PSA 11.5″ 5.56 LIGHTWEIGHT SBA3 PISTOL KIT

The PSA 11.5″ 5.56 Lightweight SBA3 Pistol Kit from Palmetto State Armory is a versatile and budget-friendly option for those looking to build a compact AR-15 pistol. This kit is designed for easy assembly, providing most of the necessary components to complete your AR-15 pistol build, with the exception of the lower receiver. Here’s a detailed review of the kit:

Overview

The PSA 11.5″ 5.56 Lightweight SBA3 Pistol Kit is designed to deliver a balance between compactness, maneuverability, and effective range. The 11.5-inch barrel length is a popular choice for AR-15 pistols, offering improved ballistics over shorter barrels while still maintaining a compact size ideal for close-quarters situations. This kit includes high-quality components, such as the SBA3 brace and a lightweight barrel, making it a solid choice for both new and experienced builders.

Key Features

• Barrel: The kit features an 11.5-inch barrel made from chrome-moly vanadium steel, which is known for its durability and heat resistance. The barrel is finished with a phosphate coating, providing additional protection against corrosion and wear. The barrel has a 1:7 twist rate, which is optimized for stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights, from lighter 55-grain rounds to heavier 77-grain bullets.
• Gas System: The pistol utilizes a carbine-length gas system, which is commonly used in AR-15 pistols and short-barreled rifles (SBRs). This gas system provides reliable cycling and helps manage recoil, making the pistol easier to control during rapid fire.
• Handguard: The kit includes a lightweight M-LOK handguard, which offers ample real estate for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, or vertical grips. The M-LOK system is widely favored for its modularity and ease of use, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of accessories without adding unnecessary weight.
• Muzzle Device: The kit comes with an A2-style flash hider, which is effective at reducing muzzle flash, especially in low-light conditions. This helps preserve your night vision and keeps your position less conspicuous during nighttime shooting.
• SBA3 Brace: The SBA3 pistol brace included in the kit is a popular option due to its adjustable nature, allowing the user to customize the length of pull. The brace is lightweight yet sturdy, providing additional stability and improving accuracy. It also has a side-folding capability, making the pistol even more compact for storage or transport.
• Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): The kit includes a full-auto profile bolt carrier group, which is made from 8620 steel and coated with phosphate. The BCG is designed to be durable and reliable, with a properly staked gas key and a Carpenter 158 steel bolt, which is magnetic particle inspected (MPI) for quality assurance.
• Lower Parts Kit (LPK): The lower parts kit provided includes all the necessary components to complete the lower receiver build, including the fire control group, takedown pins, and other small parts. PSA’s LPKs are known for their reliability and good fitment.
• Charging Handle: The kit comes with a standard mil-spec charging handle. While it is functional, some users may choose to upgrade to an extended or ambidextrous charging handle for easier manipulation, especially when using optics.

Performance

The PSA 11.5″ 5.56 Lightweight SBA3 Pistol Kit performs well for its intended purpose. The 11.5-inch barrel provides a good balance between velocity and compactness, making it effective out to medium ranges while still being easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The carbine-length gas system ensures reliable operation, and the lightweight handguard helps keep the pistol manageable and easy to handle.

The inclusion of the SBA3 brace enhances accuracy, especially when firing rapidly, and the adjustable nature of the brace allows for customization to fit different shooters or shooting positions.

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the completed build are solid, with the SBA3 brace offering a comfortable and adjustable fit. The lightweight handguard keeps the front end of the pistol manageable, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The M-LOK system allows for easy customization, so users can set up the pistol according to their preferences.

The standard mil-spec trigger included in the LPK is serviceable, though some users may prefer to upgrade to a smoother aftermarket trigger for improved precision.

Assembly

The kit is designed for ease of assembly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced builders. PSA’s kits generally come with all the components well-packaged and organized, with good fitment and tolerances. The inclusion of the lower parts kit means you only need a stripped lower receiver and some basic tools to complete the build.

Value

One of the main attractions of the PSA 11.5″ 5.56 Lightweight SBA3 Pistol Kit is its value for money. PSA is known for offering quality components at competitive prices, and this kit is no exception. It provides a solid foundation for an AR-15 pistol build without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a reliable firearm on a budget.

Conclusion

The PSA 11.5″ 5.56 Lightweight SBA3 Pistol Kit is a well-rounded option for anyone looking to build an AR-15 pistol that balances compactness, reliability, and performance. The combination of the 11.5-inch barrel, lightweight handguard, and SBA3 brace makes it a versatile platform suitable for a variety of applications, from home defense to range shooting.

For those seeking an affordable yet capable AR-15 pistol build, this kit provides excellent value and quality, with the added benefit of being easy to assemble, even for those new to firearm building.