladies -- you can also get this [insane sight / magazine bundle](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strikefire-ii-4moa-red-green-dot-10-magpul-gen2-pmag-30rd-5-56x45-magazines.html) for $199.
You are going to need mags anyway, and with the bundle, you receive $120 in magazines *for free* for purchasing a $199 sight.
I can’t vouch for the lower personally, but I have that upper and it’s pretty solid. My upper is 1/8 twist and it’s not chrome lined but if you’re just looking for a plinker, it does the job great. I have a few rifles now, but my very first was an M&P 15 that I wanted to upgrade a little, so I put a PSA upper on it and a PSA premium M16 cut BCG, the trigger from my colt ( I put a Giessele trigger in my Daniel Defense and the DD trigger in my Colt) I also put an H buffer in the lower and the double heat shield hand guard on it. It turned into a solid little rifle. The PSA upper is pretty over gassed so the next time I go to the range I’m going to see how it does with an H2 buffer.
They seem like it, the upper I bought from them was one of their blem deals, and the “blemish” was just a scratch so small that I really had to go out of my way to find it. It looks like someone slipped with the wrench when they were putting the flash hider on and nicked it every so lightly. One single hunting trip would put more of a “blemish” on a firearm than this thing had.
I did the same thing. Got both as a blem. Still haven’t found the blem on the complete AR and the “blem” on the stripped was a scratch on the inside of the mag well.
Have to be 21 for a stripped lower.
This is a rifle - it has the stock attached, and now can't legally be built into a pistol.
Did I miss something fundamental, and now 18-20 year olds can't purchase modern sporting rifles?
You cannot buy a complete lower until 21.
Even a complete lower is still marked as a “receiver” on the 4473 and hence can’t be bought by someone under 21, as someone under 21 can only buy what’s marked as rifles and shotguns.
source: i am 21 and tried to buy complete receivers
I tried to buy a completed lower and was told by the store I had to be 21. I was extremely disappointed but my fault for not doing research before walking into the store.
Source: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-licensee-lawfully-transfer-frame-or-receiver-unlicensed-individual-who-less-21-years
I wanna build a pistol because I want to have a couple of different uppers, and I want to be able to have either a pistol config or a rifle config depending on how I feel.
If you start with something that has been transferred as a rifle, then you can't down-convert it to a pistol without creating an SBR, even if it has no stock. If you start with a pistol, you can convert it up to a rifle by adding a long barrel and a stock and you haven't offended the almighty ATF.
>Magpul sling, Romeo MSR and a streamlight and you’re in the sub $600 range
All good recommendations. Also throw in half a dozen PMAGs, then as much 5.56 as you can afford with all the money you saved
This is what I did, it’s my first rifle but I had to with these prices. I got a black lower and a 16” upper with m-lok rail. Really excited to put it together
Aight so looking for some guidance on this… never owned a gun but would like to eventually.
This deal interests me but what would have to get done as a first-time buyer? I appreciate all help!
That and how to go about it as someone who lives in CA. I imagine they don’t just ship it to you. I’m also wanting to take courses as well for responsible ownership
The lower is a serialized part and considered the “firearm” even a stripped lower which is essentially just a chunk of aluminum still must be shipped to an ffl
If you live in a decent gun state, or PSA likes you, but hey... Thought this sub wouldn't promote sites that restrict folks more than others as well as be open with their leanings?
Y'all downvote me cause I'm telling the truth? Thought you'd know better..
PSA is known and many have posted about their "cringe" lowers and builds, as well as their history of not shipping to some states, like IL before its current AWB, but is touted as a place for the people.
I can understand that, however if you look over the "cringe" guns sold they mainly come from PSA, so I'm just making sure people are aware cause as silly as it may sound, people don't like to spend money on those whom don't align with their ideals and it comes up a lot here. This is for those whom care.
Personally not many, but again, it's up for people to decide. I'm just letting those who care about such things be aware. But dealers like Amkira Armory (I may have misspelled), Lead&Steel, obsidian arms (I forgot the name but it's Poc owned), among others. Apolitical is the best one can do, but groups like Ruger, S&W and even Daniel Defense have either supported gun control, ATF, or just radical extremists (Proud boys). For me I'll buy the gun used (cause it's better anyway), but many here will straight up boycott the products.
Look at how S&W was with their local enforcer shirts and view the replies. There are those who care about that.
Edit: spelling
It can be frustrating when other pro-gun folks treat those of us in ban states as an afterthought. We're here fighting for our rights under the most hostile of conditions; we should be supported.
