Timing

Was getting sick and tired of having my shoulder killed by the 300winmag, I've always enjoyed hunting deer with the AR, however 5.56 can't do poop on a brown bear(protection, not hunting) therefore the AR only got to go hunting in certain areas. When I finally got around to deciding on a smaller caliber, the 308 in an AR platform made total sense. I was about to purchase an armalite, however the company did some actions I disagree with on a moral level, thus leading me to the DPMS platform. Never been happier, actually makes shooting the 5.56 less enjoyable. Not sure if the 5.56 will ever go deer hunting again.

Thanks for fixing the pictures.

Got this one locally off craigslist for around $160, they're running around $200 online. Planning on picking up a few more but shipping is brutal.

Set it aside as the 308 case, now that the rifle is built, it's time to start the case. 36.5" x 14" x 6" internal dimensions 142# max buoyancy rating First off the waterproof/float tests: [img width=810 height=607]http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/Timinem_photos/IMG00920-20111118-2037.jpg [img width=810 height=607]http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/Timinem_photos/IMG00921-20111118-2040.jpg [img width=810 height=607]http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/Timinem_photos/IMG00922-20111118-2041.jpg Held it underwater for 15min, used cold water as this test is to see if the case falls off a boat if it will both float and protect the rifle from water. Holding one of these cases underwater for 15min is quite difficult, I thought about standing on it but will save that test for another day. Case held up just fine and I have no doubts as to its water-proofness. Judging by its buoyancy, I see no problems with its ability to float while being loaded. Cutting the foam will be next. The plan was to make a wire table and cut the foam. Make it look all nice and what not. Well that's not quite what happen. It started out innocent enough by telling myself I could save time by drawing the outlines now. I ended up taking a new leatherman wave and cutting it up. It actually doesn't look to bad considering I started out slow and taking my time, impatience kicked in about half-way through and I rushed it a bit. Finished product came out pretty good I think. Won't win any beauty contests but that's not what I did it for. [img width=810 height=607]http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/Timinem_photos/IMG00925-20111119-0021.jpg [img width=810 height=607]http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/Timinem_photos/IMG00924-20111118-2359.jpg Still have to find some adhesive to glue the foam to itself, rifle wants to pull the foam out with it. Have to do the bath tub test again with it loaded up too.

This is the Gun Guard 36" from Plano. These were on sale at Walmart for $30 recently, they only had 1 left when I got there. Normal retail is probably sub $100. This is nowhere near the quality of a Hardigg or Pelican case, however it is not too far behind. Features: Made in the USA 5 latches, 2 that have internal locks (cheap style, probably all are keyed alike) The latches are easy to use and close solidly. They have a good feel to them. 2 slots for a padlock when the case is closed, this would most likely satisfy TSA for travel. Waterproof, passed the bathtub test, however the pressure relief valve on this is not automatic like the higher end. If the valve is not closed 100% water would be able to get through. O-ring provides a nice seal. Surprisingly light, not a bad case for frequent using or carrying where total protection is not required. Handle is over-molded and comfortable. Comes with open cell pick-n-pluck foam of similar quality as the more expensive cases. Not a huge fan of the pick-n-pluck myself as it took just as long to remove and doesn't give the solid feel of real foam. Also when your done, you don't get a life size foam gun for the kids to play with. Case is pretty solid and will have no problem protecting a firearm. This is the best cheap (<$100) case I have ever handled. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an entry level hard case, that is not ready to drop the $200+ for a Hardigg/Pelican case. As with any open cell foam case, this is not an ideal permanent storage solution, but with quality components and good maintenance you shouldn't have any problems.

My local Wal-mart got 3 of them. Friday afternoon there was two left so I bought em both. Sold 1 on craigslist for $120 and kept the other. Doesn't appear to be too bad, not a Hardigg but for $30. Plan on doing the waterproof testing shortly.

LOL, censor bot has decided it shall remain a mystery to everyone.

