School me on AR-10/AR-308!

[primalmu]

Hey guys, I'm considering building an AR-10. I've built several AR-15s so far and am itching for something a bit stouter. My understanding is that there are a few different styles, and of course the parts generally aren't interchangeable. To my knowledge the DPMS-style AR-10s are most common, and that seems to be the majority of the uppers/lowers I see.

My current thoughts are to start with an Aero Precision builder set (upper, lower, and free float tube) -- I'm really digging their Desert Mad Dragon Cerakote scheme that've got going on right now.

What I'm wondering is what parts are interchangeable between the different styles, and what AR-15 parts can be used. Oh, and any other comments are welcome as well.

 

[FL-NC]

I would say that the best thing to do is to insure that whatever components you go with is compatible with the DPMS style. This will save you a lot of aggravation in the long run.

 

[HankC]

Buy lower and upper from the same brand/manufacturer. I would buy complete upper.

 

[redneck2]

PSA runs deals on them once or twice a month. Dunno about quality, etc

 

[Jackal]

Best thing you can do is buy a factory rifle, hope for the best and send it back for repair if it doesnt work. AR-10's are some of the most finicky parts built (and even factory) rifles made.

 

[12Bravo20]

I bought a stripped lower, complete parts kit and buffer/tube along with a complete upper from PSA and haven't had any issues at all with it. Mine is a Gen 1 PA10.

 

[cougar1717]

Finicky is absolutely the best descriptive term for AR10/LR308/hybrid patterns. You can search many other threads and they will say about the same thing. From experience, it's not just forum talk, these are common issues and thoughts: 1) They're non-standard, so make sure all your parts work together. It's probably best to buy a complete rifle in DPMS pattern for ease of parts and mods, but that's up to you. 2) The buffer/spring combo is usually different from AR15 to make up for the length difference in the bcg's - please don't interchange with AR15 buffers unless you have specific parts you know work with AR15 components. 3) Adjustable gas block. You will say that this is a new rifle from a respectable manufacturer and that you don't need it because all those other people built theirs and something was somehow wrong and yours will be different. You will shoot it a little and guess what. Forty sum grains of powder is a lot for the carbine or mid gas system. It cycles so much better with an adjustable block. Your brass isn't mangled. It's not an absolute need, but so much better than before. 4) Most people don't realize how much bigger and clunkier these rifles are. AR15's are so much lighter and thinner in comparison. It's best to hold a 308AR before buying, preferably with a scope and mount. Forget 24" barrels unless you only want to shoot prone with a bipod. 5) Many guns prefer the heavier bullet weights - 165's or 180's. 6) If you reload, you will most likely not be able to use your bolt rifle data. IME, these can attain the best accuracy at low to mid range data, but as always, all barrels are different. 7) You can do everything right and still need to periodically check for a loose gas key or have to re-stake it. Lots of powder, lots of bolt momentum as it returns to battery. 8) There are some rifles that are absolute tack drivers. There are many, many more that hover at 1.5-2.0 moa. 9) Ergonomics are different from the AR15. Aftermarket grips, stocks, and triggers are wonderful.

 

[hdwhit]

About 1980, a good friend of mine bought a Colt AR-15. He kept it for about a year before deciding that .223 Remington wasn't powderful enough and sold it to finance an AR-10 build. This is 30+ years ago, so I don't remember where he got the parts (doubt they're even still in business), but I remember that as Jackal said, it started out a very finnicky gun. My friend was a very capable amateur gunsmith (he once made by hand some 30 grain hollow points bullets for my 25 ACP and they all functioned flawlessly) and so he eventually got the thing to where it was smooth-firing reliable piece of equipment.

He sold it when he got married because he couldn't afford to feed it and a wife. I'm sure it is still somewhere up there in Ozarks gracing someone's weapons locker waiting the time it has to be called upon for the Zombie Apocalypse or whatever Doomsday it seems everyone in the middle of the country is preparing for.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Stag is now selling .308 AR parts for builds. Their quality is very good.

 

[carbine85]

I went with the DPMS GII. Overall it's a smaller rifle, very accurate and a great shooter. I would purchase the complete rifle in the configuration that best fits you. Making changes later can be an issue since there is no standard. There are more companies making after market parts now but DPMS has done a good job in their offerings.

 

[primalmu]

Well, I've been put off of the 308 AR for the time being. I don't go the range often enough to be able to troubleshoot and tweak a finnicky rifle. On to the next rifle on my wishlist -- a .45-70 lever gun.

 

[PCFlorida]

Well, I've been put off of the 308 AR for the time being. I don't go the range often enough to be able to troubleshoot and tweak a finnicky rifle. On to the next rifle on my wishlist -- a .45-70 lever gun.

Mine too!