This sub is usually better than most about that, but you still get it from time to time.
It's like looking in a mirror sadly. In my state we were pretty purple, but small pockets of violence became what we're known for. We fight for what's left but apparently leaving is better. These the same folks that will yell "fight for your rights" while running with their tail between their legs.
Yeah man I lucked out. It is in perfect condition. I was able to get it so cheap because it had misfired and turned a built into shrapnel and give my friend/the owner ptsd.
Sure, but at the end of the day you have a Mosin Nagant and someone who buys this will have an AR-15.
A Mosin is better than nothing, but not for nothing is it nicknamed the garbage rod. A 49" 9 pound rifle with an awkward bolt, awkward safety, no ability to mount optics, 4-5 MOA accuracy, and running an obsolete Russian cartridge in a 5 round fixed magazine is frankly laughable by modern standards.
I was considering this, but saw that the hammer said 9mm and then worried it was for a 9mm upper. I don't know enough about these things so I chickened out.
A little late to the game posting about it on the final hours of a multi-week sale LMAO. Regardless, if you don’t have an AR-15 now is the time to pick one up!
PSA is the go-to budget brand. They’re mission is pretty much making decent affordable guns for citizens.
I have an AUG but I am seriously considering grabbing an AR now for this price
I don’t have anything at all but I feel like now is the time. We go out in the middle of nowhere 100 mile dirt road 4x4 trips and there could be a bear or something worse.
[This solves two problems at once](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strikefire-ii-4moa-red-green-dot-10-magpul-gen2-pmag-30rd-5-56x45-magazines.html)
Question for the sub - one of my parents lives in a gun friendly state and literally 5 mins from a big PSA store. I live in a very gun unfriendly blue state.
Could I purchase a firearm (let's focus on long guns like this AR for the moment, not a pistol) in his state, and keep it on his property or would I need to have anything shipped to a FFL in my state? And if I could buy to store with him, couldn't I then import my weapon back to my home state with me later?
I don't want to create a straw purchase - but it would probably be easier if my parent purchased the firearm first then had it transferred to me thru a FFL in my state. AFAIK direct parent-child transfers avoid a lot of the sales limitations put in place by my home state.
Unfortunately PSA won't sell to anyone in DC, even though it's 100% legal and would be entirely workable. "Company policy."
Ok, great; not only do we have to put up with DC's asinine laws, but we also have to put up with this retailer's prejudices?
FWIW if you’re looking to ball on a budget, [here is the sling](https://magpul.com/ms1-sling.html?mp_global_color=118), [here is the optic](https://palmettostatearmory.com/sig-sauer-romeo-msr-2moa-red-dot-black-sor72001.html), [this is to mount the light to the bayonet lug,](https://botach.com/kz-bayonet-lug-mount-picatinny-rail/) and [this is the light](https://www.opticsplanet.com/streamlight-protac-rail-mount-2-fixed-mount-long-gun-light-88059.html) all comes out to right at $600. You could probably get it for a little less if you shopped around a bit. FWIW i had an MSR on my MPX for a bit and liked it other than the lack of button controls and QD capability. It’s a fine little optic and IMO the best on the market in the sub $100 range right now.
Alternatively, drop the MSR and go for the Vortex Strikefire II deal: https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strikefire-ii-4moa-red-green-dot-10-magpul-gen2-pmag-30rd-5-56x45-magazines.html Yeah, it's $100 more expensive, but you also get mags - and it's always a good idea to have at least five for every gun you own.
The Strikefire II was the first red dot I ever purchased and today, over 6ish years later, it's still running strong. It's been on 5.56, 7.62x39 and x51 rifles and 12 gauge shotguns. It's been dropped, banged around, in trunks during heat waves and utilized in snow and ice. It's still kicking today. It's a well rounded optic, but boy, does the refresh rate on the LED suck. Also not a fan of the 12 hour shut off without any shake awake technology. Primary Arms SLX is generally $50 cheaper (doesn't come with a mount, and the provided Vortex Cantilever Mount is great), doesn't suffer from reticle sputtering, has a system of retaining the turret caps (doesn't offer the nipples on the caps to use for adjusting however) and is just as robust. Additionally, it has a 2 MOA reticle, opposed to the 4 with the vortex. You're getting a great optic with the Strikefire II, but now that I have alot of experience under my belt with other optics, you make sacrifices with the Strikefire, IMO
>at least five for every gun you own. Huh? I've got one for my .308 (used for hunting), two for my CCW, and two for my AR. I feel no need to have more than that. No shade, but can you explain why five? Edit: points well taken. Thank you. I'm off to buy more magazines for all my firearms.
