308 build on AR platform help?

[hellbndr23]

The act of physically building a 308 vs 556 is no different, don't let that scare you away.

The difference comes in getting matching parts. There is no milspec for 308. There are 2 major formats. The "AR10" that everyone refers to is actually the specific designation of the Armalite AR-10 rifle. The other is the DPMS LR-308 (the name isn't near as catchy so no one uses it). From there, several other mfgs do proprietary designs where uppers and lowers are not interchangeable between mfgs.

ABSOLUTELY go dpms style of you decide to build. Aftermarket parts are much more available. Magpul makes a Pmag for them too, major bonus to me.

[hellbndr23]

I can't get pics to load from my phone. When I get to a pc I can do it. Or just check out this. First pic, then there's one of lowers further down.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dpms+lr-308+vs+armalite+ar-10&client=ms-android-verizon&espv=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sboxchip=Images&sa=X&ei=QwRRVd6tFMScsAW4yIH4Cw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAw&biw=360&bih=511

You will also need specific tools for 308. Vice blocks, barrel wrench etc.

[kumathebear]

so what would your "guesstimate" be to build one in the 308?

I looked at my favorite gun store today in Stephenville and out the door with tax it was $995. Have NO clue if that is a good, high or mediocre price for a new one? It was the DPMS brand.

[hoythitman]

so what would your "guesstimate" be to build one in the 308?

I looked at my favorite gun store today in Stephenville and out the door with tax it was $995. Have NO clue if that is a good, high or mediocre price for a new one? It was the DPMS brand.

I'm not a big fan of the DPMS brand, not that they are bad but never had much accuracy out of them. For that price I'm thinking its the one with the pencil thick barrel. Accuracy just isn't there for those rifles. I'm sure people will come along and disagree but in my experience they didn't have much in the way of accuracy.

I have had better luck with Rock River's lower end 308's. Price isn't too much more, but they have always had much more accuracy out of the box.

[kumathebear]

it was an oracle. Anyone have experience with the S&W M&P 10?

[Mike D]

The M&P is probably a better rifle in the same price range.

The Recon gen 2 that I spoke of is a really good rifle in its price range.

[Reaper33]

I will just say that Adams Arms just came out with a piston AR-10 that is light weight and one bad azz gun. Its on my next to buy list so my 7.5 SBR AdamsArms 556 will have a big brother to look after him!!!

[kumathebear]

What is the price on the Adams?

Also anyone have opinion on decent price on the S&W?

Just looking at all the options...thanks!

[lglidewell]

I'm slowly.... lemme rephrase... VERY slowly starting a LR-308 build. Got the lower, lower furniture and snagged a brand new Nickel Boron West Fork Armory BCG for half of cost here recently.

Remaining: trigger, hand guard, upper, barrel, carbine length gas tube and .750 lo pro gas block
Mines going to be a tad different since I'm SBR'ing this one (eventually)

[kumathebear]

Hey all...I REALLY appreciate all the responses, but after several weeks/days of looking and researching, I have decided building one is not for me. I'm thinking I may just part ways with a Browning 270 that is something very special! When I had Hunter's Paradise in Lubbock back in the early 80's, I bought this for myself, a 270 Medallion that had the engravings and stock I have NEVER seen since. When I bought it from my rep, he actually had it with him to sell to "new stores" as a incentive to do business with them. Back THEN, I had substantial $$ backing from my family and I still remember that day I wrote him a check for initial stocking of firearms. That was a great day and the reason I have kept this great rifle for so long! I'm old school, never trade...as my late Father taught me....but again...time is catching up to me.

So...time is marching on as I just stated, for me and at my age I take every day as special..thus my decision now. LOL, all 3 of my son's playfully argue with each other when we all get together about who it belongs to. But 2 of my son's have never faced what my youngest has....like his Dad....so this has been a very important thread I started a few days ago. It has NOT been a "spur of the moment" thread...just something I want to do special for him when he finally gets a duty station back in the States.

