1st Day PSA AR-10 (PA-10) at the range

[NC-rifle]

I took my new Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PA-10, 0.308 caliber rifle to the range for the first time. It has a 20" long stainless steel barrel, 1 in 10 twist, and a 15" free floating M-Lok hand guard/rail extension.
The scope is a Vortex Optics, Diamondback Tactical, 3-9x 40mm, that needed to be sighted-in.
I fired a box (20 rounds) of PPU .308, 165gr pointed soft point ammo.

The rifle has a 3-click adjustable gas block (as supplied by PSA, Gen 3), a short (2.5" long) buffer, 3.8oz on my scale, and a AR-10 specific spring for the carbine (adjustable/collapsible) stock. I initially set the gas block on the 1st setting (less gas) and the cartridges were ejecting nicely about 2:30 to 2 O'Clock. Every round cycled perfect and the BCG locked back each time when the magazine was empty. I put 5 rounds in the magazine each time, then checked the target and adjusted the scope.

A very successful and enjoyable morning at the range. This was in Sophia, NC at the Triple Target Range.

 

[NC-rifle]

Here is a pic of the PSA PA-10 (AR-10 308) Gen 3

 

[surgicaltool]

Nice rifle! Is that the EPT or the two stage trigger?

I have basically the same build from PSA. Mine had the older AGB with continuous adjustment, wish I had the three clicks. I swapped the buffer out for a heavy buffer from Midway USA and added a brake - that really smoothed out the recoil impulse and is 100% reliable so far. The barrel has gotten progressively more accurate and after about 200 rds I’ve had some really good groups with even cheap ammo. Maybe you’ve inspired me to shoot mine this weekend…

 

[NC-rifle]

Nice rifle! Is that the EPT or the two stage trigger?

It is the EPT (Enhanced polished Trigger) Nickel-Teflon coated trigger & hammer that came from PSA.
The only change I have made to the rifle (besides adding the scope) is to replace the FCG springs with the JP Enterprise Enhanced Reliability Springs. This changed the trigger pull from about 7.2 lbs to about 4.5 lbs, using only oil. Maybe I can get it to 4.0 lbs with some good sear grease? The trigger pull is smooth, and I am happy with a pull just over 4 lbs. 🙂

 

[Ikarus1]

I have a Gen 2 with 18" SS barrel, a rifle length buffer, Superlative AGB, and a Rise Armament RA434 3.5lb trigger. Its a heavy, accurate, reliable rig

 

[surgicaltool]

The EPT is really nice! Very smooth pull, best trigger for the money. Their two stage is nice too, that’s what mine came with.

 

[NC-rifle]

...
I have basically the same build from PSA. Mine had the older AGB with continuous adjustment, wish I had the three clicks. I swapped the buffer out for a heavy buffer from Midway USA and added a brake - that really smoothed out the recoil impulse and is 100% reliable so far. The barrel has gotten progressively more accurate and after about 200 rds I’ve had some really good groups with even cheap ammo. Maybe you’ve inspired me to shoot mine this weekend…

What was the weight of the buffer you used? Was it a stainless steel body around 5 oz? AR-STONER Heavy Buffer LR-308 Carbine Stainless Steel
When you say cheap ammo; are you saying the 7.62x51 M80 (FMJ) military 147gr? Or bargain 0.308 like PMC, Armscore, etc. 147-150gr

 

[surgicaltool]

What was the weight of the buffer you used? Was it a stainless steel body around 5 oz? AR-STONER Heavy Buffer LR-308 Carbine Stainless Steel
When you say cheap ammo; are you saying the 7.62x51 M80 (FMJ) military 147gr? Or bargain 0.308 like PMC, Armscore, etc. 147-150gr

Yeah it was that exact same buffer from Midway. I’m talking 147 PPU and even wolf believe it or not had two consecutive <1.5 MOA groups. I need to try a couple match loads, I’m hoping to see sub MOA with a proper match bullet.

 

[surgicaltool]

Wish I had saved a picture of the 50 and 100 yd groups. This will have to do for now!

 

[NC-rifle]

Thanks for the info.

 

[DrScaryGuy]

i wouldn't have thought a new disconnector spring would be necessary. interesting. what's the difference?

 

[NC-rifle]

I don't know. Maybe they are just supplying all the Fire Control Group (FCG) springs for guys building lowers from scratch.