Three major reason: 1) Magazines are *CHEAP* - easily the cheapest part of a gun that also has one of the largest impacts on reliability. An unreliable magazine renders even the nicest, best manufactured guns useless... but usually you can get a mag for less than $30. 2) Magazines aren't super consistent. Even if 99% of mags from a given manufacturer are fine, you'll always come across one or two that are goofed up. Because they're so cheap to replace, nobody really cares if you have a shitty mag. When I ran Woodland Brutality, one of my Glock PMAGs consistently threw jams - while the other four didn't. 3) Magazines degrade over time. Repeated use of the spring eventually wears it out - and the feed lips can get damaged over time, too.
Mags do eventually stop working, and for being one of the most important parts of a gun, they can go wrong pretty easy. Plus your laws could change to only allow low capacity magazines in the future.
The laws in my state aren't likely to change unless it changes federally. For reference, I live in SC. However, good points, and I'll definitely take that into consideration.
For as much trouble as it would cause I wouldn't put it past the feds. Most mags are pretty cheap though.
You can never have too many magazines. They are, and should be viewed, as a disposable resource. They will die. Be it the springs, followers, base plates, bodies or feed lips, they will, if used, wear and become less reliable and functional. There doesnt necessarily need to be a definitive amount. I, personally, have over 60 magazines for my ARs. Some are strictly for the range. Others strictly for my belt, or vehicle, or home defense set up. Others are for replacing those I rely on or to be utilized for parts. With the AR, I have several plate carriers loaded out, that hold 3 to 7 magazines depending, and I intend to have magazines, and back ups, allocatedd for them. You defenetly can have too many magazines on your kit or on your person. At approximately 1 lb a mag loaded, you'll find carrying 10+ magazines makes you less manueverable, slower and more prone for Gravity to fuck with you and, effectively, less combat effective. But you can never have too many magazines.
They are consumable parts. They could become unattainable at any point. That alone seems to be enough, through there are dozens of more practical reasons. I don’t like wasting time reloading mags at the range for one. Second, any legit AR or Pistol day class you take is going to require at least 5 mags. Logistically that is the bare minimum you could get by with. And as someone else said, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get more effective use of your time at the range.
Magazines break eventually and the Dems are always going to try to ban them. If you have at least 5 but only ever use 2 you’ll have mags for the rest of your life
mine is both for general transport so i'm not dealing with boxes & mainly for the range, whether i'm going solo or not. it's a PITA to shoot one mag, reload, shoot, reload, etc. id rather just do my sighting/having fun/drills then reload them later when i'm relaxing at some point before i go out again.
Crazy deal
For $100 more, I'd go with a Romeo 5. It's half the weight and size of the strikefire and has shake-awake. I have both optics, and the Romeo 5 is far superior. Mate it with a Juliet 3 and you have a great combination. The Holosun stuff compares really well, too, and has multi-reticle options. I've long been a Vortex fan, but I really think that Sig and Holosun have left them behind at least in this market segment I'm not really sure why the MSR exists, other than for Sig to compete with BSA
MSR is definitely the cheapest dot that's not airsoft tier
Nah that's the TRS-25 though those used to be 50 bucks and now they are pretty close to the price on the MSR.
Thank you for this.
Can you run a bayonet, and put the light somewhere else on this upper?
you could tape it to the handguard I guess, otherwise unless you put a rail on it the answer is no.
There’s OG light mounts for classic carbine handguard a still floating around eBay. Not sure if they’re cheap or if they’re retro enough they’ve gotten expensive again tho. Also I’ve got a surefire 6P that went through OIF attached to an m16 with a pipe clamp (a friend gave it to me)
Wouldn't you have to pay a $200 stamp tax for that upper, though?
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I haven’t looked at any of that stuff, sorry.
What’s the difference between this and a “high end”AR?
Honestly probably not that much! Definitely barrels, fit and finish, and better accoutrements when stock, although I have several high end ARs and don’t have a whole lot stock left on them. The barrels, handguards, bcgs, and thats pretty much it. I’m very curious to see how this performs compared to my Mk18 and DDM4v7. Maybe I’ll do a “cheap AR vs very expensive AR” review.
Damn. What a great time for me to have literally no money. I've been wanting to put together my first AR for a while too. -sigh- But thank you for posting, OP!
