PSA Carrying Handle ar15

mrcharlie3531 · February 29, 2020, 12:34 PM

Thinking about purchasing one from them. Are they good quality? I have seen quality and price all over the place, when it comes to carrying handles. The reviews look good. Thanks

Charlie

mxsailor803 · February 29, 2020, 03:50 PM

Never had a problem with PSA other than slow shipping. I also haven’t ordered from them in a year or so.

rickyrick · February 29, 2020, 04:25 PM

I’ve had financial issues and slow shipping. The slow shipping is a know issue, and not a problem if expected beforehand.
The parts quality has been good in my experience.
I did order a Milspec A2 stock, but it merely had the plastic door and hardware.
I’ve never gotten a carry handle from them, may or may not be milspec, as a true milspec’ish carry handle sight is hard to find and expensive for what it is. Should be good to go from PSA when you get the rifle though.

Kreyzhorse · February 29, 2020, 08:34 PM

I bought one and still own it. Excellent quality, no issues with it and I've never had any issues with PSA as a whole.

GarandTd · March 1, 2020, 07:25 AM

I have no experience with their carry handle specifically, but have been more than satisfied with the 2 rifle kits that I ordered and assembled. Shipping isn't fast, but in my case, it fell within the range stated in PSA's Q&A section. Really, it's the order processing that takes a little while, once it actually ships, time is reasonable. They do charge you as soon as the order is confirmed.

**Aguila Blanca** · March 1, 2020, 11:21 AM

Having carried a "real" M16 with integral carry handle for awhile in southeast Asia, my take is that I haven't yet encountered a bolt-on carry handle that has an opening large enough for adult male fingers to fit through so the carry handle can actually be used as a carry handle. (And I don't have especially big hands.) If you're looking to actually use the carry handle as a carry handle, IMHO you'd be better off buying an upper with a carry handle. If you just want the carry handle as a base for some optic or other, then pretty much any carry handle should do the job.

mrcharlie3531 · March 1, 2020, 11:40 AM

Having carried a "real" M16 with integral carry handle for awhile in southeast Asia, my take is that I haven't yet encountered a bolt-on carry handle that has an opening large enough for adult male fingers to fit through so the carry handle can actually be used as a carry handle. (And I don't have especially big hands.) If you're looking to actually use the carry handle as a carry handle, IMHO you'd be better off buying an upper with a carry handle. If you just want the carry handle as a base for some optic or other, then pretty much any carry handle should do the job.I am intending to use for a sight. As a former Marine, We were instructed never to carry the rifle by the carrying handle. I was confused as young man in boot camp. Why call it the carrying handle then??

riffraff · March 1, 2020, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguila Blanca

Having carried a "real" M16 with integral carry handle for awhile in southeast Asia, my take is that I haven't yet encountered a bolt-on carry handle that has an opening large enough for adult male fingers to fit through so the carry handle can actually be used as a carry handle. (And I don't have especially big hands.) If you're looking to actually use the carry handle as a carry handle, IMHO you'd be better off buying an upper with a carry handle. If you just want the carry handle as a base for some optic or other, then pretty much any carry handle should do the job.

I strongly agree with the above. You can probably put your fingers in there but it is tight to the point where it's uncomfortable, is almost trying to break you fingers.

Carry handle upper and fsb is a nice iron sight combo. Flat top upper and forward fsb is commonly found but isn't a great combination (the better simple thing is a flat top gas block with a rail on it, then you can have iron sights, an optic, or back up iron sights with an optic even).

Also carry handle mounted optics are not on there particularly well, is not really an ideal base and is much higher than it needs to be.

If I wanted an optic on that sort of rifle, without going into a free float guard and all that, I'd go to a different gas block that had a little rail on it instead of the sight, barely more $$ even installed by a gunsmith really compared to a quality rail mount carry handle.

Carry handle uppers are available too, but admittedly the upper alone is about $200, very few complete uppers are found in that configuration - at least in a carbine, mostly they come with 20 inch barrels. I ended up assembling my own to make a carbine version.

SFW · March 21, 2020, 09:42 AM

I have a PSA carry handle on an A2 (A4) build the I did. Their carry handle is nice and solid.

Kreyzhorse · March 21, 2020, 05:04 PM

The bolt on PSA carry handle is large enough to use as an actual carry handle. I have large hands and thick fingers.

