308/7.62 AR Advice Opinions

[steve4102]

I'm in the market for a light AR in 308/7.62. I think I have narrowed it down to two models, Armalite 10A4 or the Bushmaster MOE. They are about the same weight and same price. Any opinions?

Here is a link to the new Bushmaster MOE.
http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_xm15_BCWA30816MLMOE.asp

 

[303tom]

Both fine firearms.

 

[TXSWFAN]

I have the Armalite in both 16" & 20". The 20" was a sub-MOA rifle out of the box. It's never malfunctioned in a few hundred rounds. I use it mainly for deer/hog hunting.

I put this hybrid together a few years ago to hunt pigs. I good stand/ambush rifle, but a beast to lug around the woods of ETX in the summertime.

Armalite Eagle lower with a 16" upper.

 

[KansasPaul]

Armalite has been manufacturing AR10 rifles for a long time and they have certainly refined the rifle. I personally have concerns with Bushmaster's recent rifles (last couple of years) due to some issues that I have had with new carbines. If I were in the market for a .308 AR I would go with armalite.

 

[GI_Jared]

As previously stated, they both are fine rifles. They are also different styles of the .308 AR platform. With the bushmaster being a DPMS style .308 AR, so basically you are asking which variant you like better and then you will have your decision. I personally like the DPMS style 308 ARs because you can get 20 round magpul P-mags for them.

 

[HKGuns]

Either will likely work. I don't think there is such a thing as a light AR in .308. Depending on timing and budget, the HK MR762 is hitting store shelves now and will be a killer .308 AR.

 

[bob barker]

Take a look at the DPMS LR 308B. It's been a tremendous gun and PMags are available for it. I got mine for $988 on buds, upgraded the trigger and stock, and have am amazing rifle for 1350.

 

[Robert101]

I have a DPMS TAC20 and it has been flawless out of the box.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The Bushmaster is 98% the same as a DPMS LR308. Major differences are the (useless) flip-down trigger guard and the somewhat beneficial midlength gas system. (In a 5.56 midlength gas is the way to go, but it has far less benefit in a .308.)

The Armalite is probably somewhat higher quality, but there are still plenty of problem reports from owners. My 2 cents is this:
-for a really high quality .308 AR, I would look at the LMT, upcoming Colt SP901, Larue OBR and Predatar 7.62, and the Noveske. Of those all but the Noveske use the original AR-10 / KAC SR-25 / DPMS pattern mags, which are easier to find and cost less.
-For something that costs under $2000, I would get a DPMS LR-308 for $900-1000 and have money left over for whatever you want. IMHO there is a smaller difference in quality from the DPMS to the Armalite than there is from either one to the group listed above. And the DPMS is plenty good for most hunting and target shooting uses.

 

[Carne Frio]

I have the Bushmaster MOE .308 and am very happy with it.
Whichever one you get, I think you will enjoy it.

 

[bob barker]

The Bushmaster is 98% the same as a DPMS LR308. Major differences are the (useless) flip-down trigger guard and the somewhat beneficial midlength gas system. (In a 5.56 midlength gas is the way to go, but it has far less benefit in a .308.)

The Armalite is probably somewhat higher quality, but there are still plenty of problem reports from owners. My 2 cents is this:
-for a really high quality .308 AR, I would look at the LMT, upcoming Colt SP901, Larue OBR and Predatar 7.62, and the Noveske. Of those all but the Noveske use the original AR-10 / KAC SR-25 / DPMS pattern mags, which are easier to find and cost less.
-For something that costs under $2000, I would get a DPMS LR-308 for $900-1000 and have money left over for whatever you want. IMHO there is a smaller difference in quality from the DPMS to the Armalite than there is from either one to the group listed above. And the DPMS is plenty good for most hunting and target shooting uses.

This was my exact experience. Saved enough money on the gun for a PRS stock and a good scope (nikon monarch).

 

[steve4102]

Thanks everyone.

 

[henschman]

Another big difference between the DPMS and Bushmaster is that the Bushmaster has a chrome lined barrel, while none of the DPMS' have that option. Depending on your use you might not care or might actually prefer non-CL, but it is definitely worth noting.

Personally I would trust the Armalite more though. They have a good reliability reputation and have been in the game for a long time. Armalites are all CL too, except for the stainless ones. Eagle Arms (Armalite's budget brand) is non-CL but is pretty much the same other than that.

 

[nyc71]

Since you like Armalite
http://www.budspolicesupply.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/106/products_id/3360

 

[madcratebuilder]

DPMS uses a extruded 6000 series upper.
DPMS uses a 7" AR15 RE with shortened AR15 buffer.

ArmaLite uses a forged 7075 upper.
ArmaLite uses a 7.5" AR10 RE with normal length buffer.

I would check out the new .308 AR from CMMG, sold by CDN, lot of rifle for the money.