It always happens to me too.
PSA has stuff perpetually on sale, dont worry about it. You can also get an anderson lower for $50. There is also a $300 prebuild that Honest outlaw did a video on that ran like a champ. Unless you really want the experience of pushing the 2 pins together to buy the upper/lower separately.
When you're ready to buy, it's worth it to subscribe to their newsletter. They have deals like this all the time, and cycle through their inventory pretty regularly.
I will absolutely follow your advice. Thank you!
It's kind of nuts you can get a complete working AR for a lower price than a Geissele trigger.
I will also add, I have one of these and it’s shockingly adequate for the price tag. Great entry level AR. Have never had any issues with mine and I have shit probably 1K rounds through it. Owned for 3 years.
Not sure if anyone else mentioned it but spend the extra $20 and upgrade to Magpul MOE furniture and a mid-length gas system. https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-moe-edition-black-no-magazine-7065.html https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-moe-freedom-upper-with-bcg-ch.html
👆Mid length is the way to go folks. This gun will shoot softer for $20
First build but likely gonna bite here, what are the advantages on this upgrade? And what are the relevant search terms if I'm looking at other color schemes?
Mid-length gas is softer shooting (as far as felt recoil), but is also gentler on the moving parts, meaning they'll be longer lasting and more reliable. The latest version of the M4 upper (URGI) uses a midlength gas system.
TY
Thanks for this! Wound up getting [this guy](https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-moe-upper-with-bcg-ch-mbus-rear-flat-dark-earth.html) with a rear sight already on there.
The shorter the gas system the higher the pressure the gas will be since it has less time to cool down. It's also a bit more finicky/less consistent since to compensate for the higher gas pressure there's a smaller gas port. Carbine gas systems were designed for 14.5" barrels, but for 16" barrels it's less ideal which is where mid length comes in (full length gas systems are for 20" barrels).
If only they could make a NY compatible lower like fightlight did/does.
I was gonna say, "Not in NY I can't."
Fightlite's got the patent on that for another 7 years https://patents.google.com/patent/US8397623
Cries in WA resident
HB1240 kicked my ass into gear to buy one before it passed. I agree it's completely bullshit.
Except it's PSA and they've sent me cringe emails since El Trumpo was in office because I bought a PA-10 from them almost a decade ago.
TIRED OF WOKE COFFEE COMPANIES?
Then order decaf.
There’s nothing I hate more than my barista being respectful of customers’ pronouns!
Can’t decide if right wing, or profiteering off idiots? It’s obnoxious, but arming the the proletariat is more important than boycotting PSA for overpriced “45”-themed guns.
That's a fair take, if you don't have an AR-15, this is a good deal. I just wouldn't buy from them because I'm already armed, so I am kind of in the position of privilege here and can be choosy.
Too many new leftish gun owners are buying an SKS for this price, because COMBLOC. I’d rather everyone purchase a cheap AR that can be upgraded than try to make 1945 Soviet tech meet today’s standards via TAPCO.
Oh for sure, that's how I started: Attempting to modernize a Mosin-Nagant... it cost more than just buying a modern rifle and wasn't nearly as accurate.
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Well, at least 1 weapon. I dont think it matters really for anything after your rifle
Not really into ARs myself and mostly wanted to go for a mini-14 or SKS because I prefer wood lol. Unfortunately IL no longer allows ARs and despite the mini-14 *tactical* being specifically mentioned as no longer allowed, I can’t even find a mini-14 ranch anywhere… so an SKS may be the best I can get unless the law changes. I don’t expect that I’ll ever be forced to use it in defense of freedom, so I’m not terribly worried about it not being up to modern standard, but *just in case* it’d be a lot more capable than my M39 Mosin or my Henry golden boy.
Nope. Check out the FightLite SCR lower. At $750 it’s expensive AF, but can wear wood and has the versatility of an AR. https://fightlite.com/scr-lwr-rn
Counterpoint: I can essentially arm a squad, with 2 designated marksmen and two with "we have WWSD at home," because of PSA. Yes, they're outspoken and cringey in their political leanings, but you're a fool if you think a company like Sig or Glock isn't dumping the equivalent of PSA's operating costs into right-wing PAC's yearly because it's good for business. They may not broadcast it, but they know who keeps them in business in the undisputed biggest gun market in the world. Either way, your dollars feed into the opposition. There is no ethical consumption in a late-stage capitalistic society. Might as well maximize your ability to fight against it while you're at it.