That said, the height of the handle essentially confines carry to using my fingers to up to the middle knuckle. Beyond that, my fingers are going through it.

As AB pointed out above, a real M16 most certainly had a carry handle with a wider opening. But, if you aren't going to carry that way for an extended length of time, you are good to go with the PSA.

jmstr · March 22, 2020, 08:07 PM

Quality- PSA is my go-to for AR-15 parts. I consider them the best blend of cost and quality for my interests. Sure, there are higher quality, but not significantly higher in the same price threshold.

Shipping- read their website and expect them to be 2-3 weeks. Sometimes it is faster.

Service- I have had nothing but stellar experiences with them for the 3 ARs I've built on PSA lowers/uppers.

I don't get rifles out to the range often.

I bought a 20" PSA upper but didn't shoot it for 3 or more years. The order no longer showed up in my online order history.

They tracked it down in their databases, had me ship it in for service, and just swapped it out for me, as it was faster for them to replace than fix.

I like their service!

jonnyc · March 22, 2020, 09:52 PM

We had M16A1s in the IDF in the 1980s and they all had carry handles. I kinda liked them for carrying.....not for shooting. I recently built an IDF "Shorty" clone and of course used an upper with the integral handle. Gotta say I still like it for carrying.....and now shooting also!
Ain't no comparison between a 1970s AR and a 2000s AR; totally different animals.

Metal god · March 23, 2020, 08:22 PM

I have one and it seems fine . I don't use it much because it's on my CMP NM rifle that I never shoot anymore . I replaced the aperture to a really small one but it seems gtg . It's never taken any hard hits so I can't say how strong it is .

Hdonly · March 23, 2020, 09:51 PM

Bought mine off of Ebay. Don't remember who made it, but it is plenty stout. On my 7.62x39 BCA upper.

smee78 · April 1, 2020, 12:20 PM

I used one on a build for a friend. No complaints about its size or performance or loosening during use. It has been shot for a few thousand rounds and is still fine.

44caliberkid · April 1, 2020, 12:35 PM

Are we talking carry handle upper or detachable carry handle on a flat top upper? I tried a detachable carry handle on a flat top and the sights weren't centered. Had to adjust windage so far one direction the sight picture looked ridiculous. So it's in my junk box.

I wanted something like I carried in the Army, so I bought a lower and one of the 1970's Colt M16 parts kits (still available but the prices are higher). It came out great.

doofus47 · April 1, 2020, 11:24 PM

I have a real 1970s A1 upper with barrel...
Looks beat to hell, but.. it's made of old parts.
There's pros and cons.
Pros: It was probably best of breed for 40 years ago. If SHTF, it might be BoB after batteries disappear.
Cons for mine: it works as designed: anything bigger than 55gr flies weird.

February 29, 2020, 12:34 PM	#1
mrcharlie3531 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2013 Posts: 112	PSA Carrying Handle ar15 Thinking about purchasing one from them. Are they good quality? I have seen quality and price all over the place, when it comes to carrying handles. The reviews look good. Thanks Charlie

February 29, 2020, 08:34 PM	#4
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,464	I bought one and still own it. Excellent quality, no issues with it and I've never had any issues with PSA as a whole. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 1, 2020, 07:25 AM	#5
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I have no experience with their carry handle specifically, but have been more than satisfied with the 2 rifle kits that I ordered and assembled. Shipping isn't fast, but in my case, it fell within the range stated in PSA's Q&A section. Really, it's the order processing that takes a little while, once it actually ships, time is reasonable. They do charge you as soon as the order is confirmed. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

March 1, 2020, 11:21 AM	#6
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	Having carried a "real" M16 with integral carry handle for awhile in southeast Asia, my take is that I haven't yet encountered a bolt-on carry handle that has an opening large enough for adult male fingers to fit through so the carry handle can actually be used as a carry handle. (And I don't have especially big hands.) If you're looking to actually use the carry handle as a carry handle, IMHO you'd be better off buying an upper with a carry handle. If you just want the carry handle as a base for some optic or other, then pretty much any carry handle should do the job. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

March 21, 2020, 05:04 PM	#10
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,464	The bolt on PSA carry handle is large enough to use as an actual carry handle. I have large hands and thick fingers. That said, the height of the handle essentially confines carry to using my fingers to up to the middle knuckle. Beyond that, my fingers are going through it. As AB pointed out above, a real M16 most certainly had a carry handle with a wider opening. But, if you aren't going to carry that way for an extended length of time, you are good to go with the PSA. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 29, 2020, 03:50 PM	#2
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	Never had a problem with PSA other than slow shipping. I also haven’t ordered from them in a year or so.