When I was researching my 308 build, I had a lot of conversations with Rainier. Pretty sure they're having BHW (black hole weaponry) out of bonnie lake, WA(or near by) making their barrels. They won't say for sure, but reading between the lines in conversations with them. I have heard a lot of positives from Rainier, also bhw has a lot of positives from people that own their barrels, their customer service is lacking so going through Rainier is a great idea, as Rainier's customer service is top notch.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to hang a glock from a christmas tree? Neither did I until I tried it. Took about 5 tries and broke a few ornaments each time it fell, probably should have tried the bottom first instead of the top. :-) Anyways here's what I got for you. :Edited, so you don't have to turn the screen sideways to read it:

My plan is to put 20rd groups at 200y to test various types of hunting rounds.(See which bullet the rifle likes the best) I have about 10 different boxes to try. Waiting on the Geissele to show up first. I'll post the targets when I get out.

What price can you get them for?

It'll smoke up real good the first time you fire it up afterwards as well.

I decided to try the ssa-e in my hunting ar-15. Love it and have no desire to shoot another trigger since. I still have a 308ar and another ar15 trigger to upgrade when I get around to it. They will both eventually get a ssa-e.

Gotta love Alaska, unlimited ranges everywhere you look. Only rule is get 1/4mile away from the road.

Got it put together, haven't shot it yet, but it passes all function checks. Will take it out Sat and see how she shoots.

Look to Leupold, if you check Cabelas right now they are offering sale prices, free shipping, and a $10 mail in from Leupold. You can get a 3-9 vx2 for $239 before the rebate, not sure what the 6-24 was running. Regardless, I would consider the vx2 line the cheapest scope to even consider, lifetime quality and great re-sell value if you go better. I would avoid any of the garbage scopes out there as it's just wasting money. Get a basic high quality scope and sell it when you are ready to upgrade.

I'll enter this if my upper shows up it time. If not I'll just post a pic of half a lr308 and hope to win half the prize. EDIT: upper showed up today. 308 AR and Glock 23C Never shopped at Brownells before, this could be fun.

Decided to go with a company called Alpha shooting sports, wasn't able to find anything good said about them, but more importantly couldn't find anything bad about them either. Not a terrible price.

Any interest in selling just the upper? If so, pictures?

I remember coming across some polymer cased 223 a while back maybe 5 yrs or so. Don't have any left, but don't remember any issues with the few boxes I shot.

Haven't tried calling them, e-mails have been ignored. What I want from them seems to always be out of stock if I add it to my cart. Prices are a little steep but within reason when they offer their specials. However never in stock. They are not very friendly for Alaska shipping.

I've been searching and searching for a complete upper compatible with my dpms lower. I would prefer to find someone offering a complete upper with a freefloat tube and a low profile gas block. It appears there must not be much demand. I'm almost ready to just buy a stock dpms upper (despite the fact I think they look hideous) however almost no one has them in stock, and if they do they want a small fortune for them. Anyone have any insight into someplace I might have missed, or anyone who will build them? Thanks guys.

Turrets on a scope that won't hold zero? Run away from utg/ncstar/etc. Get a quality scope, if you need turrets the better scope makers offer them as well. You can get a Leupold 3-9 markAR with turrets for under $300 from opticsplanet, probably locally as well. If you need more magnification, they make scopes in larger magnifications as well. When it comes to optics, the adage of buy once, cry once definitely applies. For the life of me I cannot understand the obsession people have with putting cheap garbage optics on a >$1000 weapon. Personally I would rather have a $400 scope on a sub $100 weapon, then a sub $100 scope on a $400 weapon. Use a set of quality irons while you save up twenty bucks a month to buy a real optic.

I was able to fit both of the ssa-e that I own in my dpms lower without any issues.

I use mounts made by American Defense Mfg on my ar15s, when the lr308 is ready for optics it will get a mount from them as well. Solid, sturdy, holds zero, adjusts without tools, made in the USA