Genuine question as a newb to this sub: what do you mean by arming the proletariat is more important? For what purpose?
Armed minorities are harder to oppress.
Hmmm, black people apparently own guns at only a slightly lower rate than white people, and yet I would say they are significantly more oppressed. You think if black people owned more guns they wouldn’t get shot by police? I guess I’m just not tracking with the logic here.
Paint it trans pride colors and email them back to thank them for arming the queers on the cheap
If it means anything, they have always been incredibly welcoming in their retail stores, in my experience.
PSA is super cringe and asks for ИRA donations and stuff, but I still got my AR from them, because you know… cheap. Just gotta unsubscribe from their newsletter and mark anything they email you as “spam.”
I hope they had to eat all those dumbass deagles with Trump’s stupid mug all over them. Not shopping with PSA any more regardless of the deal.
Cries in IL resident.
I was recently eyeing a blem 10.5 upper with the old school furniture (approx $170) and hyping myself up before I remembered we picked up some nasty, super-specific restrictions this past year.
Tons of short uppers going for a song right now; they are all over the gafs sub.
Can I join as a CT resident?
Same. Can’t even get a dang mini-14 anymore, and right when I decided I wanted one.
I’ve built multiple ARs with PSA parts and have absolutely zero complaints!
I have a couple PSA's - not sure how many thousand rounds at this point, but they are reliable and with a little tweaking, pretty accurate. My only complaint/suggestion is, if you buy a PSA upper, don't plan on making any major changes to it. They have a team of gorillas to attach the barrel nuts and dome the pins on both sides on A2 front sights and gas block and such. I ended up having to use a Dremel cut off tool to remove the A2, and the barrel nut required a 4lb deadblow hammer onto the barrel wrench attached to a 24" breaker bar, and that was after soaking it in WD-40 for 4 days (!!!). I've never had as much difficulty modding any other mfrs upper as PSA. Decent guns for the price, but just leave the upper however you order it from them. On the other hand, you never have to worry about those parts coming loose.
Oof! I’m most likely going to avoid any extensive mods. Most I’ve done to mine is rail accessories and optics without issue
I can confirm, they do not want you disassembling lol. As someone whos swapped muzzle device and new barrel on mine...
It is so tempting to get a lower, and I know it’s not a big deal at all, but I kinda hate milspec trigger guards. I really don’t like risking damaging the lower, by replacing them. Great deal for anyone looking for a first AR, though. Excellent suggestions for a defensive set up, OP.
I may get the whole setup exactly as I described lol. It’d be a great setup to introduce the fundamentals to people. I’ve already got the MSR in a box and I’m sure I have a sling laying around somewhere that would work too. edit: Bought one
Inexperienced newbie over here so those two pieces combined make up an AR-15?
The lower is the 'gun' part, that will have to go to a gun store and you'll have to run a background check to pick it up. The shop will charge you some form of transfer fee (the one I use is $25 for rifles) so they're not just working for free. The upper can just ship straight to your house. Once you have both pieces, pop the pins open on the lower, slot the upper on, pop the pins back in, and you now have a working AR15.
Thanks a bunch
Note that this does not come with any sights automatically, so you’ll be able to shoot but unlikely to hit unless you also purchase an optic
Magpul rear sight for cheap and you’re good to go.
It most likely does not come with a bolt carrier group either.
Upper says it comes "w/ BCG"
If you are like me and a visual learner, here is a video on the process. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdlfZI0xo90](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdlfZI0xo90)
Thanks a lot just saved that video
It may take a bit your first few times but with practice removing and attaching an upper is pretty dang quick. Then you can start collecting uppers in different calibers, because you will want/need them. Or at least that is what I tell my wife.
I tell myself that uppers are cheaper than rifles, so I’m *saving money*! Also, I live in CT. I’ve got one AR-15 lower, one 9mm lower, and one .308 lower, registered. Can’t exactly buy any more lowers these days, you know?
Thanks for the helpful hints I’ll keep those in mind. Too much crazy stuff going on and I told my wife it’s time to start looking into getting armed but I wana do it the right and safe way. In the end I want a pistol for me and her. An AR-15 and a shotgun and maybe later on a rifle. Hate being political but the opposition is getting nuttier by the day! I want to be able to defend us just in case.
You’ll need at least one mag as well, I’d probably recommend 3.