February 29, 2020, 04:25 PM	#3
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,387	I’ve had financial issues and slow shipping. The slow shipping is a know issue, and not a problem if expected beforehand. The parts quality has been good in my experience. I did order a Milspec A2 stock, but it merely had the plastic door and hardware. I’ve never gotten a carry handle from them, may or may not be milspec, as a true milspec’ish carry handle sight is hard to find and expensive for what it is. Should be good to go from PSA when you get the rifle though.

March 1, 2020, 11:40 AM	#7
mrcharlie3531 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2013 Posts: 112	Having carried a "real" M16 with integral carry handle for awhile in southeast Asia, my take is that I haven't yet encountered a bolt-on carry handle that has an opening large enough for adult male fingers to fit through so the carry handle can actually be used as a carry handle. (And I don't have especially big hands.) If you're looking to actually use the carry handle as a carry handle, IMHO you'd be better off buying an upper with a carry handle. If you just want the carry handle as a base for some optic or other, then pretty much any carry handle should do the job.I am intending to use for a sight. As a former Marine, We were instructed never to carry the rifle by the carrying handle. I was confused as young man in boot camp. Why call it the carrying handle then??

March 21, 2020, 09:42 AM	#9
SFW Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2010 Location: The Republic of Texas Posts: 124	I have a PSA carry handle on an A2 (A4) build the I did. Their carry handle is nice and solid.

March 22, 2020, 08:07 PM	#11
jmstr Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2001 Location: San Joaquin Valley, CA Posts: 1,304	Quality- PSA is my go-to for AR-15 parts. I consider them the best blend of cost and quality for my interests. Sure, there are higher quality, but not significantly higher in the same price threshold. Shipping- read their website and expect them to be 2-3 weeks. Sometimes it is faster. Service- I have had nothing but stellar experiences with them for the 3 ARs I've built on PSA lowers/uppers. I don't get rifles out to the range often. I bought a 20" PSA upper but didn't shoot it for 3 or more years. The order no longer showed up in my online order history. They tracked it down in their databases, had me ship it in for service, and just swapped it out for me, as it was faster for them to replace than fix. I like their service!

March 22, 2020, 09:52 PM	#12
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,749	We had M16A1s in the IDF in the 1980s and they all had carry handles. I kinda liked them for carrying.....not for shooting. I recently built an IDF "Shorty" clone and of course used an upper with the integral handle. Gotta say I still like it for carrying.....and now shooting also! Ain't no comparison between a 1970s AR and a 2000s AR; totally different animals. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 23, 2020, 08:22 PM	#13
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,135	I have one and it seems fine . I don't use it much because it's on my CMP NM rifle that I never shoot anymore . I replaced the aperture to a really small one but it seems gtg . It's never taken any hard hits so I can't say how strong it is . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

March 23, 2020, 09:51 PM	#14
Hdonly Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 356	Bought mine off of Ebay. Don't remember who made it, but it is plenty stout. On my 7.62x39 BCA upper.

April 1, 2020, 12:20 PM	#15
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,952	I used one on a build for a friend. No complaints about its size or performance or loosening during use. It has been shot for a few thousand rounds and is still fine. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

April 1, 2020, 12:35 PM	#16
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,280	Are we talking carry handle upper or detachable carry handle on a flat top upper? I tried a detachable carry handle on a flat top and the sights weren't centered. Had to adjust windage so far one direction the sight picture looked ridiculous. So it's in my junk box. I wanted something like I carried in the Army, so I bought a lower and one of the 1970's Colt M16 parts kits (still available but the prices are higher). It came out great.

April 1, 2020, 11:24 PM	#17
doofus47 Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: live in a in a house when i'm not in a tent Posts: 2,483	I have a real 1970s A1 upper with barrel... Looks beat to hell, but.. it's made of old parts. There's pros and cons. Pros: It was probably best of breed for 40 years ago. If SHTF, it might be BoB after batteries disappear. Cons for mine: it works as designed: anything bigger than 55gr flies weird. __________________ I'm right about the metric system 3/4 of the time.