Gray05

So, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm in the middle of ordering all the remaining parts for my AR308 build, but I have gotten stuck on optics. I would love to buy an Eotech holographic or even a Trijicon ACOG. But, that is just not going to happen right now. $$$$ I originally planned to go with fixed iron sights until I decided to upgrade to an Eotech. But, I let myself get the idea of using a lower cost red dot in my head. I mainly plan to use this gun for hog hunting in rough conditions and relatively short distances. But, lets say for the sake of range use and any other uses I find that I won't ever demand more than 300 yards out of this gun with these optics. The idea would be to have quick target acquisition but stay capable out to 300 yards. Not competitive level accuracy. I just need to hit something. As you all know, you can easily spend a good bit of money on sights/optics of any kind. Im looking at the $100-$200 range. What do y'all think? Should I go with iron sights or a red dot to hold me over while I wait on a pricier optic? Examples: http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-1x25-trophy-series-riflescope-trs-25-red-dot-731303.html http://www.opticsplanet.com/browning-buckmark-reflex-sight.html http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-first-strike-illuminated-red-dot-sight.html https://troyind.com/products/fixed-rear-sight-blk https://troyind.com/products/fixed-hk-sight-blk

I didn't know that existed but I would think that would do fine for the contingency they are describing. Now that I understand when they would use loctite, I'm definitely going with a grease or anti-seize. I don't even know if my barrel but will be the type that has the gas tube run through it or not. If alignment issues did occur I guess loctite or a shim would take care of it.

I got a more detailed response from SI. "Sometimes it is impossible to hit the required minimum torque specification of 35lbs-ft and still have the gas tube hole line up with the clearance in the nut. Anti-seize is an alternative, however, it acts as a lubricant and the amount of torque required dry, differs from amount needed for "wet" applications. Usually you will need more torque under "lubricated" conditions."

I've been a percussionist since the 6th grade. I ended my serious drum playing with 5 years on a college drum line. These days I play drum set casually at home and at church. Every now and then I'll pick up a student to teach but they always flake out. I love computers. I probably love computers more than guns. I majored in electrical engineering in order to pursue a career in VLSI or microprocessor design. But, I decided to not pursue that career because I wanted to have a life outside of work. Now I'm a field support engineer for a major electric utility. But, I still build computers, hack phones, program, and act as my wife's tech support. I enjoy mountain biking but good trails aren't as accessible these days and I don't have anybody to ride with. I also picked up running 2 years ago. Although, I just finished physical therapy for an IT band injury, so I'm not running so much right now. As far as shooting goes, I started young. My dad taught my sister and I. My BB gun had to have the stock cut off so I could shoulder it. I've never consistently shot for any long period of time. Shooting is expensive and I always have to drive a long ways to hunt or shoot. I hate deer hunting. Squirrel, crow, hog, etc are my interests. I actually start grad school(in addition to working full time) in a few days and my wife starts PA school in May. So, money for hobbies will be short for the next three years. Ill finish my AR308 in a month or so. At least I'll have it finished so I can take it hog hunting every now and then.

Thanks. I've never put one together so I wasn't sure how much extra was required. 308ar.com saves the day again.

That's a good point. Although, that's exactly why it's important to live in the "right" states.

So, I got my Brownells 16" mid length gas barrel in. Just to double check, I measure the length to the gas port. It looks like it's close to 10". However, gas tubes seem to not follow the rules... like this tube. http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/gas-system-parts/gas-tubes/melonite-coated-gas-tube-carbine-sku100008577-44888-100402.aspx Listed as carbine length but it says it's 9 3/4" which is what it would seem I need. Trying to get some references to clarify the issue for myself, I found http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=330. Which would match what the barrel would imply. What the hell tube do I get? Am I measuring the length right?

Nudity is strategic. Nothing more frightening than a naked man with a gun :p

Oh, and I load 2 magazines with 5 hollow point, 10 FMJ. 2 magazines 15 FMJ. rationale- I want great effect on the target. But, if after 5 rounds a threat persist, there's a good chance cover has been taken. FMJ will likely go through a lot more than hollow point.