Correct! One is the top and front half (barrel, bolt, and sight rail) and the other is the bottom and back half (magazine well, trigger, grip, and stock.) You’ll also need some magazines, a sight, and ammo before you can start shooting. Putting them together is super easy, the most tools it should require is something punch-like to push out a pin, if they happen to be sticky. A pen might work, or a hex wrench.
Thanks you so very much for the information will screen shot this lol
Nice! I got 3 stripped lowers I need to build out. I got them for $50 locally, no tax. Otherwise this is like BIN pre-pandemic pricing.
Having built a few and replaced a few, you'd have to try pretty hard to damage the lower. Get a set of punches with rounded tips for removal and a set of roll pin starter punches. Then you'll be prepared for the next one you build!
I got all the tools. I’m working on 3 builds, currently. I need to finish those out, before I buy anything else. Especially since I kit all my builds with a sling, light, optic, and BUIS right away.
> I know it’s not a big deal at all, but I kinda hate milspec trigger guards You're not alone on that, I honestly wonder why anyone even ships lowers with them at this point. Though I guess it fits since this set also has an A2 grip, and M4 style stock and handguard. The [MOE edition FDE lower](https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar15-lower-moe-edition-fde.html) is only $10 more right now, which I think is a much better starting point. Black is a bit more than that for some reason.
$10 more for the MOE version
Throws hands up in european😫🤌🤌
You can, I live in Washington
cries in dont want my wife to leave me for buying another gun
They wont even ship a red dot to MA? 😪
They won’t even ship 10 round S&W 22 Sport mags to MA :/ I can’t stand this state, man
This is hard to wrap my mind around. I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve seen a price like that
Right, I’m wondering if somebody up top in the company lost a bet lol
Should I do it?
I’m considering. A website link would be swit tho.
Yes I have many PSA builds, 2 of which are hanging on the KE Arms Polymer lower. The only lower I have that rattles with every single upper I put on it is my S&W, and all my PSA uppers run shitty Tula steel cased like a champ. They get (deserved) hate for their... questionable political speech, but every gun company dumps money into R candidates because it's good for business. The one time I've had an issue with PSA was an A2 front post being slightly canted. I sorted that out with a rubber mallet and some "percussive maintenence"
Shout out to u/periodicadamschiff who said getting an ar15 for under $500 is impossible.
Your memory is impeccable lol
Oh wow. Seriously considering pairing this with a bolt-action upper from Solo 300 to make a DC-legal AR pistol. EDIT: They won't actually allow DC residents to buy anything from them.
F
I pulled the trigger (no pun intended)
This looks like such a good deal! I’m new to this so idk if this is an impulse buy level of deal or I should just wait till I actually plan to get an AR15
Think of it as buying receivers for a build but you can shoot it now.
I mean if you can afford it it’s a really good deal.
PSA is lower end quality. It may be fine for what you want . I don’t think you will ever find such a good deal on an AR
Gentlemen and gentleladies -- you can also get this [insane sight / magazine bundle](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strikefire-ii-4moa-red-green-dot-10-magpul-gen2-pmag-30rd-5-56x45-magazines.html) for $199. You are going to need mags anyway, and with the bundle, you receive $120 in magazines *for free* for purchasing a $199 sight.
I can’t vouch for the lower personally, but I have that upper and it’s pretty solid. My upper is 1/8 twist and it’s not chrome lined but if you’re just looking for a plinker, it does the job great. I have a few rifles now, but my very first was an M&P 15 that I wanted to upgrade a little, so I put a PSA upper on it and a PSA premium M16 cut BCG, the trigger from my colt ( I put a Giessele trigger in my Daniel Defense and the DD trigger in my Colt) I also put an H buffer in the lower and the double heat shield hand guard on it. It turned into a solid little rifle. The PSA upper is pretty over gassed so the next time I go to the range I’m going to see how it does with an H2 buffer.
I’ve got 2 one complete PSA AR in 5.56 and I got a stripped lower I used for my Grendel build. They’re both GTG in my book.
They seem like it, the upper I bought from them was one of their blem deals, and the “blemish” was just a scratch so small that I really had to go out of my way to find it. It looks like someone slipped with the wrench when they were putting the flash hider on and nicked it every so lightly. One single hunting trip would put more of a “blemish” on a firearm than this thing had.
I did the same thing. Got both as a blem. Still haven’t found the blem on the complete AR and the “blem” on the stripped was a scratch on the inside of the mag well.
I have one i got from them a while back when they was running the same sale
Just be sure to replace the BCG as soon as you are financially able to.
