Got a replacement 16" 5.56mm 1:7 SS barrel from Palmetto State after too much wrangling.

Looks far better internally than the shotgun barrel that started this all.

Anyway, now the decision to build it up or not.  The old parts went mostly into a newer build with a Ballistic Advantage barrel, new Aero upper receiver, and Midwest freefloat tube.

Still have the PSA receiver, mil-spec handguard, etc.   New barrel is not pinned, so if I was to use the thing, need to decide to just use the original parts and look, or go for max accuracy. 

Am tending toward re-use of the mil-spec handguard and a JP adjustable "F" type front sight/gas block.   Another FF handguard is another $100+ of course.

That would have the thing looking like the usual M4 profile stuff everywhere.

Anyone wants the original 16"  SS barrel to play with can have it for the postage.  PSA did not want it back.

I'm glad PSA took care of you.  I guess they didn't really need the full upper sent back after all?

If you want to repurpose that garbage barrel, you might be able to use it as a billy club for self defense!     It could be a formidable weapon.   

I assume since it's 16", "pinned" refers to the gas block pin holes not being drilled?

They make blocks that don't require pinning, mostly for replacing the existing one without having to slide the new one over the muzzle (2-piece design), used by many who cut the A2 FSB off and/or have a pinned & welded muzzle device.  They also have single piece blocks that use screws to clamp it on without a pin.  Plenty of YT videos on drilling the pin hole in the barrel without messing it up, too.

I free-floated all my builds, mainly because I like the front sight options.  Normally the barrel has the A2 FSB installed, and I'm just not a big fan of that sight.  Rather have a matched set of Magpul or other brand sights both front and rear.

They say free-floating significantly increases accuracy.  I can't confirm that, but the explanation as to why convinced me it's a reasonable thing to factor into the decision.Free-floating also reduces heat.  The standard handguard with the heat shield material doesn't let the barrel breathe -- it just protects your hand from the heat build-up.  Free-floating offers more ventilation without trapping all that heat.

Plus, with the number of handguards on the market, it's easy to find something that's functional and looks good to you.

Just my 2 cents.  I'm partial to the rounded handguards, like the Troy V-TAC Alpha.

The PSA customer service guy hangs out on ARFCOM got involved and shipped me the new barrel.  No front sight pinned on, just a dimple for a screw type gas block.

I have a couple clamp on gas blocks, one of which is the JP A2 look alike with gas adjustment.   That would "look" like it belonged to the mil-spec handguards or the Magpul replacements I have.   Not going to bother with a scope, do not expect that sort of accuracy. so maybe just set it up for iron sights.?

The FF handguards are still expensive for what it a secondary build.   Might just wait for something to show up on sale.

Shoot it first. Unless you sling up tight or hold real hard on the handguard will you see some deflection.

Shoot it first.

Good call, maybe go to the expense of FF if the thing shows unusual accuracy. 

Otherwise leave it utilitarian............

Decision to build up the replacement barrel?

What do you intend/envision for that rifle?  If just a plinker, I say go budget to keep your bosslady happy.   

All of my ARs are freefloat.  Freefloat handguards aren't that expensive, but some require specific tools.  My DD Omega requires only basic tools and it's been solid.  They are hard to find and pricey though.

I have shot with non-free float ARs and can got quite good results/grouping at 50 and 100 yards.  Just have to watch pressures on the handguard, or sling if attached to the swivel.  I was shooting on rests, some pressures on the handguard did slightly affect groups, but not that bad.  Definitely still say 4 moa at 100 yards, and with "banger" ammo. 

What do you intend/envision for that rifle?  If just a plinker, I say go budget to keep your bosslady happy.

My inclination is an accurate shooter.  I was trained as a 17 year old for precision shooting and I have never (well, once with a Thompson SMG) been a plinker. 

Always tightly aimed fire.  Will wait for Midway to send me the usual birthday discount in a few months, or watch for a good deal on FF tubesl.

Meantime, just built it up with the stock fixings and a Magpul MOE handguard.   That will allow accuracy testing of the replacement barrel and help decide if it is worth the cost of a FF.

Be a fun day at the Manuka garbage dump with the new Ballistic Advantage barrel and the PSA testing accuracy.   

Have to swap the lower between them, perks of the AR platform.

I only free floated because my wife did. I can't have my wifes rifle look/be better than mine by too much. Since we cannot shoot past 100, free floating is really not needed if accuracy is your focus.  My AR is for HD and skill builders which are at most 40 yards. Free or not, it works fine. Indian, not the arrow.  But another reason to free is because you can put more stuff on it. I had the Magpul handguard which is much shorter. So when I throw a light on it, it's not toward the front for the barrel. Not a huge deal though.

My AR grouping expectation isn't a tack driver at 50 yards.  But inside a tangerine is acceptable. Esp with a zero power red dot. The dot covered the X that I was going for anyways. A LPVO would be a diff story cause the cross wouldn't be covering the entire X.

So with this grouping at 50, I often out shoot others when taking a skill builder that's on average 10 yards.  IDK if others are set up like tac drivers or not.  Even at 40 yards, with a zero power, I can put all rounds inside an index card (more like small tangerine, but bigger than golf ball with moderate rate of fire from prone in dirt wearing a plate carrier). Which I've done in a SB, and others with an optic from a LPVO to a ACOG, had trouble.  So it's the Indian, not the arrow,  and what's your expectation (what's guud enuff).


*Edit

I just read the above you posted. So disregard everything I said.

The Midway bday sales are awesome!  I bought a bunch of things on my last bday, most of the things I needed anyways.  Some just because of great pricing. 

I know you're not a tremendous PSA fan right now, but they have pretty good sales here and there.  Primary Arms is another that typically has great sales. 

I only free floated because my wife did. I can't have my wifes rifle look/be better than mine by too much. Since we cannot shoot past 100, free floating is really not needed if accuracy is your focus.  My AR is for HD and skill builders which are at most 40 yards. Free or not, it works fine. Indian, not the arrow.  But another reason to free is because you can put more stuff on it. I had the Magpul handguard which is much shorter. So when I throw a light on it, it's not toward the front for the barrel. Not a huge deal though.

My AR grouping expectation isn't a tack driver at 50 yards.  But inside a tangerine is acceptable. Esp with a zero power red dot. The dot covered the X that I was going for anyways. A LPVO would be a diff story cause the cross wouldn't be covering the entire X.

So with this grouping at 50, I often out shoot others when taking a skill builder that's on average 10 yards.  IDK if others are set up like tac drivers or not.  Even at 40 yards, with a zero power, I can put all rounds inside an index card (more like small tangerine, but bigger than golf ball with moderate rate of fire from prone in dirt wearing a plate carrier). Which I've done in a SB, and others with an optic from a LPVO to a ACOG, had trouble.  So it's the Indian, not the arrow,  and what's your expectation (what's guud enuff).


*Edit

I just read the above you posted. So disregard everything I said.

Well aren't you just a bad a$$ 

Well aren't you just a bad a$$ 

And a lame duck with pistol. The bad day is still in the back of my mind. Prob go bullseye side when the Shield is picked up.

I know you're not a tremendous PSA fan right now, but they have pretty good sales here and there. 

That is how I came to own the barrel, came with a sale upper for $189.  Just needed a complete bolt and charging handle.
Should have gotten it out shooting a lot earlier, but this was during the infamous ammo shortage.

Now, I have two new PSA 16" SS barrels.  Dunno why they sent a second one, but it is here.