Free Float Handguard for DPMS LR308C-HELP!

[ColoradoDan]

Hey everybody, sorry if this has been asked before or shold be posted somewhere else, but I'm stumped and can't find anymore answers. I have a DPMS LR308C that I LOVE!! 20" heavy barrel, fixed stock, bayonet lug, and an A3 upper receiver with rail, and standard 2 piece AR style handguards and delta ring. I really want to add a free float fore-end/handguard to it, but I really am having a hard time justifying the cost of this to my better half. The main reason is to be able to put a bi-pod on and keep all stress off of the barrel for my long distance shots. No doubt, you all are probly aware of that. I have searched the internet for weeks looking for answers, but there is really very little info out there on the LR series, as I found out they are NOT an AR-10 clone, although very similiar, but parts really aren't interchangeable. According to one forum, a standard AR-15 .223 trigger group is used on them, but DPMS absolutley will not confirm that to me. And the reason I'm stating this, is because I was wondering if a standard AR-15 barrel nut and handguard would go one as well, because I can find those MUCH cheaper!! Again, DPMS only will tell me that they have a selection of handguards for me to purchase. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just to put a bi-pod on and float the barrel, but wow, some of those available are just too darn much money, and I'm not a sniper or in a war zone!! I've also read that the LR series have a wacky thread pitch on the receiver for the barrel nut, but again, I can't find anything solid that says I can or can't use an AR-15 handguard. If anybody has any advice or information that could help me I'd sure appreciate it. Thanx.

 

[rbernie]

The DPMS 308 barrel nut is not interchangable with the AR15 barrel nut nor the Armalite AR10 barrel nut, so that float tubes for the DPMS LR are not interchangeable with anyone else's. However, if you keep the stock barrel nut, you can use standard AR15 (non-float) handguards.

JP makes a nice float tube for the 308-class ARs, and I'm pretty sure that they have a variant for the DPMS.

 

[Robert]

http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.4_hg.php
JP does in deed have the float tube you are looking for. Not inexpensive but well worth it.
On a side note.
Dan have you shot the Tactical Rifle matches at Pueblo West before? If not it is a ton of fun and some great guys. Great way to learn how to really run a rifle. Contact Hoser via pm for all the details. They are held once a month starting in the spring.

 

[henschman]

JP or PRI make nice ones that will work on that rifle. Also, Troy is about to come out with their Battlerail TRX-308 rails, which are DPMS-compatible. They have them listed as "coming soon" on their online store. I am probably holding out for those for my .308 AR build. I really like the TRX-Extreme model for the 5.56 AR that it is based on.

I used to have an LR-308C just like yours. It was very accurate, but I found it way too heavy with the barrel being so fat under the handguards, and I didn't like that it wasn't chrome lined. I do like how the DPMS takes Magpul and C-products mags, though. So what I am going to do for my .308 AR build is build it on a Mega MA-Ten upper and lower... that way I can use a light-profile chrome lined 20" Armalite AR-10A2 barrel, and it will take DPMS pattern mags.

I am not a big fan of heavy barrels on battle rifles. My M1A does just fine at 1000 yards with a GI-profile barrel, and it weighs barely more than 9 lbs. I don't see why an AR needs to weigh 15 lbs. with a bull barrel to do the same thing, when it is a more inherently accurate platform to begin with. But that's just me.

 

[madcratebuilder]

As the above have posted you have to match the hand guard to your barrel nut. The AR15 trigger well fit your LR-308, ArmaLite make a adjustable tac/match trigger that is very reasonable and works very well. Most AR15 springs and detents interchange. Mag catch and mag release from a AR15 well fit but may not function correct, very minor size difference.

Check out Midwest Industries to see if they have a hand guard that well work for you. MI makes nice, affordable products and has the best customer service I have encountered.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=189