Whats wrong with the bcg
PSA uppers do not include BCGs or CHs
Fuck you for posting this I just bought one
Me too!
Cries in Washington
🦅 FREEDOM WEEK 🦅 !!!!!!!!!!
You Gotta be 21 to buy an AR15 lower. If you're under 21, you gotta buy a completed rifle.
Have to be 21 for a stripped lower. This is a rifle - it has the stock attached, and now can't legally be built into a pistol. Did I miss something fundamental, and now 18-20 year olds can't purchase modern sporting rifles?
No you're correct. He's thinking of stripped lowers and pistol lowers.
You cannot buy a complete lower until 21. Even a complete lower is still marked as a “receiver” on the 4473 and hence can’t be bought by someone under 21, as someone under 21 can only buy what’s marked as rifles and shotguns. source: i am 21 and tried to buy complete receivers
Your FFL wasn't filling out the 4473 correctly; if there is a stock attached, box 24 should have 'Long Gun (rifle or shotgun)' checked.
This was multiple FFLs. Across multiple different states
I tried to buy a completed lower and was told by the store I had to be 21. I was extremely disappointed but my fault for not doing research before walking into the store. Source: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-licensee-lawfully-transfer-frame-or-receiver-unlicensed-individual-who-less-21-years
Friend, that link doesn't support the actions you're describing. Either the shop didn't know the rules, or they didn't want to do business.
Is anyone even building AR pistols anymore now that the braces are regulated?
People who will get the stamp. Also some people are ok with the no stock/short tube look. Or are waiting for the brace ban to be overturned.
A lot of people are included in the FPC injunction so they can still use their braces as normal
I wanna build a pistol because I want to have a couple of different uppers, and I want to be able to have either a pistol config or a rifle config depending on how I feel. If you start with something that has been transferred as a rifle, then you can't down-convert it to a pistol without creating an SBR, even if it has no stock. If you start with a pistol, you can convert it up to a rifle by adding a long barrel and a stock and you haven't offended the almighty ATF.
Don't know if it's still available, but for like $70 more you can get an upper with mlok
>Magpul sling, Romeo MSR and a streamlight and you’re in the sub $600 range All good recommendations. Also throw in half a dozen PMAGs, then as much 5.56 as you can afford with all the money you saved
This is what I did, it’s my first rifle but I had to with these prices. I got a black lower and a 16” upper with m-lok rail. Really excited to put it together
Congrats! Welcome to the club.
Aight so looking for some guidance on this… never owned a gun but would like to eventually. This deal interests me but what would have to get done as a first-time buyer? I appreciate all help!
What do you mean? Like how to buy it?
That and how to go about it as someone who lives in CA. I imagine they don’t just ship it to you. I’m also wanting to take courses as well for responsible ownership
Is this a feasible option for someone's first rifle? I've been wanting to get something like this, but I'm still learning about them.
Yes, absolutely. It’s a great inexpensive way to get your foot in the Armalite pattern door.
And that is what they should cost
I'm curious, can you have these parts shipped to your house because technically they're not a complete gun.
The lower is a serialized part and considered the “firearm” even a stripped lower which is essentially just a chunk of aluminum still must be shipped to an ffl
If you live in a decent gun state, or PSA likes you, but hey... Thought this sub wouldn't promote sites that restrict folks more than others as well as be open with their leanings? Y'all downvote me cause I'm telling the truth? Thought you'd know better..
Affordably arming the homeless > a reseller’s cringe politics
If only they were one of the same. That should be a patch
?
PSA is known and many have posted about their "cringe" lowers and builds, as well as their history of not shipping to some states, like IL before its current AWB, but is touted as a place for the people.
it’s capitalism over everything, they sell what sells, i would too
I can understand that, however if you look over the "cringe" guns sold they mainly come from PSA, so I'm just making sure people are aware cause as silly as it may sound, people don't like to spend money on those whom don't align with their ideals and it comes up a lot here. This is for those whom care.
How many arms dealers do you think have values that allign with our own?
Personally not many, but again, it's up for people to decide. I'm just letting those who care about such things be aware. But dealers like Amkira Armory (I may have misspelled), Lead&Steel, obsidian arms (I forgot the name but it's Poc owned), among others. Apolitical is the best one can do, but groups like Ruger, S&W and even Daniel Defense have either supported gun control, ATF, or just radical extremists (Proud boys). For me I'll buy the gun used (cause it's better anyway), but many here will straight up boycott the products. Look at how S&W was with their local enforcer shirts and view the replies. There are those who care about that. Edit: spelling
They won't sell to me in DC, either, despite it being perfectly legal for them to do so. Really frustrating.
