Hello everyone, Just saying hello, and introducing myself to the group. My name is Matt and I am from the Kansas City area. I have had several Ar-15's and just recently finished a 6.8spcII build. My friend was wanting to sell his DPMS LR308 that has had some customizing done on it, so I traded out my 6.8spcII for his weapon. The pictures below shows the before and after shots of my weapon. I removed the silver paint and returned it to a matte black. I have came to realize that the Ar-10 platform is very similar to the Ar-15 platform, but yet it is very different in some regards. Questions This weapon has the 24'' heavy barrel, and is just to heavy for lugging around in the field. What barrel length would you guys cut it down to. I am swaying towards 18'', but some have said that 16'' will shoot just as good as a 18-24'' barrel minus 200-300fps. I want to either flute or re-contour this barrel. Preferably I would flute it before and after the gas block, but would this affect accuracy? This weapon has the side charging system on it, is this good or bad? If I can charge it from the side, why is there or why should there be a traditional charging handle on it? Lastly, Does a standard lopro Ar-15 gas block work on the 308 platform?