Why so little .243 AR's out there?

[mljdeckard]

I think that the AR-10 platform will be available in .243 a lot longer than the WSSM/SAUM/OSSM uppers will be available for the AR-15. Those are pretty much alive right now just because of AR-15 uppers. The .243 will be around regardless of what happens to them.

I have long-term plans to build uppers in .308, .260, .243, and 7mm08, all from the same magazine, bolt face, and lower.

 

[W.E.G.]

Its because by the time most buyers of guns with a military "look," are dropping over a grand on a rifle, the .308 version is way more attractive, and way more available.

If you want an AR in .243 Winchester, you're going to have to beat the bushes.

 

[JShirley]

The people who are buying the larger-bore ARs are generally the ones who want a heavy bullet. They are the opposite of the super-light fast crowd...who already have the .223.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

It seems it can do, albeit a little heavier, the same thing a 5.56/.223 can do, only better - especially on 4 legged critters. I think I want one.....

Thoughts?

Well, until folks like you think that they need them and actually purchase a half dozen or so each, then the .243 will remain a novelty AR15 chambering.

Funny how so many people thing the AR15 should be chambered in their pet caliber and then don't understand why it isn't at the forefront of offerings with a vast selection.

 

[wow6599]

Well, until folks like you think that they need them

What kind of "folk" am I?

and actually purchase a half dozen or so each

So, I have to buy 6 or more for this to take off (even though they are already available)

Funny how so many people thing the AR15 should be chambered in their pet caliber

I don't have a pet caliber.

I'm not sure if you're just having a bad day with the wife (or husband), or mad at the .243 in general, but there isn't really a need to attack my little thread here. Just making small talk about the AR-10 platform (not AR-15, FWI) and a neat cartridge.

Chris

 

[mshootnit]

while there are not very many the armalite option is a very nice one.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=309355696

 

[kingcheese]

Yes i know that a 243 is a necked down 308, but if your shooting lighter bullets, the length might cause feeding issues

 

[Double Naught Spy]

wow, you asked "Why so little .243 ARs out there?" Simply put, not enough folks like you need or want them and the few that do don't buy enough to drive up demand to increase production.

 

[sansone]

for the OP:
I've been shooting and reloading for my Armalite AR10 chambered in .243win for over a year now.
Did not expect the same great rewards as from my boltie, but wanted an AR10 for a few years.
The entire shooting and reloading experience with the rifle has been a total joy.

You can not compare the .243 to a .223 they are worlds apart.
If you want to have a more practical AR10 the .308 would be a better choice.
The flat trajectory and velocity of the .243 suit me very well and recoil recovery between shots is real fast, couldn't be happier

 

[forindooruseonly]

The single 243 semi auto I saw and admire even to this day was a M1A shot at a highpower match hereabouts back in the late 90s. Dude could shoot too. I think he hailed from Wyoming.

I could get excited about that rifle - that's something I'm going to look into.

 

[Robert101]

Darn, I guess I do have a pet caliber the 308.... Parent case to the 243. I think they got it right the first time.

 

[helotaxi]

Yes i know that a 243 is a necked down 308, but if your shooting lighter bullets, the length might cause feeding issues

Nope. Not even a little bit. You can also load most the medium and heavy weight bullets to "full" .308 length if the barrel chamber will allow it.

 

[armarsh]

My biggest regret in the rifle category is passing up a great deal on a 243 R-25. I could of had a display-model for $900 and was too dumb to say yes.