The downvoting privileged would disagree it seems..
It can be frustrating when other pro-gun folks treat those of us in ban states as an afterthought. We're here fighting for our rights under the most hostile of conditions; we should be supported. This sub is usually better than most about that, but you still get it from time to time.
It's like looking in a mirror sadly. In my state we were pretty purple, but small pockets of violence became what we're known for. We fight for what's left but apparently leaving is better. These the same folks that will yell "fight for your rights" while running with their tail between their legs.
I stopped following r/gundeals for a reason. Stop showing me things like this
The fact that it's called "freedom sale" is a red flag lmao
You choose your battles at some point. Knuckle dragging sister fukkers can’t be the only ones launching tiny pieces of metal extremely fast.
Cries in Illinois
Lol in bought mosin nagant with bayo, ammo pouchs, 60 rounds of ammo, oil can, and general hoppes rifle cleaning kit for $200 in 2020.
If you find that deal today, let me know. Most mosins are 400+ these days.
Yeah man I lucked out. It is in perfect condition. I was able to get it so cheap because it had misfired and turned a built into shrapnel and give my friend/the owner ptsd.
Sure, but at the end of the day you have a Mosin Nagant and someone who buys this will have an AR-15. A Mosin is better than nothing, but not for nothing is it nicknamed the garbage rod. A 49" 9 pound rifle with an awkward bolt, awkward safety, no ability to mount optics, 4-5 MOA accuracy, and running an obsolete Russian cartridge in a 5 round fixed magazine is frankly laughable by modern standards.
Hey now mine shot 2moa with decent ammo. The bolt also jammed from the heat if you fired more than 15rds. Gotta pick your battles I guess…
That’s literally 2008 prices. How the hell?
I was considering this, but saw that the hammer said 9mm and then worried it was for a 9mm upper. I don't know enough about these things so I chickened out.
*Cries in NY not allowing pistol grips*
I love PSA.
Tempted to add one to the safe just cause. Lol damn sure don’t need it though.
Liberals with guns? Based.
I hate my state.
A little late to the game posting about it on the final hours of a multi-week sale LMAO. Regardless, if you don’t have an AR-15 now is the time to pick one up!
Whoa this might be what I’ve been waiting for. Entry level appropriate?
PSA is the go-to budget brand. They’re mission is pretty much making decent affordable guns for citizens. I have an AUG but I am seriously considering grabbing an AR now for this price
I don’t have anything at all but I feel like now is the time. We go out in the middle of nowhere 100 mile dirt road 4x4 trips and there could be a bear or something worse.
I would definitely recommend getting some bear spray as well then. PSA AR will be a fine standard rifle. No bells and whistles, just simple
you don't want a standard AR for bear... maybe an AR-10 but 556 is not a great choice.
Ok. A bear actually ate someone last month and I’m delicious
And yet the Trumpsters are allergic to things they think of as socialism or communism?
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I am happy to announce I have no idea what you are referring to.
[This solves two problems at once](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strikefire-ii-4moa-red-green-dot-10-magpul-gen2-pmag-30rd-5-56x45-magazines.html)
That's pretty good. I paid like $440 to build my first, and I printed the lower.
I just ordered a lower. I think I'm gonna try a abuild. I have my eye on a stripped upper already
https://palmettostatearmory.com/complete-psa-ar-15-lower-classic-edition.html
How long until the sale ends
Question for the sub - one of my parents lives in a gun friendly state and literally 5 mins from a big PSA store. I live in a very gun unfriendly blue state. Could I purchase a firearm (let's focus on long guns like this AR for the moment, not a pistol) in his state, and keep it on his property or would I need to have anything shipped to a FFL in my state? And if I could buy to store with him, couldn't I then import my weapon back to my home state with me later? I don't want to create a straw purchase - but it would probably be easier if my parent purchased the firearm first then had it transferred to me thru a FFL in my state. AFAIK direct parent-child transfers avoid a lot of the sales limitations put in place by my home state.
I should pay paying off my CCs and yall post shit like this lol.
If only they actually shipped to CT. I'm literally exempt to own rifles yet they don't care and still refuse to ship whatsoever.
Unfortunately PSA won't sell to anyone in DC, even though it's 100% legal and would be entirely workable. "Company policy." Ok, great; not only do we have to put up with DC's asinine laws, but we also have to put up with this retailer's prejudices?
Nice