CGRifleman
Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2010
- Messages
- 221
I'm looking to build a 16" AR-10 (or similar AR-style .308 rifle) for under $2k, not counting optics. Any suggestions?
AR-10 build, anyone?
- Thread starter CGRifleman
- Start date
- Status
Z-Michigan
Member
What do you want it to do and what types of components or features do you prioritize?
CGRifleman
Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2010
- Messages
- 221
I want a lightweight rifle without sacrificing accuracy. 1MOA or close to it is acceptable. The main features I'm looking for are a 16" standard contour chrome-lined barrel, carbine or mid-length handguard, and adjustable stock. A gas piston system would be nice but is not absolutely necessary.
Zerodefect
member
Just get the LMT .308.
madcratebuilder
Member
ArmaLite or Noveske, superior rifles IMHO.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I have built several Armalite AR10s. The build process is identical to that of an AR15.
Unlike the AR15, parts between AR10 manufacturers will not generally interchange. At one point, we had a list going here on what parts were common; maybe a search will turn it up. Off the top of my head:
I've only build DI guns and not piston guns; neither the DPMS or Armalite provide a piston setup and you'd be on your own to source and troubleshoot one.
Your accuracy expectations are a bit optimistic, and I feel compelled to warn you that 'lightweight' in the AR10-class platforms is defined as 8lbs-9lbs. It's really hard (meaning very expensive) to get a sub-8lb AR10 class rifle, and with optic and mount you'll be back up to 9lbs easily.
Frankly, I'd suggest that you look through the DPMS offerings to see if anything comes close to your wish list. It's surely going to be cheaper and easier to buy something whole than to piece it together....
Unlike the AR15, parts between AR10 manufacturers will not generally interchange. At one point, we had a list going here on what parts were common; maybe a search will turn it up. Off the top of my head:
- You can use AR15 stocks, buffer tubes, and handguards on most AR10-class rifles, but not much of anything else.
- Between manufacturers of AR10-class rifles, little will interchange. I generally use DPMS barrels (but not barrel nuts) on my Armalite receivers, and that's about the only part that I have verified can be made common between them. Some vendors advertise a single bolt for both platforms, implying that it (or the carrier along with it) is common, but I always bought my BCG from Armalite so I can't verify that.
I've only build DI guns and not piston guns; neither the DPMS or Armalite provide a piston setup and you'd be on your own to source and troubleshoot one.
Your accuracy expectations are a bit optimistic, and I feel compelled to warn you that 'lightweight' in the AR10-class platforms is defined as 8lbs-9lbs. It's really hard (meaning very expensive) to get a sub-8lb AR10 class rifle, and with optic and mount you'll be back up to 9lbs easily.
Frankly, I'd suggest that you look through the DPMS offerings to see if anything comes close to your wish list. It's surely going to be cheaper and easier to buy something whole than to piece it together....
Z-Michigan
Member
The Armalite 16" carbine is basically exactly what you want, although as noted your accuracy expectations are optimistic for that setup. I think Armalite rates them at 1.5-2.5 MOA. Of course that's probably real MOA based on 10 shot groups, not internet MOA based on 2-3 shot groups.
I have a DPMS LR-308B and it's got the accuracy you want (or at least pretty close), but not a lot else. It's one of the most front-heavy unbalanced rifles I have, and that's with only an 18" barrel.
Although you can build if you want to, on the .308 platform at the present time you're probably better off buying something close to what you want and just swapping out parts as desired to get to your configuration.
I have a DPMS LR-308B and it's got the accuracy you want (or at least pretty close), but not a lot else. It's one of the most front-heavy unbalanced rifles I have, and that's with only an 18" barrel.
Although you can build if you want to, on the .308 platform at the present time you're probably better off buying something close to what you want and just swapping out parts as desired to get to your configuration.
mljdeckard
Member
I'm planning on compromising. A lightweight .243 upper, and a heavy .308 upper.
When people say; "You can't hunt with an AR", I want to be able to say; "I hunt with nothing BUT AR-pattern rifles."
When people say; "You can't hunt with an AR", I want to be able to say; "I hunt with nothing BUT AR-pattern rifles."
rbernie
Contributing Member
I've been giving that answer for years, but with 7.62x39 and 6.8SPC uppers. I just hate the notion of humping the weight of an AR10 around in the woods when I can get the job done with a lighter handier platform...
Of course, either of those two intermediate chamberings are more than adequate for the itty bitty deer that we have here in Texas. If I was hunting mulies or monster whitetails at distance, I'd probably want the extra punch of an AR10.
CGRifleman
Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2010
- Messages
- 221
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll probably be looking at the DPMS LR-308 carbine.
Tapoutking
Member
DPMS shipping to California again? I was interested in the Panther in .308 but someone told me that DPMS was going through some issues here in California and were not shipping. That was about 2 months ago. Is that true?? Im hoping to build an AR10 type and have a couple trades... (S&W model 19-3, Enfield with updated stock).
- Status
