mineralman55

I have jpeg greater than 2mb in size. I cannot post these as attach files, and when I try to post using a URL it says it won't accept this type of file. Do I need to translate the files into something other than a jpeg?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll try and get some pics up tonight. Over on youtube.com check out "thewhitetigerknight". His 308AR build uses a Rainier BCG, and I strongly suspect that is the same source as the Shadow Ops BCG. It looks identical to mine right down to the minor machining marks.

It's afternoon now. A package was just delivered to me. A Shadow Ops NiB AR308 complete bolt carrier. This thing is gorgeous! You have to look hard to see any machining marks on it. I can see a machining "line" on the flat on top of the carrier, but my finger can't feel it. The machining inside the tunnel at the back seems a bit rough. The front of the gas key is nicely chamfered, and the key is staked. This is almost a work of art. I don't know what the dimensions are supposed to be, but I'll take it home and slip it into its upper, see if it likes its new home. I'll see if I can take some pics and post them. No promises.

Received an email saying it's in the mail. Mine is due for delivery today or tomorrow. I'll get you a visual inspection report asap.

Don't think so. As long as you don't sell it or make a NFA type of weapon, you can make an 80% lower without any input from the feds. As far as the BATF is concerned, it's a paperweight.

Not to jump on Hornady, but I've had quality control issues with the Hornady 168 BTHP in recent years. After using the Hornady 168 grain .308 BTHP for years and getting excellent groups with them, about two years ago those groups started to open up wildly. I found some of the batches of these bullets were 0.008" longer than others. I asked Hornady about it and they replied with no knowledge about it. I just buy the Sierra 168 BTHP now. They cost a few bucks more, but they seem to be more consistent. Too bad, I really did like the Hornadys!

Got it this afternoon. WOW! It fits like a glove. And yes, after I ordered via their web site, I received a call from Van, asking me particulars and such. Great follow up on their part.

So far, I'm not hearing any problems with movement by either set screw or clamp on types of gas blocks. That's good.

Not selected a handguard yet. My SI upper is the older "high profile DMPS" style, and I am trying to ensure a single top rail is compatible with it. Some aren't. I'm leaning towards the Rainier/Troy .308=TRX rail or a Samson rail if it's rail height compatible. Most low profile gas blocks of either clamp or set screw seem to fit inside these.

It's fun, but it's also tedious to consider all the many choices necessary in building a 308AR. I'm in the process of selecting a gas block now. Two major methods to attach the gas block to the barrel are set screws and clamp on. I've read where people worry about using set screws because they'll loosen up, or dimple the barrel or distort the barrel. Has anyone actually had mounting problems with the set screw models? Also, do adjustable gas blocks actually add anything to the game? I'm not planning on running a suppressor, so that's not in play.

Things in the oil patch have been very slow for a few years (thank you obummer), but in the last couple months we've been doing a lot of preparatory work for new drills anticipated in 2015 and beyond. This is good, as it takes a couple years for an extensive drilling program to be designed and fleshed out. There are a number of drill ships (some brand new) lined up to return to the Gulf shortly, so new drilling is assured.

Just ordered one for my SI build. Should be interesting as I'm a southpaw.

This begs the question of the spec for how far the gas tube should extend into the key? Is there an optimal distance it should go? Is there a minimum distance it should go into the key?

Welcome. I was in GJ in June, and spent a lot of time in that area many decades ago. Love to retire to the area someday. Bought some wine at the Two Rivers Winery which was pretty darn good.

Robo, you must have stock in BC. ^-^ Keep the opinions coming folks. My research into muzzle devices is pointing me strongly at the Griffin Armament 7.62 Flash Comp and the Effin-A. These look to be outstanding units.

Dunno how I missed the Nordic on the Midway pages. Would you buy it again for the AR?

I'm looking for feedback on various muzzle devices for my build... almost a poll on what you've put on your .308ARs. No wrong answers, just what did you install and a couple remarks on why you like or dislike what you have. Is it better, worse or no change from the standard A2 birdcage. I'm not interested in getting a suppressor so let's not get into those. All this is leading up to helping me select a muzzle device. I've searched the forum for threads on this, but most of those threads are a bit out of date. In order of priority I'm looking for reduced muzzle flip/recoil, reduced noise to me, and reduced flash. I'm not all that concerned about flash. Realizing that each device is a compromise on these factors, what have you all liked and why?

Going thru the parts gathering here. I've decided to go with the Magpul ACS mil-spec buttstock. I've got a DPMS LR-308 buffer spring and the standard DPMS LR-308 buffer. Will these work with the Magpul ACS?

Just got off the phone with the good folks at Shadow Ops. Very pleasant woman helped me get some miscellaneous information sorted out. She said the BCG is going out today or tomorrow!!! Wow! I've been waiting for the BCG from SI for over 5 months. That's service.

Just ordered one. EasyEJL, I'm holding you responsible... ::)

Any issues with using the Shadow Ops .308 BCG in an SI-Defense upper?

I've noticed things are loosening up as well. Bullets are now available at several sources. As importantly, a number of powders are starting to show up that haven't been available for a long time, still no Varget or AA2520. :-( Waiting to see if primer prices go back to a reasonable level. $34/1000 or worse is not acceptable.

Glad you got it fixed. As you learned, always use tapping fluid... even in aluminum. I got to thinking about how your process removed the anodizing and I'm trying to understand why. Anodizing is aluminum "grown" onto the surface of the substrate. There is no ferrous material involved so why did your "acid" solution take it off? Chemists chime in here.

Saw WW Z yesterday. Awful... I'd give it a C+ to D-, but like you, noticed the ARMALITE on the one soldier's lower. Thought that was cool!

Thanks for noticing! Life gets in the way. Besides, I figured I'd not clutter up the forum until I had assembled all the parts in one place and got into trouble during the assembly. ::) Lefty problems never bothered me with the Garand. It just plain fits right! But there are a lot of cheek pieces for the Garand and fancy aftermarket stocks for the M14 which don't work for southpaws. I'm just trying to avoid them on this platform.