Does it make more sense to buy a complete 10.5 AR upper or do a barrel change- MP 2?

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noodlenottacop

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I ended up buying a new M&P Sport 2 and it'll be the first AR I'm customizing.

I bought it with the intention of going to a 10.5" barrel setup but now I'm wondering if it's more cost effective and simpler to save up and buy a complete 10.5" upper.

From what I understand, I'd have to go to a gunsmith to change the barrel out, as it's beyond my current capabilities. I don't have the tools needed to do this safely, nor the confidence right now. I haven't bought the barrel yet or anything, but I'd have to buy one, buy front sights, a rail or handguard and possibly a gas block and then pay a gunsmith. I don't really know any gunsmiths so from what I've been reading, I'm assuming this will cost me a couple hundred in labour costs alone (plus parts),

So with that being said, does it make more sense for me to buy a complete upper like a PSA 10.5 and slap it on? Something like this? https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...tweight-m-lok-freedom-upper-with-bcg-ch1.html

I'm totally open to suggestions for other complete uppers as well (I can buy in Canada)! I'm not looking for anything super fancy, nor do I have a huge budget (obviously haha).

Eventually, I'd like to build another AR with a longer barrel (18 or 20") and keep the 10.5 the way it is.

Forgive me if my pricing is all wrong or if I'm working off of incorrect information. Any advice or suggestions for parts or advice are more than welcome :)

Thanks!
 
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It is probably easier and also not much more expensive to buy a 10.5 barrelled upper. You can use the same BGC, not a problem.
 
Go forth and buy a 10.5 AR. . . At least buy the complete upper or have one built. Adding an upper receiver and a few parts will not cost much and you will then have 2 complete uppers or ARs.
 
Buy a new dedicated 10.5” upper. You can reuse your charging handle and BCG. this will save you some money and you’ll have a dedicated cqb upper.

If you’re not equipped and lack the skills to do the change yourself, it will end up costing you more to buy the parts and take it to a gunsmith to do the swap then it will be to buy a new upper

Plus, there are tons of uppers for sale on the EE. I’m sure you can pick one up for under 500$
 
Enfield said:
Go forth and buy a 10.5 AR. . . At least buy the complete upper or have one built. Adding an upper receiver and a few parts will not cost much and you will then have 2 complete uppers or ARs.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking in hindsight I should have just bought a 10.5 AR and spent a bit more upfront but I kind of wanted a new one and like... right now! hahah
 
noodlenottacop said:
Eventually, I'd like to build another AR with a longer barrel (18 or 20") and keep the 10.5 the way it is.

Forgive me if my pricing is all wrong or if I'm working off of incorrect information. Any advice or suggestions for parts or advice are more than welcome :)

Thanks!
Click to expand...

That's what I did: got a complete PSA 10.5, and slowly building another upper.

Aero Precision M4E1 Enhanced upper (IRG)
Aero Precision Quad handguard 12" (Saskatoon GW)
Colt 16" barrel - to give it a try, may or may not change to 18" rifle

Realistically, the shorty will do fine for pretty much everything. Yes, a longer barrel = +250 fps, extra range, bullet fragmentation, etc. ...but it makes no difference on cardboard. We are not hunting or shooting bad guys - for those of us who do, the gear is provided on taxpayer's dime.
 
Grab a separate upper. I scooped a 10.5 MLok PSA on the EE for $300 a little while back. Like others have said, you can use the CH and BCG from your current AR and that will save you some coin. This is the wonderful thing about AR's, they are like lego. Be sure to post pics and a range report!
 
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