So thanks for all your responses, very much appreciated!!! Not sure when I will post the thread on classifieds as it has taken me some time to decide this, but watch if you are interested? I just hope I can take pics that will show this wonderful rifle. It has been "guarded and protected" for many years and is MINT condition.

Thanks and I appreciate all the help/responses.......Kuma/Don

[philcam]

Ok, my unsolicited .02 cents.

I've been reading updates to this thread all day. You son served in the sandbox and is now in sniper school. He is using some of the best built rifles available. A Knights SR-25 is going to run upwards of $4,500 a LMT is $3,200+ or so then maybe throw a LaRue into the mix at about $3,500 they are all clearly out of your price range. If you were to buy you son one of the cheaper AR-10 platforms, I don't know if he'd really be happy with it. I will say this. People who own the S&W claim they are fine, but then again most of them haven't shot a SR-25. Once you shoot the Knights, there is just something about it that makes it worth the price tag, and it's very likely your son is shooting a Knights now.

I think as far as building, both Aero and Mega make a decent .308 for the money. You could ***almost*** build an Aero if you use a blem lower and upper in your price range. Another consideration is building the rifle with your son. A few years ago I took my dad to shoot my AR and he fell in love. It was awesome to see him smile that big. That Christmas I bought my Dad a stripped lower and LPK. It was fun watching him pick out the parts he wanted and more fun for us to build his rifle together. A shelf bought rifle wouldn't have given us that.

If you decide to go with the AR-15 platform, and are dead set against the 5.56, the 300 blk is the way to go cost wise for reasons detailed in previous posts. Again, at $900 you can get close to a top tier rifle. I wouldn't skimp and get him a lower tier gun. Noveske, LMT etc will be out of your price range. Colt is probably what he carried overseas. A 6920 can be found for close to that $900 price, but is 5.56. I think Colt has a 300 blk on the way soon. Also a BCM or Daniel Defense might be in the budget.

[DirtyDave]

Hey all...I REALLY appreciate all the responses, but after several weeks/days of looking and researching, I have decided building one is not for me. I'm thinking I may just part ways with a Browning 270 that is something very special! When I had Hunter's Paradise in Lubbock back in the early 80's, I bought this for myself, a 270 Medallion that had the engravings and stock I have NEVER seen since. When I bought it from my rep, he actually had it with him to sell to "new stores" as a incentive to do business with them. Back THEN, I had substantial $$ backing from my family and I still remember that day I wrote him a check for initial stocking of firearms. That was a great day and the reason I have kept this great rifle for so long! I'm old school, never trade...as my late Father taught me....but again...time is catching up to me.

So...time is marching on as I just stated, for me and at my age I take every day as special..thus my decision now. LOL, all 3 of my son's playfully argue with each other when we all get together about who it belongs to. But 2 of my son's have never faced what my youngest has....like his Dad....so this has been a very important thread I started a few days ago. It has NOT been a "spur of the moment" thread...just something I want to do special for him when he finally gets a duty station back in the States.

So thanks for all your responses, very much appreciated!!! Not sure when I will post the thread on classifieds as it has taken me some time to decide this, but watch if you are interested? I just hope I can take pics that will show this wonderful rifle. It has been "guarded and protected" for many years and is MINT condition.

Thanks and I appreciate all the help/responses.......Kuma/Don

Dont sell the 270!!! Give your son the 270!!!
I think it will mean much more to him than an AR

[Colton]

Dont sell the 270!!! Give your son the 270!!!
I think it will mean much more to him than an AR

x2

You will kick yourself 5 times a day for selling it

[philcam]

X3 Don't sell the .270

[kumathebear]

Got a call from one of the boys last night, told him what I was thinking about doing....he "helped" me get my sanity back and the 270 will remain in the SAFE! I've got time to get something done, so thanks for the advice...."what the hell was I thinking?"