So I'm just cruising the forum today and came across this. It's died out but I think it's an important topic so I'm gonna throw out my approach. My Glock 20 is my defense gun. I keep it loaded and chambered at all times. It lives in a Blackhawk holster full time. I'm comfortable with this for a few reasons. Glocks don't operate like traditional firearms so the firing pin isn't technically cocked when a round is in the chamber. Also, the holster requires that a button be pressed to release the gun and expose the trigger. Finally, I have no children. Operating the slide is a coordinated and very ambiguous act to do when under duress. I like my Glock because it is simple point and shoot. No safeties or hammers to manipulate. I'm not going to waste that benefit by leaving it unchambered. The noise alone resulting from that big heavy slide moving around is enough reason to me. I don't want any unnecessary noise drowning out what I need to hear and I don't want my status or position to be given away. You'd be amazed at how quickly I have gotten out of bed while simultaneously grabbing my Glock, unholstered it, and posted up at the foot of my bed completely naked. Its a quiet and efficient reaction. It's not uncommon for it to sit on the desk or end table next to me. My wife going in and out of the house regularly makes it difficult track the status of the back door and likely that if something happened I would have less time than ideal to react. At night it sleeps in a drawer by the bed. I don't leave it in the open when I'm asleep. That's asking for it. If my doorbell rings or somebody knocks when I'm not expecting it, I go to the door armed. If I can't assess who it is with the door closed I'm not opening it. If it's somebody that's supposed to be there, they can call or get my attention otherwise. I leave a single lamp on in my living room at all times. At night it is the only light source in the whole house. It makes it easy for me to look out of my bedroom door and see well but the person looking into my room will be unable to see anything at all. I don't believe in "going to check things out". If something seems wrong, stay put until you feel confident everything is OK. Let them take the car, lawnmower, tv, whatever. A TV isn't worth killing or dying over. You huddle up and protect your family. Not the lawnmower. The dog always knows when somebody is there before I do which is helpful. Her barking is a double edged sword. Barking is a big turn off to unwanted visitors (I hope). But, barking makes it difficult for me to hear and assess the situation. All that to say I pray that I never fire a shot in anger. It's the worst case and unthinkable. Always mind the backdrop (bullets go through walls). Especially if neighbors are close. Always identify the target. Never fire warning shots. If it comes down to pulling the trigger, fire for effect. I pray safety and peace over my home and yours.

Sounds like I'm in the wrong line of work. Pranks are nonexistent at my workplace. Probably a quick way to get fired. Maybe it's worth a try anyway...

Very helpful responses. I've emailed SI back for more clarification on the matter. Loctite seems crazy to me. That was not what I was expecting at all. I'll post back if they respond.

I emailed SI Defense (they manufactured my upper receiver) and asked for their input on what to put on the threads when installing a barrel but. "We use blue Loctite in some instances on the barrel nut."~excerpt from their response pertaining to this issue This is different from anything I've read. Particularly what y'all have indicated here. I planned on buying some ""coppery" type of anti-sieze compund", but now I'm inclined to use the blue loctite. Looking for some input here. I'm pretty new to all this and I'm the wrong kind of engineer to know much about machined parts interacting.

Wash, what kind of gas block are using with your Midwest?

Aggie, I like Fulton Armory and try to do business with them whenever possible. But, my build will rely on a top rail for optics. Also, 12" is ok, but I'd rather longer. I appreciate all the feedback guys. Keep it coming. So far, the Midwest SS seems the best weight/features for the money. Wash, so you've never had rotation problems in spite of lacking the locking tab? This gun will mainly be for hog hunting so it needs to be relatively rugged.

https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=1209 I plan on getting this 15" high rail handguard in a week or so. Anybody have it? Do you like/dislike it? Why? Anybody have something similar that they think is better?

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/16-308-dpms-lw-mid-gas-barrel-sku080001020-56797-112679.aspx?mc_id=50000 They just got some .308 stuff in stock. I ordered the 16" LW .308.

Less about ruling out stainless steel and more abut wanting a coating or treatment to help deal with wear. It's not like I'm going be melting my barrel in a firefight, but I do want that added protection. Ha yes, it's the kind of hunting where you don't lug around a lot. But I want the extra power of .308 over .223. I know it's doable with this platform, but it takes some extra effort.

Anybody have experience shooting an AR308 free standing? Any suggestions, wisdom, guidance on how much weight is too much weight?

I've never heard of Lothar Walther. They trouble? I've heard some concerns with CMMG. And I have a CMMG LPK and it is lackluster.

I have definitely looked at proof research, but that is a little price prohibitive. I'm not in a hurry, but it would take VERY long for me to build up the guts and money to buy that.

Mainly hunting. Hog hunting most of all. As with most guns, defense if needed. Hopping on and off the four wheeler, on foot trailing the dogs, etc I want it to be relatively mobile. I of course plan on using a light weight handguard, butt stock, etc. But, barrel is going to be the majority of the weight hanging out there.

That's correct. They are both "medium" contour. Maybe I was dreaming but I feel as though 1.6 or 1.7 is the lightest .308 16" I've seen. I feel like I sound picky, but this gun is almost exclusively meant for free standing shooting. Is 2.5 pretty manageable for free standing?

Wow, I had no idea Mega was selling barrels. Those look nice but heavy. 2.5lb is a good bit for what I plan on doing.

Ha you replied with that Brownell's link after I had refreshed and posted the same one. Thanks for the replies guys.